The scorching August Bank holiday has been and gone, children are returning to school and house martins have flown away. Not all doom and gloom though – plenty to look forward to in Cilycwm. It’s time for cows to calve and now that hedges are being cut you can view the scenery and take in the mountains in all their glory
Here, close to the market town of Llandovery, we’re on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, often overlooked in favour of the Brecon Beacons, but equally as dramatic and nothing like as busy! Sources of the Wye and Severn (two of Britain’s longest rivers) start in the Cambrian mountains and Twm Sion Cati (Wales’ very own Robin Hood) used to hide out in in the craggy rocks of Dinas, just a few miles away from my cottage studio.
Any time is the perfect time to visit the Upper Tywi Valley for walking, relaxing and trying a new craft. Why not join me for a day’s felt-making workshop as part of your autumn weekend break? Stay with Cambrian Escapes (www.cambrianescapes.co.uk), within walking distance of my studio, or take advantage of the variety of hotels in Llandovery, a short car ride away.
My exhibition at the Heritage Centre in Llanwrytd Wells is now over. Also situated within the Cambrian Mountains, Llanwrtyd Wells is Britain’s smallest town and home to many quirky events such as the internationally famous ‘Bog Snorkelling’ and Man Vs Horse.
Later in September (weekend of 21st and 22nd to be exact) I will have a stand at the Llandovery Sheep Festival (www.llandoverysheepfestival.co.uk), celebrating all things ‘sheepish’ in this old Drovers’ town. I will have Fabulous Felted items for sale including sustainable sheep curl throws and jewel coloured nuno wraps and drapes. I will also explain how wet felting differs from needle felting and tempt you to take up a full-day workshop on a day to suit you and your friends.
Felt-making workshops in my studio make the perfect gift for friends and family – only recently I held a workshop for such a day – three sisters and their mother celebrated a family a birthday during which we were lucky enough to have lunch by the river.
Please remember – if you haven’t had the chance to visit me, my Fabulous Feltings can be seen on my website (www.fabulousfeltings.co.uk) and I am more than happy to collaborate to make something special just for you.
Just one more thing …. If you were wondering what’s happening the ‘Experience India’ trip next spring…. It’s fully booked up and we’ll be ‘doing’ the golden triangle, staying in a palace, experiencing Holi, block-printing, cooking and a bit of relaxing in Kerala….
Let’s have an Indian Summer in the meantime!