Weaving at the Three Counties Show

Grey skies and drizzle threatened to dampen our spirits at the Three Counties Show last weekend (June 14-16), but the alpaca tent offered a welcome retreat from the rain and mud. Several of us from the Worcestershire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers had volunteered to demonstrate weaving and spinning for the West Shires Alpaca Group, showing the beauty and versatility of alpaca fibre. Groups of schoolchildren enjoyed meeting the alpacas, and were fascinated by the spinning wheels and looms – with several taking the plunge to have a go themselves. The West Shires Alpaca Group had generously supported a craft exhibition of items made from UK sourced alpaca fibre, with 50 or so entries including handspun yarn, crocheted and knitted shawls, gloves, hats and jumpers, handwoven textiles, felted berets and baby boots, and needle felted animals. It was wonderful to see such a wide range of items, with many making use of the lovely natural alpaca colours…..

(from top, woven items Caroline Oakes, Anne Cheston and Jane Stockley; handhandspun yarn Julia Berry, and handknitted/crocheted items Chrissie Harris, Julia Berry and Amy Campbell)

..and I was thrilled to receive some rosettes for my handwoven scarves and cushion!