On the road to Eugene

We made it to Eugene today and had a nice dinner at Davis's restaurant before settling on the porch swing of our B&B for some crocheting and knitting. The drive from southern California was beautiful. I am always amazed by the diversity in terrain in the state of California. Here are just a few of the roadside attractions that we enjoyed:














Last night we stayed in Ashland, which is such an adorable little town. We always eat at Pangea, which offers a variety of foods for vegans and carnivores alike. We enjoyed some shopping in the different independently owned shops this morning before hitting the road to Eugene.

Getting ready for Black Sheep Gathering

I have been absent from this forum for about a year now, but I haven't been away from fiber. Last summer you could usually find me at my new Schacht Baby Wolf loom. During the fall, I prepared for the Holiday Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles. In the winter, I bought a Hansen miniSpinnner, and spent many hours enjoying electrified spinning. When spring rolled around, I began to prepare in earnest for Black Sheep Gathering. And that brings us to today.

My friend, Lori Lawson of Capistrano Fiber Arts Studio, and I will begin our road trip to Eugene, Oregon for Black Sheep Gathering in a few days. I am busily putting the final touches on my fibers, yarns, and patterns for the show. I have many new colorways this year, as well as a new shawlette pattern. I can hardly wait to hit the road!

Spinner's Lead

Tonight was the annual Black Sheep Gathering Spinner's Lead. One can't help but be happy after watching the farmers walk their animals around the arena while simultaneously modeling a handspun knitted, crocheted, woven, or felted garment. This event is an absolute hoot!

Black Sheep Gathering

We are having a great time at the gathering this year! Yesterday was a bit chilly in the morning, so there was ample opportunity to wear handspun swag. There were some absolutely gorgeous shawls and shawlettes.

Here are some pictures of the booth before we opened for business:

Ashland

We walked around Ashland in the morning and stopped by The Web-sters Yarn shop. They have a great selection of yarns from Habu Textiles. I picked up a couple of Habu silk yarns for weaving.



Ashland is home to the natural Lithia water spring. I never sample the sulphur-rich water, but many people do. The local signage claims that the water has health benefits, but I'm not so sure.

Summer Solstice

Our trip began before sunrise today. The scenery was so beautiful! Along the way we saw wild sweet peas, lupin, and scotch broom blooming along the side of the road. Every year Lori and I enjoy the many views of Mt. Shasta, and this year the mountain appeared to have more snow than usual.


We were very excited to finally arrive in Ashland. It is warm this evening, and we enjoyed some window shopping and dinner at our favorite little restaurant, Pangaea, before turning in for the day. Tomorrow we are off to Eugene!

Black Sheep Here We Come!

I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote about my fiber life. Though I have been busy, I try to spend a bit of time every day doing something fibery.

In the past couple of months I have been feverishly preparing for Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene, Oregon (June 24-26).
I will once again be sharing a booth with Lori Lawson of Capistrano Fiber Arts. We are going to have lots of new things this year, including new yarn and roving colorways.



Also, I will be debuting my handcrafted soaps at Black Sheep Gathering. I am bringing three different scents: Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey, Lavender Patchouli, and Pepper Rose.

Lori and I are both excited for the trip. We always have a great time meeting friends and talking fiber. Hope to see you there!