As a sustainable natural fibre, wool is a beautiful fit for the slow clothing movement according to leading merino breeder Georgina Wallace of Trefusis Merino Stud in Tasmania.
Campbell Town Show recently hosted the Tasmanian launch of Slow Clothing: finding meaning in what we wear in recognition of the fact that dressing is an agricultural act if you want to wear natural fibres rather than synthetic plastic ones.
Merino breeder Georgina Wallace and Jane Milburn at Campbell Town Show in May 2018
Australia is the leading producer of clean wool and Ms Wallace, president of the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders, said the wonderful properties of wool need to celebrated and shared.
‘Wool is a sustainable natural fibre that is breathable, absorbs moisture, reduces body odour, versatile, acts as a fire retardant and is easy care,’ she said.
‘Most importantly, wool is biodegradable when it reaches the end of its useful life. This is not the case with synthetic fibres like polyester which Prince Charles described (in an Australian Financial Review magazine article) as leaving a poisoned legacy for the next generation.’
‘I congratulate Jane on writing this book, Slow Clothing, which highlights why we need to move away from throwaway wasteful behaviours and choices that are bad for the environment and simply not sustainable.’
‘The book makes very interesting reading and includes many ideas for reusing and recycling natural fibres like wool. I commend it to you.’
Campbell Town Show is the oldest agricultural show in Australia, with the 180th event held on 25-26 May 2018. While at the show to launch her book, Jane Milburn judged the prestigious Man Cake Competition and awarded the 2018 blue ribbon to David Cardno for his stout cake.
Jane believes there is a natural fit between an agricultural show that has sheep and wool centre stage and a philosophy of wearing and valuing natural fibres for a lifetime.
‘Thanks to my leadership colleague and Midlands Agricultural Association committee member Louisa Street for the opportunity to launch Slow Clothing in Tasmania at historic Campbell Town Show,’ Jane said.
Campbell Town Show photos from top left: Louisa Street with Jane; Bridget Watch and Jane with Campbell Town Show President George Gatenby; bottom right Judging the Man Cake; Jane Milburn with AWI chair Wal Merriman, Georgina Wallace with Trefusis sire; Louisa Street awarded life membership.