In July Somerset Art Works spent a brilliant day at Yeovil Together, celebrating and sharing our Spinning a Yarn project. 

We offered needlefelting workshops throughout the event, creating bluebells and fern images, led by artist Luan Macdonald and SAW Project Support from Hannah Earl. Everyone who joined in was keen to learn a new skill and share their work for the exhibition at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in September. Most had no prior experience of needlefelting and were surprised by how much they enjoyed it, with some enthusing about how they would like to take it up as a hobby.

“It takes a long time and it’s really relaxing and it’s worth it in the end because you get a beautiful picture.“

The activity appealed to all ages and nationalities from the very young (with support from their parents) through to their grandparents! 

Yeovil Together events are collaboratively organised by the ethnically diverse community groups in Yeovil with the aim of bringing the community together through music, dance, art, storytelling and the sharing of food.

“It was wonderful to see so many people keen to participate and it would appear from responses that we had, that it was positive and enriching experience for everyone who took part!” Luan MacDonald

“You forget the time while you’re doing it, and that’s the beauty of it.“

Everyone was very excited about the up-coming exhibition and a number of them said that they had not been to the Rural Life Museum before, but now intended to visit, particularly so that they could see the exhibition. 
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s artwork together at the Somerset Rural Life Museum this September!

Spinning a Yarn – Telling the Story of Wool in Somerset
This Somerset Art Works project focuses on Wool, with an exhibition, large scale installation and film, opening in September 2024 at the Somerset Rural Life Museum Glastonbury, with project partners South West Heritage Trust. A programme of events for community outreach, school workshops and talks will also take place. https://spinning-a-yarn.org/