Working with Wool – Lucet

Kiri Cottage Working with Wool October 1

Over the last couple of weeks I have run the first two in a series of 10 ‘Working with Wool’ craft workshops for Ards and North Down Borough Council on 24 September and 1 October.

We used a lucet to create a woollen braid at the first workshop and then stitched the braid into a placemat at the second one.

Working with Wool – Week 3

Working with Wool Kiri Cottage 2

This was Week 3 of Ards and North Down’s ‘Working with Wool’ program. This week it was about weaving paper plate flowers.

Well done ladies on the creativity, energy and craic that are so evident in the finished flowers!

Castle Espie

Kiri Cottage On The Wheel Teal

Today I spent  a peaceful morning at Castle Espie with Inspiring Yarns demonstrating spinning to visitors.

There were lots of the other interesting crafts to watch and ‘have a go’ at, and plenty of craft supplies and various kits to buy.

Kiri Cottage Craft Club 08th October 2024

Kiri Cottage Craft Club 08 October 2024 1

We had really good fun at craft club this morning. Karen has finished her beautiful crochet blanket, all bar sewing in a few ends; Sharon is progressing with her weaving project and Jane with her embroidery; and Margaret and Miriam are knitting hats and jumpers.

I did a sample woven paper plate for my class at Ards Arts centre this evening.

Kiri Cottage Craft Club Dates

Kiri Cottage Preparation for American Visitors 5

Here are the proposed dates for Kiri Cottage Craft Club during October, November and December:

24/09/24
8/10/24
15/10/24
5/11/24 – Tropics skincare pamper party
19/11/24
3/12/24
17/12/24
31/12/24

Farm to Fabric at Glenside Farm

Farm to Fabric Kirin Cottage 1

I was delighted this morning to have been part of the first stage of a 13 month project run by Inspiring Yarns and Glenside Farm social enterprises ‘Farm to Fabric ‘ project.

15 lovely people came along this morning to learn the first step in processing raw fleece on its journey towards the finished product – how to skirt and wash it. Complete with large trugs, water, detergent and optional disposable gloves, within 3 hours 5 fleeces – blue texel and Suffolk – had gone through this initial step, and laid out to dry.

The next step will take place on 2 November which will look at how to card or comb the washed fleece, ready to spin.

Kiri Cottage Craft Club 27th August 2024

Kiri Cottage Fairy Bells August 2024 2

We made fairy bell charms at Craft Club this morning. I love seeing all the different ideas coming from one group!

This is a lovely workshop to run. Everyone can use their imagination about colours, fabrics, and charms, bells and beads and we definitely always have great craic!

August Soda Bread at Cockle Row Cottages

Kiri Cottage Cockle Row August 2024 1

This was my view from my ‘office’ today! I was baking soda bread on the griddle at Cockle Row Cottages again. I love my visits here and really enjoy the atmosphere in Groomsport and look forward to visiting.

Kiri Cottage Craft Club 13th August 2024

Kiri Cottage Crafts Club Karen's Blanket

There was a great variety of projects on the go this morning at the craft club. We had Karen’s fabulous crocheted blanket, complete all bar the pom-poms, card making, knitting squares for charity blankets and spinning.