Solva is without doubt one of the prettiest villages in Pembrokeshire. For some obscure reason, despite being a Pembrokeshire girl (but now living 'away') I'd never got around to visiting Solva Woollen Mill. I don't know why, and being a committed weave-nerd, it makes me feel a little daft. So last week, I was back in the county with a little time on my hands and having read about the mill's newly renovated shop and tearooms that opened in Easter, I made the journey.
And wow, what a fantastic new space the owners Tom and Anna have created. I thought they must have commissioned a specialist retail/interior designer, but no its all Anna's work: she was a nurse in her previous life but clearly has an astute eye for design. The shop looked contemporary but visually told the story of the mill heritage by cleverly using lots of the old mill paraphernalia to display the stock and decorate the space. That's was me sold :-)
The mill specialises in flat woven rugs and stair runners. Most of the products are woven in 100% British wool that is dyed to their specifications. Aside from the stripes and checks, I particularly loved the traditional Welsh double cloth 'tapestry' rugs. The iconic motifs are familiar on bed throws but look surprisingly striking and contemporary in the chunky hard wearing wool for the floor.
They also weave a very elegant honeycomb/waffle fabric for blankets and cushions in a lovely charcoal or pea green colourway.
All lovely stuff. I highly recommend a visit........
