June 17
Greetings! A busy week for us all I'm sure. We've yet to have any really warm days, but we haven't had humidity either which is great. Enough rain now... and a beautiful weekend is forecasted. I'll be in Burlington this Saturday for our World Wide Knit in Public Day! It should be a blast and I'll be sure to bring some 'mindless' knitting. I've learned the hard way that when I'm in a group, chatting while knitting lace isn't a good thing. No worries though... I have plenty of projects! And actually received a skein in today's mail in a Hufflepuff colorway. I think a ribbed scarf is in order!
Woody came out to turn and did something special for a friend of his who requested a honey stick. I had no idea what he was going to do but he came up with... well, you can see it :) Lovely, yes? It's big... and perfect for a big jar of honey.
I ran into Kerin Rose http://www.kerinrose.com/ a friend and talented jeweler, at a local farmer's market. She's also a 4th grade art teacher and was telling me how kids now a days can't seem to focus on her and what it is she's trying to teach them. So, as an experiment, she brought in a video camera and set it up so what she was doing in front of the kids, was being shown on a large screen. They immediately became quiet and watched her on the screen... but the week before the same lesson held no interest for them when it was her.... in person. Interesting. So we talked further about kids and how they're so plugged in all the time and I thought back to when my kids were little and how Paul and I made sure they were comfortable in the woods, and the river, and the lake... and in their own skins. They certainly watched their share of TV, but they had balance. I used to have a large embroidery hoop that I'd toss it in the air and wherever it landed is where we'd explore.... within the hoop. We found it teaming with life and activity and it made me want to explore like that again... so off I went and I'll share some of what I found with you here.....
I'm so excited tonight! Debuting are... colored handles! I'm working with a woodworker who has come up with an idea (exclusive to me) for these handles that are made here in Vermont out of poplar. These are hardwood, and are dyed, not painted. The process is time consuming but well worth the effort. Because they're dyed (not painted) the grain of the wood shows through and they still have an earthy quality while sporting some very fun colors! I have a limited supply but have already ordered more. I'm coming up with even more colors I want to work with, and will stop by his shop the next time he works on them so we can create the colors together. Once finished, I take them to the fabric shop and get to do what I love best... matching them to beautiful fabrics! I love them and had great fun... and will continue to offer them with the original handles we all know and love.
I'd love to hear your feedback and color suggestions! I already have a request from Jen at Northeast Fiber Arts for deep orange! Oh... I'm running short on time but want to mention a great program she's doing that I'm signed up for. She's a talented dyer and spinner and has created this:
http://www.northeastfiberarts.com/csa.php
12 spots remain!
The moon is waxing and I'll be out tonight. The rain stopped mid afternoon and the clouds have parted.... it beautiful outside!
Have a great week all! Thanks for all the lovely emails... I do appreciated each and every one. Stay well, keep your faces to the sun and knit on good women!
Martha.
