Wonderwool 2018

Probably my most favourite show of the year, it's Wonderwool time again. 
There are many reasons I love going to Wonderwool, partly it's the close distance, there is something very nice about packing up on Sunday evening and being home before it gets dark! It's also an excellently organised show, all the behind the scenes things that you don't necessarily see as a festival attendee are done really well. I also love my big, light, airy stand, and that the aisles are huge making it by far the easiest show to walk around. 

Getting ready for shows is a huge amount of work, but it's the one time I get to see my fibre en-masse, and to talk to people about using it in person. It's an even bigger task than many realise because I keep a completely separate stock of hand dyed fibre for shows, and everything that's sold online is kept at home. 
Now I don't bring everything to shows, but I do try to have a really wide stock of bases, and dyeing styles. Here's what will be on the stand this year-

Corriedale, Yak & Rose 
BFL & Baby Camel 
Romney, Silk & Linen 
Cambrian (BFL x Welsh Mountain, this is local wool) 
Merino & Silk 
Rambouillet 
Superwash Cheviot, Silk & Nylon 
Silk Bricks 
Camel, Seacell, Faux Cashmere 
Silk & Kid Mohair 
Silk, Yak Down & Royal Baby Alpaca


And then there are all the lovely little packs of goodies that are great for Drum carders, Blending boards and felt projects. I've just finished doing some small scale felting for a new product we're bringing this year, and they're great for transforming a very ordinary looking piece of wool in to something really pretty. 

Pin Cushions. 
The base is made from wood supplied by our local timber merchant, Dad turns them on his lathe in the shed at the end of the garden, and polishes them using beeswax polish from our beehives. I made the felt that goes on the top, and then Mum fastens them all together. The stuffing inside is British wool. 

Right, preparations are not complete, next up, going through the stocks of Tussah Silk, and making sure I have enough of all the different shades packed up. 

If you're coming to Wonderwool I shall see you there... looks like being a chilly one. 
My top clothing tip... A hat and pair of fingerless mitts help you feel considerably warmer, and are a lot easier to carry than a thick coat if the weather warms up.