Rochester silo art

 I was wondering if there was something of interest to look at on our way to Our next stop today and silo art appeared on my radar. I remember seeing stories about the silo art trails across rural Australia and got excited when I realised we were passing right by one. And what a fantastic piece of art as well. 

This is in Rochester. A small rural town in victoria.

Aren't these just the cutest creatures around.

I love this huge platypus. They are such lovely and shy animals.

Bendigo woolen mill trip

 Another first for me was a trip to the Bendigo woolen mills. For years I have heard many stories from people I know, and strangers, who have made it to the back room at the mill and all its specials.

24 hours after leaving home we made our first stop at the mill.  And of all the places to stop first this was one I had been looking forward to very much.

The back room and all the specials. This is only a section of the room.

We took maya, our dog, for a little walk around to the back of the site and found a delightful old tram which had been turned into a cafe. It was very popular with bike riders as it was next to a pathway along side a small creek.

One convict among many

 I had a little stop over in Campbel Town on the start of my holiday. This town in almost in the middle of Tasmania, but a little more to the north. 

It has a long and old convict history with one of my ancestors being among those.

This house bellow was the solomon house and store just off the main street of the town

A few photos of the historic town as we wandered around.

I might have to stop at the book shop some time later.

Spinning retreat 2025, the spinning

 The 2025 spinning retreat in Bicheno was held in the hall and I just had to share a few photos of all the variety of spinning wheels that came together. 

I wonder which is your favourite?

Below are some majacraft wheels.

This is the new majacraft Luna wheel.

One of my favourite, the ever reliable traditional wheel.

Spinning retreat 2025

 Last weekend I went to the hwsd guild of Tasmania spinning retreat in Bicheno.  It was a great weekend.  Luckily the weather was good to us and I managed to walk to the lookout and here are a few photos of the town.

The local blow hole was only just a small splash this time, but still beautiful. 

I love a rocky seascape. The town is well known for its spectacular rock coastline.

Even maya loved it.

Sun dye workshop

 Last weekend I went to Nicheno on the east coast of Tasmania for a weekend spinning retreat with our local spinners guild.

While there I did a worshop using sun dyes. I have used eun paint before but this was the first time I had used sun dyes. We used both cotton fabric, below.

And also rice paper. Both were really interesting and so much to play with.

This was the dye we used.

Tour de fleece day four

 

Tour de fleece day four spinning. I have changed to my Hansen espinner so I can ply up my singles. 

I am so happy I am at the end of this spin and can finally move onto some wool.