Knitting, spinning, crocheting and crafting since the 80s, Orange Spinners and Handcraft Group is ahead of the trend.

A member since 1986, Susan Sanders joined after the purchase of a vineyard on Mount Canobolas and 10 black and white sheep to fulfill her interest in spinning.

“It’s the feel of the fibre itself – it’s beautiful,” she said.

“Once you’ve learnt to knit it is very relaxing, our group is social but it’s also rewarding to have an end product you’ve created.”

The women meet once a week with their projects in a cosy council building in the Woolworths carpark.

President Clivia Frieden said in the four years she has been part of the group they’ve noticed an increase interest in the craft.

“I think people are concerned with not wanting to be part of the throw away society,” she said.

“This is a way of creating something with value.

“The things we make last, I have socks that I knitted 15 years ago.”

“There’s something magic about how wool and other fibres feel in the hand, it is very satisfying to make something from scratch and finish it,” she said.

On May 5, the group will host an event at Kenna Hall to bring together fibre masters across the state.

Fibre Muster will include thirty stalls and workshops dedicated to spinning, weaving and many other forms of craft work.

Everyone is invited to enter the handmade autumn inspired hat competition in any of the three categories; ‘child’, ‘casual’ or ‘special occasion’.

Workshops will include Robin Hicks’ crochet class, Lanny Mackenzie’s basket weaving and Rachel Meek’s felting.

For more information email: clivia01@gmail.com or call (02) 6361 7702