And for the last time: Nundle!

I need to take my mind off lace for a while - have some lovely photos taken by DD in April instead!

Outside the back of the Mill



A small wool press



A larger wool press




Decorative metal flowers nearly as tall as the two storey mill



I don't think you'll get much wool off this sheep!

Nundle again

Because I know you want more, here are some photos taken by DD on our trip to Nundle in April. [I can't believe I haven't posted these already - they were so good!]

Here's the spinning machine in action...




...and the carding machine - you can almost see it flying!



Here's the biggest ball winder I've ever seen!

The Nundle Woollen Mill

You can read the history of the Mill here - it's not as old as people imagine though the mill equipment is quite old.

We arrived at the Woollen Mill just as the doors were opened [10am] and only one machine [the dyer] was running. Just as well I saw most of it in action in April. A lot of the products in the store seem to be imported though they do sell their own yarn too. It's quite expensive as yarns go, it would be cheaper to buy from Bendigo and you would have a greater choice of colours, yarn types and weights too. However, it's the only place I've seen that mills its own 20ply [very chunky]. To be fair, there was a favourable review of Nundle yarn in the current issue of Yarn magazine [Issue 11].

What I do like about Nundle is the mill is set up so you can see the machines in action; something you can't do in Wangaratta or Bendigo - both bigger operations of course. I guess because this is set up as a tourist attraction as well as a working mill.

So, you've had my opinion, here - for your viewing pleasure - some photos from the Mill. First: the dye pot! [Yes the yarn was being dyed that olive colour!]




The carding machine [not in action]



The spinning machine [also not in action]



The wool winding machines [you guessed - not in action]. Those two people on the far side in the red and aqua are DD and myself so that gives you some idea of the scale of the place and the machinery.

Nundle

Although I've been home less than a week and being away seems a lifetime ago, you may recall, WM, DD and I took a trip to my parents' place via Nundle last week. Today's post is a little taster of the things that caught our attention; later there will be a post on the woollen mill.

Nundle is a pretty little village and we spent several hours last Wednesday exploring the places that were open but, if your planning a trip there, be warned. Hardly anything is open in Nundle on Monday and Tuesday and only about half the 'tourist spots' are open on Wednesday and Thursday. Everything is open Friday to Sunday.

There are not as many photos as I expected; I think WM was too busy looking to take a lot of photos [unusual for him]. So without any further ado - some of the sights of Nundle.

Firstly, we have the Exchange Store - an interesting looking building from outside and full of new old-fashioned home wares inside. They also sell a wide range of leaf teas [unfortunately, due to hay-fever, I couldn't smell a thing] and other gourmet goodies - jams, chutneys, honey, etc.



Then the eastern wall [behind the altar] of a gorgeous little weatherboard Anglican church. I just love these stained glass windows.



And, finally, two views from the lookout east of the town.




Nundle also has a lovely old country pub [The Peel Inn] but we didn't get photos.

We're off!

DD and I are leaving soon for beautiful Bingara on the north-west slopes and plains of NSW [where my parents live]. Thursday night we'll be staying with my sister in Tamworth and on Friday we'll take a detour to Nundle Woollen Mill on the way home.

Behave yourselves while I'm away!! LOL