We stayed in Bac, just outside Stornoway, with views of the sea. A short walk took us to a little harbour and a beautiful, long sandy beach.
But best of all were the caves!
The landscapes and seascapes are so inspiring so I have lots of ideas for my future work (but still lots to do on my present focus so these will have to wait).
Bridge to Nowhere – Tolsta to Ness
Lord Leverhulme (of Lever Brothers fame) owned the Isle of Lewis from 1918 – 1923 and during this time he was determined to improve road links on the Island. The bridge to nowhere – or Garry Bridge – is on the route of what was to be Lord Leverhulme’s new road to Ness.
Unfortunately local men returning from the Great War were not interested in his plans and wanted to return to their traditional crofting lives and with their own individual plots of land. So, although the bridge was built, the road goes no further.
However, if you leave your car in the little car park just before the bridge and walk over it (stopping on the way to admire the rugged River Garry) and up the track you will be rewarded with more glorious views and maybe lucky (as we were) to spot the white Tailed Eagles.
Back from a wonderful week staying on a croft on the Isle of Lewis. The people were fantastic – welcoming and very helpful – and the views breathtaking. Had to be restrained in order to limit the amount of Harris Tweed I brought back – so much to choose from! Busy, busy now making for my exhibitions in the September Bedfordshire Artists’ Network Art Trail.
Lots of pictures and news to follow but here is the first taster.
Delighted to have discovered another great video about making Harris Tweed.
Harris Tweed Weaving – The Guardian June 2011
Found a lovely video about Harris Tweed being woven.
Scoured yarn skeins in the mordanting pot – it is great to have this 16 litre pan so I can now work from home.
My Shetland ‘sheep’ is feeling alot better after a bath – well lots of baths.
Before
After
Preparing skeins for the dye pot – these yarns will be mordanted before dyeing to give the best colour depth and retention.
More fantastic dyeing direct from plants – added to my long, long To Do List!
In couple of hours I will meet our girls at the school gate, then daddy, and go for lunch – to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of the summer holidays.
We will have visitors and we will be visitors too. It will be busy but a nice change.
I just want to wish you a lovely summer time; be safe wherever you are or go, recharge and get inspired.
prints on silk made from wild rose and raspberry leaves (for my new readers – it’s an actual print from the surface of the leaves, not painted)
(my shops will be closed from July 21st till August 10th)
Picture credit: Virtual Hebrides
I can’t wait to visit Lewis and Harris, the home of Harris Tweed and see the process for myself firsthand. Of course I will also want to come back with some tweed lengths for my new accessories.
Plus I hope to get the chance to do lots of drawing and painting to help spark my imagination.
As a taster I visited the Harris Tweed Authority website and, as I had not wandered there lately, was delighted to see it has been updated.
Brilliant Blog too!
Joanne Shewan Textiles 