november 1, 2014

november is support your local yarn shop month, remember!  time for getting started or finishing up (depending on how organized you are) those quickly approaching christmas gifts.  there are a couple of quick knits you might like, including arm knitting and a three-stand cowl - come to the shop to see some samples.

as you all probably know by now, donna is back and better than ever and raring to go!

UPCOMING CRAFT SHOWS

THE WORK OF OUR HANDS*
friday, november 7th from 10 to 7
Lamplighter Restaurant in Delmont (route 22)
this is the third year for this show, which used to be the open house at the Mock residence in murrysville.  we outgrew the house, that's why we had a change of venue.
THE SHOP IS CLOSED SO THAT I MAY VEND AT THIS SHOW AS WELL.  STOP BY AND SEE US!!

SNOWFLAKE SHOWCASE OPENING RECEPTION
Greensburg Art Center
saturday, november 15 from 2 to 4
this annual event runs from november 15 through december 21

LOG CABIN CHRISTMAS
friday/saturday/sunday november 28, 29 and 30
friday/saturday/sunday december 5, 6 and 7
10 to 5 each day
117 hay lane, off of windover road in murrysville
this show has been running for 15 years by Lane Neff and is a wonderful tradition

LIGONIER MARKET CHRISTMAS SHOW
saturday november 29 at the Y in ligonier
come back and visit your favorite vendors from the summer market!

PLEASE PLAN ON SHOPPING WITH SMALL BUSINESSES AND LOCAL ARTISTS AND CRAFTSMEN THIS YEAR FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  each of these shows are special and unique and worth checking out!  thanks for your support!

What's New you ask??

ViJay silk yarns!  these gorgeous silk yarns and amazing color ways are now available for your perusal.   i have available two patterns for purchase using vijay yarns.  vijay yarns have been featured in quite a few knitting magazines of late and once you see it in person, you'll know why.

also new are some FEZA yarns including new colors in alp premiere and alp dazzle as well as fanatic, alp virgin, and fiesta!  fanatic is a wonderful yarn consisting of acrylic, wool, and nylon - good for those of you who are allergic to wool or want a nice yarn that is washable.  this yarn has a beautiful color way change - very subtle.  and with 231 yards per skein, it goes a long way.  see photo below of a sample knitted with it.  

premiere, dazzle, virgin, and fiestas

fanatic

sample of fanatic knitted up

SO TO CELEBRATE THESE NEW YARNS, for the month of november only, each skein will be $1 off the regular price.

dates to remember

monday 11/3 - knit chix meet at the bean at noon

thursday 11/6 - purlin girls meet at the bean at noon

saturdays 11/1, 8, and 15 craftique fiber group meets at craftique 10-12

tuesday 11/11 - close knit girls meet at panera

tuesday 11/11 - shop open 1-6

shop's open fridays 11/14 and saturdays 11/1, 8, and 15
SHOP CLOSED FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 FOR LAMPLIGHTER SHOW

TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK TONIGHT BEFORE BED!  we gain an extra hour to knit!  YE- HAW!!!

upcoming classes*

11/10 arm knitting
11/12 faux silk flower
11/12 polish star
11/19 felt loom scarf
12/2 chatelaine
12/3 snowman purse (3 classes)

*all details on on the website raggzfiberart.com


don't forget that i am now an approved ravelry shop.  you can purchase your patterns through me at the shop and i give a 10% discount on all patterns if you do!  well worth the wait!

well i'm in a rush myself so this is short and sweet.  below are a couple of miscellaneous photos for your enjoyment

cathy, the nice witch

look at the treat i got!!!

Lane the samurai

wow it turned out tiny, but this is a panoramic view of the shaenandoah valley taken while visiting Zach in Winchester last weekend.  it was peak leaf season and sky view lane was not accessible due to all the peepers but this place was just as pretty.  we got to take a hike down to the river.  beautiful!

beautiful jean with her new hat

moi with my new progressive lenses.  

10.15.14

did you know that november is support your local yarn shop month?  ok ok i made that up but it IS a great time to support your LYS with the holidays fast approaching - time to get things started before the crunch!  raggz has a bunch of classes on the docket in the nick of time.  think about signing up and learning something new or to make that special gift for someone.  see list below of upcoming classes.  also don't forget that i am now an approved ravelry store where you can purchase your patterns.  and if you purchase them through me, i give a 10% discount on all patterns!

Our own Donna Charlesworth is out of the hospital and on the mend.  she definitely needs to get a super-woman costume for halloween.  i have never seen anyone breeze through brain surgery and come out on the other side with no side effects and no pain.  one amazing lady!  we are all thankful she is doing so well.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Lougene W (10/17), Diane M (10/17), Deb S (10/19), Laura Mc (10/20), Mary L (10/25, and Alicia L (10.26)!  Hope you all have a fabulous birthday - now get over here for your $5 off birthday certificate!

happy birthday laura!

dates to remember

saturdays  10/18 and 25 - craftique fiber art group meets at craftique 10-12
monday 10/20 knit chicks meet at the bean at noon
thursday 10/23 purlin girls meet at the bean at noon
shop's open fridays 10/17, 24 and 31 from 10-6, saturdays 10/18 and 25 from 10-2, and tuesday 10/28 from 1-6
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 is our 3rd annual The Work of Our Hands art/craft show this year being held at the Lamplighter Restaurant on Route 22 in Delmont from 10-7.  this show had been an open house at the Mock's in Murrysville until we outgrew the house.  please be sure to stop by - these are all local artists, some of whom you will know.  check out the event on my Facebook page for photos of some of the work you will be able to purchase at this show.  time to begin your Christmas shopping and also to support local artists and crafts people and buy MADE IN AMERICA one of a kind items!  please spread the word and help out show be a big success!  Some of the items for sale will be  pottery, fiber goodies, leather bound journals, pastries, handmade pens, goats milk soap, hand painted glass, jewelry and much much more!  note that the shop will be CLOSED NOVEMBER 7th.

tuesday, october 28th there will be a make and take demo making felt acorns.  for $5 you can make five acorns - instruction and all materials included

upcoming classes*

W 10/22 broomstick crochet
S 10/25 homeopathic class (if you are into doing things the natural way, this class is a MUST!
M 11/10 arm knitting
W 11/12 polish porcupine ornament
W 11/19 felt loom scarf
W 12/3 snowman purse (3 classes)
*see website for complete details and photos below of class sample

broomstick crochet

arm knitting

polish star ornament

felt loom scarf

snowman purse

just finished teaching a beginning knitting class at franklin regional.  the ladies have caught on well and are on their way to making a sweater, baby blankets, a throw, and dish cloths.  great group of ladies that i have enjoyed working with!  i hope to see them at the shop in the future happily knitting away.  last night one of the girls shared that she just found out she was pregnant and we were all so happy that all we talked about the rest of the night was babies.  poor young thing got way more advice than she bargained for!

i don't know about the rest of you but i get so busy this time of year that i lose things.  what i lost recently was my 'to do notebook'.  it has all my computer passwords in it!!!  yikes!  i finally did find it underneath some other things but i have also misplaced two knitting projects and a large plastic container with wet felting supplies in it!  happens to me every year at this time.  HELP!!

as another year slowly comes to a close, and i begin to think about my 4th year as a yarn shop, i would like to get some feedback from you all about anything and everything.  i am going to have sales to move out some of my slow moving yarn to be replaced with some new yarns.  i am toying with carrying Madelain Tosh, Kraemer, Malibrigo (if i can get an account with them).  please let me know some of your favorite yarns so i can make that decision.  i have found that i have a hard time moving the more expensive yarns so i will have to look into it.

as you know, i have extended my hours somewhat to include saturdays.  so far other than the day no one was manning the shop, sales have been slow to none.  so i will do this through the end of the year and decide if its worth it or not.  i may do the pgh knit and crochet show again in march to try to get my name out there.  i hired a marketing firm to help get my website out there a little better and that does seem to be panning out.  i also need to bite the bullet and put some ads in local magazines and knitting magazines but boy they are so costly and i didn't want to spend the money but if i don't do it…..  i am only giving this business five years and i'm more than halfway at this point.  so i really would like some help with any suggestions you may have.  you can post to this blog or email me at toni9399@comcast.net or tell me in person.  my feelings won't be hurt - honest!

i believe i will close for a couple of weeks in january to do some minor refurbishing at the shop.  i plan on tearing up all the carpeting and enjoying the wood floors underneath, as i did next door at our home.  just hoping i don't find a mess under there. i also plan on doing some painting and have a friend who is good at interior design to help me re-do the shop in a fun and efficient way.

random photos:

these three photos were taken at the wet felt pumpkin class on october 13th

connie's white felt pumpkin

deb's felt pumpkin with large leaves

monte's bright orange pumpkin

my pumpkins and a dish of acorns


so long for now!

I LOVE YARN DAY

"I LOVE YARN DAY" is friday, october 10th!  pop into the shop and we can all celebrate our love of fibers together.  there will be unadvertised specials and special treats so you won't know what you're missing unless you stop by.  coffee will be free that day to go along with the treats!

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT RAGGZ!!

october 4 2014

well, ligonier country market ended like the proverbial lion.  it was windy, rainy and cold!  i arrived at my usual time, around 6:30 a.m. and set up my tent and put the sides up to keep the rain out but there was no keeping out the wind!  it took a long time to get the sides up due to the strong winds and once i finally got almost settled in, the wind caught up the tent and raised it up along with the stakes twice!  then after all of my wonderful knitted and felted things got blown down the third time, i packed up and decided to visit and shop at the market, something i rarely get to do.  it was fun seeing most of the vendors (i say 'most' because there were quite a few missing due to the inclement weather).  i bought some wonderful concord grapes, veggies, pears, a wonderful handmade fountain pen made by Lynn Owens' husband Dave (Ducky's Pens), a woven rug for the shop, my favorite soap from Rebecca Hilko Shepler (not only great soap for washing with but great for felting as well), etc etc.

funny thing that happened today.  Thea mans the shop on saturday from 10 to 2 but was under the weather today.  i couldn't get ahold of tom to tell him to go ahead and lock the shop door.  some time around 11 i got a call on my cell that said it was from the state of indiana.  usually i don't answer unknown calls, figuring they are telemarketers.  glad i did - the lady on the other end said she was at my shop and no one was here.  i proceeded to tell her why and said if she wanted to purchase something to go ahead and do it because i wasn't due home for over another hour.  she said she would happily write a detailed list of everything.  well by the time i dilly dallied home, i found that there had been THREE customer there today.  the two ladies from indiana were together, and another lady from ligonier was there also.  they all made purchases and i believe i am now the first self serve yarn shop in the state, maybe even the world!?

Happy birthday wishes go out to sheila m (11th), karen s (12th).  happy birthday you two!   get over here to the shop for your $5 off birthday certificate!

dates to remember

monday 10/6 knit chicks meet at the bean at noon

tuesday 10/7 close knit girls meet at panera 6-8

thursday 10/9 purlin girls meet at the bean at noon

friday 10/10 shop open 10-6

saturday 10/11 shop open 10-2

saturday 10/11 craftique fiber art group meets at craftique 10-12

tuesday 10/14 shop open 1-6 

REMINDER:  The Work of Our Hands* Art/Craft show will be held at the Lamplighter Restaurant this year on Friday, november 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  All local artists and craftsmen.  Be sure to check us out!

*formerly the open house at the Mock's in murrysville (we outgrew the house)

upcoming classes (photos below)*

10/13 wet felt pumpkin class

10/20 felt lamb (4 classes)

10/22 broomstick crochet

11/10 arm knitting

11/19 felt loom scarf

12/3 snowman purse (3 classes)

*see website for more details

BONUS:  a $5 make and take class will be held on tuesdays october 14 and 28th at 2 and 4 pm.  we will be making felted acorns!!  come and make a few!  all materials included

felt pumpkin class monday october 13th, 1-4 pm $30 includes all materials

felt lamb class 4 mondays - 10/20, 27 and 11/3 & 17) $50 includes pattern & curls
our lambs will be white

crochet broomstick lace class wednesday 10/22 1-3 pm $30

arm knitting - yes with your ARMS
monday november 10 1:00 $25 includes all materials

feltLOOM scarf using silk and wool
wednesday november 19 1:00  $30 includes all materials

snowman purse class 3 wednesdays (12/3, 10, and 17)  $50 includes yarn and pattern

some photos of recent classes at raggz:

deb and her beautiful felt flower

the rest of the classes flowers

ceramic buttons before firing

guess who????  blast from the past

9/15/14

yes i survived my 60th birthday pretty much unscathed.  i did not do the promised 60th birthday cartwheel due to an inner ear problem i was having yesterday, but i promise to do it this week some time and post a photo.  its sure to get a good laugh.  i am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life.  i do not deserve all of you but i DO appreciate you!  thanks again for making my day so happy.

dinner at lupi and leo's with zach and tom

my BIG sale month continues and i will list the following specials on the following dates:

friday, september 19
25% off ALL cascade, mt meadow, imperial, kauni, blue heron, and knit collage yarns

saturday, september 20
25% off JUL handles and accessories, Homestead Heirloom handles, jesse james beads, shawl pins, buttons, and handmade needles.

tuesday, september 23
25% off patterns, books,  Ella Rae yarns, handspun hanks and by the yard, and wooden swifts.

friday, september 26
25% off all brown sheep, crystal palace, knit one crochet too, dream, and tee shirt yarns.

saturday, september 27
25% off individual needles and knitting accessories, lopi, nightfall, unplanned peacock, and blue herron yarns AND 15% off hiya hiya interchangeable sets.

one lucky winner who made a purchase in september will win a handmade wooden swift!

and remember:  spend $20 and get punched!  lets see who is the first customer to fill his or her card.  there will be a little sumthin-sumthin for that person as well!

thanks to all of you who have come to the shop during the new saturday hours to give Thea something to do!  much appreciated - we don't want her to be lonely.

i was lucky enough to get to visit the Mother Earth News Fair on sunday and found a wonderful yarn vendor from north carolina.  i am working with her to begin to carry her hand dyed yarns.  the color ways are absolutely beautiful.  she works in wool and super wash only.

Happy birthday wishes go out to katy d (9/20), jana k (9/26), dotty w (9/29), and lynda sue (9/30) --  get over here to the shop for your $5 off birthday certificate!

my origami owl book party continues for another week or so.  please check out their life lockets and charms - perfect for a christmas gift or birthday gift.  i plan on buying a couple myself for gifts.

dates to remember 

tuesday 9/16  crochet mandala class at raggz 1-4 (room for two more)*
tuesday 9/16  close knit girls meet at panera 7-9
thursday 9/18 purlin girls meet at the bean at noon
thursday 9/18 naughty knotty knitters meet at raggz 12:30 - 4
friday 9/19 shop open 10-6
saturday 9/20 shop open 10-2
saturday 9/20 craftique fiber art club meets at craftique 10-12
tuesday 9/23  shop open 1-6
wednesday 9/24 felt flower class at raggz - 10-12 and 1-3 (room for one or two more)*
thursday 9/25 purlin girls meet at monte's
friday 9/26 shop open 10-6
saturday 9/27 shop open 10-2
saturday 9/27 craftique fiber art club meets at craftique 10-12
monday 9/29 knit chic meet
tuesday 9/30 ceramic button class at raggz 1-3 (room for a couple more)*
wednesday 10/1  broomstick crochet class at raggz 1-3 *
thursday 10/2 beaded wheel class at dotty westerveld's 10-4*
*check website for complete details

ALSO:  the shenandoah valley fiber festival in berryville, virginia is sat/sun sept 27 and 28.  this is a small festival but well worth the trip.  Berryville is about 3 hours from here.

upcoming classes*

colorful crochet mandala tuesday 9/16 from 1-4
felt flower wednesday 9/24  morning class is 10-12 and afternoon class is 1-3
tuesday 9/30 clay buttons (our first clay class!)
saturday 10/18 from 2-5 i will be offering a class on homeopathy.  i have a homeopathic practitioner whom i have known and used for many years and since it is cold and flu season, this is a good time to learn how to avoid these the homeopathic way.

*see website for details


last week's felt landscape class proved successful.  i will be posting photos below.  i am teaching an evening version of this class tonight and will post photos in the next blog.  these photos are all of the work in progress.  the students have taken their wonderful scenes home to be embellished and have promised to share photos.  it will make all the difference!

thea's colorado scene in progress

deb's pansies before felting

cathy's winter scene before felting

just getting started

don't forget to visit me and the other wonderful vendors at Ligonier Country Market every saturday from 8 to noon through October 4th!  hurry!  it's going fast!

and if you're wondering, critter and noodle have finally become friends (i think partially due to the catnip deb brought)

other random photos:

how am i supposed to get my things packed up for market????

kim's amazing friendly witch pumpkin with felted hat!!!

9/1/14

hola everyone!  i know you have heard this a hundred times, but where did the summer go????  i know mine flew with the farm issues we have had in addition to painting my back porch and cleaning and painting my basement to get my feltLOOM up and running as well as my kiln.  well, i have a little more painting to do but basically i am ready.

BIG NEWS!  raggz will now have SATURDAY HOURS!  WOOOHOOO!  the shop will now be open on saturday from 10 to 2 through the end of the year at least.  i want to try it and see how it goes.  

Thea McCurry has agreed to work for me on saturdays while i am at country market through october 4 and again at various times during the rest of the year.  thanks Thea!  now all of you who say you cant get here because you work - no more excuses!  you WONT be sorry!  and thea has her own ideas about saturdays.  she will be demonstrating different stitches with a yarn purchase!  kudos thea!  and thea is a very experienced knitter, crocheter, quilter, seamstress, etc etc, so there's not much she wont be able to help you with!

everyone else does christmas in july but in lieu of september being my birthday month ( the Big one), i am going to have sixty specials this month.  (sale yarns not included) it's not going to be easy, but i am going to make it happen!  different specials on different days.  THIS IS YOUR TIME TO STOCK UP FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND PROJECTS!  here goes:

friday, september 5 - 25% off the following:
cascade yarns
JUL handles
jesse james beads
all sock yarn
kauni yarn
handmade wooden swifts
pagewood yarns
all fibers on the porch
all noni kits- accessories,
all mountain meadow yarns

saturday, september 6 - 25% off the following items:
all handspun yarn - hanks and by the yard
all feza yarns
all buttons
brown sheep yarns
blue heron yarns
knit collage yarns
crystal palace yarns
knit one crochet two yarns
all dream yarns
all imperial yarns

tuesday, september 9 - 25% off the following items:
nightfall yarns
lopi
handmade needles
hiya hiya singles and accessories
unplanned peacock
handmade needles
tee shirt yarn
ella rae yarn
my world of yarns
ice yarn

friday, september 12 - 25% off the following:
JUL accessories (pins, buttons, closures)
noro
purseketts
shawl pins
ruffle yarns
patterns
books
fibers on the porch
wooden swifts
sock yarn

saturday, september 13 - 25%off all but *
feza yarns
noni kits, accessories
brown sheep
buttons
crystal palace
patterns
pagewood
books
handmade needles
*hiya hiya interchangeable sets will be 10% off today

then....at the end of september, after the hullabaloo is over, i will be giving away a wooden yarn swift to one lucky customer who shopped during september!

WHAT'S NEW?  

since we all know fiber is so good for us and integral to good health, i am now giving out high fiber diet cards - you will be given a card and i will stamp it for every $20 of yarn or fiber purchased.  After you fill the card, you will get a gift certificate worth $20 on anything in the shop, including towards any class i may be teaching.  to your health!!

Happy birthday wishes go out to...  wow here we go - another popular birthday time:
6th - Donna
7th - sherry and mayra
10th - beth and katie
13th - ali
14 - moi
get over here to the shop for your $5 off birthday certificate!  and to those of you who havent signed up for the birthday club, get over here and do it!

dates to remember 

tuesday 9/1:  chubby knitters club (former fridays - now the 1st tuesday of the month) meet at the
                     shop from 1 to 4.  JOIN US!  always a lot of laughs.  (shop not open)
thursday 9/4:  purlin girls meet at the bean at noon
friday 9/5: shop open 10-6
saturday 9/6:  shop open 10-2
saturday 9/6: craftique fiber art group meet at craftique 10-12
tuesday 9/9: shop open 1-6
friday 9/12:  shop open 10-6
saturday 9/13:  shop open 10-2
saturday 9/13: craftique fiber art group meet at craftique 10-12
monday 9/15: knit chix meet at the bean at noon

REMINDER:  friday, november 7, the work of our hands will be having a craft show at the lamplighter restaurant in delmont on route 22 from 10-7.  this event was formerly held at the mock residence in murrysville but has outgrown the house.  this is a juried show and we are looking for vendors, so if you are interested or you know anyone, please contact me.  we are being very selective about what will be on display here and everything MUST be handmade.  more details soon.

upcoming classes*

felt landscapes 

wednesday , 9/10 at the shop from 1-4.  $50 includes all

materials.  this daytime class is full but i am adding an
evening class on monday 9/15 at 6.  there is room for
two more in the evening class.

colorful crochet mandala 

tuesday, 9/16 at the shop from 1-3.  $30 includes
all materials (bring a crochet hook).

wet felt slippers 

monday 9/22 at the shop from

10-2.  $50 includes all materials but bring your
own lunch, as we will be taking a break.

felt flowers 

wednesday 9/24 at the shop from 1-3.

$20 includes all materials - bring sharp scissors.
the afternoon class is full but i am trying to get
chris to add a morning class.  i have a waitlist
right now so if you're interested, let me know.

ceramic buttons - my FIRST clay class!

tuesday, 9/30 at the shop from 1-3
instructor:  brigita vingelis
cost will be $30 and includes all materials
each student will make 10-12 medium handmade buttons or 8 large buttons.  after they are dry enough to fire, students will come back a second time to glaze their creations.  the second class will be scheduled later.

*see website for complete details, space is limited, and registration and payment is required prior to the class.  also remember if you have a group of at least 4 who want to take the same class, we can schedule a private class at your convenience!

UPCOMING CLASSES include beaded beads, felt snowman purse, arm knitting, and MORE!


my feltLOOM has arrived!  i've been doing a lot of experimenting, as time allows and i must say i have made quite a few things.  unfortunately most of them have been duds but yesterday while tom was working on the electric in the 'LAB' (that's what i'm calling my basement loom and kiln studio - THE LAB!), i played on the loom and made two nice scarves, some fabric for leaves and flowers, and a landscape!!!  i could burst i'm so excited!  this machine is pretty amazing and i have gotten my wool wound around the rollers and had to back every thing out twice and broke three needles yesterday, but hey i'm learning!  i am still debating whether to attend the feltLOOM conference in kentucky september 12-14.  if my plans change and i decide to attend, the shop will remain open - i will find someone to man it friday and thea will be here saturday.

cathy rosensteel, thea mccurry, and i attended the creative arts festival.  we had a good time and lots of laughs.  so many talented people out there.  did anyone else we know attend?  what did you think?
jenny harned tabrum makes these FAB knitted, beaded beads.  she had a beautiful set up at the show and has agreed to teach a class here at raggz.  as soon as i get the details, i will post the class.  here's a picture of them so you can see how beautiful they are!

have you ever heard of origami owl?  its a company who does custom jewelry.  two random unrelated customers were at the shop with these unique life-lockets with glass faces that you can put different charms in customized to your life.  so many styles and charms to choose from.  my friend andrea gosnicki sells origami owl and i agreed to have a book party which will run through september.  please check out the catalogue at the shop or you can go online and order through my booking at
http://dreamoflockets.origamiowl.com/parties/ToniRitchey444726/collections.ashx

thanks for your support.  i cant wait to order one for myself and gifts.  by the way, andrea and her mother bobbi crochet the most adorable baby hats and outfits.  i dont believe they have a website but their facebook page is Darn Cute Yarn  check out their amazing things - and just in time for Christmas!

don't forget to visit me and the other wonderful vendors at Ligonier Country Market every saturday from 8 to noon through October 4th!  hurry!  it's going fast!

random photos i wanted to share

tom finishing up some electrical work in THE LAB

making a scarf on my feltLOOM while critter keeps me company

some fabric i was laying out for a jacket

sneak peak photo of dotty's beaded wheel class october 2nd

bye bye!

16 august 2014

just got back from another glorious day at ligonier country market.  quite chilly upon arrival at 6:30 a.m. i think it was 47 degrees but it turned out to be a fabulous day.  i won't make it to market next saturday (8/23), as i will be at the pgh creative art fest …. more detail.

monte, mary ann, jean, and i went to donna's second annual fundraiser at ligonier beach.  tons of baskets, music, food - good times.  donna was having fun but she did say that more people attended last year so i hope everyone raised a good bit of money for her and her cause.  please consider attending next year to make each one a success for this wonderful lady.

i had the extreme pleasure of getting to meet mary ann wolf's son john, and his two beautiful daughters meg and sue, who currently reside in paris.  mary ann brought them to the farm to see the animals and i let them name violet's baby born july 7.  they thought long and hard over it and talked it over with their family before deciding.

JOYEUX (means happy in french)  

of course this is clarice hogging all the attention

well at this point, we are hoping all of our goat illnesses are over.  our herd is down to half, the vet has been here twice, they've been medicated several times, and are now in a fresh pasture where they will be for the next month.  it's been hard for us and i hope we have learned how to avoid this situation in the future.  and yes everyone, Miss Clarice is fabulous as usual.

i am also now the recipient of three new wethers (male sheep incapable of reproducing in case you are wondering).  two leicester long wool sheep with lovely curly locks, and one icelandic.  the icelandic is quite small and i'm thinking of naming him herbie or pee wee.  the other two are still unnamed.  my friend laurie from The Lavender Fleece in michigan delivered them last monday.  leicester long wool are considered a rare heritage breed and laurie is considered one of the top breeders in the U.S.

leicester longwool

herbie or pee wee or henry or herman…...

its been crazy busy around here, not only tending to sick animals and getting acquainted with the new ones, but i've been trying like crazy to get my basement painted, re-wired, lighting, etc for my kiln as well as my feltLOOM.  i have a wonderful potter who will be teaching hand building classes.  we will be starting off with a simple class, such as ceramic buttons.  handmade ceramic glazed buttons add a special touch to your hand knitted items.  hopefully it will be up and running by late september.

WHAT'S NEW YOU ASK?

classes, classes, classes! (see list below) also my feltLOOM is being delivered from kentucky this very thursday.  i can't wait to get it up and running.  when it's all set, i will be doing demonstrations and holding open studios for you to see for yourself what an amazing machine this is.  remember, i went to kentucky in may to take a class to learn how to make a coat.  it will be done soon - still fine tuning with embellishments.

everyone else does christmas in july but in lieu of september being MY birthday month -- the BIG one -- i am going to have 60 (yes i said SIXTY) specials.  it's not going to be easy, but i am going to make it happen!  different specials on different days and at different times.  details in the september 1 blog.  this is going to take some planning.  i will also be starting a frequent fiber card very soon.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Jenny H (20th), Sally H (22nd), Toni H (26th), Jeanmarie C (26th), Pam (28th), Cheryl M (28th), Shirley T (29th), Maryann M (30th), and Connie (30th).  WOW THIS IS A BUSY BIRTHDAY MONTH!  get over here to the shop for your $5 off birthday certificate!

DATES TO REMEMBER

monday, 8/18 knit chix meet at Becky's house at noon
thursday, 8/21 purlin girls meet at the bean at noon
tuesday, 8/26 knitter's anonymous at the shop 1-6
fridays, august 22 and 29, shop open 10-6.
friday and saturday august 22 and 23 first annual pgh creative arts festival pghcreativearts.com
NOTE i will NOT be closed august 22, as was previously stated.

CLASSES

SEE WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE DESCRIPTION AND INFO ON CLASSES.  CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO SECURE A SPOT IN THE CLASSES.

zentangle                                  

tuesday 8/19 from 1:30-3:30
instructor:  sylvia elliott
$30 includes all materials











felt landscapes
wednesday, 9/10 from 1 - 4
instructor:  toni ritchey
$50 includes all materials.  you find your own stick to hang it with!  again must have some wet felting experience and be able to roll your work many times.   bring a picture or have an idea of what type of landscape you would like to make or i will have several samples available.  you will take your landscape home with you and do any stitching, embellishing, beading, etc at home after your masterpiece has dried.

mandala

tuesday, 9/16 1:30 - 3:30
instructor:  pat kintigh
$30 includes all materials












wet felt slippers
monday, 9/22 10 - 2
instructor:  toni ritchey
$50 includes all materials
some wet felting experience is necessary for this class and the ability to use your arms and be
able to sit or stand for hours.  this isn't a class for sissies!  bring a lunch, as you will need a break at some point.

boiled wool flower pin

wednesday, 9/24 1:00 - 3:00
instructor:  christine clark
$20 includes materials
take this class and go home with a completed
embellishment for your autumn wardrobe.
bring a small pair of sharp scissors.
instructor fees will be donated to
imaginegoods.com, a program that buys young
girls out of human trafficking in cambodia.







UPCOMING CLASSES:  wet felted pumpkins and acorns, knitted/felted snowman purse, arm knitting….  sorry just been too busy to get them all scheduled.

don't forget to visit me and the other wonderful vendors at Ligonier Country Market every saturday from 8 to noon through October 4th!  hurry!  it's going fast!  i will not be at market august 23, as i will be taking a class at the pgh creative arts festival.

hope to see you all soon.  here are some random photos for you:

another thing keeping me busy - extracting honey.  still not done!  will have some or sale soon i hope.

mummy needs to go now and give ME some attention.  she's been on that computer way too long now!