Lewis People 3

Some more lovely people who I met on Lewis and Harris.

Rarebird

Paulette’s husband was really helpful and spent ages discussing their business with me and giving me advice, I thought he was extremely generous in sharing his knowledge and really appreciated the time he gave me. Paulette also designs her own tweeds so I was particularly fascinated to see their colour blanket, woven on her selected warp, which shows the results of using a huge range of different weft threads.

Blue Pig

I loved Jane’s beautiful textile art and she was extremely enthusiatic about my work which was a great boost.

Hebrides Art

Another must visit site! Delicious food, beautiful gallery and setting, inspiring art. I was totally won over. Lesley and Alisdair Wiseman have got all the elements just right.

Lewis People 2

Ravenstar B&B Link

Dave Eastwood at Ravenstar B&B and Forge making a beautiful fire poker – so skilled.

Some of the other residents on the Ravenstar croft.

Jane and Dave our lovely hosts who really made us feel at home. Fantastic setting, delicious breakfasts, comfortable rooms and relaxing lounge – what more could you ask for?

Standing Stones

Another sign of Lewis’ ancient history are the many standing stones and stone circles. The most well-known of these is Callanish. When walking amongst these amazing stones you can’t help feeling that they must have been of great significance to those who built them.

They certainly do have a mysterious and beautiful atmosphere.

Ancient Harris and Lewis

We really enjoyed visiting the Iron Age House – it was surprisingly large inside and your eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness inside.

The Black House was cozy and you could imagine living in it – in fact when the previous owners built a new house they didn’t like it and moved back to the Blackhouse.

It was interesting to see that the construction reflected that of the much older Iron age House. For instance the double walls with earth and peat in between was a common feature and the housing of animals and people in adjascent areas had also been retained.

Lewis and Harris Seascapes

I’m really looking forward to exploring and interpreting my lovely loch and seascape photographs and sketches. The colours are amazing.

Link

Harris Tweed – From Shearing To Stamping from HTA on Vimeo.

New video from the Harris Tweed Authority – reblogged from Tweed Vixen

Caving!

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

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.

The Lure of Harris Tweed

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.

Harris Tweed Authority

Brilliant Blog too!