Groundhog Phil actually saw his shadow in PA and Mother Nature promptly delivered according to his prediction, except in the Southeast. We had record warmth the larger part of February and all my bulbs are popping out or blooming in my small garden. Even the camelia bushes (which froze hard during our record cold around Christmas time) are showing a few beautiful blooms.
My friends in California and Oregon are covered with snow and are anxiously counting down their 6 more weeks of winter!
I have been taking advantage of the beautiful early spring weather by making regular trips to the Biltmore Estate. The new lambs have arrived this past week and are out in the pastures with their bare skinned moms; I just learned that this particular kind of sheep is self-shearing! They drop their hair in the early spring, no human intervention needed. They do not supply wool, just hair, which used to be utilized in a weaving process on the estate. Now many of them wind up on your plate in one of the nice restaurants on the estate. I try not to think about that part as I watch them play up on the hill.
Some of my fellow artists are coming back to the Craft Barn by Antler Village to demonstrate heritage crafts for visitors. The blacksmith, the broom maker and one of the woodworkers are there year-round, more artists are added as the warmer weather brings more visitors. Biltmore is placing a special focus on local artists in that area of the estate.
A new chandelier by famous glass artist Dale Chihuly was installed a couple of weeks ago in the winery, also accessible from Antler Village. It is handblown glass in many different shapes and colors to represent wines and champagne. The color palette honors white, red and rose wines, as well as champagne and prosecco. It is stunning! Especially in the sunlight.
So much inspiration!
By special request in early February, I designed and completed several baby sweaters. I had not created any baby fashions in a long while and really enjoyed the process once I got started. One piece led to another and I called it a day after 5 new designs. One is made from some yummy kid mohair and the other 4 from Patton Grace cotton, which works up so beautiful and delivers a design made from natural material.
Working on these delicious designs was wonderful therapy for the not so enjoyable events, like a trip to the dentist and some needed spring cleaning.
I received my 2023 demonstration schedule for the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville this past week. Now my 2023 Events page is complete, except for the class details at Southeast Animal Fiber Fair (SAFF) in October. They will be posted as soon as they are available to me, so we all can plan for an exciting event! Check the new Events page here.
March is National Crochet month and we already know about all the relaxing benefits of my favorite activity. Let’s make celebrating our love of Crochet a priority all month long.
I encourage you to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and try your hook on some Irish Lace or even a small project, like a cotton washcloth or a potholder in shades of green. That can be the perfect opportunity to try out a new stitch or technique and a lovely way to welcome spring!
New in the Studio:
Feel free to contact me if you are interested in any of my new designs!
“I do what I love and I love what I do.”