Spring 2024

It’s been a beautiful spring here on the Isle of Skye, with lots of sunshine. The willow is soaking more quickly at last after the challenge of winter, but also drying quickly once soaked, giving me less time to get baskets woven. It’s always a juggle to get the willow just right for weaving. On the list for May jobs is to grade my willow harvest from winter. The rods should be fully dry now and I’m looking forward to using this year’s harvest in my baskets. There is always so much to do at this time of year with sowing veg, herbs and flowers and enjoying the weather and wildlife as much as possible before the midges. We had the moth trap out for its first outing this week.

I’ve also been helping my neighbour Ellis at her exhibition at An Talla Dearg, here in Isle Ornsay. Ellis paints incredible landscapes. I was happily chatting to visitors and weaving, surrounded by the beautiful artwork Ellis has created, and the beautiful, peaceful scenery at Eilean Iarmain. You can find Ellis’s work on her website ellisoconnor.com. I made this lampshade whilst I was there, which I think I’ll call Dearg.