My mother (sitting), Shan y Lliwdy and Bontfaen maid

My mother (sitting), Shan y Lliwdy and Bontfaen maid
Originally uploaded by LlGC ~ NLW

One of my favourite photographs in the collection. Yes, it's stereotypical, but again, it's one of John Thomas' works, so it's a reflection of the people he found on his travels.

The idea of knitting in Wales intrigues me. We're known for our sheep, our wool, our weaving, but I've yet to find evidence of a knitting tradition akin to that of Scotland and Ireland. There are occasional patterns that come from Wales, but apart from that - nothing. Was our knitting tradition simply functional? I think it very strange. If you know otherwise, please let me know.

Penmachno Woollen Mill

Penmachno Woollen Mill
Originally uploaded by LlGC ~ NLW

Another photograph from my locale; Penmachno woollen mill is in the next valley from where I grew up, and sits alongside the young Conwy river. It's now been turned into 'residential units', so I believe, which is a shame, because its woollen products were famous - though perhaps eclipsed by those of the nearby mill in Trefriw.

Taken in 1952, this photograph is stunning. I love how the light falls across the fabric, and picks out the warp threads above. I wanted to post this because I'm off to the National Wool Museum tomorrow, and with any luck, I'll know a bit more about this whole process by the evening.

Newtown Women's Institute knitting comforts for the troops

Newtown Women's Institute knitting comforts for the troops
Originally uploaded by LlGC ~ NLW

If ever there was a craft-based photograph that would make me smile, this is it! As the note says, this is David Lewis, helping the war effort in Newtown. He's wearing a balaclava of his own creating; do you think the women are smiling at that, or the novelty of his being the only male knitter in the town? In any event, it's a joyous photograph, and I love it.

Capel Garmon natives

Capel Garmon natives
Originally uploaded by LlGC ~ NLW

I'm sure most of you know where I work from day-to-day, and although I'm not directly involved with any of our collections, I occasionally stumble across a gem that catches my eye, and makes me think about my crafting work. Here's one.

John Thomas was a photographer who travelled around Wales simply documenting what he saw. Capel Garmon isn't all that far from where I grew up in North Wales, but I associate it with an amazing burial chamber, rather than wool work. This photograph is arresting, though; there's a look of determination on each face, and you know that these women are industrious and hard-working. When I look at this photograph, I wonder whether they were producing wool and fabric for themselves and their families, or did they sell their products in the shop behind them? You can see bolts of fabric there, and a woven rug, so it's not impossible - but who knows?

There are a couple of other photographs that I want to share with you; sit back and enjoy!