I'm back from Tennessee

I'm back with a few goodies. 4 balls of Austermann Bambou Soft in a beautiful grape color, 1 ball of YarnArt Crazy Color in warm wood tones, and a book on learning how to drop spin. Though my purchases were small and lovely it is the things that were not tanglable that I brought home with me that I'm super excited about. It started a little disappointing. The class on knitting 2 socks at the same time was canceled because there were only two of us that signed up. I asked (begged) the instructor since I was up there visiting to give me a private lesson, she refused and was a little crappy that I even asked her. Then she told me since I was an instructor I should figure out myself. So I didn't purchase anything there walked out and decided that, this was a good time to remind myself that everything happens for a reason and besides karma will catch up with her. The next day was WONDERFUL. We headed up to Gatlinburg and I went straight to the Spinnery. Several hours later I came out with the goodies, and a new friend. Nancy Thompson is the owner and spinner at Smoky Mountain Spinnery. I don't think she has a web site but if I find out she does the link will be posted immediately. Anyway, she has all kinds of goodies, amazing colors and the kind of yarn you drool over. I can't tell you how many times she said "Here, feel this, isn't it wonderful it's made from..." She not only spins, but weaves, knits, crochets, and teaches it all. So she showed me about her weaving loom and how it works, etc,(by the way this loom would fill my kitchen, it's a biggie) she showed me several of her different spinning wheels and took me to a back room where she has two of her great grandmother's wheels and her husband's great, great grandmother's wheel. I can't begin to tell you how amazing it felt that she shared those with me. It was like walking back in time. She told me all the stories that went with each wheel. It was great. Then when it was about time for me to go, I asked her about lessons, and she told me that the next time I come up there to call her, and she would be MORE THAN HAPPY, to give me private lessons, we would start with a drop spindle and go from there. I am still so excited about meeting her and her showing me so much kindness. That was the best part of the trip.


The following night we went out looking at the Christmas lights and displays. I took this while driving down the main street in Gatlinburg. I hope you can see it. They had put out new lights this year and its beautiful. If you get a chance to go, DO IT. I know the picture doesn't do the place justice, but you'll get the idea.
Actually the reason we went up there was to visit with my mom. She isn't doing well, and that is disturbing, but personal. I don't usually use the blog to get into the "other" parts of my life, but if you read this say a little prayer for her.