Lost Trades Fair returns to Hanging Rock

SHARING what she loves about the zen skill of Japanese Saori weaving is what Prue Simmons is most anticipating at this month’s Lost Trades Fair.

The Clunes-based Saori weaver and teacher is among a huge range of passionate artisans and craftspeople who will be attending this year’s fair at Hanging Rock Reserve on 28-29 March.

“This year will just tick over my decade of attending The Lost Trades Fair and every year it just makes me feel so excited that people are so interested in learning about these crafts and lost trades,” Simmons said.

Formerly a zoologist, Simmons discovered Saori weaving, a Japanese zen style of creating beautiful handmade textiles to wear or cherish, while living in the mountains of Japan in 2007.

She was instantly hooked and went on to become one of only three accredited Saori teachers in Australia.

“It’s about inviting people into our world so they can learn how they can then engage with these lost trades and crafts,” she said ahead of this year’s Fair.

“I want people to be able to experience Saori weaving, not just see Saori weaving. Passing on these skills is what sets the Lost Trades Fair apart.

“What I really love doing is introducing people to Saori weaving and letting them have a go,” Simmons said.

“I will have looms there so people can sit down and have a go at the loom and see how beautiful and relaxing this form of weaving is.

“Because it’s like a moving mediation it is much easier to do than some other forms of weaving.”

The other facet this vibrant and inspirational maker and teacher most relishes about the Lost Trades Fair is catching up with some of the more than 150 other skilled artisans and craftspeople who travel from around Australia and overseas to attend, sharing their skills with literally thousands of visitors.

From armourers to fly rod makers, from saddlers to luthiers, and from coopers to wooden boat builders, they will all be there to share their skills, trades, talent, stories, culture and knowledge with demonstrations, speakers’ sessions and workshops all part of what’s on offer.

This year’s fair is shaping as a particularly special one with the event returning to the Macedon Ranges where it all started back in 2014.