Tag: woollen

A day out to the National Wool Museum

Piles of Welsh tapestry and narrow loom blankets on display at the National Wool Museum visit: Sat 7 Jun 25

Last weekend, I took a rare trip out away from the village. It was a destination that I’ve been eager to visit almost ever since we moved to West Wales – the National Wool Museum. I went along with about a dozen other members of Llanafan Women’s Institute.

We drove along narrow, winding, country roads (thank goodness for sat-nav!) to Dre-fach Felindre – just outside Llandysul in Carmarthenshire. There was ample space in the car park, and the exhibits began right there within its grounds… which included raised beds containing plants that are used to create natural textile dyes.

Admission is free, and we enjoyed a slow stroll walking around the exhibits set out over two floors. Afterwards, we relaxed with coffee and cake in the spacious museum café and a browse in the adjacent gift shop.

It’s a fascinating and beautiful space – built in the 19th century, it was home to the now sadly defunct Cambrian Mills. In the original long, narrow weaving sheds you’ll encounter huge pieces of still-working industrial machinery along with various tools that were once essential to production.

The thing I went for, though, was the textile collection – and I wasn’t disappointed! Long-term readers will know that I’m a huge fan of vintage Welsh wool tapestry – a passion I developed long before living in Wales was even on our radar. I have a collection of blankets, coats, capes, handbags and purses… not to mention table runners, place mats and coasters. There are numerous examples of all these items on display at the museum; as well as lots of beautiful sample books, contemporary photographs and information boards about the history and processes involved in the production of these quintessentially Welsh creations.

I took sooooo many photos, that I thought it’s best to include them as two slideshows; one for the images that I took in landscape format and the other for the portrait ones. If you’re a fan of industrial history, Welsh history or textile design, I thoroughly recommend a visit – if you’re ever in this neck of the woods and fancy a visit, the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm.

  • National Wool Museum visit: Sat 7 Jun 25

Use the arrow icons to navigate left and right through the photos

  • National Wool Museum visit: Sat 7 Jun 25

Wild Welsh Wool rugs

Custom-made peg loom Welsh wool rug

We wanted to share a recent addition to our cottage… namely some fabulous, natural wool products.

Wild Wesh Wool floor rug

We’ve just bought a hand-made woollen rug, hearth mat and set of dining chair seat pads. They were all custom-made to size using a traditional peg loom by Sharon Smith of Wild Welsh Wool.

Close up of rare breed sheep woollen rug

The wool comes from rare breed sheep that she keep on her farm. We originally saw a display of her products in a shop window in Montgomery. Sharon sells at the outdoor market in the town square (it’s held every Thursday) and at several other nearby markets.

She also takes orders and custom commissions through her Facebook page. In addition to the rugs and seat pads that we ordered, wall hangings, cushions, scarves and bags are also available.

Custom-made peg woven wool seat pad

We love the variety of tones & colours from the different types of sheep – and the texture is to die for!

Close-up of woolen seat pad string fasteners

They’re the perfect way to soften and warm a space in this old country cottage, especially with all the hard quarry tile and slate flag floors. We’re so happy with them!

Gimme Five! Wool throws

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Selection of wool throws | @hisforhome

Autumn is definitely here, despite summer on occasion putting up a struggle. We’ve had our newly-installed wood-burning stove chuffing away this week – not quite ready to go the whole hog and turning on the central heating, but in need of some background warmth.

There’s nothing quite like autumn evenings, curled up on a sofa or armchair with a lovely, soft wool throw over the shoulders. We tend to keep one across the foot of the bed too, for those nights when the duvet needs a little help.

Here’s a great selection of wool throws to keep those autumn chills in check!

  1. Sheep wool blanket: £64, Scandinavian Design Center
  2. Dorma plum Maldon throw: £59.99, Dunelm
  3. Adeen red wool and silk throw: £80, Habitat
  4. Stripe wool throw: £90, Feather and Black
  5. TweedMill fishbone two stripe olive & rouge wool throw: £44.95, TweedMill

Gimme Five: Chunky knits

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Selection of 5 chunky knits

Nothing suits the autumn & winter months much more than chunky knit textiles – whether it be fashion or homewares. It adds warmth, softness, texture & tactility to a room. A roaring log fire, comfy armchair, good book, hot chocolate… and a chunky knitted throw. What could be more perfect?

  1. Chunky knit pouffe foot stool, various colours: £39.99, eBay
  2. Pure merino super chunky throw: £120.35, Etsy
  3. Everyday wool ochre cushion cover: £190, Conran Shop
  4. Rowan Big Wool 100g: £7.86, Deramores
  5. Neo mix rug: £201.00, Love the Sign