busy, busy

We had our family vacation in the Outer Banks the first ten days of the month. Then the Michigan Fiber Festival the weekend after we returned. My friend, Rita of Yarn Hollow was kind enough to carry my spindles. In order for her to do that, I actually had to make some spindles. Which I did, in the week before...while also dealing with my daughter's entry at the county fair (she won a blue ribbon!).

Now, we're heavily into back-to-school activities...two 4th graders, a high school sophomore and senior and a college freshman.

I'm trying to get some new stuff in the shop while also working on custom orders and trying to build up stock for Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool, the end of September. I hope you're all saving up for this one...Em's dying up lots of lovely fiber to bring with us!

Here's a peek at what I'm working on for the shop...

Coming Soon

Celestial series I and II

Last Thursday, Em had all four of her wisdom teeth out (her older sis--Kait--moved out the same day). Em managed to dye a couple rovings the night before (Stepping Stone is sold but Acanthastrea is still available) but it's been rough for her so she's just easing back into things. Start looking for some new rovings later this week.

As for me, I've been working when I can...in between family and friend obligations. I created Americana for Knit with Snot's rockin' Independence Day Fest at the Grange, where she dragged me to demo spinning (and my shortest family members to ride through horse shit in the parade, but that's another post for another blog...though we all had a seriously good time--good friends, parade with horses, free food and drink, spinning...how that not be fun?--and I'm pretty sure one incredibly cute little curly blonde boy in cowboy boots is still begging his parents for a spinning wheel).

Doodle Flower

and Pennsylvania Dutch inspired Floral

both sold almost as soon as I put them up. I plan on doing more PA Dutch inspired designs in the coming weeks. Also, watch for a new spindle spinning kit next week.

Fiber Arts & Animals Festival

I just heard about this little festival, even though it's practically in the neighborhood. Its focus is primarily educational but there's a great group of vendors scheduled. Come on over and join us!

Saturday, June 14, 2008 • Marshall, Michigan • 10 AM - 5 PM

New spinning kit...Hydrangea

This one includes 1.5 oz of hand-dyed and blended to coordinate wool/bamboo blend batt.

New spinning kit...Hydrangea

This one includes 1.5 oz of hand-dyed and blended to coordinate

Batts by Em!

My daughter, Em (AKA Spinningin360 on Ravelry) has been trying her hand at the dyepot and carder with gorgeous results...





Go see these--more coming soon--now listed in my shop.

I'm also working on a new spinning kit that'll be listed tomorrow.

the trouble with working at home

It's just after noon. Since 9 AM, I've packaged three spindles for shipping, glued together and applied the first coat of finish to three more, rubbed (with steel wool) and recoated three others, put in two loads of laundry, cleaned the livingroom carpet, responded to email and Etsy convos, let the dogs out several times, emptied the dishwasher and sketched out some potential new whorl designs.

I'm still in my pajamas. Oops.

Now, I need to go open and adjust hooks and stain three square-whorled spindles. And mop the kitchen floor.