New Year's Resolutions

     The first real snow of the season 12/26/12

     When I started this blog, I thought it would be a good place to share lots of interesting things about fiber. All things fiber! From the sheep that grow the wool that makes the roving that spinners use to make the yarn that the weaver uses to make the rug. In a nutshell. Anyone familiar with this occupation understands the dynamics involved in making a good rug, or what ever the final product is. Whether it is a rag rug or a wool rug there are a lot of factors at play.

Colors that inspire.

     I am a weaver of rag rugs, working on a 1940's model Union Loom, who likes to explore other avenues of rug making. Those other avenues include different methods, tools, looms, and materials and I am also very nosey about what other weavers are taking off of their looms! There are so many projects in my head that need to come to fruitition, it is maddening. I also have so many looms that need attention. They seem to grow lonely just sitting while I bang away on my old Union.

Colors that soothe.

     I am also a spinner. Again, I want to explore and learn all there is to learn about spinning. I have only scratched the surface, I am sure. So many fibers to try, blends to make and techniques to learn. And what about all of those fascinating wheels?! I know I have shown you my Ashford but I have more to show even some that aren't mine! And like the looms, they seem so lonely while I work primarily on that little junk store find.

What, you expected more plants?

     I am also a fiber processor. The weaving lead to spinning which in turn, lead to processing. For now, we only wash and card fiber into roving, small batts and clouds and offer hand dyeing and blending. We are dedicated to the hand spinner. For the future, we dream of spinning frames so we can turn your lovely locks into a usable yarn for those of you who do not spin. Our goal is to produce a yarn that will make the animal who grew the fiber, proud.

One of mom's Glass Drop Spindles.

     Yes, these are our goals here at the mill. I also have some simple resolutions this year.

     First off, I want to say, I generally do not make resolutions but felt the need this year. My life has become too chaotic, too messy and far too unorganized. I have left things too unattended for too long and it is time to get back on track.

     So, this year.........my big resolutions for the up coming year........

1. Organize my weaving supplies and make some shelving to house it all on.

2. Organize my spinning stash and find a way to store it safetly with the ability to find what I need when I need it.

3. Organize my household. This includes the basement!

4. Organize a schedule so my time can be put to better use and I can find more time to spend with family and friends.

5. Organize my online activities. This includes, my Etsy store as well as this blog!

6. Delve into all of those non-fibery projects I have been longing to attempt.

     Now, that is a very nice start. I am not saying I will be able to accomplish all of those things, but it will make a good guide to follow.

     The way I look at organization is "if I am organized well enough, then I should be able to handle things that come up unexpectedly a little better".    

    

 

What are your resolutions this year?

My very best to all of you.

                          ~Vickie

Rooftops, Holidays and a Passel of Kittens!

     Hello Everyone and Happy Holidays. I hope your Christmas brought you loads of joy.
     I must first start off by apologizing to all of you for not posting in such a very long time. I see it was August when you last heard from me. Did you think I fell off the face of the Earth? Well, not quite but let me give you the quick update on what's been happening.
     Between eye surgery (mom's), injured animals and two weekends of the Bag Lady Tour, the spring was off to a hectic start.
A Passel of Kittens!
     Now, back in May during the Great Lakes Fiber Fest, we had several kittens and two mother cats show up. To make a long story short, we ended up with a total of 11 new kittens and two female adults (who have produced all of said kittens). So far, all except the two littlest kittens have been spayed and neutered and the one mother who is still nursing one of those kittens. We don't know where they came from, but we have taken them in.
     Then, during all of this, mom's cat Annie went missing. Here is a photo of her. If you are local and happen to see her, please contact me. She is sorely missed.

Annie is a small cat but was very filled out. She is a real sweetheart but not likely to be too friendly to strangers. She has been spayed and is about 6 years old. She went missing in August 2012. Please let me know if you have seen her. Mom would really like her home.

   
Rooftops
     Now, in 2011 I lost a lot of shingles off of my roof. So, I decided to change my roofline as long as I had to re-roof. In short, the original contractor I waited for 7 months for, was replaced with a new contractor who did a wonderful job.  I have now had a new metal roof for two weeks and couldn't be happier with the whole thing.
     Now, to just throw out a little buzz for my contractor, I used Diamond Gutters and Windows, who came highly recommended to me by someone I trust. I am so glad it worked out the way it did in the end. Danny and Brad went above and beyond getting this job done quickly. I can't say enough about them. Thank you again, guys!
     Now, that should update you on what I have been doing and why I have not posted in such a long time.  
     I did manage to open an Etsy Store in Nov. though. I will post about that later.
     Well, there you have it. Again, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all good health and happiness in the coming year.
     So, Merry Christmas to all of you and a Happy New Year.

~Vickie (and the gang)