A Day of Crafting Creativity and Connection

I didn’t expect a simple visit to Ecofest Westport to spark a creative adventure, but that’s exactly what happened. When I spotted a needle-felting workshop with bright colours, soft wool, and the promise of making something beautiful, I was sold. Before I knew it, I signed up myself, my daughter-in-law, and my oldest granddaughter. A full day of crafting together felt like the perfect excuse to slow down and make memories.

The setting was part of the appeal, with the workshop held in The Cove’s meeting room, overlooking peaceful Westport Pond. If you are going to spend hours poking wool with tiny needles, you might as well do it somewhere beautiful.

The day’s agenda included needle felting, a massage, and even a Ion Cleanse detox, making for an irresistible mix of creativity and pampering to share with special family members and to meet new friends along the way.

Our hostess, Judi Curry, owner of Judi’s Whimsical Woolies, welcomed us with a spread of delicious homemade snacks, thoughtfully tailored to everyone's dietary needs for those who’d skipped breakfast or simply wanted to nibble while they worked.

After a round of introductions, we chose our designs and dove in. Some participants admitted to being devoted fans of Judi’s workshops, having attended several past ones, while others were complete beginners discovering the craft of needle felting for the first time. Together, we settled into the day with different levels of experience but the same enthusiasm.

Judi’s teaching style is wonderfully freeing, as she offered piles of vibrant wool and a variety of patterns, then encouraged us to follow our inspiration. She told us her approach comes from her twenty-seven years as a daycare provider, where play and creativity were daily essentials. I couldn’t agree more; play and creativity shouldn’t be left behind in childhood.

Throughout the day, Sarah, a well-known local massage therapist, treated anyone who needed a little shoulder relief. The chair massages were a hit, especially for those who were feeling stressed from concentrating a bit too intensely on their felting projects. The detox which included a foot bath was equally popular, with Judi drawing on her skills as a Holistic Health Coach to round out the experience.

Lunch on The Cove’s patio was another highlight. I chose the harvest salad, a fresh, colourful mix of seasonal vegetables with a light balsamic vinaigrette, a delight while dining outdoors. The staff were warm and attentive, making sure our group felt looked after.

By the end of the day, though not every project was finished, every person was smiling. We agreed that carving out time for creativity isn’t just enjoyable, it’s necessary. Eva Leon, an avid crocheter and first-time needle felter, announced she was officially hooked on needle felting and now has another hobby to add to her growing list.

Before we packed up, future workshop ideas were already being discussed, including a tentative date of Thursday August 6^th for creating a beautiful market bag showcasing butterflies, dragonflies, or whatever your heart desires. Email addresses were exchanged, new friendships formed, and even a few suggestions for future story topics came my way. It was one of those days that fills your cup in more ways than one.

To connect with Judi for future classes email judi.studio@gmail.com, or stop by her table at the park in Westport on Art Day, August 15^th where she will be set up with a mini workshop for the kids.

Needle Felting Workshop participants proudly showcasing their creative pieces at days end July 7^th. Photo Credit Judi Curry (because I was included in the photo).

  Participants busy creating. Photo Credit Judi Curry.