Award-winning textile designer Sian O’Doherty has thanked those that recently attended her festive open studio event (as featured in the Observer)

There was plenty of Christmas inspiration at Ash Farm, near Stepaside on the weekend of December 15 and 16, where Sian creates luxury machine knitted products for people and homely spaces, inspired by the Pembrokeshire landscape and her Welsh heritage.

Fleece from her herd of alpacas is used in many of her designs - as well as in her exclusive new alpaca yarn, which Sian recently launched this autumn

“A big thank you to everyone who braved the wild weather to make the Open Studio event such a great success!” said Sian.

“It was a really fun way to inaugurate the new workshop studio that was completed just this month, and wonderful to see familiar faces and meet new friends enjoying festive shopping and good company.

“Many thanks as well to the wonderful vendors who provided such a diverse range of high quality and unique gifts.

“If you were unable to join us this time – fear not, as plans are already afoot, not only to hold another Christmas gathering in 2019, but also to establish a new Spring/Summer event next year,” she continued.

Open Studio was a wonderful way to celebrate the end of a full and exciting year for Sian.

Wonderwool Wales was a great start to the year’s shows, followed by the inspiring Contemporary Craft Fair in Bovey, Devon.

In November, Sian exhibited at Made By Hand Wales in Cardiff where she was honoured to be awarded Best Maker in Wales 2018!

Sian was also delighted to be asked to provide cushions for the new S4C building, yr Egin, in Carmarthen.

Sian has also spent much of 2018 collaborating with artisan producers and ethical yarn suppliers, including local alpaca farmers, Alpacas of Wales.

Sian is looking forward to being able to provide luxury knitwear and accessories to a larger audience in 2019, including a wider range of alpaca accessories from her own animals at Ash Farm.

Providing a product that is beautiful and ethical is paramount to Sian’s values.