COMMUNITY fèis cothla celebrating the wonderful wo by Michelle McAnally S


pinners, knitters and weavers will fl ock to


Argyll this summer for the west coast’s premier Gaelic wool festival. Tra- ditional Skills: Ancient to Modern is the theme for Fèis Cothlam 2014, held in Benderloch between July 17 and 19.


Local Origins Rural Network (LORN) hosts the three-day event, which features a com- munity producers market, workshops and a Fibre Craft Jamboree, with craft stalls and a fl eece market.


‘The resurgence of Harris Tweed and other weaving industries has brought new interest to the wool crafts of Scotland,’ said Liz Gaffney, owner of Heartfelt by Liz in Dalmally and organiser of Fèis Cothlam. ‘Handcrafted items are sought-after com- modities by visitors to Argyll, who want to take a piece of this wonderful landscape with them.’


On Thursday, July 17, LORN will hold its regular produc- ers market, with displays of raw materials and fi bre art demonstrations. Friday, art-


16


ists from around the UK will offer workshops, and all ages are welcome to mal skills-sharing where experienced


join infor-


sessions, crafters


will share their expertise and offer hands-on experienc- es. At Saturday’s Fibre Crafts


Extravaganza,


stockist, crafters and producers will have equipment, fi bre


fl uff, and hand-


crafted items for sale to the pub- lic.


‘At lam, Fèis wide to


communities together


Coth- ranging come celebrate


the sheep and all that is woolly,’ Gaffney said. ‘It is a place to see tradi- tional crafts being practised, to share knowledge and to nurture


interests ranging


from sustainability to crafting. For visitors, it is a chance to experience authentic Gaelic culture.’


In its fi fth year, Fèis Cothlam has put North Argyll on the map as an outstanding cen- tre of textile learning. ‘It is a wonderful community event, but also a great draw for visi-


tors,’ said LORN secretary Jill Bowis. ‘We see a direct boost to local businesses such as accommodations, restaurants and shops.’


In addition to workshops and hands-on demonstra- tions in fi bre arts such as felting, spinning, and weav- ing, the festival features


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