Knit a bit for the long and winding scarf

Jim the door ram at the Tasmanian Wool Centre in Ross has never looked so suave.

The taxidermied Trefusis merino, named after the stud’s late stalwart and former Centre board member Jim McEwan, is being slowly but surely smothered by a wool scarf - as if he didn’t have enough fleece already!

As part of Tourism Tasmania’s Off Season campaign, the Wool Centre launched the fun “Knit for Jim” activity, giving locals and visitors alike the chance to sit in the cosy knitting nook and add a few rows to Jim’s ever-growing scarf.

According to Centre staff, the response has been wonderful, with contributions from all ages.

“The Off Season campaign officially ended on July 31 but we’ve decided to keep the knitting nook open,” co-ordinator Jess Eldridge said.

“This is a chance to slow down, get crafty, and soak up the charm of an authentic Tassie winter and both seasoned knitters and total newbies have been welcomed into our woolly world.”

So far the scarf is around three metres in length, with people contributing anything from a few rows to a good chunk - all while it’s still attached to the ram.

Proficient knitters are picking up the dropped stitches and weaving in loose ends left by the learners and adding some flair with fancy patterns.

Only the best locally grown wool is being utilised.

To get involved, book a spot through Eventbrite under “Knit For Jim”.

The Wool Centre is at 8 Church St, Ross and bookings are limited to two people per timeslot on select weekdays.