On the loom – Loom has been excavated from its layers of nonsense and Iโm hoping to warp it by the end of the month.
On the wheel – Iโve been reorganizing my fiber stash and I found some delightful fibers that Iโm really excited to start spinning! Iโve got some DEEP STASH from no-longer-dyeing folks like Hobbledehoy and Classy Squid and some really squee-inducing things like the complete box set collection from HipStrings that Scooter got for me every time a new one came out. It started with their Maine box, which was their first, because thatโs where we honeymooned. Also located was my stash of hand-dyed Cheviot from two of my favorite vendors: Two Guys Yarn Company and Into the Whirled.
On the needles – Still working on the test knit cast on of a new design by Thea Colman of Baby Cocktails in my Ross Farm Ashen Wensleydale that will launch in March.
Technique Time – Iโm wondering if youโd like to see any of my techniques for sewing, quilting, spinning or knitting? Let me know in the comments!
Sheep & Wool School – This monthโs breed is Cheviot. Today, weโre talking about the FIBER. Itโs one of my favorite types of wool because of its resistance to felting and hard-wearing nature. I literally canโt say enough about it! You can experience the wool for yourself with one of our Cheviot products, or from a local purveyor near you! Check out Ross Farm Funky, Ross Farm Big Boy, our Cheviot roving, our quilt batts or even our socks! Don’t forget to comment with the breed you’d like to learn about in February!
Finish it or Frog It – Rewarding myself with a little knitting on the Carbeth as I finish my work for the day.
Sewing Stuff – Finished binding 2 bench pillows from Riley Blake Designs and pieced, quilted and assembled the log cabin tree skirt from approximately 1998 for my 2025 UFO Challenge with the Polka Dot Pincushion. The studio reorganization project is almost complete and Iโm loving the vibe of the space! My featherweight is set up in its own table for the first time in about a year and itโs wonderful to know exactly where everything is and have an inventory of UFOs, kits and fabric. Next up is a pattern inventory so I stop buying duplicates! The de-clutter challenge I mentioned from Karen Brown of Just Get It Done Quilts is here on her YouTube Channel.
New & Noteworthy – Next month we have so much happening! We are building out the dye studio at the warehouse and have multiple new yarns coming back from the mill in February. Weโre working on a wholesale line for shops too! Iโm skeining up some new SUPER rare yarns from the UK and getting them ready to launch on the website very soon.
In Season – COMFORT FOOD – Itโs dull, grey (or white) winter in NE Ohio and Iโm craving all the comfort food! Last night I made a pot roast with potatoes, carrots and onions. I made some Rice Krispie treats for a little something sweet too. Tonight is pork tenderloin with sweet potatoes and green beans and Iโm thinking I might make some bread to go with soup this weekend.
On Down the Road – This week is the Wool and Fiber Arts online sale at 2:30 on Friday and the Rustbelt Fibershed Symposium on Saturday the 25th. Nash Yarn Fest is coming up fast in March. Maryland Sheep & Wool and Great Lakes Fiber Show will round out the show season in May.
