Wednesday Weaving Workshops are in full flow with masses of baskets being woven by Natalie, Carol, Pat, Sarah M and Sarah P. Who discovered that there is much fun to be had, changing a cardboard box into a basket! We spent one session painting the card with colourful designs and then we wove three different types of sturdy and useful baskets.
For more details visit: basket workshop and join us on the next weaving workshops listed below only £40 for four workshops:
Box loom weaving Wednesday 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th September 2010.
Braiding 6th, 13th & 20th October 2010 (3 workshops £30)
Basket weaving 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th November 2010
Bead weaving 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd December 2010
Rain and Shine
We experienced a monsoon at the Chorlton Park RSPCA festival but we stuck it out and we were rewarded with a wonderful sunny afternoon. Much fun was had with the dog show, the donkeys and the seaside themed events.
Beautiful Baby Booties were produced in a selection of colours and styles. It was lovely to see the transformation as the felt was manipulated and shaped to make the cutest booties ever. Lynne remarked; ‘What a great way to learn a craft and have a baby gift ready for giving’ If you fancy learning how to make booties the next workshop is on 14th November 10.30-1.30, £25. baby booties workshop
On the Radio
On the ever popular Introduction to Felt making workshop we explored ideas of how to decorate felt using textured threads, fleece and fabrics. Participants enjoyed playing with materials and produced beautiful pieces of felt to frame as pictures and make into purses.
Dionne Gbasai from The Eco-Lounge (allfm) 96.9. joined us and recorded the felt making experience.
For smatterings of eco inspired news, guests, chat and events entwined with a varying musical journey of an electro, ambient and soulful nature, take a visit every other Thursday, 9-11pm. To get in touch with Dionne visit www.facebook.com
The next Introduction to Felt making workshop is on 5th September 10.30-1.30, £23. For more details visit: felt workshop
Nuno scarf an original and personal gift
This technique involves making the woollen fleece attach securely to fabric to create a new and highly textural fabric. This scarf making workshop is very popular as such an unusual fabric is produced. One student when asked why she had come back to make another Nuno scarf, replied ‘well it is such good value to have an original and personal gift for someone and have a good time making it as well’. The next Nuno scarf making workshop is on the 7th November 10.30-2.pm, £28.
nuno scarf workshop
Coming up…
Margo Singer has organised the following excellent and informative courses at Union Chapel, Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester.
Exploring history, through fashion & textiles 1400-1900. This is a series of eight Thursday evenings 6-8pm starting on 23rd September. The sessions will explore ruffs and farthingales to the male peacock of Charles 11’s reign, Victorian corsets and 19th century arts and crafts design. Cost: £40 for all 8 sessions.
The age of elegance ~ an illustrated day school on art and fashion. The illustrated talks will include a reconstructed 18th century dress as well as embroidered waistcoats, pockets and stomachers. Saturday August 21st 10.30-3.30pm. Cost £20.
Moor Music Festival
Find Beetle Felt demonstrating spinning, supplying fleece and felt making kits at the Moor Music Festival www.moormusicfestival.co.uk 12th-16th August at Heslaker Farm, Skipton, North Yorkshire. Listed as one of the NME’s Top 30 Festivals to Visit in 2009 and The Observers’s Top Ten Independent Festivals, Moorfest 09 was the best and most beautiful one yet! 2010 aims to top this with more excellent, cutting edge and exciting acts, more quirks, interactivity and art, more of that lush ‘n’ lovely Yorkshire landscape and, quite frankly, more fun than you can shake a stick at.
Festival going Sisters
I just have to share with you the excellent time I had with my three sisters at the WOMAD music festival. It was ‘full on sensory overload’ with the best live music, food and textiles from around the world. I was rather taken by Dan Sultan from Australia and particularly enjoyed his music and style. I recommend you visit http://www.dansultan.com/ and listen to the track ‘Old Fitzroy’ with his new video.
Best wishes and see you soon
Carol and the Beetle Felt Team
beetlefelt@googlemail.com
0161 881 6309 or 0777 240 9308
www.beetlefelt.co.uk
