The Ipswich Spinners and Weavers Group is throwing open its doors this weekend, inviting families, craft enthusiasts and curious newcomers to experience the art of spinning, weaving and fibre crafts at a free community open day.
The event will be held on Saturday at the Cooneana Heritage Centre on Redbank Plains Road, offering visitors a hands-on opportunity to learn about traditional textile crafts while enjoying demonstrations, activities, market stalls and refreshments.
Group members Tracy and Susan said the open day is designed to showcase the skills and creativity of the organisation’s members while encouraging more people to discover a craft that continues to attract new generations of enthusiasts.
“We’d really like everyone to come along and have a go,” Susan said.
Visitors will be able to watch demonstrations of spinning wheels and weaving looms in action, learn how natural fibres are transformed into yarn and fabric, and speak directly with experienced crafters about the techniques involved.
The event will also feature a range of family-friendly activities aimed at introducing children to traditional crafts in a fun and engaging way.
One of the highlights will be weaving activities using repurposed wagon wheels, allowing children to create their own colourful woven designs. Another interactive display will give young visitors the opportunity to weave through large thread structures resembling giant spider webs.
Children will also be able to make their own finger puppets during workshops held every hour throughout the day. Organisers say the activity has proven particularly popular at previous events and provides a creative introduction to textile crafts.
Alongside the demonstrations and workshops, visitors can browse a variety of stalls featuring handmade items, woodcrafts and locally produced goods.
Food and refreshments will also be available, including hot meals, sandwiches and coffee, ensuring families can spend several hours exploring the heritage site and craft displays.
The open day highlights a craft tradition that many people assume is fading away. However, organisers say interest in spinning, weaving, knitting and crochet has actually grown significantly in recent years.
“Since COVID, more and more people have taken up the craft,” Susan said.
The group has noticed increasing numbers of younger people becoming involved, particularly through knitting and crochet, while interest in fibre arts has broadened across all age groups and genders.
During the interview, members displayed examples of their work, including hand-spun alpaca wool, woven scarves incorporating Japanese silk, handmade beanies crafted from possum fibre sourced from New Zealand, and a range of knitted and crocheted garments.
Organisers said many visitors are fascinated by the process of creating clothing and textiles from raw fibres, particularly younger generations who may have little exposure to how fabrics were traditionally made.
The Ipswich Spinners and Weavers Open Day will run from 10am to 2pm at the Cooneana Heritage Centre and is free to attend, with parking available on-site.
With demonstrations, workshops, family activities, food vendors and market stalls all on offer, organisers are hoping the event will inspire a new generation of crafters while celebrating one of the region’s longest-standing creative communities.
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