Sunday, June 08, 2008

Life Goes On



I was delighted to spend this weekend with friends, attending the Northwest Regional Spinners’ Association Conference in Salem, Oregon. It was held this year at Willamette University, a truly gorgeous campus. We enjoyed dorm life, spent our days in classes, took our meals at the cafeteria, stayed up late every night and crammed in as much fun as we could. Sounds like college days (except for all the spinning wheels).

I developed quite a fondness for two specific drop spindles, both of which were available at conference. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with Jenkins Turkish spindles: http://jenkinswoodworking.com/Turkish_Spindles.htm and bought a wee little light-weight one for lace spinning. I have two others of heavier weights. They are perfectly balanced, and make a center-pull cake of single from which plying can be done *very easily* (involving no winding onto nostepinne or ball winder). Also, I’m smitten with the square drop spindles from Spindlewood http://spindlewoodco.com/ They don’t roll off the table when set down. The woods are stunning, and the finish work is beyond gorgeous, giving a nice satiny feel to the wood. They spin like a dream. I now have square spindles of three different weights & will enjoy & use them all. My photos were fuzzy so I hope you’ll check out their websites, even if just out of curiosity. Sorry I couldn't get both links to work. . . but cut & paste if you're interested. NAYY. Just an enthusiastic enabler here. :-)

I took a class in spinning bast fibers from Paula Shull, and following that, significantly reduced the supply of hemp and flax top from one of the vendors. The next day, I took “Mud Pies for Adults” from Anita Luvera-Mayer. We experimented with several techniques, using textile paints and dyes, stencils, stamps, foils, adhesives, & burned felt. Way too much fun, and I felt like an artist when I finished the classes. I can hardly wait to put into practice the things I’ve learned, on “real projects” rather than samples.



A friend took Anita’s Knit 1 Purl 1 class, and explored free-form knitting. She came up with some spectacular samples which will eventually end up as a vest. Anita was also our keynote speaker, providing us with even more inspiration. Anybody for a textile tour to Turkey? She’s leading a group there next fall. What a learning experience to be had. . .


I’m home now, and while I was gone, my daughter brought over her two kitties while she’s in Montana. Corbin is quite talkative. Kaya remains under the couch & the only thing I’ve heard from her is growls. Our two, Angus & Annabelle, are just stunned at their presence & can’t quite figure out what they’re doing here. I’m *hoping* for a peaceful night’s sleep. . . wish me luck. ^..^ ^..^ ^..^ ^..^