Les Journées Internationales de la Laine in Felletin is a whirlwind of wool every year but this year it surpassed itself in every way. The organisers were friendly and helpful, even helping to carry in our wares for us and smilingly providing lunch and pancakes against the odds all week-end. Our fellow exhibitors were many and varied showcasing every aspect of wool and a good slice of the million creative things you can do with it.

Les Journées Internationales de la Laine à Felletin est un tourbillon de laine tous les ans mais cette année, il s'est surpassé dans tous les sens. Les organisateurs étaient sympas et serviables, même pour aider à transporter nos marchandises pour nous et souriant fournir le déjeuner et crêpes contre vents et marées tous les week-end. Nos confrères exposants étaient nombreux et variés présentant tous les aspects de la laine et une bonne tranche des millions de choses créatives que vous pouvez faire avec lui.

The range of stands included, carded and combed tops, woollen mattresses and bedding, embroidery, tapestry and weaving; woven, felted and knitted clothing, felt hats and rats, knitted alpaca garments, and of course lots of yarn, most of it French and some of it from rare breeds such as the Leicester Long Wool. There were about 5 stands sporting naturally dyed colours which is always encouraging to see. There was a lot of interest in the naturally dyed yarn and our 'wall of colour' was on the front page of the event magazine as well as Simon and I smiling sheepishly in the Saturdays edition of the local newspaper. For us business was brisk and we didn't have much time to walk around with the camera but here are a few images:

This is the stand before the event was opened, Bohemian Rhapsody is in its usual place were it can be much admired and fondled. Queen of the Night got lots of attention too as well as the Kaleidoscope Plaid displayed on the chair.

Early on Saturday Françoise and Veronique appeared. Françoise kindly showed me how she double knitted Kate Davis' Funchal Moebius which Veronique just happened to have in her bag. So sorry the image is blurred, but I thought you would like to see it anyway.

Gitane also drew lots of well deserved admiration.

Fellow Ariegoise and master felter Birgit Nagelke with her amazing feltwork that includes, sharks, rats and breakfast mobiles of boiled eggs and sliced cheese and sausage.

Ariegoise et maître de feutre Birgit Nagelke avec son feutrage incroyable qui inclut, les requins, les rats et les mobiles déjeuner d'œufs durs et du fromage en tranches et des saucisses.

We needed all that wool around because outside it was literally freezing and only slightly warmer inside but what a magic place. We have already booked our accommodation for next year.

Birgit et moi seront toutes les deux prises de position à l'WoolFest première fois dans l'Ariège à Montbrun Bocage le premier week-end de Décembre. Nous espérons vous y voir. Pour plus d'informations e-mail: chavigny.k @ wanadoo.fr ou [email protected]

Birgit and I will both be taking stands to the first ever WoolFest in the Ariege at Montbrun Bocage on the first week-end in December. We hope to see you there. For more information e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]