The Wool and Willow Festival opened by Kirsty Williams

3.38.04pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 22nd Jun 2007

Kirsty at the Wool and Willow Festival

The Wool and Willow Festival was officially opened on a hot June 9th Saturday morning in Llanidloes at the Minerva Arts Centre, High Street, by the Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams.

The festival now runs for three weeks instead of the previous two due to popularity, and is free to enter. There are more than 20 stalls and exhibits and Kirsty spent some time exploring and trying out the techniques displayed. A Giant Bo Peep walking around Llanidloes and in the Arts Centre attracted attention and helped draw in the visitors. In the three weeks there will be demonstrations, workshops, competitions, stalls and exhibits organised by Glasu promoting locally made products involving both wool and willow.

Glasu were thanked in the inaugural speech by Kirsty Williams for their help with making the most for the local economy and sustainability within local communities. She said " This festival supports local industry. I am in awe of the talent of the people who get this material"

Kirsty first tried her hand at knitting with Jenny Cook. Jenny is based in Gladestry and as well as being a knitting expert does dyeing and pattern making. Her colleague Pat makes buttons to match the yarns.

Mary Zammit was on hand to explain willow techniques for baskets and other objects. Describing herself as an Artisan Basket Maker and Willow Craftswoman Mary knows about over 1000 types of basket willow. The willow Mary holds in the picture was supplied by Cambrian Mountain Willow, Newbridge on Wye who have a stall next to Mary.

Patsy Beswick from Crossgates gave Kirsty a lesson in Canvaswork. She excels in tapestry and rug making sometimes using dyeing . Wool is supplied by local sheep often supplying naturally coloured fibre.

Olwen Veevers showed Kirsty how to make interesting 3 D items like little animals by using Needle Felting technique.

Lee Price,GLASU spokesperson said , "GLASU is the leader and rural development programme for Powys funded by the EU, Powys County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government. It aims to add value to local products. This festival brings fibre and willow together to add value and to encourage local workshops which here include felting, spinning and basket making.