Diary of a Spinner - May 2011

At last the long dark nights knitting by the wood burner are gone. The lambs are in the fields and the shearer is busy. I wonder if the fleeces will be as stunning as they were last year. I always use local fleeces when I can. The farmers get such a poor price for their wool and are always pleased to have them used by a neighbourhood spinner.

I hope we are in for some sunny breezy days because I will soon be up to my armpits washing fleece (not my favourite job!) and if the weather isn’t kind it is a nightmare trying to get them dry. But it is satisfying to see the bags of fleece hanging in the shed ready for the next year of spinning, dyeing and knitting.

The dye stuffs are growing so soon my pots will be bubbling away. Gorse, nettles, bracken and fern are all excellent dyes that I use in the early summer. I like to get plenty of fleeces dyed ready to blend the colours as I get the inspiration.

You can see the results of my labours at fairs with the Speyside Artisans. Or perhaps you will join one of my informal workshops at my cottage on the Speyside Way.
For details visit Ewe Can Too

Gordon Castle Highland Games

Speyside Artisans attended the Gordon Castle Highland Games on Sunday 22 May - the first Games since the 1930's. It was a great first event in over 75 years and we were pleasantly surprised as to how well the event was supported. The turnout was fantastic.

The Pipe Band gave a great performance too, along with the usual; Tug O War, Highland Dancing, Heavy Weight etc.We had our new outdoor banner on show too (above).

The weather proved a little too much for our gazebos though and they started to take off! I walked around the show and noticed everyone that had a gazebo were hanging on for dear life. They were gale force winds! Unfortunately we had to pack up early (as did most gazebos), due to the heavy wind, but it was a good day. Roll on next year!

Speyside Artisans

Exhibition at Glenfiddich Distillery

Speyside Artisans had a good start to the art and craft exhibition at Glenfiddich Distillery. The Distillery are so accommodating and helpful too. We had a good variety of visitors from locals to those from afar; USA, New Zealand, India, Switzerland and more. We have received good positive feedback from them too from looking through our visitors book.

Sally Williams of Ewe Can Too has been busy spinning away, giving visitors the opportunity to 'have a go'. She makes the most wonderful hand spun, hand dyed wools - so colourful.

Gary Lowe, our wood turner has been demonstrating his craft - as you can see above, he has had an enthusiastic audience. People are enjoying the demonstrations.

Sally offers workshop in the traditional craft of spinning too - one visitor expressing their interest in participating in a workshop.

The exhibition finishes today, but we have had a wonderful time at Glenfiddich Distillery. Our thanks goes to the wonderful friendly staff.

Speyside Artisans

Gordon Castle Highland Games

Speyside Artisans will be displaying their work at the Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair on Sunday 22 May, 11am - 5pm.

Gordon Castle once hosted highland games, but that was in the 1930's and was one of the most prestigious events in the calender. Why it stopped, I don't know, but they have decided to resurrect it this year.

There will be the usual heavy weight competitions as well as highland dance, piping and tug o war. As it is a country fair, there will also be archery, clay pigeon shooting and not forgetting fishing - being situated on the River Spey, a perfect location. Lots of children activities, trade stalls, entertainment and refreshments - a great family day out.

Come along for a fun packed day. Why not have a go at spinning, Sally is always happy to answer all your questions about this traditional craft. She is an excellent spinner and prepares/dyes her own wool.

Here's hoping for good weather.

Speyside Artisans

Easter with the Speyside Artisans

The Speyside Artisans will be taking over the Masonic Hall in Aberlour this Easter. There will be 11 Artisans on show and demonstrating their craft.

Your chance to have a go at spinning, pottery, even find out your traditional tartan.

Open Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm. Free admission.

Speyside Artisans xx

Grampian Transport Museum & Arena Concert

The Artisans will be displaying their work at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford this Saturday, 21 August. There will be arts and crafts from all over Scotland attending the Arena from 1pm, followed by music - Clachan Yell, Willie G Trio, The Brothers Reid and special guest appearance from Sandi Thom.

It sounds like a hoot, so come along and enjoy all the arts and crafts as well as great music.

Artisans Busy at Work - Aberlour

There have been a good few people visiting the Artisans at the Scout Hall in Aberlour. Among the visitors we have seen Americans, Swedish, Irish and Belgians, as well as local folk. I was told that the Americans have been loving the Clootie Dumpling, made by Joy Mann of Twisted Kilts.

The display boards showing photographic images of Speyside and Integlio Prints:

Joy of Twisted Kilts have been entertaining visitors with her clan research - if you want to know what your tartan is, she can look it up on her laptop.

Speyside Artisans will be back at the Scout Hall in Aberlour this Thursday 5th - Saturday 7th August, opening at 12pm-7pm on Thursday and 10am - 4pm Friday and Saturday. This is your last chance to see some of the Artisans at work, as it is the last weekend in Aberlour.

Free admission and homebakes.