Then why not spend some time learning about the region’s history during a special exhibition this weekend.

The Daylesford and District Historical Society will feature the role of fabric in the life and employment of the community through a special exhibition this Australia Day. 

The exhibition, Fabric Threads & Stories, will display quilts made in the late 1800s and works made by community members including school children and local artists.

There will also be photographs and memorabilia relating to the Woolen Mills in East, Camp and Fulcher streets. 

The Woolen Mills was a major employer in Daylesford from 1923 until the 1980s. 

One piece of Daylesford’s history to feature in the exhibition is the local work towards building the first Holden car. Workers at The Daylesford East Street Mill created the upholstery for the car, the 48-215, which became known as the FX, in 1948. 

Fascinatiang woolen head lamps from World War II, which Daylesford residents knitted for their cars in an effort to evade detection by Japanese planes, will also feature in the exhibition. 

A clown costume from the 1940s will be displayed as an example of  historical themed fundraising efforts which were held to raise money for the hospital and the war effort as well as for improvements to facilities. 

Additionally, a friendship quilt made by children at Bullarto, Daylesford and Glenlyon primary schools from 1983-1986, with help from artist Marg Leunig, and another, made by the class of 7.1 at Daylesford High School in 2002 will also be displayed. *

Examples of Hardanger embroidery, embroidered banners along with works by locals Fanny Jenkin and Marg Leunig will also be displayed.

The Fabric Threads & Stories exhibition will be held at the Daylesford Historical Society, 100 Vincent Street, Daylesford, from Friday to Sunday, between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

*Students from Glenlyon, Bullarto and Daylesford Primary schools (1983-1986) whose work will be displayed: 

BP, Ariel, Adelle Holmes, Shane M, Brett Orr, Sara V, AP, Brooke, Lara J Verplak, Georgia Leunig, Walter S, Samantha Wake, Paul Dalmore,  Mark B, Sarah G, Milly Trigger, Aaron Silbereisen, Ann Branchie, Jamie Rae, Kelly Pope, Linda Orr, Badia Zillies, Ricky Liversidge, Jessi Matthews, Tania Coker, Annette Fleischer, Chris Grant, Joanne Page, Rodney S, Jessie Pitt, Hilary D Phillips, Michelle Sturrock, Melissa Sewell, Tanya Coffey, Melissa, Tamara Zilles, Donna Portyka, Jake Mason, Alice Green, Gail Sutherland, Lukas B Pitrunas, S Daniel, Kylie Cummins, Craig S, Anne Cooper, Melanie Clark, Michelle Bethune, Paul Govett, Angie S, Adam Bremner, Tiffany Trigger, Melissa  Baltrunas, Jackie Moon, Tanya Cook, Steven Matheson, George Brennan, Tracy, Brent, Gavin Orr, Tas, Rebecca Plumbe, Catherine, Bernadette M.

Students from class 7.1 at Daylesford High School:

Bianca Ford, Michael Bruce, Luke Dobson, Colin Sutton, Michael Yanner, Karina Brooks, Tegan Hawker, Ben Gardiner, Jenna Quinn, Eleisha Albert, Sean Hunt, Scott Collins, Eugene Boadle, Hannah Mounsey, Chantelle Lindsey, Thomas Woodroofe, Leah La Franchi, Hollie Layfield, Rosanna Powell, Kallum Hartmann, Erin Elderfield, Nick Morrison, Joe Maher.