Saturday 22 May 2010

Unique Cottage Studios


Did you have a good day today?  We had a glorious summer's day here in Lincolnshire and I spent a very pleasant leisurely day at a local craft studios that were having a Sheep Day.  Unique Cottage Studios are in converted farm buildings on the outskirts of Spalding in Lincolnshire and the day was full of all things sheep.  There were demonstrations of felting, spinning, weaving and dyeing and you could try your hand at all these crafts.  In addition a stained glass studio was open for you to make your own sheep in stained glass.  


The day was well attended and the weaving/spinning/felting tent kept busy as did the girls from Expedition Quilt Art group who were demonstrating dyeing wool with acid dyes.  Unfortunately I was so busy talking to  Angela, Tina and Trudi that I forgot to take any photos!  I also didn't manage to photograph Wendy  who very kindly took me in her lovely air-conditioned car and who has blogged about the day too.

 
Obviously, the stars of the day were the sheep, some of whom suffered the indignity of being shorn.  I don't know which breed this handsome specimen is but she has a lovely face.  Some of the fleeces were brought straight across to the dyeing shed for display:


I couldn't help but laugh at the poor fleece above whose origins were unknown.


Memories of the original farmyard were still around in the shape of this gorgeous cockerel.  I absolutley love the cockerel's head!


So, can you guess what this is?  My DH had 6 or 7 goes and still couldn't get it.  It was the sun shining through a beautiful plum coloured dish onto the concrete below.  Amazing what you notice when you're sitting in the sun chatting.

The bonus of going to the Sheep Day is that I am hopefully going to have a go at stained glass and Wendy and I are going to start going to the monthly textile group that meets at the studios.  It consists of spinners, weavers, embroiderers, dyers and quilters, not to mention art quilters so there will be a great chance to exchange ideas and inspiration.  I can't wait!

Have a lovely Sunday whatever you are doing and whatever the weather in your part of the world.

7 comments:

ju-north said...

I once did a stained glass workshop - you will love it! You certainly had a great day out!

Ro Bruhn said...

Ohhh the nostalgia Julie. I was born in Boston but spent the first nine years of my life on the outskirts of Spalding before coming with my parents to Australia. I love seeing where my roots are. My aunt was probably there as she's an avid crafter.

carole brungar said...

Looks like the perfect setting for a relaxing day. Ah, the sun! I remember that! LOL It's the middle of winter here. Love the sheep too!

Fenland Textile Studio said...

It was a great day wasn't it. I love the clours through the bowl. Was that the one sitting on the table? See you in Spalding soon

Angela

sweetypie said...

didnt we have a nice day and did we all photograph the same cross looking sheep?

JP said...

looks like a great day even if it was a bit hot!!!!!

Unknown said...

sounds like heaven! The day, and the group you can go to as well. That sheep looks a bit like a Texel.