The Outlook at Boonah was the site for our craft retreat this year from Monday 7th to Thursday 10th August. We were in a different building from last year but again the facility was all we could ask for.
Our attendees came from Qld, Boonah, Toowoomba, Redcliffe, Ipswich, Noosa, Tweed and of course Redlands spinning and artisans groups. It was an eclectic mix but with all having a passion with fibre in some way there was an instant gelling of different personalities. The age range was from 30’s to 80’s and that shared interest totally removed any age barrier.
We had three traders set up their wares on the verandah as well as a ‘bring and buy’ table for attendees. Our traders, Lindy, Cheryl and Maree provided a great variety of fibres, yarns, equipment and knick knacks that we were spoiled for choice.
Our workshops this year included weaving, crochet and adding beads to knitting.
Lindy led the weaving and knitting and Tricia did the crochet.
Our weaving project drew considerable interest and it was amazing how quiet it was even though there were 26 ladies present.
The knitting with beads resulted in variations of a theme and we all learnt an easy way of adding beads to our work as we go.
Our crochet workshop was about trying new stitches Tricia had learnt from making some Helen Shrimpton rugs (crystalsandcrochet.com). The finished sampler could then be made up into a handy small bag just the right size for a mobile or a little girl.
Working on our various projects and enjoying many laughs along the way.
On Tuesday evening some of us watched a movie Hot Fuzz. Well it would have to be one of the worst movies ever made but we laughed, cringed, oohed and aahed and just had to see how it ended.
Wednesday evening we had our Show and Tell after dinner. Our attendees wore and showed many delightful creations and spoke about their items or what they were working on during the retreat. Again this showed the diverse range of creativity within our group.
Crocheting, knitting, felting and weaving were all displayed some included hand spun yarn. Many photos were taken and all can be seen on our redlandsspinnersandweavers Facebook page.
We did self catering and this was arranged and overseen by Lindy and her wonderful assistant (husband) Paul. Our menu was nutritious, varied and plentiful. We supported various local business eateries with our meals including pizza, asian and the local hotel for our roast dinner and of course the local IGA for all the other essentials and breakfast and lunch options. We found all to be supportive and ready to assist us with our endeavour. I don’t believe anyone left feeling they didn’t have choices of food or enough to eat.
A big thankyou to all who participated in this camp, you ensure the memories we have taken with us will live long.
Redlands Spinners & Weavers Inc 