Scotch Eggs, Strawberry Tarts and Frostbite

A Badger Face Welsh Mountain Sheep

Well I'm back from Wonderwool Wales. It was my first time at the show so I wasn't too sure what to expect. When I walked into the building I felt overwhelmed by the shear scale of the show. Wonderwool Wales takes place at the Royal Welsh Showground in a huge building which is usually used for cattle. The stalls are based on a shell system, I had a 3x3 metre space with high partitions on three sides. There are wide walkways in between the stalls so it never gets too crowded. I haven't done a show before using the shell systems, another time I will need to work out how to make the most of the space and decorate the walls somehow. But hey, it's all a learning curve. 

I was warned in advance standing on concrete for two days is tough on your feet, I'm glad I wore my walking boots, they kept my feet warm and comfortable. We were also warned by the organisers to bring warm clothes, it hasn't been too cold here so as I packed wooly jumpers I did wonder if I'd be too hot. Too hot? No chance. Saturday was so cold my breath steamed as I spoke to people. Sunday was even worse, with the addition of horizontal rain, falling trees and floods. Fortunately we stayed dry inside the cattle barn. I did ask the first aid crew if they had any experience of treating hyperthermia and frostbite. Trying to do basic maths and work out change with cold hands and a brain which feels like it has been cryogenically frozen is no easy matter. Still the customers were very patient and forgiving. In the end I unrolled a batt and used it as a knee rug, my legs felt instantly warmer.

I had heard through Ravelry Wonderwool is known not only for the fibre but also the food. Scotch eggs and pastries specifically. I had to sample both. The scotch eggs come from The Handmade Scotch Egg Co, they are a lunch in themselves. The pastries are made by Love Patisserie. I bought the most extravagant one I could see, white chocolate and strawberry - mmmm. 

After all, when you're burning a thousand calories an hour keeping warm you have to replace a few.

It was lovely to meet people face to face I had met online, either through Ravelry or blogs and to catch up with fellow stallholders from other events. I met Elizabeth from Secret Sheep and Sara from Sara's Texture Crafts. For the first time I met Dot, the editor of YarnMaker, who I have spoken to many times on the phone. I had a great show, I would definitely go again.  

Tomorrow I start shearing so I will let you know how I get on.