MY TOWN: A crafty childhood

Being called crafty takes me back to my childhood.

Usually meaning sly or cunning, it was what my mother would call me after she’d refused me something and I’d gone straight to Dad to state my case.

He was, and still is, the soft one in their partnership and could always be convinced to get me what I wanted.

There are a lot of crafty people in Wyndham. Of course, in this context I mean people who create. Those who sew, spin, knit, make, carve, grow, draw, paint or photograph.

And plenty of craft markets have sprung up across Melbourne at which they can sell their wares.

But did you know Wyndham has one of the most established events for crafty commerce?

The annual Werribee Craft Festival has been running for 34 years and attracts thousands of crafters and craftees, all trawling for original ideas and unique inspiration.

Felt and thread, glass and gloss, timber and toggles … our local craft festival attracts more than 80 stalls from across the state and showcases some delicate, quirky and innovative talent. Many are local and all are creative. Some have studios, others clear out their garages or spare rooms to indulge their craft.

Usually held in the rooms next to the pool, this year’s craft festival will be spread throughout the air-conditioned comfort of the Wyndham council civic centre on the Princes Highway.

So, without being cunning or sly, I encourage you to go along and enjoy what they have to offer. Enjoy that which has been created with love, eat what’s been cooked with care and, most importantly, buy what your children plead for. The Werribee Craft Festival is this Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Entry is free.

Emma Sutcliffe is a Little River-based freelance writer on Facebook at Little River Emma.