I just got back from a week in Melbourne and the Bendigo sheep and wool show as well. I live in NSW and flew via Sydney. I was a little disappointed in the show and its set up. Most likely because the venue is old and many of the vendors were separated in different small sheds. Only one, larger shed where the fashion parade was held, shown in this video, it was darker, not a lot of light inside and a little crowded. It was very cold because it wasn't closed off from the outside air. I was dressed for winter though, so coped well. I did enjoy seeing new vendors I hadn't seen before and did manage to get some yarn I can't get where I live. Seeing it in the flesh was great. People very friendly. I love seeing the marino sheep, never had seen one before, but was saddened by how they were housed in individual small enclosures, so small they couldn't move. I felt is was cruel having them standing there all day in such a small space. Only a few had space, as in the photo of the 2 ewes and their lambs. The highlight for me was visiting Bendigo Woollen Mills the following day, I buy from them all the time. Glad I went, but compared to Sydney events held in the Exhibition Centre, this one just missed something.
Thanks for this. I haven’t been to the Sydney one, so I’m now going to have to plan this for next winter! I agree about the sheep, I’m hoping it’s just for the day and they get to roam in a pasture at night at least. Also, I agree about seeing and feeling the yarns at the show that you normally only see online. It makes a difference to what you purchase as not only you know how it feels but can chat to the people that make the yarn. The yarn I purchase is mostly traceable and from non-mulsed sheep which is important to me. I loved reading your perspective, thank you so much for reaching out! (And now I have to get to a Sydney one!!)
Some of it is in the video and also the thumbnail photo. Basically I bought about 20 skeins of wool 😅 (I gave some to my niece who is an avid crocheter 😁) also I bought a kilo of raw wool (merino and corriedale) to process at home. I have a couple of projects to finish then I’ll get stuck into the new skeins and process the raw wool. So exciting! I wasn’t as greedy this year, and I limited myself to what I could fit in my backpack haha
That is a Black Nose Valais. It was their first time there this year (my friend has them). I left Bendigo at 4:30am this morning, and arrived home at 3:50pm this afternoon. Had the best time, and spent a small fortune. LOL
I’m madly planning creations as we speak (may have to buy more lol). I was at the show from 9am to about 3pm and definitely did not get to all of it. Next year if I’m organised enough I’ll book accommodation in Bendigo itself and do 2 days. I also wanted to get to Bendigo woollen mills but ran out of time! Next year hopefully ❤️
I just got back from a week in Melbourne and the Bendigo sheep and wool show as well. I live in NSW and flew via Sydney. I was a little disappointed in the show and its set up. Most likely because the venue is old and many of the vendors were separated in different small sheds. Only one, larger shed where the fashion parade was held, shown in this video, it was darker, not a lot of light inside and a little crowded. It was very cold because it wasn't closed off from the outside air. I was dressed for winter though, so coped well.
I did enjoy seeing new vendors I hadn't seen before and did manage to get some yarn I can't get where I live. Seeing it in the flesh was great. People very friendly.
I love seeing the marino sheep, never had seen one before, but was saddened by how they were housed in individual small enclosures, so small they couldn't move. I felt is was cruel having them standing there all day in such a small space. Only a few had space, as in the photo of the 2 ewes and their lambs.
The highlight for me was visiting Bendigo Woollen Mills the following day, I buy from them all the time. Glad I went, but compared to Sydney events held in the Exhibition Centre, this one just missed something.
Thanks for this. I haven’t been to the Sydney one, so I’m now going to have to plan this for next winter! I agree about the sheep, I’m hoping it’s just for the day and they get to roam in a pasture at night at least. Also, I agree about seeing and feeling the yarns at the show that you normally only see online. It makes a difference to what you purchase as not only you know how it feels but can chat to the people that make the yarn. The yarn I purchase is mostly traceable and from non-mulsed sheep which is important to me. I loved reading your perspective, thank you so much for reaching out! (And now I have to get to a Sydney one!!)
What did you purchase? I was looking forward to seeing your haul.❤
Some of it is in the video and also the thumbnail photo. Basically I bought about 20 skeins of wool 😅 (I gave some to my niece who is an avid crocheter 😁) also I bought a kilo of raw wool (merino and corriedale) to process at home. I have a couple of projects to finish then I’ll get stuck into the new skeins and process the raw wool. So exciting! I wasn’t as greedy this year, and I limited myself to what I could fit in my backpack haha
Thank you for this
My pleasure!
That is a Black Nose Valais. It was their first time there this year (my friend has them). I left Bendigo at 4:30am this morning, and arrived home at 3:50pm this afternoon. Had the best time, and spent a small fortune. LOL
Oh thank you! Black nose Valais! He was adorable. Yes, I too spent a small fortune hahaha.
thanks for the info
How exciting. Look forward to seeing the creations you make from your goodies.
Did you get to see all at Bendigo in one day?
I’m madly planning creations as we speak (may have to buy more lol). I was at the show from 9am to about 3pm and definitely did not get to all of it. Next year if I’m organised enough I’ll book accommodation in Bendigo itself and do 2 days. I also wanted to get to Bendigo woollen mills but ran out of time! Next year hopefully ❤️