Rita

My birthday month was full of fun and celebrations and even included several things from my bucket list. I have travelled all over the world, so my list is not about where to go but what is left to do. I accomplished one or two of these items in August, which was rewarding, and I am proud of myself!
National Granny Square Day
The first week in August a message on the internet informed me that August 15 is now National Granny Square Day. Since my next demo was coming up August 14–17 at the Folk Art Center, I prepared for the occasion

A very hot July found me mostly indoors enjoying a 5-day demo session at the Folk Art Center and our annual Summer Craft Fair at the Harrah’s Cherokee Convention Center in downtown Asheville. My booth in the atrium by the front entrance was the perfect spot to greet visitors and share Guild insights—including membership, our permanent collection, and exhibit spaces—whenever someone told me it was their first visit.

My “Homage to Heritage Lace” canvases (see May Musings) were still in the Focus Gallery, so I created a small 10” square canvas to display among ladies’ wraps worked in heritage techniques.

My June was fairly calm compared to the previous month and I enjoyed a little more personal time since restoration work had slowed down after I finished restoring a beautiful estate-size, machine-made tablecloth of most likely French origin. As usual in machine-made pieces, the solid sections were in beautiful shape, but the connectors—subject to heavy handling and washing—were frayed and broken in large areas. Machine stitches are very hard to duplicate, but with a small needle and heavy yet fine quilting thread, I was able to recreate the tiny blanket stitches and return the cloth to its original beauty.

A cool and wet May was the perfect backdrop for my family trip to Ohio. My sister flew down from PA and we did a little visiting around Asheville as usual and of course I had to take her to the Folk Art Center to see the exhibit in the Focus Gallery. Soon we were on the road heading towards Ohio—traffic jams and detours between here and Cincinnati were stressful well before Memorial Day traffic, but we made the best of it.

With our spouses gone, we visited some of our old hangouts, restaurants and shopping spots. Our sister used to manage Town and Country Mall in Kettering, outside of Dayton, and of course we had to shop there. We still love Trader Joe’s and the popcorn shop next door. After Pam passed away, the town honored her by naming the road behind the mall after her. That entire area has grown to include a First Watch Restaurant and another bank

I always welcome May with a lot of anticipation! As I am writing this on May 1, 2025 – spring and my busy season are finally here. I fondly remember May Day in Europe, dancing around the May pole and little girls selling Lily of the Valley bouquets at every street corner in France. I wonder if they still do this… We don’t have as much fanfare, but I love May because all my houseplants will now safely move to the sunporch and heavy coats and jackets can be put away until next Thanksgiving.
May has two fun events in store for me. Of course, there is our annual Fiber Day at the Folk Art Center with lots of fiber people and animals, since we welcome rabbits, sheep, goats and llamas to the celebration. It is fun and educational for the whole family. I have my usual spot in the auditorium next to my lace-knitter friend who always brings her great wheel, which is usually the center of attention. We are surrounded by spinners, weavers, basket makers and other fiber artists.

Welcome Spring! As I am writing this on March 27, 2025 – we in Western North Carolina remember the devastation of Hurricane Helene six months ago. GOOD MORNING AMERICA visited Asheville live this morning to update all their viewers on the progress that has been made, highlighted our communities’ resilience, and invited everyone to come and visit our area. We are ready to welcome visitors back again and there is much to do and see despite the visible ongoing recovery efforts.

Watch the coverage here: Asheville Rising on Good Morning America

We are currently watching several wildfires in the mountains nearby but hope for relief this weekend with lots of rain in the forecast.