The National Wool Museum at Drefach Felindre, near Llandysul has prepared a programme of events during October to celebrate British Wool Month.
Whether you would like to discover the story of a remarkable blanket from the museum collection, learn more about wool and sustainability, try your hand at spinning, browse a wool market, or join the Pattern Festival, there’s something for everyone this Octobaaa!
On October 2, from 10.30am to 11.30am, CREU Conversations: The Sustainability of Wool will explore wool’s natural qualities, how it has been used throughout history and why this renewable and versatile fibre still has an important part to play in a more sustainable future.
Participants will have the opportunity to make a small wool pot to take home. The workshop costs £10.
Little Lambs on October 6, from 10.30am to 12pm, is a seasonal museum learn and play group for children under five with Welsh themed crafts, Welsh songs and story time with storyteller Lowri Sion. Cost £5.
On October 15, from 10.30am to 11.30am, explore the history of one of Wales’ most distinctive blanket designs through a fascinating hands-on session titled CREU Conversations: Curatorial Archaeology – Tracing the story of the Caernarfon Castle Blanket.
Join senior curator, Debby Mercer, to discover the sheep and wool industry in Wales and explore woollen objects from the museum’s collection, including an original Double Castle blanket. Cost £10.
Free entry is offered for the Pattern Festival on October 17, from 10.30am to 3.30pm, which celebrates 50 years of the museum and British Wool Month with a special festival exploring the patterns woven through Wales’s woollen heritage.
See the museum come to life with historic machinery and looms in action, traditional textile skills and demonstrations. Meet local woollen makers and discover more about the patterns, people and stories at the heart of Wales’ woollen industry.
There will be storytelling, dancing, live music, opportunities to meet characters from the history of Cambrian Mills, a talk exploring the museum and its collections, and creative activities for all ages including the official opening of the Weaving Shed.
On October 24, from 10am to 3pm, ‘Cow & Ghost Vintage Present: The National Wool Museum Woolly Wool Artisan Market’ will feature small, artisan businesses offering an array of products either created with wool or with links to the wool industry.
Visitors attending the Make and Create Gallery at the event will be able to make a lavender bag using fabric made at the museum until 1pm. A new taster session for a peg loom weaving course will also be held from 1.30pm to 4pm, costing £35.
On October 27, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, young children and their families can step into Halloween with Jig-So, a relaxed, hands-on play session where children can explore, create and imagine. Children will make a spooky house to take home, explore puzzles, sensory tent and small-world play, get creative at a craft table and listen to spooky stories
October 28 sees a CREU Young Makers: Family Halloween Wet Felting Workshop where children and their families can discover the traditional craft of wet felting from 2pm to 4pm. Cost £10.
On October 29, a CREU Young Makers: Halloween Pom Poms free drop in event is being held from 10am to 1pm. Participants will use their imagination to make their own pom pom character.
The programme ends on October 31 with CREU Tymor Collection: Make an Autumnal Wool Pumpkin workshop for young people aged over 16 from 10.30am to 1pm. Craft technician Jody Smart will give step by step guidance and all materials are provided.
Tickets costing £15 and will be on sale until October 28, unless they sell out beforehand.
