October 2012 update

Stringybark Suburban Sustainable Living Festival is on this weekend Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st October, Rowville Community Centre Reserve, Fulham Rd, Rowville.

There is something for everyone, heaps of hands on free activities(for adults & children), sustainable ideas to take home and of course lots of yummy food. We had a great time last time we were there and are looking forward to meeting you when you visit us, we will have a display in the entrance foyer of the community centre.



Made made plastic imbeds in the coral ecosystems

This year, along with our crochet coral display, we will be featuring some of the wonderful work that the Dolphin Research Institute are doing to look after our dolphin population in Port Phillip Bay. Visit our display and find out more.

Colourful Reef scene at Open Drawer 2012

The Open Drawer Exhibition was a wonderful success. We had heaps of fun meeting new people at our workshops and introducing them to this wonderful way of experiencing maths/science through the medium of crochet.

Open Drawer 2012

Exhibition @ Open Drawer in Camberwell

Exciting news !! All of you who have been waiting with baited breath for our next exhibition won't have to wait much longer.

When:  Friday 17th August to Sunday 2nd September 2012
Where: Open Drawer
            1158 Toorak Road, Hartwell
            Camberwell (Hartwell Village) 3124
            (Mel. Ref 60 C6)  Tram No 75 - Stop No. 52
Opening:      Friday 17th August
                     6pm - 8pm
Workshops: Thursday 23rd August
                     12noon - 3pm
                     Thursday 30th August
                     7.30pm - 9.30pm 
                     BYO crochet hook & yarn.
                     Limited spaces so book early.
Free Entry
Open 7 days
Monday to Friday    10am - 5pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am - 4pm
http://opendrawer.com.au/
Looking forward to meeting you there.

Ferntree Gully Workshops

Due to popular demand we are now also able to offer Wednesday evening workshops (6pm - 8pm) at the Library for those who cannot make it on Friday afternoons. For consistency, these will also be held the 3rd week of each month.

We had a great start to the Ferntree Gully Community Reef with 12 women arriving to learn more and get inspired. It was wonderful to see the experienced crocheters helping the 'newbies'. Julie's feedback since the workshops is that the women are coming in to show her how they are progressing and sharing their excitement when their first piece starts to crenulate.
Here is a picture of some of the women from the first workshop

April Update

*NEW*
Ferntree Gully Library is the latest venue for workshops starting on Friday 20th April 2pm - 3pm.
Further workshops will be on the 3rd Friday of each month same time, same place.
If you missed out on previous workshops, now is the time to join in and be part of this amazing global community of crafters. See workshop page for more details and contact information.

The Geelong branch is powering along. Faye and Fiona are doing a fantastic job. I visited them last month and what the group is creating is magnificent!! The group have been invited to be part of a marine themed exhibition at The Shearer's Arms Gallery run by The Geelong Arts Society in February 2013.
Come along to one of their workshops see for yourself what they have been doing and join in the fun. 4th Saturday of the month 2pm - 4pm at the Victoria Todd Centre. See workshop page for more details.

2012 Welome !!!

Happy New Year everyone !!
Our family of crochet coral creators is growing....welcome to all those in Geelong who have discovered the additive nature of crocheting hyperbolic coral.
If you haven't got 'the bug' yet, and want to join us, we would love to meet you Geelong Workshops - (through Geelong West Neighbourhool House)
Saturday 21st January     2-4pm
Saturday 25th February   2-4pm
Saturday 24th March      2-4pm
Venue: Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence St, Geelong West
or if you are on the other side of town
at the
Celebrate Mooroolbark Family Festival (formerly Red Earth Festival)
Saturday 24th March

HCCR coming to Geelong !!

What does crochet have in common with marine biology,
environmental activism and mathematics? How did this project
start and why? How can you be involved?
Introductory talk & workshop
Saturday 29th October 
Virginia Todd Centre,
9 Clarence St, Geelong West.
2pm - 4pm
BYO crochet hook & yarn
All abilities welcome!!
Entry: Gold Coin donation
Contact: Guenter Sahr 0427 703 218
Email: fionakresten@gmail.com

Bendigo a great success !!

Lots of excitement and great feedback generated from our visit to Benidgo Sheep & Wool Show. Here are some photos.

May Update

New Groups Starting:
Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre
Contact Elma on elma.morgan1@gmail.com  040 709 4421
Selby Community House
Contact Tracy Van Volten at selby@selbyhouse.com.au
Camberwell - Open Drawer
Contact Robyn at info@opendrawer.com.au
Update on Warburton Group:
The group has decided to make a felted panel to sew their crochet coral onto. The girls have done a great job. Rather than buy prepreared wool for the felt, the girls took on the challenge of the entire process from the raw fleece. Well done!!! Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. For those interested, the panel will be on display at the Bendigo Sheep & Wool Show in July 2011.

News Update

We're going to the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo !!
Friday 15th July - Sunday 17th July
We'll have a display, workshops & also some surprise entires in the Fashion Parade as well as wonderful handmade items for sale from some of our talented contributors.
Mark it in your diaries now!
It's not too late to join in the wonderful family we have created with our crochet coral contributors. Come top one of our workshops and find out what all the fuss (fun) is all about.

The Melbourne Reef continues to Grow !!

Lots of exciting plans emerging and new groups starting:

Free Workshops 2011:

Sunday 27th March  10.30am - 3.30pm
Open Drawer, 1158 Toorak Rd, Camberwell (Mel ref. 60 C6)
Drop in for a short time, or come and play all day!
BYO crochet hook and a variety of  scarp yarns
Facilitated by Lynn Berry
Bookings: 9889 7227 or Email: info@opendrawer.com.au
Web: http://www.opendrawer.com.au/

Every Friday from 11am free
Join the happy band of crafters that meet each week at
Poppy's By the River,
East Warburton
BYO crochet hook & yarn
Hosted by Zephlyn and Helen

1st Exhibition Huge Success!!!!!!

The first exhibition of The Melbourne Reef exhibition has now closed. We have had wonderful feedback from visitors to the gallery.  Thank you to everyone who made such a successful exhibition possible, you should all be very proud of what we have achieved together

With the first chapter in The Melbourne Reef story complete, watch this space for news on where the exhibition will be next.

A new series of workshops will be starting again soon. So if you missed out last time around and would like to join in, send me an email letting me know what area you are living in and I will see what I can do about organising something near to you.

Dolphin Research 4th December

Celebrate World Oceans Day this Saturday by learning more about Port Phillip Bay with a stunning visual presentation from the Dolphin Research Institue. Did you know that our bottlenose dolphins have been declared a new species? Did you know that 80% of marine life in Victorian waters is found now where else? Have you ever seen a whale's tooth? Topics covered include bird & whale migrations, resident dolphin population updates, effects of bay dredging and overall health of our marine ecosystem.  The DRI has been studying Port Phillip & Westernport Bays for the past 20 years, so have an intimate knowledge of how unique our marine life really is. Don't miss this fabulous opportunity to find out more. Questions welcome. Family friendly event.
Bookings: phone Burrinja on 9754 8723
Date: Saturday 4th December
Time: 2pm - 3.30pm
Where: Burrinja Gallery
Cost: $5 / $4 conc.

Crochet workshop with special guest Aunty Dot Peters

We have some great events coming up! Don't forget to book.
Hyperbolic Crochet workshop with special guest Aunty Dot Peters. Beginners welcome. BYO hook.
Saturday 27th November  1pm -4 pm
$5 entry includes workshop & gallery entry. Contributors free.
Victoria's Marine Treasures with master storytellers from the Dolphin Research Institute.
Saturday 4th December  2pm -
$5 entry includes presentation & gallery entry. Contributors free.
and don't forget to book for
Margaret Wertheim LIVE !!
at The Age Theatre, Melbourne Museum
21 December 7pm - 9.30pm 
$18 Adult   $10 concession/contributors
Bookings Essential !!!  phone Burrinja on 9754 8723

November

Tuesday 16th Nov 7pm Parks Victoria presentation by Mark Rodrigue sharing his passion of our magnificent marine environment. More stunning images and lots of info - guaranteed you will come away having learnt something you didn't know before.
$5 entry $4 - conc includes exhibition tour.
Phone Burrinja to book on 9754 8723

Saturday 27th Nov 1pm - 4pm Crochet Workshop with special guest Indigenous Elder Aunty Dot Peters
$5 entry $4 conc - includes exhibition tour.
Beginners & experienced corcheters welcome. BYO hook.
Phone Burrinja to book on 9754 8723

The exhibition is having a wonderful response from visitors -
'I can't believe it's crochet!!' 'But it looks like real coral' are some of the comments frequently heard by visitors.
'Is everything in the video really all found in Victoria? I had no idea! Are you sure it's not Qld? If you haven't seen the exhibition for yourself yet, come and find out what all the fuss is about. It has been wonderful to see the reactions of people of all ages. There really is something for everyone. Take up the offer to find out more at one of our public programming events.
See you there.

Exhibition time is here!!!

For all of you who have been waiting with baited breath - EXHIBITION TIME IS FINALLY HERE !!

142 individuals from 68 locations took part in this incredible feat - a labour of love.

See crochet like you've never seen it before!

Explore the world of higher mathematics through 3D models!

Discover how much you didn’t know about our undersea world!

THE MELBOURNE SATELLITE REEF

on display for the first time

9th October 2010 – 9th January, 2011

at

Burrinja Gallery

351 Glenfern Road (cnr Matson Drive)

Upwey

Melways 75B12
Phone: 9743 8723

We hope you enjoy experiencing our exhibition as much as we have enjoyed creating it.



Margaret Wertheim via skype from the Smithsonian in Washington


  

Thank you to our lovely mermaids Claire, Chloe, Michaela and Tina



EXHIBITION TIME IS NEARLY HERE

From Warrnambool to Watsonia they came, from Phillip Island to Preston they came,  from Ballarat to Bentleigh, Mt Macedon to Mt Dandenong 140 individuals from 61 locations all united by a common thread, the creation of The Melbourne Reef!!!
Thank you to everyone of you!
It's all getting very exciting now, crochet pieces have been arriving almost daily in preparation for our upcoming exhibition. We have well over 1,000 pieces of crochet coral. An outstanding effort!!
You should all give yourselves a big pat on the back.
We took possession of the Gallery space yesterday - more like a take over - boxes & suitcases full  of crochet everywhere!  The mammoth task of sorting has begun and the creation of the foundation for the display has begun........
When can you see it ? Not just yet.....you need to wait just a little bit longer.
 Exhibition Dates: 9th October  2010 - 9th January 2011
See you there.

Here is a tempter for you. This is some of the pieces that arrived on Saturday with Cindy's plastic bag sea garden in the centre.

We had a wonderful time with Mark Rodrigue from Parks Vic last Saturday. Mark shared his knowledge about Victoria's reef systems with us and had lots of wonderful images to accompany his talk.  I've had great feedback about how much you all learned about our local marine environment. Thank you Mark for your enthusiastic support of our project and your willingness to share your knowledge with us. Mark has also provided a DVD of underwater footage of Victoria's marine environment for us to play during the exhibition. There is a wonderful team of people from all professions and walks of life that are contributing to this project. Thank you to everyone who is helping make this a reality. Just to give you an idea as to how far afield our reach has got in Melbourne, this is where people came from to attend last Saturday: Phillip Island, Mornington, Mentone, Carnegie, Oakleigh, Glen Iris, St Kilda, Lara, Northcote, Thornbury, Coburg, Bundoora, Ringwood, Croydon, Mitcham, Doncaster, Upwey, Ferntree Gully, Ferny Creek, Belgrave, Selby, Monbulk, Gembrook and Warburton.  I've also been getting pieces by mail from as far afield as NSW and Alice Springs !! Thank you all for your outstanding effort ! This is definitely shaping up to be an exhibition to remember.

August 21st @ Thornbury Neighbourhood House & August 28th @ Burrinja with Special Guest

Saturday  7th August Watsonia Library  10.30am - 1pm
Saturday 21st August TNH - contact Ursulla on 9480 0466
Saturday 28th August at Burrinja Cafe - Mark Rodrigue, Parks Vic Marine & Coast will WOW us with Spectacular underwater photos & info on what makes Victoria's marine environment special!!!  Tell your friends, all welcome.  Mark's segment will be between 2pm & 3pm.
Yes we will still be having our regular crochet workshop as well between 1pm - 4pm  See you there.

July What a month!!

It started with Marg & Maryanne's workshop in Watsonia. They are our pseudosphere specialists, the quality of the craftmanship from this group has to be seen to be believed. Thank you Marg & Maryanne, you are such gentle and patient teachers and a wonderful asset to our group.
Photo of Coral with her wrapping paper ribbon creation.


Next up was the Made In Thornbury market. I met the most wonderful women there that will be joining our 'family'. I look forward to seeing their creations. Thank you to Ursulla for offering workshops at the Thornbury Neighbourhood House.  Anyone who lives out that way & wants to join in can contact Ursula on 9480 0466 for more information.
Photo Tracy with our display table at Made in Thornbury market.

 Last, but not least - A big thank you to everyone who came to Burrinja last Saturday!! What an amazing effort by everyone. You should all be very proud of your creations. Dawn from Gembrook has almost created the entire toxic reef by herself!! What talent and imagination. You can tell that Ursula from Phillip Island has a background in embroidery, the delicacy of her workmanship is breathtaking. There are so many of you who have created the most amazing pieces. It was very inspiring seeing it all starting to come together.  I must admit that I was a bit concerned initially at the size of the space we had to fill. But thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the combined Melbourne community, I worry no more!!  It was wonderful watching you all looking at what others had done, admiring and appreciating each others work. This project certainly has created a wonderful new 'family' of crafters. We are going to have the most amazing exhibition.  The standard just keeps getting better and better.  Without each and every one of you The Melbourne Satellite Reef would not be so wonderfully diverse and vibrant. So I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making the dream come alive.

July Workshops

Lots happening this month starting with:

Saturday 10th July 10am - 12.30pm @ Watsonia Library Community Room
Marg & Maryanne will be on hand to inspire you with the finer points of hyperbolic crochet.

Friday 16th July 4pm - 7pm  @ Made in Thornbury Market - locally made crafts, food & music. Tracy will be here with a display of crochet coral pieces and on hand to encourage any budding crocheters who would like to join in.

Saturday 24th July 1pm - 4pm @ Burrinja Cafe. Burrinja is our main base for workshops, come and meet fellow crochet coral enthusiasts and check out the exhibition space.

It's not too late to join in, all welcome, BYO crochet hook & yarn.


See you at one of the workshops.