Scarves on show in Geelong

An extraordinary range of printed, knitted and woven scarves will be on show from 16 June to 2 September at Geelong's National Wool Museum 2012 Scarf Festival.

Jessica Stephens fits her handwoven scarf on a model.

The exhibition is the work of 42 students from RMIT University's Diploma of Textile Design and Development.

This year's theme is a textile exploration of what travel means to us. The designs examine the paths we choose and the extraordinary discoveries we make along our journey.

Julia Raath, Program Coordinator Textile Design and Development, said the students explored a range of concepts and production processes that helped to interpret the journey and travel theme.

"Some of the materials they've used to construct their submissions include hand-spun and naturally dyed wool, fine linens and silks, rusted nails, recycled silk yarns, screen printed and appliquéd panels," she said.

Each entry has a different story to tell. Second-year student Estella Latham's scarves tell the story of 20th century design movements through woven structures.

"It was a great challenge to work out the range of colours and pattern structures to weave. I really enjoyed researching the different design movements and then figuring out how to link it all together as one piece," Ms Latham said.

International student Mei Tze Pun, who travelled from Malaysia to study textile design at RMIT, has worked with brightly coloured recycled silk yarns.

"Silk is the perfect material to represent the luscious surfaces of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. I dream of starry nights and of living and working in Paris," Ms Pun said.

The exhibition is accompanied by an inspiring program of craft demonstrations.

The National Wool Museum is at 26 Moorabool Street. Entry costs are: Adults - $7.50, concession - $6, children - $4. Family and group concessions available.

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