I've been playing :-)

Sunday I got to spend the day in the Studio at Smoky Mountain Spinnery, playing with color. The yarn is a wonderful merino, cashmere blend. As soon as we make the labels it will be available.

Out Of The Normal

If I had to title the month of January, it would be 'Out Of The Ordinary " This truly has been a strange month. Our weather has had, let's say multiple personalities and even on a more personal level things have been odd. Here is one of them. Yes, the avid knitter is crocheting. I can't remember the last time I did a whole crochet pattern. I've taught it several times in the past few years but actually doing a project is a different story.

The pattern is actually part of the Kollage Yarns 10/10 kits. You get this awesome yarn a pattern and learn some new techniques. Pretty cool idea. The shawl that I am crocheting is the bonus pattern in the kit. Which means for you knitters there is the knit version in the kit also.

We've had a pretty good response to the kits in the shop and since we are getting more and more crochet ladies in I thought it would be nice to have a display for them.
If you are interested please let me know. I'd be happy to hook you up.
So be blessed today!

Merino and Tussah, :-)

Here we are. I hand skeined a beautiful cone of merino tussah, sock weight and it's ready for the dye pot. I am a happy girl.

Happy 2013

  Happy New Year!

This is where  I would begin telling you how busy I've been and how time has flown by. Well thats all true, but its true for all of us. In all honesty though I love to blog, but priorities, responsibilites and fatigue ruled 2012. That's not to say that it wasn't fun (oh my goodness there was fun) but a lot was and still is on my shoulders. 

Last night about 30 minutes before the ball in New York came down, I realized that I'm actually hopeful and optimistic about 2013. So many positive things are on the horizon for all of us. Personally I'm looking forward to teaching more classes/worshops and doing more fiber and yarn dyeing. My daughter will graduate from college and my son has somethings going on that I can't yet share but will be big for him. 

So I'm back to my blog, it maybe just weekly but it will alays be from the heart.

Saundra

Sea Breeze Summer Shawl

Here are some pictures of my new pattern. It will be available on Ravelry and Craftsy. This is a wonderful shawl to just through on as you go our the door to keep the chill out or and a beautiful accent accessory to your Spring/Summer wardrobe. Wear it dressy or casual. It goes with everything. You can also knit this in less that a weekend, how great is that? :-)

Purchase Shawl Here  (Ravelry) and Here (Craftsy)

Images From Todays Shoot

A few Images from Smoky Mountain Spinnery

Exciting News

Photography has been in my life since I was a child. My father was a photographer and I loved it from the first time I held a camera. It's kind of funny that about that same time is when I started knitting and crocheting. Anyway, recently the Nancy at the Spinnery received an email from Latern Moon asking for photo submissions. Well you know I had to jump on that. :-) So I took the photos, submitted them. And guess what, they liked them. In fact they have asked for a few more exterior shots which I will be shooting tomorrow. If you have been in the Spinnery you know that there are a lot of displays and items that we carry of Latern Moon's. So as soon as I hear something more I'll keep you in the loop, but I'm just so excited I wanted to share the news. If you have not been to their website or blog I have their links on the side bar. Check them out.

This image is one of my favorites. All the products and then the displays in the background are Latern Moon products.

Springtime in a Knitters World

It's been beautiful here in the Smoky Mountains. Spring has blessed us a little early with warm weather and beautiful views of the mountains. This weekend the Dogwoods have started to bloom and they have added just a touch of color to the mountain sides and along the road ways. This is truly a beautiful place to live.

It's also an amazing place to be involved in the Arts. Recently in the area there was the huge Quilt show that happens every year, and the Fiber Arts Festival in Townsend. Many of the attendees to these shows came to the Spinnery. We had customers from as far away as Massachusetts. It was a pleasure talking with them and finding out what the fiber world is like in their area.

On the home front, I have been really working on a schedule for weekly classes and a monthly workshop for the Spinnery. Right now here is a list of the weekly classes. (remember I don't have dates yet, that will be coming soon)

• Knitting (right now I have a Beginning Knit class on Wednesday mornings 10am but if you are in town you are welcome to come.)
• Knitting all levels
• Continental Knitting
• Magic Loop
• Crochet for Knitters. (edging, yokes, trim, cast ons, etc)
• Fair Isle (2 hand method)
• Drop Spindle
• Private Lessons

Workshops are going to be monthly. The April workshop will be the 14th, 1-3pm and the topic is LACE. I think Spring time shouts light lacy shawls and scarves, so I have a pattern that will be perfect. If you are in Gatlinburg on the 14th, please come and take the class it will be a lot of fun. Email me for further information.

Personally, I'm still living with what seems to be 100s of irons in the fire. But I'm coming to the belief that, this state I'm in is my "normal" I've always been a  person with a many things going on, that's why I've always been a knitter/spinner. It's my get away, my healing, my counselor, my therapy, my best friend at times. I'm truly blessed that I can be around it all the time. If being involved in with knitting, spinning, crafting, etc has done anything for you like it has me, you know what I'm talking about.  Now I'm finding that same feeling with designing. I'm currently working on a baby blanket that I'm going to call Celtic Butterfly. (Just have to get that Scottish touch in there LOL). The pattern is coming a long really well, and my goal is to have a couple of test knitters work with it by mid April. Cross your fingers.

I want to close out today with a thought.
Remember that there are always two sides to every story, before you come to a conclusion. This way you don't let other people form your opinions. You are one of a kind, so don't think like everyone else.

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.

WORKSHOP NEWS:

I'm so excited about this. On Feb. 18th, 2-5pm I'm teaching a beginning Fair Isle class. In the morning we are having a Nuno Felting class, here is the info for you. Come to the Smoky Mountains for the weekend and enjoy the mountains, fiber and learn something new.


Fair Isle, Two Handed Technique
Instructor: Saundra McBride

Learn this beautiful technique in an afternoon. By using two balls of yarn and your own color choices you can now add a whole new level to your knitting. If you have avoided fair isle knitting because you thought it was complicated or hard learn, this method of 2 handed fair isle will surprise you.

We will cover the basics of 2 handed fair isle, yarn choices, color choice, pattern/chart reading and creating your own fair isle charts.

In class we will be starting your first project. Supplies will be provide and included in the fee.

Fee: $85

For further information and or reserving your seat please call (865) 436-9080

and

Nuno Felting Instructor: Sallie Stamps Swor

Are you ready to learn an exciting fiber art technique and walk away with the most gorgeous piece of wearable art? If the answer is yes, then this is the perfect class for you. This workshop will teach the fine art of Nuno Felting, one of the oldest methods of creating non-woven fabric. It involves taking wonderfully soft pieces of hand dyed roving (wool that has not yet been spun) and a feather weight silk and combining the two together. You will be using your own love of color, soapy water and gentle pressure to create a beautiful and completely unique scarf. Everything you need to create this scarf will be provided. Just bring your own artistic spirit. This is one piece you’ll never want to give away. Come join us to learn a new art and have a fabulous time!

Class fee: $125 (includes all supplies)

Please call us for more information and to reserve your space. (865) 436-9080

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I was thinking last night as I watched the count down to the new year, just exactly what did I want from 2012, what could I create this year that would make it a stand out year. 2011 and out of control. I didn't really enjoy it and found myself facing more disappointments than usual. But, here we are on day one of a 364 (not counting today) adventure.

Since I don't make resolutions (don't get me started on that subject) I kind of made a short term "bucket list." of what I would like to do in 2012 concerning my knitting/spinning. Here are a few.

• I would like to have about 25-30 new knitting students
• I would like to purchase my first Spinning Wheel
• I would like to attend Stitches South (again) and visit with my students from Atlanta
• I would like to design 5 really good quality knit patterns that would take the beginner knitter to a more comfortable Intermediate.

Personally I think that's a pretty good start. I would like to hear what you are planning for 2012. We have a blank canvas in front of us and lets color outside the lines together this year!

The other day when I posted I shared a little bit about working at the Smoky Mountain Spinnery. I want to share with you some pictures I've taken over the past few months. We are getting so many things in it's hard to keep up with it all. (We got in some beautiful Liberty Wool, and it's just about all gone, all ready) Anyway, here we go. And I haven't even got to the yarn and roving yet. :-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Welcome to 2012

Samples are done

These cute little knit pumpkins are the samples that I knitted for Smoky Mountain Spinnery. The pattern and yarn are from Farmhouse Yarns. I loved the yarns. and the pattern was great. You can make one in a couple of hours. The size of the pumpkins depend on the size of your needles and the fullness of the pumpkin is dependent on how much stuffing you use, so you can be really creative. It was just so much fun to knit these.

Excited

This morning on the way back from getting my car repaired I decided to cheer myself up with the purchase of some roving or some delicious fiber of some kind. So I stopped in at Smoky Mountain Spinnery. When I pulled in Nancy, the owner was putting out her fall decorations. Note: around here, Fall is a BIG deal and every shop, hotel and store decorates for Fall and puts out Fall scenes almost like Christmas decor. Anyway, inside I got to again walk through and feel all those fabulous fibers, as if I had never been there before. ;-) As we talked she brought up again me knitting some samples for her shop. Since I have some time now I jumped on the chance to work with some yarn that I have never worked with. She handed me a pattern, 3 hanks of yarn all from Farmhouse Yarns, LLC, and out the door I went. Happy, excited and ready to toss everything aside to start knitting with this yarn. LOL. I will post pictures when I'm finished. Today was a good day. Smile.

This is what I'm gonna do this weekend.

This is a beautiful Merino called Spice. Purchased at Smoky Mountain Spinnery. I can't wait to start.

Happy Labor Day!

Almost Moved

Good heavens. I knew going into this move that cleaning out a home that was LIVED in for 25 years was going to be fun (work) but I had no idea to what degree. Don't get me wrong it's been many hours of fun and some sadness. But I am happy to say that we are in the final days and we should be fully moved Aug. 7th.

Again I am facing the duality of life, the excitement of moving, meeting new people, working with a great lady at the Smoky Mountain Spinnery, and living in a beautiful area. Then realizing that I'm leaving the home where I raised both my kids, the countless fish, etc that are buried in the back yard, the tree I rescued and it only had two leaves to now it's taller than my 3 story house. Not to even mention the friends, opportunities and experiences I've had here in Atlanta. So I'm finding comfort in believing two things. 1) Life is seasonal. Everything has a time and season, things, people, etc come and go. Releasing and detatching. 2) Everything happens for a reason. There are great things ahead for me and my family, but they won't happen if I'm sitting still, afriad to move.

We are all called to walk a path, some times the path is smooth and level and then there are those times when the path is treacherous. I'm a traveler on my path, looking, learning and loving. This time my path is leading me to the Smoky Mountains.

I so look forward to keeping in touch (better than I have in the past) and staying in contact with you either through the blog or through Ravelry.

Hugs to all of you.

Back Home

Hello,

It's been awhile... again. But it's not because I'm bored with blogging. Back in January I got a call from my mom she needed to have another surgery. This time it was for a knee replacement. She needed to have her other knee done. So I've been in Tennessee since January caring for mom again.

Tennessee has turned into my second home, though at some point I would love for it to be my first home. ;-) It was beautiful watching Spring come to the Smoky Mountains. I made a lot of new friends and got to spend time in my favorite yarn/spinning and weaving store. I have some pictures that I will be putting up showing the snow on the mountains. If you are ever in Gatlinburg, TN. please stop in and see Nancy at the Smoky Mountain Spinnery. She carries some of the most beautiful yarn and roving. You will not be disappointed. In fact you may want to just stand there and take in all the beautiful colors.

While I was up there I got to work on a couple of projects. One was my first pair of socks for my son. I totally made them to fit his feet and they turned out a lot nicer than I expected for my first "man" socks. LOL. The details are on Ravelry. I also worked on a blanket that I started some time back. I keep it there at mom's so I have something to work on. Also I got to buy yarn! Some of it I have posted in my stash on Ravelry.

I'm hoping that over the next couple of days I can add more pictures and totally update my blog. I miss blogging and I miss all the wonderful replies and the fantastic knitters.

Blessed Be

New Year, New Yarn, Finished Socks

Happy New Year to all of you who read my postings. I hope that it's been a wonderful
14 days for you.

Since my last post a lot has happened. 2009 has started with a blast. I've got several things on the needles right now, but I finished my Monkey socks New Year's eve. How cool is that? That was my goal and I did it. Below are a couple of pictures for you. I can truly say that this won't be my last pair. I love them. I think I may do my next pair something solid or nearly solid.

Recently I was in Tennessee taking mom to the Ortho Ped Doctor to schedule her next total knee replacement (Jan. 27th) and while I was there I went to my favorite place in the Smoky Mountains. Smoky Mountain Spinnery. I have talked about this shop before and I just love it there. When you walk in it feels like you have the softest blanket wrapped around you. It's just an awesome place for me. You all know how crazy my life has been, so going in there is almost like a sanctuary of quiet and peace.

Well while I was there I made a couple of purchases. My son wants a pair of socks so he picked out this fantastic Heritage. These colors are so him. I promised him that I would start these while mom was in the hospital, because he made me promise to do a lot of relaxing knitting while she was there.

Then I seen where Nancy had woven a beautiful shawl out of Nikki . I just had to have that yarn. The colorway is nearly all my favorite colors. I have no idea what I will make out of it yet, but for now I am just enoying the color.

My other news, last buy not least, I finally started my first pair of toe up socks. Yup, I have one done and the second is just about finished. The jury is still out on how I like doing them though. Speaking of jury duty. Guess where I'll be next week. Yup. Sitting. they won't let me knit, so I'll reading and I have some patterns in my mind that I will write out. So I'll be knitting in my heart. LOL.

Have a great day,

Blessed Be