Catching up ... Spinning Day

I had an amazing day at Hilliers arboretum with another 11 members of the Guild, spinning, chatting and much laughter was had by all. Other members were also demonstrating weaving techniques and talking to members of the public about dyeing. I've not joined the ladies on an event before but will do so in the future as it was so much fun, and just something totally different for me. Great fun was had by all and I'm sure we may have some new members at the meetings very soon. I've added some photos here with other members but have blurred their faces in the absence of checking if they didn't mind me using them (not that I think any of them would).

3 spinners, spinning alpaca, flax and synthetics
(One of these lovely ladies was/is my tutor)

Me and my wheel in the distance spinning wool
Spinning at front of picture is cotton

One lady spent a lot of time with several members, and when I chatted with her I found out that she had been to Hilliers the day before but ran out of time to chat so came back especially to find out more. I recalled back to the first time I met the guild members at a show and how thrilled I was to be offered the opportunity to have a go on a ladies wheel (an expensive one at that!). So, I asked her if she would like to try and she was similarly thrilled and jumped at the chance. I feel it's important to not only show others the craft of spinning, etc but to also let them have a go.

Shawl Weaving by the wonderful lady who let me have a go at her wheel
a year ago now, starting me off on my spinning journey

Taking a break and having a laugh

Much wool was carded, spun and plied on the day, and my finished skeins of wool and the knitted sheep (made previously, not on the day) were admired by visitors.

Collection of spun and dyed wools
and my knitted loopy sheep and lamb

Weaving display

Fabulous day with friends, I am looking forward to doing it again. I have already agreed to help out at Hilliers again in August where they do a Weaving crafts for children during the holidays, teaching them finger knitting, finger weaving, basic weaving, backstrap weaving, friendship bracelets, felting and lots more.

My Sister in Law arrived for a visit and came with Alex and Imogen to pick me up at the end of the day, and stayed for the weekend which was lovely. She had a great time playing and reading with Imogen. We spend some time at the allotment, and went for a lovely lunch on Saturday in town at The Art House - a not for profit run cafe with lovely people, lovely surroundings and lovely food ... especially the cake! A quote from their website sums up their ethos

"The Art House is a non profit ‘Community Interest Company’, formed in 2008 by four like-minded ecocentrics with a passion for art, community, and above all, cake."