As experiences go, almost nothing can beat a weaving weekend of relaxing creativity, conviviality, alpacas and the most beautiful Australian bush surrounding the town of Braidwood near Canberra. It was a small group of five weavers, some experienced, all textile lovers, a textile student and raw beginners. The perfect mix of a range of people with that deep shared intense passion for textile creating.  This was hosted by Jen Frederick, owner of Galifrey Textiles.  The farm had many alpacas, and we saw loads of kangaroos and even wild goats.

The road to the farm was fantastic. The sweep of the low eucalyptus and shadows of their branches hanging over the dirt road. I knew the workshop would be a success when we were entering such a magical natural beauty.

The workshop was in Jen’s studio/retail shop and it is a converted shearing shed filled with a great natural light. Natural light allows you to weave longer and feel better, I think. Artificial and dark rooms are gloomy and I find that you can’t weave into the late afternoon in those conditions.

We got through a lot of techniques, beautiful lunches and refreshments and I got to meet new weavers. One weaver came all the way from Perth which suggests some keenness.  As always as sincere thanks to Jen, Peter, Alex, Chris, Maree, Marina, Nina, Lis and Heidi. Still places left in my Saori workshop at Sturt Contemporary art and design centre at Mittagong in July.