New Members

Blacktown Charlotte Parker Emily Sprod

Blue Mountains Marta Smerechuk DeeArn Dawe Catherine Marceau Kate Cruchley

Capital Region Christianna Cobbold Judith Nettleingham De-Arne Crawford

Epping Cate Grace

Inner City Kerrie Girdo Akin Sunay

Interstate Tanya Harris Maisie Gibson Vivienne Henderson

Katoomba Patricia SwiftHunter

Kiama Suzanna Clissold

Mid North Coast Julie Sillince

Newcastle Nellie Gibson Lyn McLachlan Helen Willoughby Jennifer Dempsey Judy Shultz

Northern Tablelands Lucelle Sauer

Pittwater Lene Knezevic Denise Galligan

Southern Shan Watts

The Entrance Lesley Farrell

West Ryde Jessica Blackburn When you're not knitting or crocheting you are…. When I am not knitting, I play computer games.

Sharon Holstein is a member of the Blue Mountains Group. She has been actively involved in the Guild for many years including holding positions on the Executive Committee. Sharon is the mastermind behind FibreFest, organising the location, the workshops, the retailers, refreshments and more. She is also a Guild retail member and owns the Fibre Frolic shop at Kurrajong.

What are some of the challenges to organising FibreFest? Like for most events over the last couple of years, Covid has been the biggest challenge. However, generally, trying to make sure you cover different interests with the workshops, and have a good variety of stallholders because you just want everyone to have a great time.

What are some of the fun parts? One of the fun parts is working with a great team of knitting friends who help tirelessly the whole weekend to make it all come together. You do know, however, that you have worked them too hard when they tell you their eye lashes are tired.

Another fun part is always knit night – it's so great to see a venue taken over by so many knitters and crocheters. It's also funny to see the looks on the faces of regulars to the venue as they try to comprehend what has happened to their pub!

What's your knitting/crochet superpower? I don’t think I really have a knit or crochet superpower, however, I do like to organise get-togethers: lots of social knitting and crochet in public with friends at clubs, cafes or at the park. So maybe that's my superpower.

What’s the most recent technique/ tip you have learnt? I recently tried mosaic crochet; I love the look of it. I'm not sure if it's really for me but will probably revisit and give it another go. How long have you been knitting/ crocheting? My beautiful grandmother taught me to knit when I was about five using long nails and string. She also taught me to crochet when I was around ten years old.

WIPs (work in progress) – do you like to focus on one or two projects at a time or do you have more projects on the go than there are days in the week? I usually have at least a couple of both knit and crochet projects on the go at the same time - usually one that is simple and doesn't require a lot of concentration for when you're out with knitting friends, and then maybe something more complex that requires quiet and concentration to work on at home. I could safely say that I have more than seven project bags and they would all have something in them that is a work in progress, so the answer is yes.

You notice a small mistake – do you rip back or carry on? I would most probably rip back.

What would we see in your stash? Lots of single skeins that I have collected from different indie dyers all waiting for that special project. Mainly in shades of purple and green.

When you're not knitting or crocheting you are…. Working at Fibre Frolic, organising FibreFest, planning the next social get-together, cooking, I like trying new recipes.

Lyrebird Yarns (was Handmade by Hellkeen) Helen Keenan, fibre artist in the Blue Mountains, selling my unique yarns, shawl pins, buttons and knitted and woven accessories at local markets, FibreFest, Ironfest and Winterfest. Spinning classes at studio. W: Lyrebird Yarns

Marlyn Alpaca, Thornleigh Quality alpaca yarns, carded alpaca top, alpaca felts and blankets from our much loved flock of individually named alpacas. W: Marlyn Alpaca P: 02 9481 0949

Obsession Yarns Obsession Yarns – home of gorgeous hand dyed yarns and unique, beautiful handmade stitch markers for knitting and crochet. Based in Canberra and online. W: Obsession Yarns E: obsessionyarns@gmail.com

SipKnitYarn Knit wonderful rugs from our downloadable patterns, pattern books and knitting kits. Explore our video tutorials for techniques and stitches. We stock craft-themed tote bags, rotating yarn butlers, Amish style swifts, knitting counters & quirky magnets. W: SipKnitYarn

Skein Sisters Skein Sisters is Sydney’s home of fabulous yarn with a huge range of all you need to knit or crochet. Shop online or visit us in Dulwich Hill. Skein Sisters P: 02 95547444.

Spunout Fibres, Hill End, NSW Spunout Fibres are suppliers of natural coloured fleece and fibre, tops and yarns made from coloured sheep and alpacas for spinners, weavers and knitters. E: spunoutfibres@gmail.com P: Ann: 0409 823 045

This Lush Corner A socially and environmentally responsible yarn store. You’ll find a variety of handcrafted goods, kits, yarns, patterns, tutorials and more. W: This Lush Corner

Three Mums’ Yarn Established by Queanbeyan Guild members, Three Mums’ Yarn produces quality hand-dyed yarn. Find us at W: Three Mums Yarn.

Virginia Farm Wool Works, Castle Hill Everything for the spinner, felter, dyer and weaver. Spinning wheels and classes, looms, wool, silks, selected fleeces and blended fibres. | W: Virginia Farm Wool Works | P: 0448 866 789 Waratah Fibres and Yarns, Bundanoon Hand–dyed fibre and yarn. Workshops in skein painting. Open day first Tuesday of the month, also by appointment. Discount to Guild members. E: helen@ waratahfibres.com.au P: 02 4883 6138

The Wool Inn, Penrith Visit us instore or online. Wide range of products (7,500+) including yarns, needles, books, accessories, and looms. 10% discount for current Knitters' Guild members. Group visits welcome. W: The Wool Inn P: 02 4732 2201

Wool 2 Yarn, Mornington Luxuriously soft alpaca yarns and hand spinning tops from our beautiful fibre. We specialise in colourful silk blends and natural colours. Australian Grown Australian Spun Australian Made. W: Wool 2 Yarn P: 0404 753 840

Woolshed @ Manuka We welcome everyone. We love natural fibres: their beauty, adaptability and individuality. We support small businesses supplying specialty yarns and accessories and offer something truly unique, including a range of classes. W: Woolshed P:02 6295 0061

The Yarn Bar Online supplier of yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks and project bags. Brands include Brown Sheep, Cascade, Zealana, Knoll, Fleece Artist, Juniper Moon Farm. W: The Yarn Bar E: info@theyarnbar.com.au

YarnHub Hand–dyed yarns in wool, linen, cotton, silk. Unusual yarns such as Habu stainless steel, paper yarns, leather, hemp, nettle. Invite us to your event. W: The YarnHub P: 0401 693 409

Yummy Yarn and Co, Dubbo All your favourite yarns such as Patons, Cleckheaton, Panda, Debbie Bliss, Noro, Heirloom, DMC, Vinnis Colours Nikkim, KPC Yarn, Lily Sugar ‘n Cream and more. W: Yummy Yarn and Co P: 0431 754 909