Spinning yarns at the Big Sheep

THERE is a good yarn at the Big Sheep next week as top UK spinners will be descending on the family attraction in Bideford for their annual Spinning, Weaving and Needle Festival. The event runs from Monday (August 17) until Wednesday at the Abbotsham attr

THERE is a good yarn at the Big Sheep next week as top UK spinners will be descending on the family attraction in Bideford for their annual Spinning, Weaving and Needle Festival.

The event runs from Monday (August 17) until Wednesday at the Abbotsham attraction, from 10am-4pm. Visitors will see first hand the work of some of the country's finest spinners when six ladies from the Ewe Too Spinning and Weaving Club demonstrate their craft.

Liz Gittoes-Davies, who after retiring in 1995, learnt to spin and was so inspired she became a resident member of the club, said they were looking forward to their visit to the Big Sheep.

"This is our sixth visit and our members love visiting and sharing their skills with the children and parents," said Liz.

"Many of the young children are intrigued when they learn that the wool we are spinning comes from the sheep they see around them and they all love having a go."

Joining her will be Ann Saunders, a qualified spinning and felt making teacher plus primary school teacher Wendy Hedge, who specialises in felt making and needle felting, as well as Gill Green, a retired theatre sister who has been spinning for more than 20 years. Fay Wilks, a member of the Quantock Weavers, will also be displaying some of her weaving wonders.

As well as spinning, weaving and needle felting the ladies will be sharing techniques such as tapestry weaving and dyeing with the visitors. As well as the work on display a small selection of knitted bags, scarves, hats and gloves and socks will be on sale.

Rick Turner from the Big Sheep is encouraging anyone who has never had a go at spinning to come along and give it a try: "It really is great fun as not as difficult as one might think, if I can do it anyone can!