Annual Open Day
29.01.11
Keith Rees will be demonstrating his work at the Library’s Open Day.
Since when have you been spinning?
I have been spinning for the past 40 years.
Where or how were you trained?
In a Wool factory called Derw Mill Pentrecwrt near Llandysul.
Do you have an apprentice working with you to ensure continuity to the work?
Yes, and we are hoping to employ another apprentice in the New Year.
How long have you been working at the National Wool Museum, Drefach Felindre?
I have been working here for twenty-five years.
Do you have any comical stories about your work?
One visitor saw red wool and asked what kind of sheep produced the wool!
What aspect of your work do you like the most?
Taking groups on guided tours and showing how the machines work.
Which aspects of you work do you like the least?
Paper work and health and safety procedures – which can be a bit of a hindrance.
How many people spin professionally in Wales at the moment?
I would estimate that no more than half a dozen people spin professionally.
Does the work allow you to travel a bit? If so, where to?
I had the pleasure of representing Wales at the Smithsonian festival in Washington in 2009, where over a million people attended.
Are there different methods of spinning in different areas of Wales?
There are two methods of spinning – using the ‘Spinning Donkey’ (Mul Nyddu) and using a spinning frame.
Which type of wool is best for spinning?
The wool must be carefully selected. The best wool comes from the sheep’s back and shoulders. But if you want something more specialised – wool from the Merino breed is best.
Do people spin as a hobby?
There are many societies across Wales who spin with the spinning wheel. One of these groups meet regularly at the National Wool Museum.
Does spinning require much concentration?
Yes indeed or there will be no texture to the cloth.