Working Women Exploring Heritage Crafts, Caru Gwlan

There is a small group of professional Llangollen women who meet weekly in each other's homes. They wanted time to craft together as relaxation. All the women hold responsible jobs, are very aware of the area's environmental challenges, are interested in supporting local industry (in this instance local hill farmers) and are keen to help promote the use of locally produced fleece.

They show a keen interest in the properties of wool as a freely available, sustainable, natural resource and are aware of the part wool played in Llangollen's early commercial development.

The Challenge 

Gwlangollen was approached for help at the beginning of November. As children are getting older and staying up later, a quiet, family-free space was becoming an issue for them all. Lack of working space for the group to explore different crafts, equipment and resources were also adding to the challenge. 

The Solution  

We agreed to a short exploratory evening course, where each tried out the wool-based heritage skill of their choice.

3 chose peg loom weaving and 1 wet felting. All tried needle felting and embroidery to complete their pieces. The course was very successful and the feedback was extremely positive. 

The Future

Everyone would like to continue using Gwlangollen after Christmas, citing the following reasons:

• It offers a clean, quiet, warm and calming space to work. 

• It is a "no-phone" zone during workshops. 

• There are examples of potential projects displayed on the walls, so people know exactly what they are signing up for. 

• It is well equipped allowing people to try out new crafts first, before buying things online. All appear to have significant collections of unused craft kits.

• There is immediate access to a supply of clean, locally produced fleece to meet everyone's needs. 

Unintended Outcomes:

All have been able to identify how they could use their new skills at work:

The Teacher: Wet felting for forest school and well-being activities. 

The Physiotherapist: Peg loom weaving as an alternative to knitting or crochet.

The Coastal Biologist: Integrating found objects into peg loom weaving, as a way of celebrating her island reclamation work around the world.

The Business Consultant: Supporting those hill farmers unable to diversify because of the local geography and climate.

Next steps: 

Over Christmas, the group is going to decide if they would like to continue meeting on a weekly basis at Gwlangollen through Jan and Feb. If so, a progression course will be offered.