...........Wonderwool Wales 20131!

Last weekend we ventured over the border into the Welsh town of Builth Wells for two reasons. Firstly we wanted to test out our campervan Ratty before our big road trip to the Scottish Highlands at the end of May. Secondly it was our annual jaunt, together with my Mum and my Sister Sandra, to Wonderwool Wales. It was our fourth time back this year.  

Toby and Tom about to go off on their hill walk.

Ratty in our little campsite.

On the Saturday morning Tom walked me to the Royal Welsh Showground to meet my Mum and Sandra and we had a bit of a stroll through Builth Wells town centre. I had to take a snap of this mural on the side of a shop. Love the sleeping welsh dragon!

Now on to all the fun of the fair. Wonderwool wales is all inside and it three large barns full of stalls and exhibits on everything to do with, obviously, wool. 

Knitted display. Love the knitted deckchair and little birds on the table.

Knitted flowers from the same display.

Amazing needle felted Viking!

Felted dress.

Amazing felt products made by my felt artist idol Jenny Pepper. Stunning creations!

Loved this idea! Cute little handknitted jumpers make up their  company sign.

This was a great stall selling Scottish Tweed in stunning colours.

A good time was had by all and as usual I bought too much but it's so hard when you're lost in the haze of all that lanolin. 

One of the best things about Wonderwool is finding new things. These are my new discoveries for 2013. I've never seen Seaweed Tops and this Ramie is made from stinging nettles. Perfect for feltmaking.

 

I'm not a big knitter, basically only being able to manage scarves and squares, so my sister convinced me that if I can do simple knit and purl stitches then I can knit a hat. I found this perfect vintage hat pattern and like the fact it comes with three different hat styles. I also fell in love with these pencils made from tree branches.

  

Australian Felt Magazine

One of my favourite purchases was this tapestry loom kit in it's own cotton tote bag. 

  

It comes complete with handmade frame, made from hardwood, together with two shuttles, the warp and instructions. Can't wait to have a play! Might have to use the Welsh countryside as inspiration for a nice hilly scene to practice with.

These oak leaf vintage buttons and wooden crochet hooks soon followed suit into my shopping bags.

It was a tiring but fun filled day and it was lovely to get back to Ratty and have time to enjoy this stunning view out of the boot before the sun disappeared. 

Definitely same time, same place next year!