Dillington

At the end of June, Jim was approached by Dillington House and asked if we could provide 'a couple of members to give a demonstration of traditional spinning' at an Open Day.

Not quite knowing what we were going to, only that we would have 'a table & 3 chairs', Margaret Banerji, Margaret Knight & myself set off for Dillington on Sunday 2nd September. Fortunately, we allowed ourselves considerably more time than the organiser had suggested, as the table provided was not very big, and our 'pitch' was a thoroughfare between two doors of a room. Nothing daunted, we set up a display which, considering we had really put no thought into it, we were pretty pleased with.

We didn't have much time to re-arrange or think about things, as, although the Open Day was scheduled to begin at 11am, people were wandering through well before that, and soon a few became a flood. We were kept fully occupied all day, people were so interested in what we were doing. Fortunately, all three of us were doing different things. Margaret K was spinning washed Shetland fleece, Margaret B silk sliver, and I was carding & spinning wool tops with alpaca fleece. Our display included several breeds of sheep, dogs, donkey & some plant fibres, which created some interest. Also, Margaret K's wedding ring shawl, a photo of Margaret B's daughter at her wedding with her silk shawl, and Margaret B's Manx jumper, which a man wanted to buy!

People were hugely interested in what we were doing, who we were, and what the Guild is, so our fingers are crossed that there are soon some new members signed up - we gave out a considerable number of leaflets & application forms.

It was gratifying to know that people are interested in the crafts we are trying to keep alive, and with some encouragement, perhaps they will join us. We are now hopeful that Dillington can be persuaded to put spinning, weaving and dyeing on their syllabus.

Fay Wilks

At the end of June, Jim was approached by Dillington House and asked if we could provide 'a couple of members to give a demonstration of traditional spinning' at an Open Day. Not quite knowing what we were going to, only that we would have 'a table & 3 chairs', Margaret Banerji, Margaret Knight & myself set off for Dillington on Sunday 2nd September. Fortunately, we allowed ourselves considerably more time than the organiser had suggested, as the table provided was not very big, and our 'pitch' was a thoroughfare between two doors of a room. Nothing daunted, we set up a display which, considering we had really put no thought into it, we were pretty pleased with. We didn't have much time to re-arrange or think about things, as, although the Open Day was scheduled to begin at 11am, people were wandering through well before that, and soon a few became a flood. We were kept fully occupied all day, people were so interested in what we were doing. Fortunately, all three of us were doing different things. Margaret K was spinning washed Shetland fleece, Margaret B silk sliver, and I was carding & spinning wool tops with alpaca fleece. Our display included several breeds of sheep, dogs, donkey & some plant fibres, which created some interest. Also, Margaret K's wedding ring shawl, a photo of Margaret B's daughter at her wedding with her silk shawl, and Margaret B's Manx jumper, which a man wanted to buy! People were hugely interested in what we were doing, who we were, and what the Guild is, so our fingers are crossed that there are soon some new members signed up - we gave out a considerable number of leaflets & application forms. It was gratifying to know that people are interested in the crafts we are trying to keep alive, and with some encouragement, perhaps they will join us. We are now hopeful that Dillington can be persuaded to put spinning, weaving and dyeing on their syllabus. Fay Wilks


visit the Dillington House website, for further information about their facillities and courses.

Dillington House Open Day 2007