Sunday 28 June 2015

Hats off to Jeanette and Alison!

Wow! Look at the amazing work from our Third residential workshop, on the North coast! Jeanette Sendler and Alison Mountain were fabulous tutors, very generous with their time and knowledge. They gave great demonstrations on techniques, and spent time with each individual!
 They had brought with them a great selection of samples to inspire us, this also allowed us to see what style suited each person best!
As you can see from the photos it was a very relaxed and fun filled week end!
Jeanette and Alison demonstrating! The two days gave ample time to enjoy the learning process without feeling rushed or under pressure!On the second day there was a sewing bee corner where the hats were embellished!

 Everyone enjoyed The Portballintrae Village Hall as it is so light and airy, and of course has the most amazing view of the sea!

To end I am just going to include a few of the comments from the evaluation sheets.
"This workshop will be the  highlight of the year, lovely location and excellent facilities and catering. Feltmakers North workshops are great, so well organised! Thank you."

"This was an inspiring workshop suitable for all abilities and personalities, would highly recommend the teachers and any further Feltmakers North workshops!!"

My thanks to Ann Mc Cullough for the photos!

I hope you all have a lovely summer, keep checking the blog for updates and news of up and coming workshops and felt ins! Also if you would like to buy ballot tickets for our friendship blankets you can contact me on email feltmakersnorth@gmail.com all monies are going to The Simon Community which is a charity that helps the homeless.
Think this photo sums up the school holidays when all the kids are off school! Good times! 

Fiona Harvey 

Saturday 20 June 2015

Summer Felt In

. The morning was related to our exhibition being held in September, at The Island Arts Centre, Lisburn. Raffle tickets were issued to sell for our felted blankets to raise money for the Simon Community!
During the last few months members have contributed squares of felt which they have made, these were then sewn together to form a blanket. The draw for the ballot will be held on the opening night of our exhibition. the blankets are a riot of colour and texture and will be on show at the exhibition!

There was a show and tell when the ladies who took part in our recent Residential hat workshop in Portballintrae, showed their amazing hats!
I think you will agree they all look fantastic (more about workshop to follow)
The ladies had the opportunity to use our carder!

It was a great morning and everyone went away inspired to make great items for our exhibition! Keep an eye on the blog as there will be another post soon about our residential Hat  workshop with Jeannette Sendler! If anyone would like a raffle ticket they can email me tickets are £1 each and all monies go to The Simon Community, which is a very worthwhile cause that supports homeless people in N Ireland!

Keep felting and enjoy the summer. Our next workshop is on 31st July with Nancy Ballestros, which is so exciting! As we will be using all Nancy's lovely wools and silks which she dyes herself, the workshop was sold out straight away, so sorry there are no places left!
Our monthly Felt ins Resume in September so keep checking our workshop page for updates, so you don't miss out!
I couldnt sign off without a sheep photo so her e it is! Hope you all have a colourful and fun summer!
Barbara Finlay and Fiona Harvey.