Wangaratta Handweavers and Spinners attracts members from a wide area of the North East including Elaine Cotton who travels from south of Benalla twice a month to attend gatherings.

While the meeting at Milawa Hall on the first Tuesday of each month has the largest attendance, it is the monthly Evening Spinners meeting at the Wangaratta library that she particularly enjoys.

Elaine took a spinning wheel to a spinning group in Benalla about six years ago but her early learning was a bit frustrating.

She took the advice of an experienced crafter and spent 10 minutes each day at the wheel learning to treadle without looking at her feet.

This continued through covid lockdown periods and gradually she managed to draft the fibre and spin her first bobbin of yarn.

She was encouraged to join the Wangaratta Handweavers & Spinners for access to a wider skill base.

Elaine’s eyes lit up when she saw the exhibition of entries for the Scarf Exchange three years ago.

Already a very skilled patch worker and knitter, Elaine was inspired to learn more about weaving.

At the time this seemed to be a very daunting challenge.

Her first two entries in the Scarf Exchange were knitted using yarn she spun from the fibre she received.

This year she has again entered the scarf exchange.

She now has her own 2nd hand rigid heddle loom and she plans to weave her entry.

It is the Evening Spinning group that has given Elaine the confidence to weave several items.

She said there is a lot to like about this smaller crafting group.

Although initially intended to offer support to those unable to attend daytime meetings due to personal commitments, some members choose to attend as a second gathering each month.

There are no meetings so the two hours provide valuable social, sharing and learning time as well as a venue to do your own crafting.

The Evening Spinning group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Community Room in the Wangaratta library.

Meetings run from 7pm to 9pm.

The venue is warm and friendly 12 months of the year and is safe, well lit and has easy parking and access.

The next meeting will be at 7.00pm on Wednesday, 19 November.

Venue costs are covered with annual membership. New members will be made very welcome.