Happy new year to all and best wishes for a healthy 2023!
Most of us are just thawing out from one of the coldest and most disruptive winter storms in decades and I hope everyone is safely back home and tucked in. Many weary travelers never made it to their destination and my heart goes out to you!
Covid is also of concern again around my friends and I missed several get togethers because one of my loved ones was quarantined, but all tested negative by the end of the year and we intend to make up for lost time by celebrating hearty at the beginning of the new year.
Early in December I had a wonderful time at our Southern Highland Craft Guild Christmas Sale; this was the first in 3 years due to Covid! Our customers were so ready for us, the line went all the way to the parking lot when the doors opened, and we had the best sales numbers ever! I sold more than half of my table and I am glad I saved some stars and snowflakes for my friends and neighbors. Hats were the most popular item (I sold all 9 of them) as well as the beloved potholders I sell at Christmas time, but don’t usually take along to any demos.
Friends in my wonderful neighborhood hosted Open Houses and holiday parties the first half of the month; I love to see how everyone decorates their home and yet I love coming home to my own castle and beautiful tree and all the lights and decorations. It was very quiet and peaceful for several days, so I took the opportunity to hand-write a few cards to some very special people. Those numbers dwindle every year as electronic greetings seem to take center stage. I use those as well, but it is important to me to take the time to write to longtime friends on that special list as we are not getting any younger!
On December 21st. I was invited to a Winter Solstice celebration, which I am used to participating in an outdoor setting, but due to the cold temperatures it was held indoors. What a wonderful reminder that the season of light is upon us, the days are getting longer, and a rebirth is upon us with the arrival of the new year.
This set the mood for a lovely Christmas weekend where most of us were sequestered at home. I did not mind at all and enjoyed some quiet time to relax mybody and my mind.
I also went back to the gym for the first time in a long time; I want to make this a regular routine again, especially when it is too cold to walk outside. The gym is less than a mile from home, so I don’t have much of an excuse!
Sometime in December I received the contract to teach 2 days of Heritage Crochet Lace Techniques at the Southeast Fiber Art Alliance (SEFAA) Center in Chamblee, GA. This organization is based just NE of Atlanta and should be an easy drive from Asheville. I am looking forward to adding the SEFAA to the interesting places I love to teach. The dates are March 10 and 11, 2023 and details are on my Events page. To register, you can call or go to their website.
I have also been asked by Happily Hooked Online Magazine to share one of my videos with them for distribution on their website. Check them out at: www.happilyhooked.com. They offer lots of fun patterns and activities for beginners and intermediate crocheters. The video they will offer is my: “The Finishing Touches – Professional Finishes for crochet and knitted items”. This should happen very soon, so check out this fun and educational crochet site for lots of patterns and ideas, as well as joining their crochet community.
There are so many fun things to look forward to in 2023 and I am really excited to start the new year! Currently I am working on a silver-grey cotton/silk wrap with a broomstick section in the center part. This focal point can be worn in the back, front or down one arm. The upper section is shaped to keep it from falling off your shoulders. I love versatile pieces that can be worn more than one way. Pictures to follow!
I have already replenished my hat supply since I love to create berets, cloches and any other shape that pleases me. They all sport my signature flower along the band. Irish roses are most beautiful on a spring or summer hat, but my warm creations have large dahlia shaped pedals that flatter winter faces, so I had to make a new supply right away!
For now I wish you gentle snowflakes and a moderate winter. Mother Nature has already given us her worst at a really bad time, so we may be in luck!
Here is wishing you a wonderful start to a healthy and creative new year!
“I do what I love and I love what I do”.I