needle felting

Time to come out of hibernation and get crafty

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Fox purse

Spring is on its way and its time to get crafty?

As I look out of my window today there is some definite signs of spring on the way and it is time to come out of the winter hibernation and get crafty!.

Spring is a sign of renewal and with a few flowers appearing along the hedgerows we are all beginning to feel a little more joyous. With Mothers day and Spring just around the corner there are lots of reasons to shake of the cloudy skies and get crafting to bring some cheer into your home.

If you need some inspiration we have quite a few workshops lined up and with a focus on sustainability . A bunch of blooming flowers is always nice to receive but they will wilt ( don’t forget to put them in your compost bin) so how about attending our flowers rag rugging workshop and we will show you how to make beautiful flowers from upcycled fabric?

Another great versatile craft to try is our ever popular Indian Block printing workshop, you could print a tote bag or maybe some fresh crisp pillowcases or a cushion….or all of them!

Of course as we step into spring and start to venture out into the garden we will of course be looking at a range of bunting…sheep and apple trees anybody?

Sheep and country themed hessian bunting

Felt From Fair Trade

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Although I make a lot of felt items to sell I also buy felt from Fair Trade suppliers. Over the last few years I have visited many trade shows to talk to suppliers to ensure there is traceability of the gifts I was purchasing and they are part of a Fair Trade scheme which you can read about here https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/ . The supplier I now buy from has been a Fair Trade organisation for over 20 years in Nepal so they have been able to build and sustain relationships with the surrounding families and towns.

The wool used by the wonderful artistic Nepalese crafters is New Zealand wool , brought in a raw state which is then washed, carded and dyed with a fantastic rainbow of colours. Then comes the hard work with the wet felting. with some wool, warm water, soap and a lot of elbow grease you can make some fantastic items from small keyrings an inch wide to vast blankets and clothing. If you have never tried wet felting it is very therapeutic – you can book onto one of our workshops and try it your yourself when we get beyond Covid.

Felting & Fairtrade

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Felting For A Fairtrade

So what does fair trade have to do with felting? In addition the wool produced in the UK used for needle or wet felting gifts there are many other countries who rely on the product to provide an income and support communities.

Over the last year Wobbly pins have been looking to extend their range of products and unique gifts and have been sourcing items that are Fairtrade meaning we are giving something back to communities whilst supporting our love of crafts.

Fairtrade

So what does it mean for the felt items that are we sell?. At our craft fairs you can buy our handmade items or a range of gifts that we have bought from a companies who are reputable Fairtrade suppliers. This means that they are working with communities to produce goods that they have paid a market rate price that enables decent working conditions and local sustainability whilst learning a trade.

That extra few pence that you pay for an item may not mean much to you but it does ensure that the small scale producer in the remote countryside that produced your gift has some choice and control over their future and is able to reinvest in their community.

Where does our stock come from?

One of our suppliers is Gringo Wholesale and they have been importing Fairtrade items for many years. Over the last few months we have also been visiting trade fairs to meet the people behind the products and we have made some new contacts with small producers in Nepal that we are hoping to work with and have our own range designed.