Greenfield Valley Heritage Craft Day

Our last outside gig of the season, and a rather quiet one compared with Gwrych Castle (3,000 visitors there, and we probably spoke to most of them).
The Greenfield Valley between Holywell and Bagillt is chock full of history, from Basingwerk Abbey at the bottom of the hill to St. Winefrede's Well and shrine at the top, with many old industrial sites inbetween.  https://www.greenfieldvalley.com
Greenfield Heritage Craft Day was held in the old farmstead, which has been lovingly restored to include not only the house and barns but the gardens, waterwheel, smithy and piggery.  There are real live animals, including real, live (sleeping) pigs, sheep and a questing duck.
We had a lovely welcome from the organisers, who lent us a gazebo (ours is temporarily out of action) and allowed us to park our cars close to our pitch - always a blessing when you have loads of awkward stuff to carry.  The weather was warm and overcast, but there was no wind - which is also a blessing, considering how floaty and flappy textile things can be.
Sadly, there were not many visitors:  another event was taking place up the road in Holywell, with major attractions including a Beatles tribute band. How could we compete with that?
However, although the quantity of visitors might have been small, the quality was high and we had lots of interest in our display and activities.  Ann demonstrated weaving, and carded colourful rolags with the children for Betty to spin into bracelets and bookmarks.  Some folk were even brave enough to have a go with drop spindles (thank you to our Woodfest Wales friend for these).
The lovely blacksmith on site made yarn threading hooks for the three of us - very kind indeed.  We were even supplied with cups of tea and coffee by the centre staff, and the gardeners gave Betty some seeds of Dyers' Rocket.  Betty also made some impressive nettle string under instruction from the "monk" in the white gazebo (just visible in the photographs below).

A nice little corner for our stand, with a view to the gardens and the monastic gazebo.

Thanks to Ann for loan of her smartphone to take the photographs.

AC
2018

Sunday Wool Combing

We had another excellent meeting on Sunday, August 12th. - lots of attendees and a demonstration, by Bryn, of English wool combs.

The combs themselves, apart from being vicious in appearance and in fact, are beautifully designed for the job.  The accompanying stand is elegant and sturdy - which is obviously important as you don't want the combs shifting unexpectedly when you're using them.
Bryn gave a clear and well organised demonstration of the techniques required to produce a sliver of fine, combed yarn suitable for worsted spinning: starting by separating the locks of clean fleece and spraying with a mixture of olive oil and water; through loading the comb in its' stand, heating the second comb and then transferring the fleece from one comb to another in a series of elegant movements!  The combed fleece is then removed, "planked", returned to the comb and drawn through  the hole of a diz into a long thin strand of fibre.
Fascinating to watch, and - I am sure - very satisfying to do.

Planking the fibre.

Using the diz.

Abergele Hospital Fête, June 23rd.

Val writes:

A very pleasant afternoon of spinning and talking to the public was enjoyed by Jenni, Betty and Val on Saturday at Abergele Hospital Fete. This was in aid of The League of Friends. Our host was Mary Lyneham. 
This is a popular annual event and was well attended. The glorious sunshine and a relaxed atmosphere was enhanced by the music of the Silver Youth Band. They were very interested in Jenni's spinning when they came over for a chat. Plenty to see including ample cakes,  excellent variety of plants for sale, local crafts and also vintage fire engine.

Photographs copyright A. Hill 2018

How to be in two places at once?

Our recent Sunday meeting in Betws yn Rhos coincided with a gig demonstrating spinning and weaving at the Rhosesmor Heritage day.  Those of you who know the area will realise that Betws and Rhosesmor are about 20 miles apart, but our Guild has expanded in number recently so being in two places at once is perfectly possible.
Ten members met in Betws and had a good day doing their own textile-y thing (photographs, anyone?), or so I'm told.  I was in Rhosesmor with Val, and we had a really good time.

Rhosesmor is a small village in the hills above Holywell, with houses scattered widely across common land overlying the old lead mines.  The Heritage Day was the culmination of a National Lottery-assisted week at the primary school, with events for the local schoolchildren and public.  Ysgol Rhos Helyg is well appointed, as they say, with gardens, allotment and a timber round house complete with stockade - this week it was also home to a fascinating Celtic (Iron Age) living history demonstration.  I could have spent all day there.....
The Abergele Guild "pitch" was in the school hall with the Heritage collections (horse brasses, memorabilia, model farm to name but a few).  Thanks to Val we had a fine display of naturally dyed items, which generated a lot of interest.  We did a lot of talking to the public, of course, but managed to get quite a bit of spinning and weaving done as well.  We were also well entertained by the history videos, the children's choir and a group of local folk singers who rounded off the day in fine style.
"Thank you very much" to Penny and her team for inviting us (and for the free cups of tea!) - we hope to see you all again next year.

Alison caught standing to attention after limbo dancing under the table to put up the  insurance certificate.

 Val looking very relaxed, waiting for the crowds.

A somewhat overexposed shot of the dyeplants and samples...

...and a much better photograph of the table.  Thank you, Val.

AC
2018

Abergele Hospital Fête

Another gig on home territory, this time at the Abergele Hospital League of Friends Summer Fête on Saturday, June 24th.  Jenni and Alison (now experts in Gazebo pitching) spent an enjoyable couple of hours entertaining and being entertained.
The weather was kind - a little breezy and overcast to start with, but turning warm and sunny as the afternoon progressed.  The visitors were plentiful, and interested to watch us turning fibre into yarn.  Lots of intelligent questions, and some possible new members; we gave out lots of business cards and flyers, so we'll see if anyone takes the step of joining us.  They will, of course be very welcome.
There was plenty of good quality musical entertainment - a brass band, a Welsh children's choir and some talented musical sixth formers from the local school.

Thanks to the organisers for inviting us - we hope to be back next year!

Just gearing up for a successful day, and trusting that the weather forecast is correct. 

The band strikes up.

A prime corner plot for the gazebo.

Abergele Spring Festival

Easter in the Park Day.
Abergele District Action Group Fun Day
What you will.
The Abergele District Action Group run a good event, with efficient organisation and cheerful helpers, so we were pleased to be invited back - this time for their Easter Fun Day.  Jenni and Alison set off bright and early to Pentre Mawr Park in Abergele to show the flag for the Spinners and Weavers in our home town.  We had an excellent position by the walled garden, with lots of space for our new gazebo.  As there was only a light breeze, we put it up without any trouble - but unfortunately the light breeze was a chilly one, and by the end of the day we were seriously thinking of wearing all the hand knitted garments in our display.  Hilary joined us for the afternoon, and many hands certainly made light work for taking down and packing away.

There were lots of visitors (probably because the event was free!) and we had lots of interest in our spinning and weaving.  As usual, the children "cottoned on" to the ideas and one or two even had a go at the drop spindling.  And, as usual, there was one bright spark who immediately worked out exactly what all the bits on the spinning wheel are for.

Jenni all in the Green Grotto

 Our next event:  our usual Monday evening meeting, April 24th in Abergele.

Gorgeous Gorjys.

A report from Val, who obviously had a good time at the Gorjys Event at Caerhun Hall on Saturday.  Thanks to all the Guild members who took time to attend, and special thanks to Val and Alan for the use of their campervan.

"We had a very enjoyable weekend at Caerhun, and perfect weather for it.

Krithia, Betty and Shirley came along on Saturday. 

The house and grounds were beautiful with the most spectacular enormous Cedar I have ever seen, under which everyone sat for the Friday night entertainment.  All the mature trees were illuminated and there was a harvest moon to add to the atmosphere.  On Saturday, we listened to a good mix of young musicians on the nearby stage as we spun, chatted (and ate cake ).  There was a constant flow of happy relaxed families and festival go'ers, who took an interest in the Guild stall.  Several people said they would be interested in joining, so we shall see.  We were also able to inform people that they can join a Guild nearer to their home."

Woodfest 2016, part II

Saturday and Sunday at Woodfest Wales were bright and busy, until it started to rain on Sunday afternoon when everyone packed up early and went home.  Many thanks to everyone who took part and helped to spread the word about handspinning and weaving.  We all had a good time (I think!), and some of us were quite hoarse from all the talking.  Thank you also to our friends from the Clwyd Guild who came along to help on Sunday - thanks to Gill for the photos.

JuMu's ever popular broom loom. (L-ooooh-m?)

Lizzie from Clwyd Guild with a slightly smaller pegloom.

Sunday's stand full of fascinating things to look at.

AC

Friday at Woodfest Wales

A quiet-ish start to the Woodfest Weekend - hardly a surprise as it was a weekday in term time.  As you might expect, there were a lot of older people and children under school age - and dogs of all shapes and sizes.  In fact, you could rename the event Dogfest.
A steady trickle of people made their way to the Woodcraft marquee, and could hardly miss the Abergele Guild stand right by the door.

As always, people were fascinated by spinning and spinning wheels: by the fact that something as light and fluffy as fleece can be turned into a strong "thread" just by twisting; by the ingenuity of whoever invented the spinning wheel; by the way the thing works with a simple treadle, drive band and braking system.  And, as always, everyone had their own story:  the man who was born in a woollen mill in mid-Wales; the lady who knits for her grandchildren and talks to them on Skype; the two lads (on a school outing?) who knew all about drop spindles - "the Romans used them"; the ladies who always wanted to learn to spin;  the men who remembered their mothers/aunts/grandmothers spinning and knitting many years ago.
Several people were bold enough to have a try at using a drop spindle, with a bit of help.  "Bottom hand pinch, top hand pull, top hand pinch, bottom hand let go and move up to meet top hand, and I'll look after the spindle for you".  Or in the cases of several very tiny children, "You spin the spindle and I'll stretch the wool for you".  In all cases the intrepid spindlers went away with a small length of woad dyed yarn and a sense of achievement.
Bigger crowds are predicted for the weekend, so let's hope the weather remains fine.

AC

Woodfest Wales, 2013

We were at Woodfest Wales for all three days, and had a great time.
Five of us shared the duties over three days, and brought our own hand made textiles, fleece, dyed and spun yarn to enhance the "core" display of spinning and weaving equipment.
The weather was good, and brought out the crowds - most of whom passed through the Education Tent where we had a good pitch which was easy to see and had plenty of room for people to stand and watch.  Lots of interest, lots of intelligent questions (and hardly any silly ones!) and lots of chat.
Adults and children alike were fascinated by the process, although some of them think that the drive band (the bit of string which goes round and round) is the yarn that's being spun.  They don't think that any more, though!
One or two brave souls had a go themselves, and one lady mastered the art of the drop spindle in seconds having struggled at home on her own for years.  People came from far afield, from Mid-Wales to Cheshire and the Wirral, and we dutifully passed on details of their local Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.  We may even have gained some new members ourselves.



The only downside of being so busy at a big show like Woodfest is that we don't really get much chance to look round it ourselves, but most of the usual suspects were assembled including bodgers, chainsaw carvers, pole climbers, ferret handlers, Shire horses, carriages....... makers of furniture, clogs, baskets, mirrors... the list goes on and on.


AC

Sunday 13th. Jan: felted bowls

Our first meeting of 2013 was held in the Memorial Hall in Llanfair, as our usual venue is not open after the flooding in December.  Rosie Smith kindly came all the way from her new home in Snowdonia to show us how to make felted woollen vessels.  Using rovings, or very loosely spun yarn, and big knitting needles, Rosie knits h..u..g..e baggy bags and then felts them in the washing machine at 60 degrees (using a pair of trainers to provide friction, and not forgetting to put the knitting in a bag to avoid clogging up the washing machine with fluff).  The shrinkage is remarkable.  Rosie then stretches the felted bowl over a suitably sized pudding basin and leaves it to dry.  She also showed us how to spin a loose, "lofty" yarn using a modified long draw technique.  Some of us made a good start on a bowl, and others took the instructions away with us to try later.
We had a good opportunity to catch up on each other's news; a new home on a National Trust estate; a grandson off to study with Jamie Oliver; a daughter awaiting the publication of her new, contemporary version of the Canterbury Tales.  And of course, lots of chat about spinning and textiles generally.
Our temporary venue was very satisfactory and felt lovely and warm when we arrived.  However, as the temperature dropped and the snow fell outside we began to feel the chill and crawled away to our burrows before 3o'clock!
Bryn has kindly taken some photographs:

AC

Community First and National Wool Week

We have had a really great afternoon with a group from Conwy Council Community First, in honour of National Wool Week.  A whole minibus full (10 adults plus Jennifer from the Community Development Service who did the organising) arrived to sample spinning and weaving.  As usual, several people took to the craft like ducks to water, and the whole group went away with big smiles - which was very gratifying.  The Guild members had a good time too: thanks to Bryn, June, Pauline and, of course, Fred.  We hope to be able to keep in touch, and, who knows, perhaps we may have some new members in the fulness of time?

Decks cleared and ready for action...

June and audience.

Pauline showing how to thread the yarn

Star pupil (one of several)!

Concentrating on the drop spindle.....

Team photo with genuine Campaign for Wool umbrella.

AC

Woodfest Wales/Gwyl Coed Cymru 2012

Thanks to the hospitality of the Woodturners Association we were able to attend this year's Woodfest despite no longer having a tent!  Thanks also to Rosie for the pictures:     (A.C.)

Success from the jaws of Disaster - Woodfest 2011

We have had a really successful Woodfest, despite the terrible weather.
JM and Alison put the tent up on Friday, arranged the display and went home with the satisfaction of a job well done.  Jenny and Pauline arrived on Saturday morning to find.....no tent.  The northwesterly gales overnight had funnelled straight onto the Woodfest site, and 20-odd tents had been blown down despite the best efforts of the organisers and exhibitors.  Our flimsy gazebo was reduced to a tangle of twisted struts and torn fabric, even with the heroic efforts of our next-door neighbours, who were up most of the night rescuing stuff from the field.  They kindly looked after our display items, and kept them from harm.  The following night saw further wind damage, but didn't appear to put off the punters who flocked into the site for three days.

Thanks to the sterling work of Jenny & Tom, and Pauline and Fred, the Abergele Guild was accommodated in the Woodcraft marquee, where we were pleased to make lots of new friends among the local woodturners and carvers.  They were interested to see working spinning wheels and drop spindles, and we were grateful to be out of the wind and rain, and to have so many visitors of all ages.  I don't think we've ever had so much interest in our stand.  It truly is an ill wind which blows nobody any good.
Of course, we never have enough time to spend on the field itself (probably just as well, as you can also spend some serious money on gorgeous stuff if you're not careful).  There was more wood related stuff than you can possibly imagine; wildlife information & displays; basket making; brilliant local food and cider; mountain biking, chain-sawing, pole climbing; and the usual amazing variety of people and their dogs.  Yvonne and Betty even managed a really good deal on some Romney fleece from the SheepShow man.
So thank you to all involved - Guild members and families, our jewellery neighbours, the Owl people, the Woodcarvers & Turners, and the show organisers.  Here's to next year.

AC

Woodfest Wales 2011

We will be at Woodfest Wales over the next Bank Holiday weekend (May 28th, 29th and 30th.) and look forward to meeting friends and visitors. Last year we had a good time, and reasonable weather although it was a bit cold when the sun went in.  Whether we will be as lucky this year remains to be seen:  after an unseasonably hot and dry April, May has been unseasonably cold and wet.
For more details about Woodfest, click on the link above.
A.C.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 2011

Here are some events you may be interested in attending over the coming months.  Further details are usually available from the relevant organisers:

Wonderwool Wales:  Royal Welsh Showground, nr. Builth Wells. 9th. & 10th. April
http://www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk
Woodfest Wales: Kinmel Park, Abergele. 28th., 29th., 30th. May.
 http://www.woodfestwales.co.uk
Woolfest (Cumbria):    Mitchell's Lakeland Livestock Centre, Cockermouth,  24th., 25th. June. http://www.woolfest.co.uk
All Wales Meeting:  Minerva Centre, Llanidloes. 8th. October

Textiles at Trefriw

A reminder to everyone about the forthcoming Textile Market at Trefriw Woollen Mills on the weekend of December 4th. & 5th. - see also Elaine's post on August 31st.

TEXTILE MARKET

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th December, 2010 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hand made Christmas gifts, plus materials and equipment for textile makers.

Demonstrations on Sunday morning.

Exhibitors include:- Anne Campbell, Wendolyn Docksey, Helen Melvin, Ann Hughes, Serentex, Crafty Ladies, Mandy Coates, Christine Birch, Maggie Oliver.

Trefriw Woollen Mills, Main Road, Trefriw, Conwy Valley, LL27 0NQ.

Tel: 01492 640462 www.t-w-m.co.uk

in the centre of Trefriw on the B5106 between Conwy and Betws-y-Coed

MARCHNAD TECSTILIAU

Dydd Sadwrn y 4ydd a Dydd Sul y 5ed o Rhagfyr, 2010

Anrhegion Nadolig wedi eu gwneud a llaw, a defnyddiau a chyfarpar ar gyfer gwneud tecstiliau.

Arddangosfeydd ar fore dydd Sul.

Gwaith gan:  Anne Campbell, Wendolyn Docksey, Helen Melvin, Ann Hughes, Serentex, Crafty Ladies, Mandy Coates, Christine Birch, Maggie Oliver.

Melinau Wlan Trefriw, Prif Ffordd, Trefriw, Dyffryn Conwy, LL27 0NQ

Ffon 01492 640462 www.t-w-m.co.uk

Yng nghanol Trefriw ar y B5106 rhwng Conwy a Betws-y-Coed

Tel: 01492 640462 Email: info@t-w-m.co.uk Web: t-w-m.co.ukTrefriw Woollen Mills Ltd, Main Road, Trefriw, Conwy Valley, North Wales, LL27 0NQ

Friendship Day, October 2010

Our Friendship Day drew nearly 50 people to Llanfair Talhaiarn, to spin, weave, chat and browse the stalls. Nearby Guilds, Clwyd, Lleyn, Chester, Cheshire (Frodsham), were represented. There were also 14 wheels.

Local sellers, Trefriw Woollen Mill and Fiery Felts, offered craft tools, books, hand dyed wool and dyes. Anvil pottery drew its usual adherents and more. Helen gave a demonstration of solar dyed fabric with an iron solution. So easy, apparently!

Val's bric-à-brac stall for charity did well, as did the books and craft materials table.

Thank you to all our visitors. It was pleasant to meet up with old friends and new. Thanks too to all members who took part. You worked your socks off.

posted on behalf of Bryn.

Abergele WSD at Pensychnant

A day' s workshop on spinning, crocheting and knitting at Pensychnant

Nature Conservation Centre. Led brilliantly by Jenni, Bryn came in

round the edges. A group of 6 students encountered spinning  for the first

time on a variety of wheels. We had a Joy, several Traditionals, a Haldane,

and a castle-style wheel. Thanks to all who lent their wheels. We appreciated

what a wrench it is to part with this favourite piece of equipment – almost like

handing over the family pet. 

However, they have been reherded and will be returned this coming

Wednesday afternoon.  It was more an AGWSD outreach event, but earned

some money for the Guild to put towards our own workshops. Thank you,

Pensychnant for having us, and that lovely log fire.  http://www.pensychnant.co.uk

(by Bryn)

Woodfest Wales, 2010

We spent all three days here, and had a good time.  The weather was mostly fine - in fact, it was very hot indeed on Friday - and the show was packed with people.  Our pitch was in a good position, right by the show ring, and between Anglesey Angora Rabbits & a lady selling chunky woollen jumpers.  The rabbits attracted a lot of attention, particularly from the visiting dogs.
We had lots of visitors, and particularly enjoyed the attention of some very interested children who were keen to find out as much as possible about hand-made yarn.  In between demonstrating (and talking!) we were able to sneak off, wander round the showground and investigate the other stands.  Where to start? there was basket-making & timber-framed building construction; Nature Organisations including the Clwyd Bat Group; low-tech woodworking with pole lathes, cooperage, and woodcarving; working Shire horses and birds of prey; children's theatre and a funfair; a dog show; pole climbing; agricultural trade stands; local choice foods; other crafts........too much to list.

Thanks to all who came to make it such a memorable weekend.