FUN WITH FIBRE
By Krishnarupa devi dasi: Recently, the Conch team visited Gita Govinda devi dasi in her wonderful spinning studio, a hive of activity which houses multiple handlooms and a beautiful selection of delicately woven products. Here is Gita Govinda at one of her beloved looms.
Many of us in the New Govardhana community of devotees know Gita Govinda devi dasi for her devoted care of the cows and bullocks. However, she is not only expert at wire fencing, but also a mighty good hand with spinning and weaving.
Gita is an artist who is passionate about living with a small impact on the planet. Collecting fibres and natural dye materials, Gita has created some highly professional and extremely fine woven articles for our large Srila Prabhupada murti over the years. Crafted often from silk, wool and linen, her offerings to Srila Prabhupada are exceptional. They include scarves, shawls, vests and hats – all handspun and woven, some taking extended periods to complete with their intricate, delicate patterns.
If you would like to try your hand at spinning, weaving – or crochet and knitting – Gita has a studio at the Mount Warning Rain Forest Caravan Park, open every Sunday from 10am to 3pm and every first and third Thursday of the month also from 10am to 3pm.
With many looms installed in the rustic, atmospheric studio, you will find beautiful craftwork for sale and definitely a loom to work on.