General News
10 July, 2026
All things wool at Flagstaff Hill
JO Barr has worn many hats over her decades-long career in the textiles industry, but she keeps coming back to one material – wool.
The award-winning textile artist, felter and hat maker will share her millenary skills in Warrnambool as part of Wool Weekend celebrations at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village this weekend.
The event will feature live demonstrations of traditional wool and fibre trades and crafts, including blade shearing, fleece preparation, yarn spinning, knitting and dyeing.
Visitors can also get hands-on, with Ms Barr running a felt hat making workshop.
The workshop will cater for beginners through to experienced felters, so there are no barriers to signing up and making your own hat.
“No one has ever left with a hat with more than one hole in it, and that one is for your head,” Ms Barr said.
“I’ve taught all over Australia for years now, and people walk away with a hat that they are really happy with.
“You’ll be amazed by the number of comments people get and the awards people win at local shows with their felt hats.”
The felting process is fascinating to watch, and visitors will be able to see the technique demonstrated, even if they are not taking part in the workshop.
“Felt is the oldest known form of fabric in existence. Because of the scale structure that exists on a wool fibre, it enables them to lock together,” Ms Barr said.
“We wet the fibres with a bit of soap and water and then you massage them with your hands and that agitation and massage process tangles them all together and the scales that are on the fibres lock it in, and that produces a piece of felt.
“Then we can wet it and sculpt it and mould it. Wool felt has a memory in that when it’s dry and cold, it will stay in that shape.”
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While wool may be one of the world’s oldest fibres, it is increasingly being recognised as a solution to some very modern concerns about fast fashion and sustainability.
“Wool is biodegradable, it’s renewable in that sheep keep growing it, and being a natural fibre rather than synthetic it’s not involving any petrochemicals, so it’s not putting anything harmful back into the environment,” Ms Barr said.
“In the past, older generations grew up with our mothers putting us in wool jumpers and they were really itchy.
“So, there was a period of time where people pulled away from wool, but there has been so much development done with the fibres that it’s actually a much more comfortable fibre to wear.
“We produce such high quality wool in this country, so it’s quite amazing to see what can be done with it.”
Flagstaff Hill curator and exhibitions coordinator Kate Wake said that wool weekend had quickly become one of the village’s most popular weekends.
“South west Victoria has such a strong connection with wool, so it’s something we are really proud to celebrate,” she said.
“Visitors will be able to see the whole process unfold, from sheep shearing through to finished products, and every step in between.
“The workshops are an exciting addition to this year’s program too. As well as Jo Barr’s felt hat making workshop, there will also be a cable knitting course for keen knitters, and children can take part in felt coaster, brooch and pencil activities.”
Flagstaff Hill is free to attend for Warrnambool City Council residents who sign up for the free Local Ambassador program.
To find out more about wool weekend and to pre-book a workshop, visit www.flagstaffhill.com.
