Lately, I’ve been throwing myself into learning new skills: crochet, pottery and insect pinning. My office is strewn with notes and half finished projects. But there is one skill that I’d been wanting to learn but hadn’t quite made a start on: weaving.
If you have read my story on local archaeologist and tapestry artist Diana Wood Conroy, you’d know I’m a huge fan of her work.
Recently I was lucky enough to attend a weekend tapestry weaving workshop at the Wollongong Art Gallery run by Diana herself. There really is something to be said about walking through an exhibition of the artist’s work, looking at all the tiny details, the loops of hand dyed yarn, the telling of stories through the weft and warp and to then go into a room and learn the basics yourself.
By the end of the weekend I had gotten over my mid-process ‘I just can’t do this’ tantrums and walked out with a teeny tapestry that I was so proud of that I un-ironically ran back into the exhibition and took photos holding my little weaving in front of Diana’s works.
Spring is more than just a time to clean up the house. Why not use it as a fresh start for the mind and soul and try some new things? Here are two of my favourite local places to do just that.
Number 99 Port Kembla
This new space, ‘dedicated to making, gathering, playing and creating change’ has been opened by local creatives Ali Gerritsen and Elle McNeill.
There’s a wide range of upcoming workshops. Think: lino prints, jewellery making and woodcarving with Rachel from Waiting for Spring who we featured last year.
www.number99pk.com for bookings
Wollongong City Libraries
Let’s face it, libraries are not just about books anymore.
If you’re keen to learn some basic sewing skills and make sustainable bags for yourself and the community, there’s monthly classes at Corrimal and Thirroul.
Maybe a henna workshop or learn to line dance is more your style or you’d love to learn how to keep some chooks. If you’re keen to learn, your local library will have a class for you. They even have a series of classes, Hello Spring, just for the new season.
Follow Wollongong City Libraries on Eventbrite for details