Sometimes it's best to listen and allow things to be what they're most comfortable being.

It's been a busy week at the loom and sewing machine. Wanting to try out a new pattern, the loom was warped and fabric woven. It's a summery blend of linen, tnecel, and a bit of cotton chenille. The combination of threads made a fabric that is so soft and has a beautiful drape. Here's where things went a little wonky. I intended the fabric to be a top with sleeves. I planned for that, and looked forward to wearing it. This sweet piece of cloth had a mind of it's own and insisted on becoming a vest. Sometimes it's best to listen and allow things to be what they're most comfortable being. I'm in love with this vest, and the disappointment of not having a new top has been forgotten.

Looking through a kaleidoscope...

Have you looked through a kaleidoscope recently?

How delightful they are. Simply turn the wheel to reveal a colorful new pattern.

In 1816, Scotsman Dr. David Brewster was the first to arrange mirrors and objects in a tube and call it a kaleidoscope. Not just a toy, the device also was intended for use by designers and artists, who might be inspired by the beautiful patterns they could create.

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Thank you Sarah for sharing your unique kaleidoscope with us last week. I was fascinated by it's triangular design and double wheel. As I played with the kaleidoscope, the connection was made from the colored glass to the colorful cones of yarn that we use in weaving.

Turning the wheels, randomly creating beautiful patterns, unlimited possibilities opened before me for future projects. More than two hundred years after it's inception, and many decades of playing with one, I'll now be using one for it's other intended purpose.

Adding Beads to Hand-spun Yarn

It was a fun, combining silky fiber and glass beads at the spinning wheel. It was also a bit tedious as the beads were added one at at time, I don't think I'll be spinning much of this yarn, but I do love it, and know it will be just the right added touch to a future weaving project.

New Year's Weaving

I'm so excited about this new piece of handwoven cloth. I've combined commercially spun silk and tencel with silk that I had spun in my early days of spinning. The hand-spun silk is soft yellow and pale blue. As it was one of my first attempts at spinning, the yarn adds lovely bits of texture from the not so even spinning.
Have you just begun spinning, or do you have some of your early (maybe a bit bumpy) hand spun yarn? Let's use our hand-spun, wear it proudly, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating wearable art.

Treat yourself to the comfort and coziness of Cashmere and Silk

The New Year parties are sure to be small this year, but even if it's a party of one, make it a special celebration. Plan a festive menu, and include a decadent dessert. You could host a video call, have a zoom dance party, and virtual toast. Watch movies all night or see the ball drop in Times Square. Whatever your plans be sure to dress up. Sparkly wraps, and sumptuous scarves add the finishing touch to most any outfit.

I'm Thankful for Saturday Spin...

… for the spinners/friends who can come, and for the ones who are spinning at home. Spinning isn't always easy, but with a little time behind the wheel, or with your drop spindle, you develop a feel for the fiber, settle into a rhythm of drafting and spinning fluff into yarn, and find yourself relaxed and your bobbin fills.

I'm thankful for each of you who have given weaving a try. What fun to watch as you select your materials, take a seat at the loom and begin creating beautiful fabric. Even with our masks on, there are smiles on your faces as you explore techniques, sampling colors and textures.
I'm thankful for each of you who have continued weaving. Watching as your cloth becomes clothing, and seeing the pride and satisfaction from completing your projects.

I'm thankful for our artisans and the shoppers who support them. I sincerely want to thank each of you who support Three Sheep, who care about our community and appreciate the skill and dedication that goes into making each item in our shop.

I'm thankful that it's Thanksgiving. This list of thankful's is just the tip of the iceberg of what I'm thankful for.  This time of year reminds us of the many people, things, opportunities... we have to be thankful for . Let's keep our glasses half full, look on sunny side, and have an attitude of gratitude. 

L.M. Montgomery wrote in Anne of Green Gables, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

We've been enjoying an exquisite autumn, vibrant colors, and crisp mornings of this beautiful season. As much as I love summertime, sandals and sunshine, I always welcome the cooler weather, wearing soft woolens, and enjoying the comfort and warmth that they give. 

Scarves are cozy, joyful articles of clothing that we sadly can't wear all year long, but when autumn rolls around, we get to reintroduce our scarves to the world. And, oh, what a beautiful day that is.

Three Sheep has wonderful selection of handwoven scarves for the season. Each one of them is an original, never able to be duplicated, piece of wearable art. There are many styles and sizes, colors and textures to choose from. 
Shop or selection or create your own. Wear one this week. 

Celebrate: acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” –  Oprah Winfrey.

Celebrating your wins helps to cultivate a positive mindset. By having a positive mindset and pointing out the positive by celebrating, you actually start to train your brain to focus on other positive things. It’s almost like when someone tells you to not think about purple elephants, your mind can’t help but think about and focus on those purple elephants. Find something to celebrate this week.

Librarians, Karen and Cindy celebrated together by giving weaving a try. Trying something new, spending time with a friend, making memories... a wonderful way to celebrate .

Congratulations on your Retirement & Happy Birthday!

A Jacket in the Making

Have you ever wondered how our garments are made? Me too, just kidding. It's simple and puzzling at the same time. I begin each piece weaving, with thoughts of color and texture. More often than not, the thoughts change and the finished cloth looks very different from it's beginning. 

The next step... enjoying the cloth, draping, touching, looking to see what it will become, tunic, sweater, jacket...

Eventually the cloth with care is cut and stitched back together in it's new form.. Each piece of clothing is one of one, and unable to be duplicated. Like each of us, beautifully perfect in it's own way.

Hello September

I've been enjoying playing with colors, really bright colors. Looking in my closet, you probably wouldn't see many of these colors but... I'm growing bolder and discovering that it's fun to brighten up my wardrobe every now and then.  
This scarf was woven with a combination of ribbons, novelty yarns, silk, and cotton, it's just the right weight for cooler days ahead.

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Leaving the summer colors behind, my weaving has taken on the rich tones of autumn. A fine wool warp blends beautifully with a variety of threads and ribbons, creating cloth that's lightweight, warm and fun to wear. 

Come in and weave one for yourself. You'll enjoy the freedom of creating and wearing your personal piece of art. No time to weave... no worries, this scarf is available for purchase.

In the best of times, the arts create connection, community, belonging, and joy. In the worst of times, the arts create all of that and more—and most of all, the arts create hope.