Regency woven wool shawl

This is my latest treasure , an early 19th cent. fine wool shawl with wonderful coloured motifs woven into a cream striped background with a hand knotted silk fringe.
A brilliant piece of costume and highly decorative item.
Not suprisingly for it's age there is damage as can be seen clearly where it is across a double bed.
It is right across the middle where it has worn through however it would still be fine if folded one way and for display the damage could be hidden.

Dorset Spinners

I am now the proud owner of this lovely Apron bearing the magnificiant head of one of the members Rams. I have always admired Ann's ( seen left spinning)
Our Hostess today Mildred who has been weaving for years scurried off to her studio and returned with this one for me, the Guild have their own design now so this is rather special.

Several of our members have their own sheep so spin the most amazing natural coloured fleece although we do have dyeing days ...can't wait for that!
We sorted my rug fringe out which was having a bad hair day,so I have learnt yet another skill today. I am all ready to start another.
I do have another rug project on the go with wonderful rustic wools I have gathered, it is a continuous knitted tube which I found in a pattern for a bag, this was the straps.
It is like French knitting only done on double ended needles and much bigger.I am hoping to make a rug by coiling it in the same way you make a braided rug.....watch this space.
Another spinner has used the idea to bind the edge of a knitted patchwork,very effective

Cornish Birthday break 4 girls and 4 dogs in a boathouse

Lerryn Cornwall is a spot my friend Yvonne fell in love with years ago and visits when she can as she and her friends can take their dogs. The Ship Inn owns a boathouse overlooking the Fowey Estuary. The food at the pub is excellent and it is just five mins.walk Just the place for a girls break to celebrate her birthday.We had great fun.... two of them sing so Mama Mia was a must !
Lots of dog walking up the Estuary ..we were sooo lucky with the weather good food good company ,hoots of laughter no phone signal what more can you ask for a break . Thanks for asking me girls

Rug finished!!

My first attempt at weaving is now off the loom and an object in it's own right.
I like the idea of making a piece of fabric out of left-overs. This would be ideal in a place where you wanted to get your feet off a cold floor as it is really chunky and cosy. I thought it was quite good on a cold bathroom floor ,I am sure a bit of damp would felt it nicely.
I am now attempting my first solo attempt at re stringing my loom ( I am sure there must be a professional term for that) I await the verdict of my friend and tutor Eileen who is an expert.We have a wonderful barter arrangement , fabric and buttons in exchange for tuition, works really well for both of us. Eileen went off with a collection of Japanese fabric and I can't wait to see what she does with those! she was very excited about the designs.
It is great how we all exchange ideas and everything goes a step further and another cycle of inspiration is sparked off.
I have been allowed to join the Upwey Spinners and weavers group after being invited as a guest on occasions, by friends Sara and Eileen.They are a great group and I have learned so much useful information from them.It is a whole day set aside to being creative in a sociable group. My knitting skills are improving no end and they are all wonderful cooks , keen gardeners

and avid readers. So I have something to look forward to tomorrow, this time we are on a farm.