Weaving Magic At Murrin Bridge
A Day Weaving Baskets
Stronger Together - LLCI011-023
The issue
Emu features, quandong seed pods, plant husks, bits & pieces of reeds & rushes may seem like a bag of green waste but at Murrin Bridge last month they became the nexus for sharing knowledge & cultural history. With the area a strong hold for these resources, why not put them to good use.
The solution
Residents from Murrin Bridge and Lake Cargelligo joined in for a fun filled day of weaving. Joined by Aunty Helen Worsley and Claudette Elliot from the Orange Fibre Artists Group. After learning how to collect & dry weaving plant materials & a quick tutorial on basket weaving the team was keen to start. Spending the day weaving baskets from reeds and rushes, perfecting their button-hole stitch. The group was provided an information session on the nationally endangered plant Small Purple-pea (Swainsona reca) delivered by Jasmine Wells from the Local Lands Services.
The impact
All given the opportunity to weave a basket of their own, a sense of achievement filled the room. Perfecting their button-hole stitch - to varying levels of success. All keen to keep trying, a silence fell over the group as levels of concentration increased.
Key facts
- Teaching new skills to people young & old
- Turning rubbish to art
- Bringing the community together
- Developing a sense of achievement