After almost a month of recovering from a post-covid cough, I ended up with bronchitis after my son brought home a bug and got me and my husband sick. We had another snow day last week, shutting down my studio at Lowe Mill for a day--and while I went back Thursday-Saturday, I felt horrible and couldn't wait to get home again.
I got a new (to me) spinning wheel a little over a month ago from a local fiber friend after months of searching for the right wheel to have at home while my Lendrum stays at my studio. I opted for a Schacht Ladybug for its size (and price point). I've always been a bit prejudiced about spinning wheels since I bought my Lendrum a decade ago, so it was nice to find a wheel that spins (almost) as comfortably.


I still managed to get projects done, despite feeling sick over the past few weeks, though I can honestly say I didn't enjoy weaving much of the time. I was just going through the motions to stay busy. Two of my finished scarves are not photographed yet (as well as yesterday's project), but the others are shown below, along with some carded Jacob/Romney fleece that I’m currently spinning at my studio.





On Tuesday of last week, I taught a weaving class at the senior center in Cullman, AL (my 2nd class). Before class, I stopped by Hobby Lobby (a large craft store, for those who aren't familiar) and picked up some other yarn craft project kits to try out. I started with a needlepoint kit and really enjoyed stitching over the next two days since I was at home on Wednesday from the snow. The yarn was a cheap acrylic, which felt horrible in my hands and looked as cheap as it felt, but I still enjoyed the process and will definitely be doing more needlepoint in the future.



My trip to Burritt Mountain keeps being delayed because of the cold (and damp) weather here. The plan (for now) is to revisit on the first Monday in March to begin warping the historic loom. Of course, this could always change since Mother Nature is having a mental breakdown with her below-freezing temps one day and almost 70 degree weather the next.
Another addition to my teaching schedule begins in April, when I'll be starting a class series at Sunshine Weaving & Fiber Arts shop in Lebanon, TN. I'm starting with wheel spinning class, and then adding some yarn dyeing classes and other fiber arts classes during the warmer months. I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be too hot in my studio at Lowe Mill during the heat of the summer to teach there, so I'm booking classes at other venues in the meantime.
While I had planned to sit the Rocket City Scottish Festival out this year as a vendor, it looks like I will be vending again anyway (this year on May 3rd), but this time it will be jointly with my friend Ellen, who weaves Finnish rag rugs (among other things). My husband and I also plan to perform this year at the festival--singing traditional British folksongs and playing Celtic instrumentals. This is my first time performing in this type of venue (and this style of music, although I've played it for years), so it's both exciting and a little nerve-racking at the same time. It's something I always wanted to do, but never pursued seriously until my vocal coach suggested it. Two of the songs I plan to sing include references to weaving and spinning, so I had to throw those onto my set list.
You are so good at making a diverse schedule, but you would get well faster if you rest, as in sit or lay down, and not work. Just sayin'.