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In a studio situated at the edge of the Black Mountains in North Gwent, Sioni Rhys Handweavers create traditional Welsh patterned bed covers in pure new wool. This 'Carthen' as it is called, has a quite different use in modern times, often employed as a throw, a picnic rug, or comforter to the limbs in Spring or Autumn temperatures. However, it perpetuates a tradition of wool weaving for which the district of Abergavenny was onced renowned. Their village is called Pandy Fulling Mill, reminding us of the importance of textiles and sheep in the old Welsh economy and the spread of weavers in a district that once produced the finest flannel supporting the local economy up to the middle of the 19th century. Sioni Rhys Handweavers also produce very fine lightweight accessories in a variety of natural luxury fibres, which co-ordinate with the Cartheni to reflect the vibrant sense of pattern that is the hallmark of Celtic sensibility.
Sioni Rhys Handweavers is a partnership of designer and weaver, producing fashion textiles and woollen throws. Dennis Mulcahy, designer, was born in Aberbargoed and graduated from Newport College of Art. Stuart Neale, weaver, originally from Cardiff, qualified at the Scottish College of Textiles in Galashiels. They have taken part in many exhibitions and their textiles have gone all over the world.
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