There was an Autumnal feel in the air as we headed East for yesterday's hare workshop  at Quirky Workshops . There was a fresh breeze the leaves on the trees are starting to change colour  and the air was full of fine drizzle , the deceptive kind that wets you . There were breaks in the cloud where shafts of light broke through illuminating the fells . When we arrived at the village , the sun was lighting up Greystoke Castle against a backdrop of blue/grey clouds with a bright rainbow arching over the scene . We managed to avoid the showers while we unload the car and prepared the coffee for when people started arriving .
I'd like to thank everyone for  their input yesterday & making it such an enjoyable day yet again , as I may have said before , I thoroughly enjoy  the workshops and meeting so many  different people  . Time, and leisure time in particular is a precious commodity , and It's an honour when people choose to spend a day of that time at the workshop felting . This is why I always like to make sure we've done as much as we can in preparation  so that it is as  enjoyable as it can be, and goes as smoothly as possible .  It's so satisfying at the end of the day to see the splendid results from people who have limited experience in needle felting , and in many cases no previous experience at all . Whether it's the Herdwick doorstops , hares , owls or anything else , and yesterday was no  exception , all the hares were superb ! Well made and with their own character and "expressions" as they should do in my opinion . See for yourself on the  Workshop Photo page Well done everyone !

I learn so much from the classes myself , through talking to you all and seeing for myself where I can improve things  like equipment and my own methods  For example , broken needles are a fact of life , but through investing in different holders which are not only more of a pleasure to use , but I have been able to reduce the amount of needles broken noticeably , after all you want to spend your valuable time felting , not changing  needles  . Also It was nice to hear  yesterday from someone who'd been on a previous hare class that one of the changes I made to the preparation was an improvement , so thank you again .
The next workshop is on Saturday 15th September , so that's next Saturday at Fobbles over in the Far West of the county at Holmrook  where we'll be making owls . Look forward to seeing you there ... It will be a HOOT . guaranteed !

 As well as all the preparations for the  workshops which will be taking place over the coming weeks , we're gradually working our way through items which have been ordered, it has been so busy but we now have some packed ready to deliver , then I shall be starting on stock for the  galleries  and finishing off the orders.

I've received some very nice , encouraging messages and cards from people who have enjoyed their day at my workshops over the last few months . Thank you all very much ! It's  brilliant to know that you have left with the confidence & enthusiasm to continue your needle felting and are making things , which is the purpose of my workshops .
A  fine example is the email I received recently from Helen, Hammond who was at one of the hare workshops . Helen also purchased some equipment and materials from me and set about creating another hare whilst on holiday . The end result was "Zelda" who ended up being exhibited at her local village show and winning  first prize !  Well done , and have fun with the raw fleece  you've acquired Helen !
I am now looking forward to this Sunday's workshop which is at Greystoke once again , and meeting  all those who are attending ... It's going to be fun !