The annual Rare Breeds Show took place yesterday at the Weald and Downland Museum in Singleton. The Museum is a beautiful place and can look like this:
Thanks to the joys of the British summer, much of the day was spent looking at a view more like this:
Even the sheep took shelter:
Although the weather did spoil things somewhat, there were plenty of animals to admire.
I had the chance to catch up with some of the members of Chichester Spinners, as well as meeting up with a few people I had only previously chatted with online. I thought there were far fewer fibre/spinning related stalls this year though, which was a shame – I had money in my pocket and most of it stayed where it was, I only bought a Jacob fleece and a tiny pack of dyed silk totalling a whopping £7!
As well as the displays there were the handspun classes, which filled plenty of tables:
I had a very pleasant surprise – the mixed colours of Gotland fleece that I entered in the natural coloured skein class won not only first prize but a special award from the judge!
Spinstar Creations 
Crikey, well done you!!!
It was so nice to meet up with you. If it hadn’t been raining so much, it would have been nice to have sat and had a cup of tea somewhere but good grief, torrents of the stuff! Got home and had to wash everything, all covered in mud.
So thrilled that you got a 1st and a special too. Some of the entries were poor by comparison. I know I am only a beginner spinner but I have been knitting for almost 40rs now so know my yarn well. Yours was beauitfully spun.
I got to pet so many animals yesterday. That really made my day and…I did…NOT…buy a fleece. Almost, but came home empty handed.
I did buy one skein for a hat from the miserable looking dyer/spinner. She certainly wasn’t at all happy yesterday. Her yarn will make a nice winter hat though 🙂
Hi Catherine
I was there from Devon I wish I had met you, I did have a long chat to Linda and her Mum even though we keep in touch with regular phone calls. I intend coming again next year so we must arrange to meet. I read your blogs with great interest, congratulations on your beautiful Gotland
Brenda
Thanks Brenda, hopefully the weather will be better next year! I think there is meant to be the National Exhibition in the Gridshell when the Rare Breeds is on next year too.