Corris Uchaf, Wales
Posts tagged patchwork
Linda in Canada
Jul 25th
To Linda in Canada
I know this has been a long process – all emails to you have been rejected.
We have put a design here (EDIT – Link removed as its old now)Â for you.
We hope you get this, and enjoy the patchwork
LoL
Jane and Simon
We’ve been creative….
Jul 23rd
With what?
We have designed a new range of cushions. So what, says you.
One is based on our Welsh flag and the other is based on Owain Glyndwr’s emblem. We have taken some poetic and artistic licence with them, but saying that both of these new ranges are original and are our own work.
Bumble Bee Quilting remains at the forefront of Welsh patchwork and quilting both as an art and also as a skill.
Neither are replicas or copies, but both of our new designs demonstrate a portrail of two similar themes. Actually we are quite pleased with them and we look forward to you viewing them at our shop in Corris.
We are trying to put something back into rural Wales and its peoples, heritage and, although in an original form, to Welsh textiles and Welsh art even though we are just two individuals.
Our basic quilts continue their processes by machine and by hand. These works in progress can also be viewed at out Corris Craft Workshop. You might be in time to see stiching and quilting in action here if you hurry.
‘n ddedwydd ben-blwydd (not Corris Welsh, sorry)
To Alex Jones – Bumble Bee Quilting extends a heartfelt Birthday Greeting and we wish you and all your family much cheer and love.
Where have I been?
Jul 19th
Its been a long old time since an update on Bumble Bee Quilting. So what’s been going on?
Lazyness, exhaustion, world cup or what?
Well, our workshop at the craft centre is still going, we have had some interesting and interested visitors, we are still quilting and making our own patchworks; and, this being mid Wales, the sun still shines.
We have nearly completed our latest two quilts, and have finished our new Celtic wallhanging, emblazoned with celtic knotwork and dragons. Pretty cool wallhanging as well if we can say so ourselves.
We are looking after 2 rats at home called Gormless and Stupid (who on a good day live up to their names and on a bad day live down to them). They are dogs really but no-one’s ever told them that and they “think” of themselves as rats (not that either is capable of a thought) and will answer to rat.
Sadly Jemma’s 7 year old grey cat Dylan (Bobby or Mr D) secumbed to an unknown poisoning, and has been cremated. He was returned in a very smart wooden urn. The kids took it well, but his new kitten friend Sammy (Gizmo) is still finding memories and looks out for him.
We have also had some visitors at home, Sally and Alan stayed with us for 5 days and shared some of their photos of their epic visit to the Pitcairn and Galapagos Islands as well as a spot of unsuccessfull fishing on the Tal-Y-Llyn.
We also had great meal at the Railway Inn at Abergynolwyn and were greeted as usual by a sorrowful pair of hungry eyes belonging to Winston, the pub’s dog, who still thinks he is wasting away and has never eaten a chip in his life. Actually he is a bit on the heavy side of large so we think he is wallowing in some underserved self-pity here, but he does look so sorry for himself.
Ginny, Andy, Jessie, Maggie and Bob were making their annual visit to Aberdyfi and popped in to say howdey; as were Lesley and Tony with their two lads.
Great to see them all. Living in such a remote area really makes us appreciate old friends and family.
The Wednesday market at Machynlleth continues, generating interest and sales in our fabrics and quilts.
And loh and behold, we won a game of dominoes beating the team from the Bowling Club (don’t sing your usual song here JB). A close game, keenly fought in a friendly fashion. Great opponents who beat us handsomely last time on their turf. This was on the back of two away deafeats to the Forresters and the Glyndwr. Always fun to play you guys and girls. Diolch yn Fawr.
So we soldier on – and don’t forget your squares for the Teresa Anna Quilt.
What is this Craft Centre thingy at Corris then?
May 12th
Well, as you ask – a quick explanation …
Basically Corris Craft Centre is a general term for 3 sets of businesses.
At the Craft Centre itself we have 10 craft units. Each crafter designs, makes and sells their wares from their own craft workshop. There are wooden toys, pottery, jewellery, leather, candles, patchwork and quilting (us), glass sculpturs, rustic furniture, woodturning and pyrography, and card (kard) making. You can visit (free) and watch, join in or buy if you like.
There is also a cafe run by Chris “Coffi”. She has an outstanding team of kitchen and ice cream staff, including Chai, Jude, Tony, Sarah, Phillipa, Mentol, Amy, and Angel.
King Arthur’s Labyrinth is an underground adventure through the old mines whilst The Bard’s Quest is a gentle stroll through a maze. Both examine myths and legends of old.
The Labyrinth reception in run by Jackie (with the recently retired Anne “doing” the books), assisted by Sammy and the Shepherds.
The Tourist Information Centre is run by Ann, Julie and “Garden” Jackie, who is our gardener in chief hence her name.
The Underground operations are managed by “Head Boy” (Hew), stoutly assisted by “Wing Commander” Steve, with able contributions from Mark, Ryan and Dave.
All of this is overseen by Ian; who takes his turn at maintenance, reception, and even as a sheperd.
Confused? You wont be if you come on down and pay us a visit amongst the delightful countryside of Mid Wales. A great day for young and not so young alike.
Easter 2006
Apr 18th
The air is mainly dry and the crowds flock.
We’ve been buzzy Bees down at the Corris Craft Centre, and Bumble Bee Quilting has been as busy as ever.
The patchwork and quilting craft continues apace when the light allows, Amazing how hazy light can make sewing so difficult. Even under daylight bulbs there is not enough contrast to show up what and where you are sewing. A real strain on the already fatigued eyes. Cannot be good for long term vision.
But, retail is going and interest from the visiting public is resonable at best. We too have to make a living.
We have only been here since July 2005, but from our short experience we can say without hesitation that the vast majority of visitors to the craft units are just wasting time between boats for the journey through King Arthur’s Labyrinth.
Of the other 8% who visit the Corris Craft Centre some are genuinely interested in crafting generally, and the rest know the crafters they wish to visit and make the point of seeing them and perhaps no others.
For the 92% however, we are nursing and providing some light entertainment for them and their families whilst they wait their turn underground. In much the same way that the education system nurses younger children and their families before they go up to the bigger schools.
Very disappointing
Sale
Mar 27th
We had a sale this weekend!
Spring must be in the air as local patchworkers and quilters are out in force. Good to see them – even better when we have something for them to buy. Helps keep the wolf from the door.
It has to be said though that this was one lucky sale. We were not in, but we had left a note on the door to say that we would come down should anyone who read the note want us to. Yep, there was a contact number. So that is what happened. The lady rang, we turned up and sale completed.
Anne, the Labyrinth Manager, retires on Friday. So, our whole year’s takings thus far went into her kitty for a present. As the saying goes – Hard to Get but Easy to Loose. Still, its in a good cause.
We are having a surprise leaving do for her on Friday. be there or be Square
What am I doing?
Mar 17th
I have been quilting for some years now, on and off, mainly whilst I was housebound as a single mum + 4 kids + elderly and increasing infirm Mother all at home. Quilting was a way doing something creative.
The kids have all flown, and Mum has passed on.
So, at the middle of last year a rare opportunity arose to sign a 3 year lease on a small craft unit at Corris Craft Centre.
A big venture, but with the promise of 80,000 visitors a year we reckoned we could make a profit if only 1/8 were actually interested in patchwork and quilting.
Hard work though. We are obliged to carry in the shop mostly what we make, and have to be open 7 days a week Apr-Oct. Very long hours/days/weeks/months.
Contractual hours in excess of the EU regulations ‘cos we can’t afford to employ anyone to help ease the pressure.
We create the designs, source the materials, sew the things we design, price and then hopefully sell ‘em.
I am the creative one and the inspiration. He indoors has only recently got to recognise what a needle and thread looks like and has no colour co-ordination at all. So its an end to end process, all Made in Wales.
There has proved to be a dearth of Welsh fabrics, so we are designing our own Welsh themed fabrics and hopefully we are going to get them printed in Wales at the Laura Ashley fabric printing factory in Newton, Powys. Finances allowing, as no grants or help is available anywhere from anyone for a small setup like ours.
But. he indoors has given me a web site (I did it!) and he created an online shop for me. So maybe there’s some (not much) hope for him.
So this is my spot to recount how things go as we approach our first creative full season as part of the Corris Crafters.
