Woolfest!

Today Lizzie and I went to a fantastic fibre event in the English Lake District where we were dazzled by the vast array of gorgeous yarns and fibres, and thoroughly warmed through by the friendliness and laughter of all we met, both old friends and new. I spent much more than I had intended, mostly on books, vintage knitting accessories, and yarn!

The highlight of the day was when we found the Timbertops stall. My spinning wheel is a Timbertops, made in 1980 by James Williamson, maker of all Timbertops wheels until his retirement 3 years ago when it sadly seemed that Timbertops wheels would cease to be made. Luckily in the last year another craftsman, Clive Jones, and his wife Joan, have taken up the gauntlet and are starting production of the wheels up again, guided by James and Ann (James' wife). All four were at the show together today, and I was delighted to be able to chat with them together. I also spent some very magical minutes spinning at a Timbertops Leicester wheel while James span at a Timbertops Beaver beside me. I think we both passed the keen-eyed appraisal of the spinning master, his wife!!

The photo below shows James and Ann at either side of Joan and Clive, with yours truly sat in worshipful adoration beside them!