Category Archives: 2024 Show

Call for entries: Handspinning (skeins)

We invite you to showcase your skills and creativity in the Woolcraft Competition. With 14 diverse classes to choose from, there’s something for everyone to participate and excel in.

Whether you’re a seasoned spinner or just starting out, this is your chance to shine and share your passion for the craft.

Entry form deadline: Friday, 7 June 2024 (do not send exhibit)

See schedule for full details

colourful handspun yarn

Thank you to our sponsors

The Woolcraft committee would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all our valued sponsors for the 2024 event. Your contribution is integral to making this competition possible, and we are truly grateful for your contribution.

Our sponsors enable us to provide a platform for talented individuals to showcase their skills, passion, and dedication to the art of woolcraft.

We encourage everyone to show appreciation by supporting our incredible sponsors, many of whom will be site holders at the show.

Explore and support our 2024 sponsors

Gallery display from 2023

2024 Special Prizes

Beyond the individual class prizes, we’re excited to present six special awards recognising outstanding creativity across all relevant classes. Don’t miss your chance – see Woolcraft Schedule for full details!

Most outstanding entry with the 2024 theme: Fire and Ice

Sponsor: Retired Woolcraft Committee Members
Perpetual Trophy: Kyneton Handweavers and Spinners Group

Most innovative entry

Sponsor and Plaque: Tantech, suppliers of innovative fibre craft detergents

Kurburn Park Merino Stud Award

(in memory of the late Tom Harmsworth) for best-designed original handwoven apparel fabric from natural fibre

Sponsor, Perpetual Trophy and Plaque: Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders

Gordon Ford Memorial Award

for best entry using 100% superfine merino wool (any technique)

Sponsor and Plaque: The Ford Family (Morrialane Merino Stud)

Bendigo Woollen Mills Award

for best garment from Australian commercially spun yarn

Sponsor and Plaque: Bendigo Woollen Mills

Best in Show – spinning

(classes 1 to 14 & 63)

Sponsor and Plaque: Handweavers and Spinners Guild of Victoria

Length of woven cloth with trophy

New class for 2024

Just for primary and secondary students, see Woolcraft schedule for full details.

Hand knitting & Crocheting (using commercially spun yarn)
Wool (minimum 60%)

Class 35 – Knitted and or Crocheted Article made by a primary/secondary student (list age, school, and year level)

2024 Australian Sheep and Wool Show Feature Breed – Dohne Merino

DOHNE MERINO sheep have been ticking all the boxes since its inception in South Africa in 1939 and introduction to Australia in 1998. The initial cross was between a Peppin Merino and a German Mutton Merino. The Dohne Merino breeders have focused on the breeding objective to improve meat, wool and reproductive traits.

In Australia, the Dohne Merino presented a perfect alternative for sheep producers, a true dual-purpose sheep had arrived. It provided an alternative to the fine or medium wool Merinos and specialist prime lamb breeds.

The maternal qualities of the Dohne Merino ewe proved perfect for Australian conditions. They are survivors, resilient and fertile. They are natural mothers who rear high-performance lambs and produce quality apparel Merino wool.

Crimp and definition characteristics of wool produced by Dohne Merinos are on par with Merino wool. With staple lengths of 70mm to 95mm in 8 to 12 months, it is ideal for hand spinning with a high, next-to-skin comfort factor.

Australian Dohne Breeders’ Association

dohne.com.au