A NEW wool gathering event will take place in Whithorn this summer, the first of its kind in Scotland.
The ‘Eden Wool Gathering’ will be held on July 26 and 27 and the organisers hope to be one of the top wool festivals in the UK.
The aim will be to promote and showcase wool, and wool related crafts, covering the whole process of wool as a product from sheep to finished products.
There will be exhibits of modern and old style hand shearing, skirting and preparation, various types of spinning, weaving, felting and dyeing, as well as displays of various types of knitting and crochet.
Various sheep breeds will be present, while Mark Jones from ‘Cefn Llan Fibre Flock’ will be preparing fleeces from his flock of championship Wensleydale and Teeswater sheep. He will also be hosting lock wash workshops.
Textile artist and felt maker Lena Archbold will give demonstrations and discussions about her work and technique, while Shelley Steele from ‘Felting Crazy’ will be showcasing her felting work and hosting sessions.
Milliner Louise Pocock-Cluley will bring her pieces and Wendy Erskine from ‘Eden Textile Studio’ will show off one of her Viking cloaks, and on the Sunday there will be a fashion show.
In addition, a range of stalls will sell fleeces, yarns, felted rugs, peg looms, wool, hand made wooden drop spindles and felting tools, along with Icelandic yarns.
Children’s activities will also be available for a family fun and educational day for all.
The gathering will be a charitable event, raising money for Stranraer Cancer Drop In Centre.
