Kidderminster Artist to Showcase the Wonders of Wool

On today’s Dian Skelton blog I will be discussing the news that a Kidderminster artist Raya Brown, will be hosting a special workshop that will showcase the wonders of wool. The purpose of Ms Brown’s workshop is to enlighten and teach people about material felt making and wool painting.

Dian Skelton is Director at ViewPoint Software Services Limited, founder of the MostlyManx artisan shop on the Isle of Man and co-owner of the Laxey Woollen Mills. The Mills specialises in producing Laxey Manx Tartan which is unique to the Isle of Man.

Cultural Influence

Raya was born in St Petersburg, which is considered the cultural capital of Russia, so she has a natural affinity for exploring resources from around the world. This led her to the UK, where she began producing wool and felt and eventually led her to open her own art and craft studio – the magic wool studio. Commenting on her journey, Raya said:

“I am trying to promote felt making and wool painting in this country as the interest towards natural and substantial recyclable fibres is growing and my techniques offer unique therapeutic and tactile experience to people with different emotional and learning problems…Together with the local Woolwise shop in Kidderminster we are trying to raise an interest towards the British wool which is still underestimated by many people."

Raya is an experienced art and felt maker and has 18 years of experience in the industry where she has taught children and adults in both the UK and Russia. The Kidderminster workshop will perhaps give people who are interested in wool and felt making a more personal experience. A free demonstration will be held between 11am and 3pm on Saturday December 6^th.

An Admirable Cause

What is perhaps most endearing about Raya’s stories is her devotion to a traditional British industry. As you will know, Dian Skelton readers, I often write about the history of the wool trade and the importance or remembering regional heritage. For many towns and villages in England, the wool trade not only brought income, but allowed them to thrive and prosper.

This is the sentiment echoed by organisers of the many wool festivals around the country and Raya herself seems to echo this sentiment also.    

Dian Skelton Reviews the Woolmark Company Wool Care Guide

On this week’s Dian Skelton blog I will be discussing the Woolmark Company’s new app. The innovative new app will allow people to access information about wool care on their Apple and android devices.

Dian Skelton is Director at ViewPoint Software Services Limited, founder of the MostlyManx artisan shop on the Isle of Man and co-owner of the Laxey Woollen Mills. The Mills specialises in producing Laxey Manx Tartan which is unique to the Isle of Man.

Caring for Wool Apparel Made Easy

The app will explain to the user what the different logos that appear on wool products actually mean, as well as providing a guide on how to wash, dry and iron said products. This can all be done with the confidence that Woolmark Apparel Care products are tested and approved for their performance in caring for wool.

According to the Woolmark Company, caring for wool as never been easier. With this app, the user can understand care symbols, such as whether the wool item is washing machine friendly or requires a hand wash. The Woolmark app uses GINETEX approved symbols, thus eliminating confusion.

The Woolmark Company also tests and approves the wool cycles of washing machine appliances, tumble driers and irons. Appliances that have been approved by Woolmark will bear the Woolmark Apparel Care logo that indicates the appliance will wash wool effectively.

The Wool Care app also provides basic tips for washing wool apparel. For instance, the app recommends that wool garments are turned inside out prior to washing to preserve the outer surface. 

It also provides information on how to avoid colour bleaching during washing. Finally, there is also advice for stain removal of everyday substances such as coffee, wine and grease.

Quality Laundering Technology

Perhaps the whole premise behind the release of the Woolmark Apparel Care programme is to provide the very best laundering technology to its consumers when considering the best care options for wool garments. It allows for the Woolmark Apparel Care symbol to be licensed for use on detergents, washing machines, tumble driers, irons, fabric softeners and bleaches for domestic use.

Commenting on the app, the Woolmark Company Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer Rob Langtry said, “The Wool Care Guide app is part of the Woolmark Apparel Care programme’s overall strategy to provide consumers with educational and functional tools for laundering their wool apparel with ease.”

Mr Langtry continued, “These initiatives address a misperception among some consumers that wool garments are more difficult to care for than garments made from other fibres, yet we address these misconceptions through global marketing, education and R&D, spreading the message that wool is easy to care for.”

Dian Skelton – Director – ViewPoint Software Services Limited