Horse....Mule....Horse....Mule

"Usually, we live peaceably together, except there was the time when he sold him a horse, but delivered a mule." ...a line from one of my favorite stage plays, Fiddler on the Roof. I think that is how I would sum up the total experience of the 10 day show. We had 17-21 inches of snow, depending upon where you were in Wisconsin, followed by the ever lovely ice that follows a melt and re-freeze. Most of the crowd was there to experience the German themed Christmas atmosphere, to do some shopping and of course, eat the wonderful foods that were there. We were lead to believe that the show was juror ed , but when we were setting up, we knew differently. They were looking to fill booth spaces, that was the process. Suffice it to say, I am so glad to be home.

I met wonderful people, people who "got it" about the felt or wanted to know more about the wonderful textile. Several hats in particular got a lot of attention, ones with the hand dyed yearling mohair and the ones with unusual fabrics in the surface design, such as the velvet, silk, gauze, chunky yarns, or the ones with unusual lines. I think the total number of hats I sold was 24 by actual count. All in all, really not that bad and with the other felt items that were sold, the nuno/laminate felts, pincushions, scarves, etc, it was all ok. I was surprised at how many of the wool and silk scarves sold. I think for many, they are comfortable with silk, and they are intrigued by the combination, so they are comfortable making the purchase even if they are unfamiliar with felt. It was a great learning experience in many ways.

In the days ahead, there will be much family time, and I rejoice in that. There will be time to reflect on the great gift of Christ's birth, more joy in that as well. I believe the final days of this year will be full of family, friends, wonderful foods, quiet nights and simple joys all around us. But, I know I have a lot to think about as well... Felt ideas that keep going through my head, thinking about going back to the art shows for finished goods and blending my time between art shows and fiber art shows, wondering how much I can physically accomplish to build my inventory, and getting class schedules put together. It's going to be a busy 2010!

Looking back in thanksgiving, looking forward in hope, looking up, listening.
Blessed Christmastime and Shalom,
Suzanne

Listening to the the inner voice

I have a friend that learned to needle felt then wet felt them from me this past August. I am so proud of her works that I am posting them here for her. I helped a bit with the shaping and do-dads, but not much. Her name is Bernadette Keeler. I think it might be a name and talent we'll be hearing a lot more about. The best of students, IMO, come with no pre-conceived ideas, just the desire to learn. They don't want to copy someone else , or mimic some thing they saw someone else do. I am most amazed at their ability to listen to what happens inside of them, and to the creative spirit God has put in all of us.
Bernadette, take a bow! I am so proud of your work!

BTW, these are her first hats, so if you'd like to comment and give her encouragement, please do.

St. Pat's!

In honor of St. Pat's a bit of the green... Hand warmers of hand dyed merino and merino/silk felt flower.

What's in a Name?

The website is up about the Midwest Felting Symposium. I am so excited about this event. I get to see my buddies, see wonderful felts, learn a bunch of new stuff and feel really good about this medium.
While I was waiting for the symposium site to load, I went to Susan's Fiber shop website. There on the page where she shows off her pretty babies, was one named after me! She's too cute, don't ya think?



Well, seeing this pretty Teeswater baby being my namesake, I thought I should take another peek at what this name Suzanne means.

Here ya go:
Suzanne
French: SUSANNA

Gender: Feminine

Usage: English, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Dutch, Biblical

Other Scripts: Сусанна (Russian)

Pronounced: soo-ZAN-a (English) [key]
From Σουσαννα (Sousanna), the Greek form of the Hebrew name שׁוֹשַׁנָּה (Shoshannah). This was derived from the Hebrew word שׁוֹשָׁן (shoshan) meaning "lily" (in modern Hebrew this also means "rose"), perhaps ultimately from Egyptian sšn "lotus".

In the New Testament this is the name of a woman who ministered to Christ. It also occurs in the Old Testament Apocrypha as the name of a woman falsely accused of adultery. The prophet Daniel clears her name by tricking her accusers, who end up being condemned themselves.
***end of definition***
I wonder which way she'll want it pronounced. She's so cute!

Anyway, check out the website on the symposium. It's just too wonderful to miss!
BTW, did you know that a woman in Michigan can use all of her names, maiden and married?...and it is legal? WOW!

Spring Cleaning...Beating The Rush!

There are so many little bits of fiber floating around here, needing to find a home. I've decided to get these bits together to create one of a kind spinning felting batts. I've got most of them listed on Etsy. Some of them are stunning, some a bit more silly. I think folks will have fun with them. I hope they will, I had fun making them. I tend to "gather" fibers form my travels. Sometimes I have great plans for them, but by the time I get to them, the plans have changed, or I've used some of it in another project. This is a way for me to clean up around here and still provide a quality product for others.

Since I've damaged my shoulders, spinning has become a great challenge for me. I would spin these up myself to make some great sock yarn. Yearn to make yarn :(( again! Moreover, I long to felt, but that is out of the question too. I try to not do too much, but that is so not easy for me! If I am not busy, I am sleeping.

Dyed up about 2100 yards of sock yarn this week for my buddy Jan. She got it and loved it. I so glad. Sometimes I am concerned that though I might like something, doesn't mean someone else will. She gave me creative liberties, I was still concerned. She said she loved it, so we are both delighted! YEAH! Wish I had taken some photos of it! What was I thinking????????

During this "down time" I am am preparing for the upcoming Fiber art events. One in particular is the Midwest Felting Symposium. If you have opportunity to make it there, it is a DON"T MISS! It is Wen-Sun INTENSE felting with incredible artist, technicians, vendors, food, classes, and gallery. If I could only do one show a year, this would be the one. It is out of my ability to describe. I love it. The energy, talent, fun....WOW!!!!!!!!!!! The website for more details is: www.midwestfeltingsymposium.com I think that the information on classes and instructors should be up in the next few days. The classes will fill and close soon, so if you are remotely interested, monitor the sight. You can also contact www.susansfibershop.com Susan is hosting the event.