Recycle. Weave. Design. Create.

These are the core ingredients of Cathy Tobin’s artistic life.

Cathy weaves into existence a range of bespoke treasures from a mix of reclaimed fibres: threads cut from sewing cones and pieces of fabric cut into strips. She transforms these raw materials into textiles that express endless combinations of colour, texture and pattern. The finished fabric starts its new life as a garment, a hat, a bag or one of Cathy’s beloved bears, which she brings to life with the irresistible adoption stories woven into the creation of each individual teddy.

In 2015 Cathy Tobin packed her loom into her van and hit the road with her husband, their two dogs, longing for the simpler life. What started as a travelling holiday, turned into two years reading and weaving her way around Australia.

The freedom of being on the road matched Cathy’s love of free-form weaving, where there is no such thing as a mistake and creativity flows through your own hands. Every piece becomes a unique work of art and is a reflection of the time, place and materials of the moment it was created in.

Cathy has been a regular exhibitor on the Tiny Towns Arts Trail since opening her studio in 2017 and her unique fabrics, one of a kind creations, and mini, 1 hour weaving workshops are always popular with trail visitors.

Over the trail weekend visitors to Cathy’s studio in Maryborough can try their hand at free-form weaving on one of her three looms. These mini workshops are incredibly popular and at a cost of $20 for an hour and all materials provided you are guaranteed a unique and fun experience.

For those interested in longer workshops Cathy also runs workshops outside the trail weekend. Each workshop runs for five hours, and can cater for up to three people. Cost for the five hour workshop is $100 per person and bookings are essential.

Stay in touch with Cathy via Facebook or Instagram

Please note: Entry to Gypsy Weaver Studio is via Clarendon Street at the rear.

While you’re in Maryborough make sure you drop into the newly refurbished Central Goldfields Art Gallery to take in the fantastic exhibition of Dean Bowen’s work.