I am back

I am back after an extended hiatus. Life does seem to get in the way sometimes.
It is springtime in beautiful east Texas; the wildflowers , and the dogwood and red bud trees have bloomed. Summertime is just around the corner.
Janet had her sheep sheared recently and has been busy washing wool. Her husband is now retired, so she has had to make some adjustments.
Trade Days at Canton is this weekend, and we will be manning our booth there. This is our slow time, because, other than knitters (they will buy wool yarn anytime, as you well know) wool products do not sell well in the Texas heat. But we enjoy meeting and talking with the people coming through.
A group of us have started the "Stitch 'n Bitch Society". Most are knitters, but we have a rug hooker, and I sometimes bring my Joy spinning wheel and take her for a spin. We meet for lunch, then retire to the new Arts and Expresso Coffee Shop where we have good coffee, more than a few laughs and great visiting.
I am now on Ravelry, an online fiber group. You should check it out. My moniker is Spinning Wheeler.

Can this be "Felt"

Every one had a great time at the felting workshop yesterday. There was so much enthusiasm that there will probably be felting going on all over the county. We all came away with a small felted item. Some made a small coin-type purse, and some did glass cases. There were all beautiful and very unique. Joyce is such a good teacher and a really fun person to be around. She has promised another workshop after the first of the year on paper making and book binding.

Felting Workshop

We are having a felting workshop Sat. The instructor is a friend and fellow fiberholic, Joyce Terrell. I will be spending tomorrow making a big pot of "stoup" (a soup? a stew?) to feed the group. Joyce is such a good teacher and so filled with enthusiasm for her subject. It should really be a great day.

This is a most beautiful fall day in East Texas. Janet is gearing up for a big Thanksgiving with all of her family on Sat. Thanksgiving Day we will be setting up our booth at the First Monday Trades Day in Canton.

I failed to mention in my introductory that we are both animal lovers. Janet has dogs, lots of cats, and of coarse a herd of sheep and goats. Since I live in town, I only have a herd (a pack of 4) dogs and one very snooty and independent cat. Today at the Art Center we had "Arf Fest"; lots of dog related activities. One of our artist in residence did doggie caricatures, we had puppy Picasso exercises, sale of home made dog treats, photos of your co-pilot with Santa, and a silent auction with all sorts of dog stuff up for bid. It was a fund raiser for our Art Center, and I think everyone had a great time.

This is an example of Janet's dyed wool and mohair roving from her critters. It is a delight to spin and makes very unique yarn.