20 Comments
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Laura Thomas's avatar

I’m SO pleased to see you’ve started this Substack Helen! I shall greatly look forward to reading your posts…. And I sincerely hope this may turn into a print publication? 🤞🏼

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

You are so generous ❤️ I plan to potter around in the history/context for a bit but would love to interview you for a post in the future…

Laura Thomas's avatar

I'd be absolutely honoured.... thank you Helen! x

Caroline Wise's avatar

How timely! I am a hobby weaver living in the US with an interest in coverlets/folk weaving and had just started looking into the history and tradition of the Welsh blanket. Thank you so much for this introduction. Count me in as a subscriber.

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

Diolch yn fawr! Looking forward to connecting over the coming months.

Victoria Whitfield's avatar

This is fascinating and a great read. I love Welsh blankets and the mills in which they are produced. I’m looking forward to your future posts.

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

Diolch yn fawr iawn ❤️❤️❤️

Mark Galloway's avatar

This is lovely Helen. A very enjoyable read 💚

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Mark ❤️ (more to come 🤞)

Christopher Wade's avatar

Beautiful pictures. We had one and got rid of it because it was moth eaten, which I now see was barbarism. We will have to come to Wales to get another Cx

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

Ha ha, yes - a moth’s banquet, alas! But there are plenty more on the looms of Wales, so all is not lost 😂😂

Marina Cantacuzino's avatar

How brilliant that you have started this substack Helen!

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

Thank you, my darling - your generous words give me the confidence to write

Sewing  Mends The Soul's avatar

I envy Melissa, loved Welsh blankets since childhood when we would stay on a farm in Machynlleth. Looking forward to part2.

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

A Welsh blanket fan club is forming here ❤️ Part 2 posted today!

Grace's avatar

Looking forward to more of your posts and wondering whether you might touch on Welsh quilts?

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

Thank you! In fact. I do mention quilting in my next post … but in passing, as I am no expert in that field. Having said that, I think the histories of textiles - weaving, knitting, quilting - are often linked, so I’ll ensure that quilts are not ignored 😀

Melissa Harrison's avatar

My best ever antique shop find, never to be bettered, was an absolutely beautiful golden Welsh blanket. The tag said £35, which HAD to be an error. I took it to the till and asked if it was really £35 at which the assistant knocked off a fiver. Clearly they didn't know what they had... but I did, and I snapped it up! It lives in my guest room now and inspired all the other colours in the room.

Helen Rees Leahy's avatar

Wow, amazing! What a bargain. They could have added a zero the price 😂 I love the image of your spare room - lucky guests?

Melissa Harrison's avatar

Ha, thanks. Yes, it's a pretty room!