hand dyed spinning and felting silk fibres by sally ridgway

Bothwell International Spinin 2019

Today will be the last day over the dye pots getting ready for the Bothwell International Spinin.

Yay! I have been dyeing everything in sight and more to take with me for this huge event. Lots of silks all ready for packing and finishing up as well as plenty of wool fibre both dyed and undyed for all the spinning and felting you will ever do.

Date & Time: 01 & 02 March 2019 10am-4pm

Venue: Market Place, Bothwell, Tasmania

Theme: "Life begins at 40"

Lots of things to get involved with and see..

'Life begins at forty...'

2019 will mark the 40th birthday of the SpinIN and we shall be celebrating the occasion with a host of activities, special events, competitions and a surprise or three!

The theme will be "Life begins at 40" - the perfect opportunity to reflect on the skills and experiences we have gained over the years  and the creative community we have become.


A venue befitting the occasion

Committee has negotiated with Central Highlands Council to stage the event in the beautiful Bothwell town centre. We will be inhabiting the Bothwell Hero's Memorial Park adjacent to Market Place. Town Hall, St Luke's and St Michael's churches as well as the nearby Bookmakers' Hall will host events, workshops and displays. The historic buildings and majestic trees will provide a stunning backdrop for the occasion.


State & International Guests

The SpinIN is proud of a long tradition of inviting guests from around the world to enrich the festival with their knowledge and skills. 2019 will be no exception and we introduce our guests here.


In the lead up to the SpinIN

Working furiously to bring this event together, Committee invite you to be part of it all by participating in one or several of the competitions listed below. Click on the bold titles for more information.

The Longest Thread Competition: In this long-running contest, the aim is to spin and ply 10 grams of wool as fine and long as possible to be the winner. Entries close 31 October 2018.

Note: Entries for the 2019 competition are now closed

Fashion Design Competition: Set your imagination free and create wearable pieces to be shown on the catwalk. Categories for student works, commercial designers/artists as well as home sewing whizzes will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Winning designs will each be rewarded with prizes.

Note: Entries for the 2019 competition are now closed

Hand Craft Competitions: A long time staple of the SpinIN with eleven Competition Classes to choose from.

The Mary Simons Memorial Trophy: 'A Colourful Vest' is the theme for 2019.

40th Birthday Hat: Just for fun, create a crazy, over the top hat and wear it to the event!


Festival Highlights

Too many to mention, so here just a few...

The Spinners' Den: This will be the heart of the SpinIN, situated in a marquee in the middle of the festival grounds. Friends can settle in here to spin yarns and threads and exchange ideas. There will be a clear view across to...

The Presentation Marquee: Our Market Traders will be here presenting short talks to introduce themselves and their products. Patrons are encouraged to seek personal advice at the trader's stall afterwards.

The Highland Challenge: This fiercely contested and exciting match of speed and skill will see teams of four comb and spin fleece into yarn and knit it to a never-before seen pattern. It's a race against the clock, with penalties for lack of quality or faulty stitching. Register at the 'Information Tent'.

Fashion Parade: The entries of our Fashion Design Competition will be shown in a parade at St Michael's Church. The Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at its conclusion.

Scheduled for 2pm Saturday 02 March


Fun & Friendship

The SpinIN will host social events at the festival grounds each night. Patrons are cordially invited to attend, no bookings are necessary. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from our vendors.

'Meet and Greet'

A low key casual event to commence the 40th SpinIN.

Thursday 28 February 2019, 19:00-20:30

'Community Meal'

Relax after the first day of the festival to share stories and impressions of the day.

Friday 01 March 2019, 18:00-21:00

'40th Birthday Celebration' at Town Hall

Dress code 'Highland Bling with an Unique Birthday Hat'. Trot out your fur, felt and finery to celebrate!

Saturday 02 March 2019, 18:00-late

Satellite events

Committee has organised two events outside the usual festival framework.

'Meet the Designers' at Ratho Farm

 'Grazing Table' brunch will be available while our Special Guests present talks about their work

Sunday 03 March 2019, 10:15-14:00$20 pp

Note: Menus are currently being finalised and will be published shortly. Vegetarian, gluten free and fructose free options catered for.

’A Master Class with Julian Roberts’

Enjoy two days of learning the art of pattern cutting and draping, hosted by our international guest Julian Roberts. The venue is Alanvale TAFE (Launceston) Textile & Clothing Studio.

Monday 04 and Tuesday 05 March 2019 $350pp


Market Traders and Food & Beverage Vendors

Numerous Market Traders will be offering workshops, demonstrations and wares to buy; selected Food & Beverage Vendors will keep you victualed.


Displays

Apart from all the Longest Thread entries, there will be many items of interest on display, for you to take in at leisure. Anything from clever utility to beautiful ornament to bold artistic statement, fibre creations and bursts of creativity will astound you. Pop into St Luke's Church and have a look around!


Workshops

A programme of workshops is being put together  and details will be published shortly.


Documentation for Registrants

Information for Registrants & Festival Patrons 2019 is now available to download. This document contains everything you need to know about attending and making the most of the SpinIN. Registrations can be made by post or online.

 

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