Crossword Genius

Absorbent fabric going to Wellington has not gone (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

towelling

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'absorbent fabric' is the definition.
'towelling' can be an answer for 'fabric' (towelling is a kind of fabric). I am unsure of the 'absorbent' bit.

'going to wellington has not gone' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'to' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'welling' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for towelling that I've seen before include "Terry" , "Absorbent cloth" , "Bathrobe fabric" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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