Well, the kids are back in school/college and I'm trying to get back into a routine (....). It has been a very busy summer, with craft fairs and keeping ontop of orders. I've met lots of lovely people who love fibres etc. as much as i do and also some who are getting into crafting. I've done a "Medieval Day" in the village which I enjoyed, even though I got soaked. I've already booked my spot for next year, along with the xmas fair that will be in the same place.

I'm planning on doing some workshops in the village aswell, during the half term holidays.

I've been busy dying fleece with natural dyes - some success', some not so good results (but I dyed them with chemical dyes). There were lots of complaints about the "awful" smell in the kitchen. Hence it was only done when I was home alone. Also I've actually managed to get a bit of weaving done, cushions and a rug or two. The photos are here to prove it. I haven't taken pictures of the dyed fleece as yet, but I will get there.

Bye for now as it's dinner time and I'm starting to feel hungry.

Well its 27 April and we have been to the hospital for my daughter-in-laws first scan ----we're going to be grand-parents again sometime in November.
I'm definitely getting more adventurous as I am now helping to organise a craft fair and we are hoping it will become a regular event. I'm getting my spinning wheel back out this weekend to start spinning, then I'm planning on spinning a load of fleece to make p into rugs etc. The next thing on my list is too start dyeing the fleece, I'm busy sourcing plants for dyes etc. I have a very large bvag of onion skins ready and waiting, I just have to find a large saucepan to dye in. No-one seems very keen on me using the kitchen saucepans, I wonder why???????
I have some fleece coming as soon as the sheep get sheared and then the garden will look like a flock have gathered there. Just got to get everything dry, hope for sunny weather for me.
Off now to warp up a loom.
Happy woolly thoughts,
Sarah

Craft Fairs

Well, the two craft fairs have been and gone - they were a defintie learning experience and one I will willingly continue to increase.
The one on the Saturday was the first one I have ever participated in and it was really interesting. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, the lady who had organised the whole thing told me the best ways to display my looms, rugs, cushions etc. and also where to sit - not behind your table/display as it puts people off. Have tiers to your display as it is easier on the eye. I sold some looms and rugs on the Saturday and fely pleased with the day.
On the Monday I had a table at my second craft fair, this time I took the advice I was given and it really did make a better day alround. The table display looked much better also. Again I sold some looms and some rugs, cushions.
The best aprt of both days was helping the children to have a go at weaving, the looks on their faces was greaqt and they all enjoyed themselves.
I've been asked to do workshops as a result and am looking forward to them, for both adults and children. Also lots of people said how they had seen their grandmother/mother making rugs in similar ways.
If you're asked to get involved in a craft fair, go for it, it was a great experience for me and it could be for you too.
bye for now and happy weaving, spinning, knitting etc

The flu has gone !!!!!!!!

The flu took ages to clear but now it's gone :). I'm busy trying to get alsorts done but not seeming to get much finished.
Apparently the craft fair at Rhosygilwen was not very good at all, my friend was really dissapointed - it was her first fair. All the other people who had stalls were really friendly and helpful. She said that they gave her loads of encouragement and told her not to be down-hearted, and that the next one she did would be better.
I'm now going to be at 2 crafts fairs, both in the village (St. Dogamaels). One is called a "Green Fair" and that is in the local village hall, the second one is at the local abbey and my friend will be there also. Apparently they will be having "peg loom demonstrations", but we don't know who's doing them..................................let's wait and see.
We're hoping the weather stays nice, I'm busy making things for the 2 days, cushions, rugs etc. My friend - another Sarah - makes lovely hand bags using a very fine gauge peg loom that we made for her. I'll have to get some piccies to show you.
off now to finish the rug I'm on and to start the cushion/s to match.
Happy weaving everyone.

At home in bed....

Well, today, in fact this weekend has not gone to plan at all, the dreaded flu is back. I have been coughing and blowing my nose all weekend, so much so that I spent most of the weekend in bed. I feel really ahrd done by as I didn't get to the Spinners, Weavers & Dyers guild meeting or the craft day at Rhos Y Gilwen. The weather has been lovely and perfect for loads of things but nothing has been done at all. I'm working on another cushion cover for the craft fair at easter and have a rug planned out in my head. We've been busy working on the web site, but I'm not much good with computers dh is doing all the hard work, I just do the writing and crafty stuff :). I'm off now to make another lemsip and tomorrow I'm ging to get intouch with a friend of mine who had a stall at Rhos Y Gilwen, so she should be able to tell me how the day went, then I can pass it onto you.
Night, night, dream about fibres, and knitting and....................................

Raining again

Well we were supposed to be going to "Devils' Bridge" today for Abi to take some photos etc. but Rob was ill in the night so we are home. Nothing ever seems to go to plan - in more ways than one.
I was asked to make someone a rug, couldn't get the right colours, but we got there in the end. Ifinished it and found it wasn't quite long enough......so I did a row of single double crochet row along both ends (does that make sense). And then I wasn't happy with the back so I ended up backing it. I was quite glad to finish it, and I even quite liked it at the end. I haven't had chance to do any more weaving as yet, with making the looms etc. and everything else that goes with it I'm finding it hard to find time for anything else. BUT I have been knitting, sari silk hats and a lovely black swing jacket. Am now working on a black, grey, white mix one the same - it is so comfortable to wear and easy to knit.
The looms are growing again, we have just made one that was OVER 2 mt long and the lady in question may even want one longer again. She is making scarves outs of fleece tops and then felting them....I can't wait to see the finished item.
We are trying to get ahead and build up a stock again, but it never seems to happen - a 2.5 yr old little boy (who is soooo cute) seems to be able to stop everything :). I want to knot him something next, but he keeps growing so quickly when I start I will have to finish it really quickly. Hi is now in ysgol feithrin and loves.
I've been asked to do a craft day with a group of guides and weaving/knitting is the order of the day. The girls love anything you offer them so I'm looking forward to a very crafty day.
Next week I'm planning on going to Rhos-Y-Gilwen (near Cilgerran) for their Lazy Sunday Market, but this time they have craft demos and have a go tables - could be fun.
Right I'm off and will fill you in shortly on the Sunday craft day.
The photo is of the rug I made for Monica.

It's February, loads to do

Well hello to everyone, I've been really remiss with this blog and feel bad about it. Things have really been nusy this end and fun aswell. Loads of people are getting into crafting and looming in particular. There is even a group now going in my local village, all looming or doing some textile based craft. I'm busy knitting recycled sari silk and love it. Also I've been commissioned to make a rug - I will let you know when I get more details. The looms have grown and we now make a 50inch one and it makes lovely underblankets for double beds................
Well I'm off now as it is way past my bed time.
There will be more photos coming aswell.
good night all