Find out more about some of this year’s fantastic exhibitors, and what’s going on at the show.
The Knitting Gift Shop
The Knitting Gift Shop was established 3 years ago by Tricia and Ian Fothergill as an online store based in Crook on the edge of the North Pennines in County Durham. They sell natural wool, knitting gifts, knitting kits, needles and hooks, bags, cases, accessories and notions. All of their natural wool range is made from fleece sourced locally in Weardale and Teesdale which is then spun in Yorkshire.
The varied range of knitting kits are all designed by Tricia and include, cushions, bags, wrist warmers, scarves, brooches and more. Some of the unique products that they sell are their wooden Yarn Servers and Yarn Pals which, like their Ceramic Yarn bowls, are all made locally for them in County Durham. The locally produced ethos continues with their range of knitting and crochet themed gift cards, note pads and even a calendar. Whether looking for a special knitting gift for someone or a treat for yourself The Knitting Gift Shop is worth a look.
Drop-spindling for beginners
Run by Helen Easterbrook, this workshop will run on Saturday at 1.30pm and Sunday at 10.30am.
Subjects covered:
- An introduction to different types of spindles (top/bottom whorl, Turkish and various types of supported spindles)
- An introduction to the different fibre preparations typically found at fibre festivals in the UK
- Getting started spinning singles (including the difference between S and Z twist)
- Basics of plying (including why we ply, how to ply using an Andean plying bracelet, plying on the fly -if time permits!)
- Finishing your yarn.
Students will need to fetch a drop spindle (available to purchase on the day from Turned on The Cut – 10% discount during the event on drop spindles for those taking this class).
100g tops/roving – preferably not anything with a lot of texture eg. nepps/noils in it or pure silk. Merino blends, polwarth or Bluefaced Leicester are ideal.
The cost of the workshop is £15.00, which includes your entry ticket to Bakewell Wool Gathering. Book here for Saturday and here for Sunday
Art-Felt Designs by Nanny Lynn
My name is Lynn Massey and I was born in Toronto, Ontario (Canada), and for as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by pattern, colour and tactile materials.
In the 1980s I studied Embroidery (City and Guilds) and became enchanted with surface texture and the use of dyes in an unpredictable manner!
I put my textile work on hold as in the 1990s I studied for and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Literature and History and completed my Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education; in short in my 40s I became a primary school teacher and have taught in Primary Schools in the Bolton area for the last 18 years.
Now semi-retired and working 2 days for a supply agency I have had the opportunity to return to and develop my skills in felt making, free machine embroidery and mixed media.
Recently I have had opportunities to exhibit and sell my work at major shows including Lyme Park, Bakewell Woolgathering and am looking forward to shows in Pickering, Todmorden, Masham and Kendal. I also regularly attend the monthly craft events in our local Village Hall.
I am passionate about wool and felt making, and love nothing better than to have the opportunity to demonstrate my skills to adults and children alike and show them how an item – be it a 3D vessel/Pod or a jacket- is made from the fleece to the finished piece.
I now spend my time continuing upon my journey to develop my work, including varied pieces of wearable art, fashion accessories, and handbags. My work is produced from my home and I offer tuition and workshops to enable others to share in my love of textiles.
Finally, I just thought I’d say that I have not yet stopped learning new techniques and skills in this wondrous medium… how I wish there were more hours in a day
Exhibitors, if you’d like to order some flyers to hand out or you’d like to appear in the next newsletter, please get in touch!