Just in time for winter, the spinners and weavers group have been busy for many months creating warm hats, beanies, scarves, cardigans and many other items to keep the chill out.

A selection of natural fibres are used including sheep's wool, alpaca, mohair, silk and bamboo to provide the raw material which is then washed and carded, before being dyed in an exciting range of colours.

Depending on the item being produced the fibre is either felted or spun and plied using a spinning wheel to create a usable thread, which is in turn woven, knitted or crocheted into a wearable garment.

Many of these skills used to produce these items have been passed down through the generations and the spinners and weavers group are enthusiastically keeping these old crafts alive, adding a modern twist with exciting colours, fashionable styling and interesting textures.

The group meets every Wednesday morning and has an interesting program with workshops in specialised areas, an annual camp and visits to other spinning and weaving groups.

New members are always welcome.

The second exhibition on display at the community arts centre, called Rustic Country Life, brings out the excitement of travelling through the Australian landscape.

The exhibition features many country scenes.

The next exhibitions will be installed on June 19. This will be large modern canvases and Quilting to warm your home.

The feature artist until May 28 is Gay Stehr (glass).

Between May 29 and June 18, the feature artist will be Barbara Winters.

The feature potter until May 15 is Helga Greiter.

Visit the Garden Cafe which will be serving light lunches, coffee and homemade cakes on Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2.30pm.

Find Port Stephens Community Arts Centre in Cultural Close, off Shoal Bay Road, in Nelson Bay.

The gallery is open to the public 10am to 4pm daily. Admission is free.