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March 01, 2026
The Bendigo Project is a passion project of some of our favourite Aussie designers, which has become an annual event featuring an online make-along, which begins in March and ends with a meet up at the Bendigo showgrounds during the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in July.
The 2026 designers include Susanna Kaartinen of Sanna & Co. Vera Marcu of Vera Loves Knitting, Tess Vanderkolk of Fluff & Nonsense, Shelley Husband of Shelley Husband Crochet and Kath Martin of Mindful Melbourne Maker.
Inspired by the annual “Rhinebeck Sweater” knitalong that goes viral every year for the New York State Sheep and Wool Show, the designers decided that Australia’s national sheep and wool show deserved it’s own version of this community knitalong and celebration.
The core inspiration behind The Bendigo Project is to host an inclusive and fun makealong that everyone can enjoy, whether or not they attend the Sheep Show.
With patterns designed to be accessible to people who are time limited or who may be intimidated by more technical projects, - and others providing a challenge for those who want to stretch themselves - the 2026 Bendigo Project collection has something for everyone.
This year's Bendigo Project designs are based around the theme of 'Texture & Twist' and feature both knit and crochet patterns. The patterns will be published on 28th March, ahead of the official Zoom Cast On Party happening that evening at 7.30pm.
Here's a sneak peak at a few of them, but you can check them out in full here.
We were honoured to collaborate with Shelley Husband on the yarns for her Bendigo Project designs this year.
Each of her granny square designs in the collection feature the same twisty, textured centre pattern, celebrating the feel of wool from a sheep.
The Staple Poncho
A snuggly, warm hug of a garment, with three sizes - wear it either across the body or in the more traditional poncho way with the points facing down the front and back.
Designed in Louie & Lola Merino Possum Fingering.
The pattern will be available for purchase in Shelley's online shop on 28th March here.
Short Crimp Cowl & Long Crimp Cowls
The Short Crimp Cowl is a one skein, snug fitting cowl, while the Long Crimp Cowl features a more relaxed fit.
Both can be worth with the point at the back, great under a jacket on chilly days. The Short Crimp Cowl was designed in Louie & Lola Merino Possum DK and the Long Crimp Cowl in our luxurious Merino Silk Yak DK.
The patterns will be available for purchase in Shelley's online shop here on 28th March (both projects will be in the one pattern).
We are pleased to be able to offer a range of kits for Shelley's Bendigo Project designs and hope you love them as much as we do!
You can shop the kits here.
