April finally brought some spring weather to Western North Carolina, as well as one last snowy weekend to represent the customary Blackberry Winter.
These weather conditions always affect the driving patterns on the Blue Ridge Parkway, because snow and ice on Mt. Mitchell and throughout the many tunnels will close the 2 way road north and south of Asheville. Since the Parkway is part of the Smoky Mountain National Park, there is no road treatment or plowing allowed, Mother Nature has to take her course.
During my first demo session in early April at the Folk Art Center, which is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, I was blessed with 2 sunny days and lots of visitors from all over the map. Then overnight Blackberry Winter arrived with 2 days of sleet, ice and snow. We still had many local visitors, who often bring their own guests from other parts of the country. One lovely gentleman, who was visiting his granddaughter, came up to me and excitedly announced: “This place is a health hazard! At every corner something stops my heart!” We just love our visitors.
While I spent several days demonstrating in the lobby, I was also asked to restock the baby corner in the sales gallery. There were still several of my baby sweaters, but I replenished my Victorian play balls, baby bottom bundles (organic baby washcloths) and the ever popular, colorful egg rattles. It was fun being back at the Folk Art Center after the long winter.
Another big event there was our annual membership meeting this past Saturday. This was our first “in person” get-together since 2019, so it was also a great reunion with many old friends. We also welcomed about a dozen new members to the flock, most of them in the fiber category.
I served two terms on our educational committee in the past and still serve on the mentoring subcommittee. Some of us also make site visits to our affiliate education centers, which is always a fun road trip! There are lots of opportunities to serve and stay busy.
April also brought my contracts for the 2022 SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair) workshop schedule and a full week workshop at JC Campell Folk School in early May of 2023.
My ever-popular workshops at this year’s SAFF event, from October 20th. through October 23rd. include: Classic Hairpin Lace, Crochet Design Secrets, Heirloom Crochet Thread Lace, Fabulous Broomstick Lace, Crochet for Knitters, Easy Tunisian Crochet and Lace, Continental Knitting and The Finishing Touches. These are half-day classes from Thursday through Sunday. Registrations start in June, so check back often.
The weeklong workshop at JC Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC is scheduled for 4/30/2023 to 5/5/2023 and is titled: Crochet Secrets – From Original Design to the Finishing Touches.
Here we solve the mystery of creating a perfect crochet project from start to finish! Become your own designer – there are no limits to the possibilities! Registration starts this fall.
Please check my Events Page and your calendars and let’s get together again for crochet fun!
Today I have a fun restoration project coming in, a red and beige thread lace granny square bedspread that needs some attention. More on it and images of that project coming next month.
The one big event I am looking forward to in May is our annual Fiber Day on May 14th. This is a big reunion for many of our fiber people: spinners, weavers, basket makers and more. We love to highlight our work “from sheep to shawl” and include natural dying, silkworms and many other components of fiber arts.
Come on by and visit, it’s one of the highlights of my year at the Folk Art Center and I would love to share it with you!
My design and technical team continue to work with me on updating both websites and we will have a great unveiling party this summer! There is still a lot to do, and I will never get done trying to figure out social media. But getting the websites updated will be a good start.
I hope you enjoy your spring projects, whether they involve electronics or fiber designs, just have fun! Happy May!
“I do what I love and I love what I do.”