Archive for September, 2009

Baaa-Studs

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Just take a look at this video. It’s got to be the most amazing thing you’ll see this week. Some of it must be animated but lots is for real. It was made by a bunch of Welsh farmers calling themsleves the Baaa-Studs

Masham Sheep Fair

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

This coming weekend 26/27 September is the Masham Sheep Fair. It’s a great event which I really enjoy attending. My favourite is seeing all the sheep breeds and being able to ask the farmers a few questions. My husband, Simon, loves to photograph both the sheep and the farmers so I have plenty of time to feel the fleece of a few sheep whilst no-one is looking.

In addition to the sheep, there’s a sale of fleeces, demonstrations and sales by the Weavers Spinners & Dyers, an art exhibition, craft fair and small market. There are small shops and a glassblowers studio but if your interest is beer then a visit to Theakston’s Brewery may be more your tipple.

Moist chocolate cake

Monday, September 21st, 2009

I like to offer homemade cake with my workshops but I’m failing to offer a moist chocolate cake. Four recipes on I’m still looking for the perfect recipe. Most have been too dry, one has even been too chocolatey! If there’s anyone out there who can offer me some help please get in touch. Obviously, it may just be that I can’t bake and am ruining every recipe I try. I do hope not.

If you don’t have a choclate cake recipe but would like to share your favourite cake with a new audience then please share your recipe here. Recipes requiring ingredients just to be put into one bowl for mixing are always a favourite.

Felt United Preview

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Things are coming together well for the felt trail in Ilkley. As the date creeps nearer, we all suddenly seem to be more active and slightly panicky that pieces won’t be finished in time. Having said that, some are more on the ball than others and I can offer you a sneak preview of a few bits.

Katharine Huggett

Katharine Huggett

Yvonne Le Mare

Yvonne Le Mare

Sara Mills

Sara Mills

Bronwen Edwards

Bronwen Edwards

You may have noticed that there’s nothing from me. I promise I have actually done something I just haven’t taken any photos yet.

Wool and Textiles Craft Fair

Friday, September 11th, 2009

A new fair, the Wool and Textiles Craft Fair,  will be taking place in Sheffield over the weekend of 26th, 27th September.  There will be rolling workshops and demos including: machine embroidery, felting, dyeing, spinning, weaving, knitting and crochet techniques and an opportunity to stock up on materials and finished items.

If you manage to get along, do let me know what you thought of it.

Superfine Merino

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

It’s that time of year again when the workshop season comes into full swing and we’re all thinking about items to either sell or give at Christmas. So, this seems the perfect opportunity to share with you that there is a source of superfine Merino which is ideal for clothing and nuno felting. Adelaide Walker is now selling undyed Merino 12os (17.5 mircons) at a good price of £2.75 per 100g. It’s unusual to find such high quality fibres so give it a try whilst you can. It’s so soft!