Tuesday, August 23, 2005

The Hawkshead Show

I spent a rainy but enjoyable morning at the Hawkshead Agricultural Show this morning. I saw straw craftswoman Mary Stribley again, wearing her straw hat with multiple straw charms around the rim. Sitting behind her red market display, she "platted" her straw as we chatted. I was happy I had found her again, and I purchased some items I had been thinking about – a large straw folded up parasol, a candlestick with a wheat flame, and a long shepherd’s crook.

I also met Mary Bell, whom I had heard about from several people. She raises her own sheep to produce woolen blankets, sweaters, socks and rugs from several breeds including the locally famous Herdwick sheep. She invited me to visit her farm in Patterdale.

Knitter Rachel Erwig was also there. Her home-based business specializes in the design and production of children’s hand-knitted garments featuring themes such as animals and the environment.

I went to Beatrix Potter’s home called Hill Top. She had amazing ceramics on her shelves, including lots of old Staffordshire, pink lustre, and several wonderful examples of “God Speed the Plough” ceramic vessels.

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