Keeping the wheel turning

Exponents of the art ofspinning share their experiences in keeping alive this dwindling craft with FARZANA SHAKIR of Australia, given demonstrati o ns in high schools and been invited to oilier countries as weU".

J ennifer was granted life members hip at the H\XISG-NSW a considerable tin1e ago.

Formed in 1947, the Guild is a not- forprofit organisa tion aiming to bring togemer people from various backgrounds who practise hand -weaving, spinning and other associated crafts. Efforts arc also put into fostering and en couraging these crafts by providing opporm1uties for in struction, discussion and ex lub ition of work The Guild boasts a membership of hm1dreds of enthusiasts from all over d1e state who meet once a month at their current premises in Burwood.

Even d1ough spinni ng on d1e wheel does not have any meditative effect o n Jeruufer, she says, "l am inspired by d1e simplicity of me treadling and d1e rhythm achieved 1t is possible when on d1e wheel to talk to others, listen to music, have a comTersarion, ask 9uestions and sort out current p rob lems in one's life".

Jennifer beJjeves diere is enough interest amongst )'ounger Australians to keep me art of spinning and weaving alive, but she adnuts it needs conviction. "Wlille it is not a hard craft to master, it depends on the access to people interested in teachi ng, d1e 9ualiry of the teacher and the smdent's own interest," she states candidly.

Valerie Walker, treasurer at the Canberra Spinners and Weavers Inc (CSW') has been teaching the a.rt of spinning and weaving for over 30 years She is also proficient in dyeing, knitting, sewing, woo l tapestries, patchwork and embroidery.

Por Valerie, the in terest in weaving run s in tbe fanilly.