Rugs make history
THERE is a certainly a lot of local talent when it comes to craft in South Gippsland and Coal Creek Spinners took the opportunity to showcase it through September.
Last month the Coal Creek Gallery, in conjunction with Coal Creek Spinners, displayed more than 50 handmade rugs from throughout history, a majority of which were made in our backyard.
Coal Creek Spinners president Christine Heward said the exhibition highlighted a variety of rugs with some dating back so far as pre 1900s.
“We showed all types of rugs including woven, felt, crochet and knitted pieces,” Ms Heward said.
“Most of them had been made in South Gippsland. We were very fortunate to have so many clever people involved.”
Coal Creek Spinners member Noelle Walker said this year’s exhibition had a lot on offer including some hidden treasures.
“We had a rug dating back to 1878 which is still in great condition given its age,” Ms Walker said of the multi-coloured square crochet rug hanging in the gallery.
“Our Spinners member Avis Tilley worked hard mending it to ensure it was in perfect condition to be exhibited.”
The avid knitting group has dedicated it’s time to contributing pieces for community groups over the years and meets every Tuesday at the Coal Creek building to pearl for a cause.
“We celebrated the Anzac Centenary by making poppies. We sold them to raise money for the RSL club and the construction of their Anzac room,” Ms Walker said.
“This year we have been knitting knee rugs for returned servicemen.”
Those who do not have the chance to knit entire rugs need not worry though.
“We have a community progress rug here at Coal Creek where visitors can each contribute a couple of rows,” Ms Walker said.
A stitch in time: Avis Tilley from Coal Creek Spinners mends a rug made in 1878. The rug was given to Ms Tilley as a gift and hung in the Coal Creek Gallery through September.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Oct 6 2015. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
