Wool Mountain

Having two markets this weekend with last week's production was a bit overwhelming --thanks Kim for making it so easy and fun to be at the markets.  Whistler rocked.  It's been a while since I kicked back with a gal pal and enjoyed a weekend hotelling.

If you are in Whistler in the Upper Village and don't mind some noisy, boozy atmosphere, go to Merlins.   The tacos were $1 and I had a beer caesar.

The ride home today was sunny and gave us time for a pit stop. 

I can't stop knitting with this chunky merino.  At 125g and 125 yards this yarn is rewarding to knit for quick projects on 8mm needles.  The hat (in oh so many colours) are just flying off the needles.

Heart Felt

The face of the studio is forever evolving and changing.  Joan, gone for most of the summer to shows and to enjoy the short return of her daughter is now moving in new equipment.  The last of Sonia's fibre and her wheel left yesterday and I'm not sure what to do with the blank wall that is left in it's place.

Claire, the best and only student I've ever had is leaving next Thursday.....Hmm.  Toni sent me an amazing email today and it gave me fresh perspective on the coming weeks...

".....you never seem at a loss for amazing people coming into your life ... I wonder who else is waiting in the wings?... I am referring to those who will add inspiration, joy and laughter!"

I think Toni is right.  The product of so much inspiration is that my studio time has doubled.  It's just so great to be there, which means that an entirely new limited edition of the Fiddlehead Felts will be available this weekend just in time for Trout Lake and Whistler.

New, shorter version of the Cloche.

Available in 8 colour combinations

The new cozy couch corner.

One of the other great things about the studio.  Pearl is just down the street, so I'm heading over to Birkeland Wool now.  A little time knitting in the shop with Pearl is a great way to end a full day here.

Studio Groove

I have taken over another space in the studio as Sonia is leaving at the end of the month...Boo.....But thanks to her I now have beautiful cabinets and chairs that we always have me thinking about how much fun it was having her in the studio.

Working with my temp co-op student has been amazing.  Because of Claire I had an entire selfish day of spinning and carding.  I was able to incorporate the lovely first cuts of alpaca that I recently aquired to make some lovely skeins.

Knit group was fantastic.  A late dinner and a great Monday night with the creative ladies of the yarn shop.  Here are some current projects from the group.

Cutest, felted knitting squirrel

Thrummed slipper from Sonia's handspun

And finally, my day's basket of spinning.  I would also like to thank Kim, Pearl, Sonia and Claire for hanging out at the Dairy Queen after knit group.  Can we make this part of the Monday night ritual?

Today I Work

Today I work like Circle Craft is tomorrow.  Today I work like it is my last possible chance to knit.  Today I work because I can and I love it and there is plenty of coffee on the way to the studio.

Today I work because I am surrounded by friends and great energy and the studio is breezy and cool.

Teaching and Learning

I learn more about myself each time I teach a class.  Tonight I saw something really wonderful in the class that I've never really noticed before.  Six wonderful woman all in sync learning and sharing.  It was an extraordinary experience for me.  A real rush.

All classes are different but the same.  They are fun and hectic, busy and stressful, rewarding and challenging.  This class had a vibe that was a giant creative wave that rolled over the whole group and carried it.  I wish I had a better way to describe it.  For me ---just memorable.

Studio Cool

The studio is cool.  Really cool.  Temperature cool.  It's a basement that leaves the crappy weather outside and it's toasty warm in the winter. Questions I often ask myself about the studio

Do I miss windows and a great view?
  Sure I do.  But it's what happens in the studio that's important.

Does the studio have a creative vibe?

  Absolutely.  When we are all there and everyone is getting their groove on and people are dropping in with their own projects, it is amazing.

Mariegold, queen of exaggerated thrumming.

I had some crazy coiling to do and Sonia rocked the wheel with an amazing 3 ply.

Coiled, for real.  75 g and only 14 yds.

Even the alley behind the studio received a little art upgrade.  Thanks to the photographer/happy stapler.  You made the alley much nicer today.

Canoe in Alley

Will be giving a lot of love to the studio this week before heading out of town again.

Knitting and Driving Do not Mix....

I mean knitting as a passenger in the car...oops, sorry didn't mean to alarm anyone.  After an exciting and busy day in Whistler I figured I had better get a head start on my inventory by knitting in the car.

Never again.  At least not on the road to/from Whistler.  I was not able to contain my spicy thai tuna sandwich or the lovely gooseberries from the market.  I have always had a hint of weird tummy on long car rides, but never enough to prohibit knitting.  This late life development completely sucks.

Tear down has finally found it's groove.  We can completely shut down the booth and have it in the car (mathematically packed) in about a half hour.

The last basket in the car is always what I might knit on the way home.  Apparently no longer an issue.  Two hours of down time in the car is something I will not do well with.  Any suggestions?

The Mo in my Jo

Yeehaa....The Undiscovered Country (by far the best of the Star Trek Franchise) is on the space channel this afternoon.  This will definitely get me through the afternoon....oh, and one more crack at the last 4 episodes of Season 7 of Buffy. 

I'm thinking of a Mad Men marathon next week?

Calling in Sick

So my best laid plans have failed.  My attempt to call in sick did not work.  My boss clearly saw me lounging in my pj's and drinking an americano around 8:00am.  No need to get all crazy as I sometimes don't get my groove on until after Dr. Who (9:00am).  But once 9:30 came and went and I was still petting the cats the boss of me knew something was up.

The guilt knitting began promptly at 9:45 am.  I just dropped the needles at 11:51.  Oh, and there were appropriate lunch and dinner breaks.  I'm still a bit peeved at my boss today, but she's not a monster.

How Do I Get a Day Off?

I was reading the Yarn Harlot's post the other day in which she was talking about her boss.  It got me thinking.  My boss (me) won't give me a day off.  Since I have been back from Filberg, I have already finished a scarf, felt hat, some kids hats and starting staying up until 2:00am (again).  This go, I have Buffy Season 7 to keep me up.  I thought today might be a good day to call in sick, but the studio waits and I know it's a god awful mess.

I am having faint visions of the way I tore through it when we were packing up the car to head out of town.  Sonia will be here at 11:00.  I swear I'm calling in sick tomorrow.

Things I Learned from Filberg

1. Less is more. I keep learning and keep editing.
2. Nature is the best backdrop for a booth.
3. I do much better with an open display than a Berlin Wall.
4. Get paid help.  Leaving your own booth is a luxury you deserve. Thanks Leah!
5. Hug repeat customers.
6. Let people say sweet things about your work.  Take compliments like currency.
7. Be a good neighbour and you will have good neighbours.
8. Always think sunshine.

This was my best year at Filberg for so many reasons.  Friends, neighbours, partner, sales.  This is not bragging.  This is gratitude.  I am lucky to have the people in my life that I have and I know that my success rests solely on their support.

Claire's booth was so mobbed that she had to hang up her empty paper mache teacup.  Her booth looked amazing.

Joan had a great booth display this year and her daughter was a very engaging part of the display.  

Brett was the best neighbour and having him so close by saved us from having to leave each other's booths for a visit. (entertaining and convenient).

We had a bit of extra time to reflect on the ferry (due to mechanical problems) and at the end of the day when your business trip seems like a partial vacation you know you've done really well.

Thanks for another great year Filberg!