Knitting and crochet

Last Saturday I attended the Highland Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers knitting and crocheting workshop and learnt to do lobster braid as well as trying spinning from the point on the Great Wheel brought in by Gill of Artisan Threads. I also tried my hand at knitting with giant needles. Yesterday, I attended another knitting and crochet workshop organised by Gill and saw her many fleeces, wools and fibres which she had spun and dyed and all the many items she has produced from them. I came away with many inspiring ideas! (picture shows scarf I produced)At home Gully and Gaucho are settling in well with the rest of the herd.

The Great Feil Maree (1)

The Dingwall Rotary Club organised a one day festival on 5th Sept and our friend John Mckenzie took along his 4 'boys' (Wlliam, Luke, Joel and Jake) in the large trailer. I took samples of fleece, spinning, knitting and a spinning wheel for effect! We also had a display board showing photos of Alpacas, information, advice and where to see Alpacas locally. Our displays created a lot of interest and we made some useful contacts for supply of fleece for spinning and weaving to individuals. We also had some serious enquiries about owning Alpacas and hope to have some follow-up visits to the 'boys'.

The Great Feil Maree (2)

Just to prove that Alpacas don't scare easily, the local pipe band paraded past the boys several times without incident whilst Shetland ponies in a nearby display pen were upset! John had wisely decided to keep the boys penned in the large trailer as this was their first 'outing!' His mother and sister worked hard all day with the boys spending lots of time with children who enjoyed a bit of hand feeding. The festival was very well attended and lots more people know about Alpacas as a result of our displays.