{pretty, happy, funny, real} at Belfast Mini Mills

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Last Saturday we took a little road trip to Belfast (PEI, not Ireland!) to see the Mini Mills (a combination of farm, factory, store and tea shop). It was a delightful place. Arden had fun chasing the chickens and I had fun looking at all the beautiful things made of wool.

Now I must admit, I am not really a crafty person. I don't know how to knit. Once upon a time I knew how to crochet. I don't really know how to sew, though someone gave me a machine and I'd like to learn how to use it. And I certainly don't know how to weave. But I find it all so...

{pretty}

One of the working looms in the store

A work in progress

Hand woven scarves

I love the soft colours

Wool and thrum mittens

{happy}

We went to the tea shop and had some tea and sweets! My caramel toffee pie was so delicious, I ate it before I even thought of taking a picture of it!

Afternoon tea

{funny}

Amused? Curious? Annoyed?

{real}

Though all this handiwork seems beyond my realm of possibility, there is a real chance I could get involved in the world of wool. I met a women who lives nearby who is just starting to do her own spinning and weaving, and she has invited me to go with her to one of their monthly spinning parties! I must say this prospect quite excites me. This is the kind of spinner she uses.

The beginner's' spinner

It also has a real price tag of about $400. But I would like to see what spinning is like, and if I like it enough, maybe I'll save up and join the club!

Are there any other spinners or weavers out there?

[technical note - Sometimes when I centre pictures on blogger - ie. the hand woven scarves -  they don't come out centred! Does anyone know why this happens??]






~lg