Postcard from Wonderwool Wales

Wish you were here! And that's not just a polite customary greeting - I know you'd be loving every minute, as I am.

Demonstrations include spinning, felting, carding, weaving, dyeing and of course knitting and crochet. This steampunk-looking vintage hands-free pedal loom brought along by the National Wool Museum attracts a crowd every time it clacks into life. 

Various associations and guilds are displaying some masterful work.

The selection of food is wide - hot, cold and green (that's solar-cooked) and includes some very special stuff - artisan ice-cream, award-winning cider and yes, the famous scotch egg man.

It's fun to take the weight off for a bit, spend some time on the current WIP and people-watch. I met this lady improvising a crocheted fish hat...

Petting opportunities are provided by several angora rabbits (his one is from Bigwigs Angoras) and plenty of fleece still on the hoof.

The highight of my day so far has been meeting Ruth of Rock n Purl. I worked so hard in the week before the show to finish my Twinkle Twinkle without knowing that its designer would be exhibiting! She seemed pleased to see my finished cardi, and I've bought the pattern for this warm cardi, 'Glacial'.

Also a lovely surprise to spot the decorated Ashford Kiwi, Freya and her current owner, Helen of Nelly & Eve. The wheel has a history and passed through my own hands at one point.

Showcasing designs from the exhibitors is the Sheep Walk - garments beautifully modelled on the catwalk by volunteers. There is much sashaying and twirling - especially from the gentlemen models.  

All this under the cover of two huge halls and a temperature more comfortable than last year!

The time has slipped away unnoticed, the sign of a most enjoyable day.

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