There, I’ve said it. Just the mention of the name of this regional Victorian town still ignites excitement in me five years on. I dwell on Bendigo like I dwell on Christmas or my ehm-hem, birthday.

For the uninitiated ‘Bendigo’, is the premier Sheep and Wool Show of the year. It’s the Aussie’s version of Rhinebeck (probably on a smaller scale, but I can’t be sure of that… I’ve never had a holiday based on a fibre festival… yet) The show is held in July at The Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo each year. For the fibre-obsessed, you really can’t miss it.

There are sheep, lots and lots. There is yarn, miles of it. Fibre, so much you can’t see for the fumes. It has everything, well most things (I’m trying to talk it up here). Despite all these amazing things, which should be reason enough to make you want to attend, my favourite things about the show, in order of bestestness.

1. The Storeholders/fibre farmers: They are passionate people, they are passionate about what you’re passionate about. And they want to talk to you, lots.

2. The Sheep Dog Trials: Call me juvenile, but I find these hil-ari-ous-ly funny and fascinating to watch at the same time.

3. The Storeholders (once again): This is me blissed out spinning on the Majacraft stand, whilst engaging with the maker of my future wheel. I could have stayed all day, and they wouldn’t have minded, not one bit.

4. Catching up with friends you don’t get to see all year round: With the yarn fumes this is really fun. You’re dizzy, happy and relaxed and the squeeing goes on and on (you have to be there to appreciate that).

5. The fibre and yarn is pretty good too. This goes without saying. I arrive on the first day each year, because I’m afraid the best stuff will go first. This isn’t necessarily true, just don’t come between me and the yarn/fibre I have my eye on…

So why am I telling you all this? It’s only April! Preparation, people, preparation! Which day/s are you going? Are you day-tripping, staying overnight or all weekend? What’s your budget? What are you looking out for?

Luckily this only happens once a year…

I declare the Richmond Knitters CafePress store is now open!

A few of you have expressed interest in buying ‘Richmond Knitters’ stuff. I hope I’ve covered all of your needs! If not, make a note of product/colour/style etc and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

p.s. I’m not charging any mark-up on any of the items in the store, I’m not making a penny out of it and nor do I want to! I hope you enjoy 😉

Today our very dear friend Robyn is getting married. Despite the land and seas which divide us, we’re thinking of you Robyn (and Warrick). We hope you have the absolute best day ever, one that you’ll never forget.

Our knitting group is made up of many different kinds of people. We have different jobs and different lives. Not everyone lives in Richmond… although I’m working on it. Somehow our passion for knitting and fibre bridges the gaps in our differences.

When designing the logo for the Richmond Knitters, I wanted to take in all the colour preferences that each of us have. Can you see yourself here?

We Knitters are a crafty bunch. When it comes to major events in ones life as a Richmond Knitter, you’re pretty much guaranteed there’s going to be some kind of knitting project attached*.

When Robyn announced her engagement last year (which was incredibly romantic and moving), I knew we knew that there would be nothing else for it but a wedding blanket. But it wasn’t until early this year that the scheming, plotting, secret meetings started occurring.

The first meet happened spontaneously (when I realised we had less than two months until the wedding… oops). We decided on yarn, colours and pattern. Teopea and Chris (or was it Chris and Teopea), completed their first squares in that session much to the shock of everyone else.

A few weeks had passed. Yarn and squares were being passed around on Monday nights before Robyn’s arrival to knit nite or dare-devilishly under the table in brown paper bags.

And then the secret sewing-up sessions occurred. Sweets and alcohol were consumed and we almost forgot about why we were there! Just kidding, I think everyone had a splendid time. I can’t think of a more pleasurably way to be sewing up a blanket other than in the company of friends with one goal. There was also no attached i-cord for the border this time (much to everyone’s relief), the blanket simply did not call for it. Chris took our blanket-making up a notch: she blocked the blanket. The finish was breath-taking!

Here are some WIP snaps and the final delivery to Robyn at her Kitchen Tea, with knitting, tea and sweets. Weddings are made for knitting.

The blankets keep getting better, so if you join the group now you’ll probably get an awesome blanket if you leave us, get married or have a baby*

* (Not a guarantee)

The Richmond Knitters began meeting on Monday nights in Richmond, Melbourne almost 5 years ago. From humble beginnings the group has evolved into a thriving, inspiring and fun group to be apart of. Each new year brings change and new friendly faces.

My hope for this blog, is to in someway document all the great things and fun times the Richmond Knitters have.

Sonia

Circa 2007

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