|
The sun was shining as we approached Skipton yesterday. I had my ticket for Yarndale and Richard had a walk planned to fill in his time. There was already a queue of eager crafters waiting outside the Auction mart, at this event you are allocated a time of entry, mine was 11am. Walking in you were greeted with crocheted buntings and the famous Yarndale knitted sheep. Click on pictures to enlarge I was on the hunt for anything needle felting but was distracted many times by the lovely stalls, there was so much colour but also the chance to feel the wool, like another lady commented to me it's very tactile and so nice to touch. There was so much yarn for knitting and crochet, needle felting - I did find a couple of my favourite suppliers and a few new (for me that is) Adelaide Walker who supplies everything for the felter and spinner, they have so much choice, I stopped to say hi. Also The Threshing Barn, I cannot pass their stall without a purchasing wool. The Makers were also there, I find are very handy for supplies including wire and tools. I stopped at Annie Brown Needle Felting ,drawn in by her beautiful work on display and very cute felted characters, after chatting to Annie I learned that she also teaches workshops as well has having her own sheep, I couldn't resist her handmade cards pictured below. Amy Collin Farm to Fibre had some lovely locks, she is based in the Peak district, I bought Leicester Longwool and Jacob, very soft ! I like these for my Nativity kits and Owls. I also purchased a hand felted broach on a card (gift for friend) from Felt by Bridget her felted hats are quite amazing! A fab day out, a bonus is the Farm shop literally next door so I was able to visit that too before heading home.  It is starting to feel Autumnal, the beautiful scent of sweet peas have gone from the garden, the beans are in full production and the young winter veg seedlings have been planted out. It is also time to prepare the autumn classes, I am looking forward to visiting Masham again. The first workshop is hares taking place later this month, followed by another hare and Herdwick in October, the last one is foxes in November. Next year sees a big change for me, I haven't any pre arranged workshops for 2024, it wasn't an easy decision , but it will be difficult to plan too far in advance due to more family commitments which have arisen in recent months, and to cancel a workshop , possibly at short notice is something I'd not like to happen .Classes that have to be rearranged create problems for the venues and also the inconvenience to the people attending , who I know on occasions have fitted the class into their break/holiday or have booked over night accommodation locally. I am of course continuing to run the Etsy shop and hoping I have time to create some more felted sculptures myself , which is exciting, and possibly start putting the occasional pieces of work in the Gallery more often . I've had a planned workshop schedule for so many years now and it will be strange next year, because I always really look forward to and enjoy the visits to Greysoke , Masham , and for the last couple of years at Shirley's near York in the village of Fangfoss. There have of course , been the other lovely venues both locally and not so local where I've been invited in the past , but above all I've enjoyed the company of all the wonderful people who have made the days so enjoyable and fun! Thank you all so much for your support . However ! There may be a chance of a "pop up" workshop at short notice , if possible , and if it fits into schedules, in which case you will be duly informed . As we all know when we get older, the most precious commodity is time, which is finite , and has to be wisely spent and shared when you can . We have been trying to spend as much time with our family which includes elderly parents, daughter and Grandson who lives about four hours drive away and we try to see as often as we can, they grow up so quickly which we are discovering as Grandparents. Richard and I still like to get out walking in the local fells as Autumn is nearly upon us it's a wonderful time to be outdoors, we have recently made the effort to get out more often and are feeling the benefits. Back to the needle felting . It does not seem to matter how many years you spend at the craft , there are always some new ideas . Whether it be kits or other projects , I have endless ideas I'd like to put into practice , and this Winter should be an ideal time to get stuck in . I will of course keep you informed of what I've been up to . Richard is still doing his fantastic cushions , but his time has been a little curtailed recently too , we haven't even had chance to drop into Viridian Gallery at Keswick lately either , but we'd like to get something in there soon . The Etsy shop has a new addition which is the complete Nativity scene so that you may if you wish buy the figures and animals in one box set which will save a few pounds , they are of course also available separately. I am looking forward to the pictures of nativity building I can hopefully share again on the run up to Christmas. Yarndale takes place this month, I have my ticket! it will be a fab day out to Skipton, I believe the event gets busy, I was advised to buy the ticket in advance as there are time slots to enter, there still seems to be slots available on both days. Maybe I shall see you this autumn at one of the upcoming workshops, if not I do hope you can make time to enjoy your needle felting at home, sat beside a cosy fire, what will you create this Autumn and winter? All the Very best,  |
