Shaz Harrison-Williams
Mohair Frame for Mohair Babies

Many knitting forms and patterns are named after islands. The best known from Aran, Fair Isle and Channel Islands, Guernsey and Jersey.

Tasmania has a reputation for growing the finest wool in the world. Many small enterprises produce quality yarn and we have more than our fair share of talented craft artisans and designers, many of whom are women.

Once we also had a rich tradition of knitting for the family and it’s demise can clearly be laid at the feet of globalism.

“Cheap clothes sold by supermarket retailers – are at the end of a supply chain of pain, poverty and pollution – Third world cheap clothes hide naked greed and human misery”.

When next you meet our leaders, ask who made the clothes they are wearing?

When will education in art and craft be expanded in schools and tertiary institutions? And when will governments support small businesses, often run by women, struggling to make unique and wonderful Tasmanian products?

Photo by Mavis Fogg 1967

Knitting in photo Mary Fogg 1967

Yarn used in knitted frame Patons ‘Moonbeams’ made in Tasmania 1960’s

Quote from editors letter ‘TANK’ magazine Vol 4 issue 8 2007