Me obsessed? Are you serious?

It has been "implied" to me, that I can be a little obsessed with some things in my life. I prefer to call it PASSIONATE. I've found that most of us that love what we do, are very passionate about those things that we choose to get involved with or let into our lives. Since I got my Schacht Side Kick,  I have done very little knitting but lots of spinning. This is seriously something that I have wanted to do for years. I still love my drop spindle and have some really nice fiber sitting here waiting to get spin on it. But, I'm so loving the learning and connection that happens as you learn something new.

One of the things I've just finished is this beautiful Ashland Bay Merino/Tussah. It's called Sea Mist. It was amazing to spin. So far in my vast 3 weeks of spinning I found this to be the easiest and most comfortable to spin. I will post some pics of the the finished product when it fully dries.

When I started working at the Spinnery I got to put out all the roving. HUGE boxes of roving was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I got to touch and weigh and get to know all the fiber that we carry. It only fed the desire to get a wheel. :-) It also worked on that "list" of things I want to try or have. Each of these colors were on the list. They are all Merino. 1) Cafe 2. Mocha (Yes, I have a Starbucks addiction) 3. Sandalwood. I have finished spinning the Cafe and Mocha and will ply them in the next couple of days. The Sandalwood will get spun after that.

Remember the Life Is Orange And White project? It's finished!!! It's actually the first yarn that I plied on the wheel. Plying on a spinning wheel is so much fun. I've plied with a drop spindle but it's going to take me a little while to get use to plying on a wheel. My son is really excited that I have it finished up since I promised him back in 2010 to knit him a hat when it was finished.

Personally I have to say that this week was rough. Both my kids were sick, and then Gunther got sick and I thought that I was going to have to rush him to the vet. But, thank heavens he got better rather quickly. The kids are getting there and doing a little better every day. Then it hit me. Here I am getting ready to teach my workshop on Saturday, and I have no voice and feel like I was beat up. The good thing is I am feeling better this morning, so lets hope I just stay on this roll I have going. (Though this is good opportunity to catch up on my knitting) There are so many ill around here. It's that time of the year. They are even closing schools because so many of kids are sick.

It's time to wrap this up and head out the door for breakfast. I hope you have a great day, that you find your passion and commit to it. Allow it to take you where it wants. You know there is no limit to greatness when love what you do.

Be Blessed.





Starting this post I first has to say that I totally love spinning. It was wonderful spinning on a drop spindle and it's wonderful spinning on my SideKick. With that said, I have to admit that I wish I could spin as well on the wheel as I do with the spindle. LOL. But, like the spindle it will take time to get the feel of it and get comfortable. The photos below are photos of the first three bobbins I've spun. The blue/purple is the very first bobbin, the one behind it is the third. The pic below that is the second bobbin. Both dark colors are a Colonial that I had for felting and the light color is a Merino that was given to me.

Previously I have posted about the workshop that is happening at Smoky Mountain Spinnery on Feb. 18th.  I have a few pics to share that will give you a better idea of the Nuno Felting (the instructor) and 2 Handed Fair Isle, if you are not familiar with them.

We will be working with aran weight yarns so you will be able to get our hat project if not done, then almost finished. I will be available on 19th from 11-2 to help anyone finish it up.

In closing I just have to  acknowledge how grateful I am for all that's been going on in my life and the lives of my family and friends. The women in my life are strong in the face of their tests, and the men have stepped up and showed themselves to be the father's, husbands and friends that were and are needed to their families. I have a hope and expectation that wonderful things are on the horizon. Dreams do come true, yes it takes persistence, commitment and focus, but the journey to achieving the dream is where you find the substance. Learn who you are, learn about those around you and believe that every step is guided and has happened for a reason. Wonderful things come in all packages, and from unexpected sources.

Schacht Sidekick

Today has been the best day ever. I haven't had a day like this in a long time. The weather around East Tennessee was perfect (for me) a little warm, cloudy skies and light rain. So cozy. And after I taught a crochet class, look what I brought home.

Many of you that know me, know that I have battled with getting a wheel for a long time. I had been waiting for the right one, well we met. I love the Matchless, and will probably end up with one of those down the road, but today it's all about the Sidekick. I have spun all afternoon. So combine the weather, hot coffee, and spinning and I'm in heaven.

One the previous post I put out the information about the felting and fair isle classes coming up on the 18th. I wanted to post some pictures of what would be made in the felting class a long with the instructor.

I hope that you can join us for our workshop. We are planning on having a lot of fun. If you are interested or would like to reserve your seat, please contact me at knittingsatori@gmail.com.

Thanks so much,