I was a complete newbie both to the beautiful town of Dornoch and to its annual allthings-fibre get together. At just a stretch too far for an easy day trip I stayed overnight not least to see Joan Baxter’s extraordinary tapestry weaving exhibition and to chat with her while she worked. A weaver of international reputation in the back room of the Dornoch Social Club! This is the kind of highlight that makes this festival very special indeed.
The various stalls were spread through two venues and these offered a large selection of fibres, accessories and knowledge. I doubt any came from much further than fifty miles away proving what a wonderful array of businesses we have now in the Highlands. An extra stall of interest for me was the Stashbuster selling on behalf of contributors and taking a cut to raise some funds for the festival. I covered the costs of new purchases (husband not convinced this was the purpose…). The Guild had a presence in the Hub which, if there hadn’t been classes on there, I think would have been a little out of the way, being separate from the stallholders. Around a dozen members spun, wove and blethered away showing off displays of dyeing, spun skeins and woven pieces across the two days and new interest in the Guild was definitely generated. I’m looking forward to doing it all over again next year perhaps with some kinder weather.
Linda Henderson
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Some of Joan Baxter’s work:
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