2013 Spin-in Countdown

Days | Hours | Mins. | Secs.

Welcome!

The historic town of Bothwell, set in a rural community in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, is the venue for the 35th Bothwell International Highland Spin-in. In March 2013 this biennial event, which showcases the crafts and skills associated with Tasmania’s superfine wool industry, will reach an audience of local, national and international guests and visitors.

 The focus of the 3 day event is on spinning techniques, weaving, knitting, felting and dyeing. The Spin-in traditionally invites international craftspeople, representing a variety of different cultures and skills. The 2013 Bothwell International Spin-in will be the 35th year re-union special and we are hoping to be able to invite back past guests to help with the celebrations, as well as introducing new guests to our event.

Whilst the Spin-in has a focus on wool and woolcrafts, the fun doesn’t stop there! In the past it has been a major Fibre Festival within the spinning, weaving, knitting community. The 2013 event will certainly still be a Fibre Festival, but because it is a re-union celebration, we will expanding the types of crafts on display. Next year we are hoping to be able to bring you things such as Wire-Weaving, Papier Mache sculpting, children's activities and a Men’s Shed as well as a variety of International Food.

The Tasmanian (Bothwell) Tartan

This tartan is the culmination of a decade of experimentation in weaving and dyeing by its creators, Mrs Isabella Lamont Shorrock and her husband Jock, of the Lamont Weaving Studio formerly of Bothwell.

The sett and the colours come from the history of Bothwell
and Tasmanian nature.

The Bothwell district is well known for its early Scottish
settlers including the McDowells, so the design is based
on the McDowell sett.

The colours come from the Eucalypt and the Acacia, the two soft grey-greens of the living gum leaves and the maroon and pink are seen when the leaves are dying. The yellow represents the wattle blossom. The tartan is a beautiful reflection of springtime in the Tasmanian bush.