That’s right – the Back to Back is back!
I’ll be in the team for East Gippsland Wool & Craft Group, and we’ll be undertaking the International Back to Back Wool Challenge starting from 9am on Saturday 28th June 2025, at Liz Green Arts – 64 Bailey St Bairnsdale.
So, what is the challenge?
Taking the wool from the sheep’s back to a human’s back – a team of 7 spinners and knitters, a sheep and a blade shearer race against the clock to shear a sheep, spin the wool and knit a jumper in one day. With shearing commencing at 9am, the wheels will be spinning mere moments later, swiftly followed by casting on of the jumper hem.
The group has had teams competing in this international challenge in previous years with the team name Bairnsdale Woollies and they took first place in Australia in 2007 (2nd place internationally) with a time of 6 hours, 10 minutes, 8 seconds. Australia previously held the Guinness World Record for this event up until 2017 when a team from the Netherlands beat the record by less than 6mins, for a time of 4 hours 45 minutes 53 seconds.
We may not approach world-record speeds this year, but we’re keen to see just how fast we can accomplish this challenge.
If you’re in town on the day, stop by to say hello and cheer us on, or bring your own project and sit down for a peaceful moment and pleasant company – other members from EGW&CG will be in attendance to give moral support and work on their own projects.
EGW&CG will be raising funds for Annie’s Cottage in Lindenow South, to help support sick children and their families, with a raffle and other donations.
Happywattle Handweaving 