Felting Workshop at Namaste Farms

Recently I had the opportunity to teach a two day beginning felting workshop to the beautiful and multi talented Natalie Redding, her two daughters and a few close friends; some furry and winged ones joined us too.  Natalie, is the owner of the awesome Namaste Farms in Temecula, California where she raises champion Wenseleydale and Teeswater longwools.

Beth and Natalie

Jade and friend

Laura Spinner

Natalie and Jory

Natalie, Naomi and Laura check the progress on Natalie's felted dog bed.

Everyone is thrilled with their felted vessel.

Some of the many, many sheep at Namaste Farms

Another felting friend.

Natalie raises llamas and alpaca goats in addition to sheep.

Each felted vessel was a work of art and everyone was so pleased.  Natalie was still working on her felted dog bed but promised that she'd finish it soon.  

At the end of the workshop, Joe and I had a chance to go wine tasting at a few of the local Temecula valley wineries which have outstanding, award winning wines.  Our first stop was Keyways Vineyard and Winery, just a few miles down the road from Namaste Farms where we sampled some delicious hand crafted wines and bought a few bottles of white.  

Then it was off to the Bailey Vineyard and Winery where we bought a half case of 2007 Meritage at a special price.  Oh, it is so delicious and we have already enjoyed a few of the bottles with good food at our local Long Beach favorite restaurant, Nicks on 2nd.

Next stop Callaway Winery for wine tasting followed by dinner at Callaway's Meritage Restaurant which offers al fresco dining and outstanding food prepared with seasonal local ingredients.  We enjoyed our food, a bottle of Callaway wine and the complete ambiance including incredible panoramic views of the rolling hills and vineyards.