'Sea' Knits knitting group meets again

Every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 4.30pm the knitting group meets in the Gallery at Village Crafts.

Workshops for the New Year 2010

Watch this space!!
Just to test the water and to see how popular they might be we put on four workshops for beginners on 'Spinning and Weaving' during October and November and I am pleased to say that they have been a success.

We now have a group of spinners and weavers who are no longer beginners and who really want to go forward during 2010 and learn lots lots more. They can now take the raw fleece, sort it and then card it and then all have mastered how to spin on a drop spindle.

During the final 2009 workshop session yesterday all those present where able to have a go on a spinning wheel and most were able to spin some yarn - some more presentable than others! but they were first attempts so that was really good - anyone who can spin will know that it is certainly not easy - likened to driving a car - your feet on the pedals and your hands spinning the fleece!

This workshop group will continue and it seems like we will have a full compliment for the alternate Friday afternoons every month. However, we will be launching another series of workshops on some Saturdays from now and also their may be some Wednesday ones as well - so do watch this space if you are interested. Uf you are interested in joining the Friday workshop sessions then let me know and I will put your name on the waiting list.

Just to explain the photos here - the top one shows some beautiful commercially spun alpaca yarn and the other was taken when I visited the mill where I have taken local alpaca fleece for processing in to knitting yarn. This yarn will eventually be put on sale in Village Crafts shop in Perranuthnoe.

Spinning & Weaving for Beginners

I am really very pleased to be presenting our very first Cornish Wools workshops. Currently we have just two planned but more are in the pipeline, two more in November 2009 and then we will start again in the New Year 2010.

The October workshops are as follows

Friday - 2nd October 2009 - 2 half day sessions

10.30am to 12.30pm - Spinning for beginners

1.15pm to 3.15pm - Weaving for beginners

Friday - 23rd October 2009 - 2 half day sessions

10.30am to 12.30pm - Spinning for beginners

1.15pm to 3.15pm - Weaving for beginners

Workshops are to be held in the Church Room - Perranuthnoe

Learn to spin and weave - there are no such words as 'I don't think I will be able to do it' - we are starting from the very beginning with locally farmed sheep fleece from the Roseland Peninsula and from a beautiful flock of Lleyn breed sheep. You will learn how to choose suitable fleece for spinning, looking for long strong fibres which won't break as you spin. Then we will start with a drop spindle, the oldest and most traditional of ways to spin wool. You will be able to make yarn on the drop spindle at the first session and there will also be spinning wheels for you to move on to if you feel confident to have a go. It's easy when you know how, it just for the learning!

Weaving will begin with a simple frame loom, a bit like a picture frame but with a fixed heddle and shuttles for threading the yarn through. You will learn how to warp up the loom and then you will be taught how to make form different patterns and other weaving techniques.

Enjoy discovering either or both of these traditional and useful skills. Emphasis will be placed on individual interests to allow a range of outcomes from production of yarn for knitting or crochet to woven tapestry and fabric. Equipment and materials will be provided and may also be purchased from Cornish Wools.

Tuition is by Carole Grace, a qualified, former college lecturer in art and woven textiles. No previous textile experience is required. Tea and coffee is available but you may wish to bring a packed lunch.

Follow up days to include regular 'workshop' sessions (e.g. knitting, crochet, rug making, natural dyeing and feltmaking are planned to expand the range of textile knowledge and experience.

The following options for booking are available:

Half day £12.50 ~ One day (2 x half day) £20.00 ~ Two days £30

Call in at the Village Crafts shop in Perranuthnoe and book your place or telephone 01736 711808 or email cornishwools@live.co.uk

Please note: Places are limited to 10 persons at any one sessions - so book your place as soon as possible - don't be dissappointed.

Organised by Cornish Wools and Village Crafts of Peranuthnoe