SouleMama

sling in velveteen

I never even put that velveteen on the fabric shelf (it's In the Clearing by Anna Maria Horner). I knew it wouldn't stay here long as yardage. Instead, it sat right on my cutting table in the middle of my studio, calling to me each time I walked by it. 

(I'm a-guessin' you're going to ask, and so I'll tell you now: Annabel's shoes are from Livie and Luca, and that's a scarfshop scarf I'm wearing.)

I cut into it the very first chance I got, very late one night this week, and made this simple bag. Fabric like this doesn't need a whole lot of fussiness, in my opinion. Keeping it big and letting it shine on its own is what I wanted to do with it. I used the Big Easy Sling bag from Sew What You Love. It is, indeed easy...and big. Which is perfect for all the toting-around of many things that this Mama seems to be carrying these days. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Yarn, sippy cups, journals, an extra diaper for when I don't want to cart around a whole diaper bag, and um, extra bandaids. Good golly there's a whole lot I carry around, and it's all tidily within the comfort of the softest fabric I've ever touched (and keep touching). Velveteen. Yum.

lessons in the walls

{Photos of Uncle Greg by his brother Steve.}

We cut a hole in the side of our house this weekend. Because, you know, late January in Maine is the best time to do a project like that, right? Sure!

I wish that I were a well of neverending patience, but honestly, I had been getting a little frustrated at the pace of our progress on this little seven foot square corner of our home. Pesky details like budget and time get in the way of keeping things moving along as fast as I'd like for them to move sometimes. But finally this weekend, a very small door was replaced with lovely large doors, which means that we can now finish the floors, ceiling and trim in this little corner of our kitchen which will someday lead out to a patio. Someday. So many plans, so many plans.

We had wondered what we'd find behind those walls. Surely more layers of wallpaper, yes. A mice nest or two? Yes, we found those. And we also found this newpaper tucked into the wall. August 13, 1929. Such a wild date, yes? Just three months before so many things in this country changed, and here on the front page of the Lewiston Daily Sun is declared "Bulls in Saddle on Stock Market!". Oh, wow. 

We've been having a grand time reading this newspaper. The boys would very much like a time machine in which they could go back and buy a car for a few hundred dollars. There are far more details of the sordid affairs of the local Police Chief than I would expect for a newspaper. And the story of the car full of ladies trying to smuggle alcohol across the Maine-Canadian border is quite fabulous. My favorite page though, is the Social Chitchat, with news of all the latest parties and gatherings, who was there and who how it was decorated and who wore what (hmn...kind of just like blogging). 

There's been lots of chat about all of that around here. And lots of chat with our babes about the state of Newspaper - and print reading material today, for that matter. What a sweet history lesson we found in those walls.

But deep in my heart, and selfishly perhaps, I cannot stop wondering about the singular person or, wife of the person, who put that newpaper there, that August day in 1929. Who was she?  At that point, living in a hundred year old house, was it she who pushed her husband to finish off the walls of that ell to the barn to expand the size of the small cape? Was she, too, sometimes frustrated at the pace of things, while simultaneously overwhelmed with gratitude for what was around her? Were her children climbing the walls and filling her kitchen and requiring more space be made to accomodate all? Did she hope it would all be done before the winter began? Did she knit and sew and feel like she spent her whole day in that kitchen? Of course she did.

I haven't made it down to the town's historical society yet, though we've lived here for over a year now. I keep saying I haven't had the time to do so. But I'm not really a believer in that kind of talk. We make "time" for the things most important to us. No...I don't think it's time at all...I think it's that a part of me really loves the dreaming still. The unknown of who was here before us, and all the imagining and daydreaming of who those people were. Someday, I'll be ready for the details of names and dates and deaths and births. But for now, it's enough to feel their energy here in the ways we do, to find traces of them here and there, and to imagine who they might have been.

I hope they'd like the work we're doing here. I surely love the work they left behind, even if I do take down a wall or two of theirs here and there. I hope they'd understand. I'd like to think she would.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Sarah's Silks ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Sarah's Silks. In Sarah's words:

"Sarah's Silks is paysilks, dress-ups, simple toys to inspire imaginative play."

Follow along with Sarah's Silks on their blog!

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Sarah:  We have been a family business for 18 years. Some of our silks are still dyed in our laundry room, packaged and shipped out of our garage/studio! Our rainbow silks were the first on the market, as were most of our other products such as scapes, silk capes, silk canopies and more.  

SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

Sarah: "You can learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation" ~Plato 

SouleMama: What's the product or offering you are most excited about right now?

Sarah: New for spring are our Pocket Playsilks. These are a fun open ended dress-up item. On each pocket is a fairy, unicorn or dragon. The pockets can be worn as belts, on the head, or hung up on the wall for tooth fairy exchanges.

SouleMama: How are your children incorporated into your work?

Sarah: Our children have grown up helping us in all areas of the business. Our oldest son, Josh (22), is now making our string games and cotton building cloths. My husband, Mike, is Chinese and feels a great connection to the silk farms, weavers and sewers in China. Our son Morgan, 11, is going with his dad to China this year. They will check on the women sewing our silks in a village near Sujzou, go to the silk farms, and look for new ideas.

For today's giveaway, Sarah's Silks is generously offering the following to ONE winner:

~ a Valentine's day Set of Three Playsilks: Pink, Purple and Rose

In addition, Sarah's Silks is offering SouleMama readers a free peach blossom playsik with purchases over $100. Use coupon code: BLOSSOM.

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Thank you to Sarah's Silks!

To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed! The winner is....

Wonderful giveaway!!!
Posted by: Cary

SouleMama Sponsor ~ The Fibre Company ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, The Fibre Company. In their words:

"Kelbourne Woolens was created in 2008 as the distribution company for The Fibre Company yarns, but the two names are essentially interchangeable at this point, and we maintain both websites with identical content. The Fibre Company is a line of artisan yarns, carefully crafted with the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. We currently offer 8 lines, and each color is kettle-dyed to create a subtle variation and depth of tone. We are wholesaler distributors of the Fibre Company yarn, so unfortunately don’t sell direct to the public, but we sell to local yarn shops (both online and brick and mortar). We create all the pattern support for the yarns and all the patterns are available online as .pdf downloads as well as in hard copies from LYSs. We also travel to yarn shops and teach advanced knitting techniques - historical and uncommon techniques are our particular favorite!"

Follow along with The Fibre Company on their blog!

SouleMama: Tell us about your background. What path led you to the work you do today?

Courtney:  Kate and I both have degrees in weaving, and have always been avid hand knitters.  Our love of yarns stems, originally, from our grandmothers to whom Vintage Modern Knits is dedicated.  We both still weave, but found that as we were in school and then starting families that the portability of knitting became an important consideration!  Weaving is sort of like being a writer—you end up shut up alone in your studio for hours at a time, which isn’t very conducive to having toddlers!  The social aspect to knitting was a big incentive for us, and the online knitting community is incredibly active and inspiring.  We are happy to be a small part of such a diverse and lively community of artists and crafters.  

SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?

Courtney: We’re always brainstorming and planning ahead new and unique pattern support, yarns and colors to add to the Fibre Company brand. Luckily, we appear to never have a shortage of design ideas – the hardest part is finding the time to see each individual project through to the end and making sure out idea translates into a beautiful and successful design. When creating new designs, we not only take into consideration what we want to knit, but also what yarns we want to help promote, what colors are “in” during the season of publication, and what knitting trends we see and want to explore. And finally, we’re always thinking about the properties of each yarn and make every effort to ensure that the pattern + stitch combination demonstrate the yarn’s individual properties to its best advantage.

SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?

Courtney: We both really like the new product development. It’s such an interesting blend of creativity and good business sense. We know what we think makes good yarn, and then we start down the path of pricing all the component materials, sourcing small amounts, spinning samples, testing and inevitably re-hashing the components over and over again until we get it perfect.  Then we get to pick the colors, which is the best!  On the flip side, the most challenging is balancing all the aspects of the business.  While we’re having all that fun testing new yarns and colors there are orders that need to be shipped and phone calls that need to be made, but we also have to find time to work on patterns, the website and balance the books. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but we always manage to pull it off!

SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

Courtney: “Have nothing in your house that you don’t know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”  --William Morris

For today's giveaway, The Fibre Company is generously offering the following to ONE winner:

~ 3 skeins of Canopy Fingering to knit one of our popular free baby sweater patterns, Lucille
 
(Canopy Fingering is a blend of merino wool, alpaca and bamboo and is a dream to knit with!  We think it is a great baby yarn; we’ve used it a lot for designing baby items for our company and for our own kids.  Lucille is a top down, eyelet-yoke cardigan with a leaf lace motif on the body and sleeves.  A matching bonnet, complete with ribbon rosettes, is included in the pattern. The winner will receive a hard copy of the pattern and three skeins of yarn in the color of his or her choice.)

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Thank you to The Fibre Company!

To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed! The winner is...

I love that green neck thing that she's wearing in the photo, and I further love that William Morris quote. Beautiful yarns :o)
Posted by: Melissa Nichols

 

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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sewing these days

I made Annabel some new pants recently. (Because she just keeps growing this little girl.) They're the Quick Change Trousers from Anna Maria's Handmade Beginnings. Yes, I know. I am a broken record about these pants. But they're really that good. It's all that reversible, roll-up cuff goodness. 

(All of these prints were buried deep within my fabric shelves and I've forgotten where they came from, with the exception of the yellow, which is from Lotta Jansdotter.)

These are my favorite...vintage wool plaid. I would very much like to enlarge them to fit me - with an equally wide cuff that's showing a red floral print too. Yes, please. And I would wear them to the ski lodge too, just like her. Because why not? (Her sweater is this one.)

I've got sewing on the brain right now in a big way. Some new fabric loveliness coming into my studio is certainly fueling the fire. In the top photograph, some Echino and Anna Maria Horner (in velveteen!), and below, a fun selection from Stitch by Betz White (organic! for Robert Kaufman).  

Yes, I think this is precisely how I shall sail right on through the month of February - with fabric in my hands. 

And you? What are you making these days? 

a getaway

In the 'perfect world' dreams of my now eleven year old, he says he'd be the last one off the mountain at night and the first one on the lift in the morning, sleeping right at the base for the few hours of sleep he'd take in between. So that's just what we did for his birthday - a quick and local little getaway, a surprise forty-eight hour family ski bonanza...much more mountain time than their regular daytrips with Papa.

After years of skiing, Calvin decided to give boarding a go this week, just like his Papa. He took to it, well, just like we thought he might. With more grace than I thought possible on a first day. Love. Then he happily welcomed his baby brother Harper into the fold of family skiing for the first time too. More Love.

I had every intention of showing up here, on the blog, yesterday. Laptop and camera cords were packed alongside diapers and ski goggles (and a whole lot more). I had a little bit of work I deemed important enough to bring all of that along with us, and thought it would be no big gig to get a little blogging in too. But the technology fairies had other plans for me, and none of that happened.

Once I decided to roll with it though, I counted those technological snafus as a gift. Because it meant that in those ten minutes of precious time where five of my peeps were happily on the mountain with boards and skis, one little one was sleeping, and all mittens were accounted for...I could just sit. And of course, knit by the fire (fake fire, though it may be). 

Someday, I suppose when Annabel is ready, I'll need to join them on the slopes. But then again, maybe not. Because as I was reminded this week, there's plenty to be done from right where I am. Do you have any idea how much food is required to keep those hungry, growing skiers going? Or hot chocolate preparation? Not to mention band aids and arnica and ice packs kept at the ready. And that doesn't even include keeping track of gear for seven.

Or the knitting. Or the photography-playing, or the deep breathing in silence, or the fresh air breathed in from the quiet of the woods just a few steps outside the door.

Oh yes. I'm happy right where I am. The view from here is perfect.

a day in the life

On a recent day in December, on a day much like any other day this year, I watched as Calvin rose earlier than anyone else in the house to take care of his chickens. He opened the coop, changed the water, freshened the food, brought them scraps, and gave the bedding a stir. Coming back in, with his littlest brother just toddling into the kitchen, Calvin made them both breakfast. There was some reading after that in front of the fire, and a game of chess with his other brother. At midday, he volunteered to help his Papa butcher the remaining turkeys, taking breaks here and there to work in his treehouse, and target practice on a bale of hay with his handmade bow and arrow. As evening neared, we left the house...stopping first at the local natural foods store where he sells his eggs. Proceeding into the city, my little guy joined his friends backstage and donned his black tights, ballet slippers and stage makeup and danced his way onto the stage.

In between those moments, I am certain that he also held the baby while I took a shower, likely knit a row or two on his scarf, probably 'polished' his Converse (yes, really), may have made his little sister an orange fleece hat, and definitely listened to some hip-hop.

As his Mama, I will confess that at times, he is (and always has been) hard to keep up with. He's ambitious, precocious, confident, oh-so passionate, and oh my, does he have plans. He's never been "bored" for a moment, and there is nothing this boy believes to be impossible. 

I recently overheard Calvin telling Harper "how" to ski downhill. It all boiled down to trying really hard, falling down, and getting back up to try really hard again. Simple as that. And just exactly how I've seen this growing young man of mine live his days - success and disappointment alike. His days are full...and lived fully. It's a blessing to watch.

Happy eleventh birthday, Calvin Guthrie.

Keep dreaming big. (I know you will.)

weekending

Wishing you and yours a lovely weekend!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ IDA PEARLE ~

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Today, I bring you a feature from SouleMama Sponsor, Ida Pearle, artist of fine art for children. 

SouleMama: Tell us about your beginnings.

Ida: I started making collages for children about 14 years ago. Soon after, I was able to open the virtual doors to my business idapearle.com. My earliest collages were gifts made for friends. One of the very first collages I made was given to musician Elizabeth Mitchel and her husband Daniel. And the very first person to purchase a collage, was Elizabeth's sister. In the early days, every piece I sold was a collage made by hand. I still love to create original collages but I've since been able to offer my work in print form, which allows me to share my work with many more children, and their parents. 

 

Since today's feature is about the album cover art for Elizabeth Mitchell's 'Sunny Day' I'll share a little about our history of creative collaboration. When I was an undergraduate at the Cooper Union, studying fine art in New York City, I met Elizabeth and Daniel at a concert. I played violin at the time, and we became fast friends and made lots of music together, touring, recording and having a great time as young musicians in the city.

Playing music was a wonderful antidote to long solitary hours in the art studio. And to play with extraordinary musicians like Elizabeth and Daniel was a very special experience. About the same time as I started to craft images for children, Daniel and Elizabeth started to craft songs for children and record children's records.  In fact, my very first art show for children, was their very first concert for children! I hung pictures at a children's play space in NYC, and Elizabeth and Daniel sat in the middle of the room playing music, and the children sat in a circle around them, listening, dancing and singing. It was a day of art and music devoted to children. Many of the prints in the gallery on my website were originally created for that show, and so I'm reminded of that lovely day often! Since then, we've collaborated on 2 of their records released on Smithsonian Folkways Records. Hopefully, you'll see more from us in the future! 

Thanks everyone for your support, & enjoy! 

 

For today's feature, Ida Pearle is generously offering the following (in her own words):

"This month I thought I'd do something exciting! Instead of a give-away I thought I'd offer Amanda's readership the opportunity to buy a collection of very special items at a very reduced price. An edition of 50 prints of the cover art for Elizabeth Mitchell's album 'Sunny Day' are available! (There are only 35 left, so please write quickly if you'd like one.)

Each print comes with a copy of 'Sunny Day' signed by Elizabeth Mitchell and her daughter Storey, as well as a signed copy of Ida's book 'a Child's Day'. This very special collection of items is available for $65. 
Please email [email protected] with the address you'd like the print sent to in the body of the email. 

Already have the book or the CD? Gift them, and enjoy the print at home with your family!"

 

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Thank you to Ida Pearle!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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SoulePapa Blogs :: A World Between

I caught up recently, with a friend from another time.  The usual type of banter ensued.  That which suitably reacquiants; "how are the kids?", "how many now?", "everybody healthy?", "how's work going?".  We were fortunate enough to work through these formalities and into more intimate realms of conversation which was nice because, as time tends to swirl and mount and center around offspring, it is exactly these moments of friendship for which I feel the most loss.  Then, in a small conversational lull, he asked, "what have you been reading?"  

Sheepishly, I admitted to not reading much although, with grand intentions I have fallen asleep into the early chapters of several seemingly wonderful novels.  After a handful of exhausted, late night encounters I generally give up in frustration and exchange the book on my nightstand for a new writing soon to be neglected in the same manner.  Nodding in an understanding way he leaned back with a comforting shift into his chair and asked, "Well, what have you been reading to the kids?"

I chuckled, remembering his knack for making people feel good about themselves and started to recount that which the kids are currently taking in.  His children being older and long reading for themselves he recalled the nighttime ritual with a sentimental affection that reminded me of the special tenderness that is our right now.  We carried on into the night, as time allowed, reminiscing and laughing at our younger selves.  I was grateful for his familiar and grounding presence and his subtle affirmation of those bits which make our journey grand.  We used to travel together, running rivers and sleeping in tents and laughing around late night campfires.  We shared books and devoured them and searched for more.  It's one of the small pieces of my pre-children life that I'd not thought about for some time.  Sleeping in on a rainy day and reading a book from cover to cover.

I returned home that night and as I walked from room to room, shutting out lights and putting the place to sleep, I was stopped in my tracks by the books.  Fresh from my stirred memories of the evening, everything had a slightly altered sense to it like seeing something with new eyes.  There were books everywhere.  Some stacked in piles on the coffee table, others laying open in the library with drawings that had inspired paper and pencils to be brought out for sketching.  Amanda's studio, full of neatly organized volumes and then splashed with a few in disarray from some late night whirl of inspiration, to be sure.  I walked softly to each bed, straightened the blankets, slipped their books from underneath them and placed them by the bedside.  Something so beautiful and sweet and common that I had been taking for granted.  The love of stories being handed down from us to them and now from the older kids to the youngest.  Harper as excited as the rest for his bedtime stories which sway him into sleep.  The oldest still come to us on occasion, book in hand, and ask if they could please be read to.  As I made my way toward my own bed and slid a Wendell Berry book out of Mama's sleeping hands, I gave a nod to the stack on my side.  The top book lay open and I smiled to myself, page 10.  Ah well, perhaps I can keep my eyes open for a few more paragraphs.  Before I started, I lay thinking about old friends and old times and that question from earlier in the night, "What have you been reading?"

Wow.  I've been reading so much.  Peter Pan, Misty of Chincoteague, Fireman Small, The Snowy Day, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter, Calvin and Hobbes, Farmer Boy, Charlottes Web, Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge and as I thought my mind trailed off to that place between dreams until I woke a few hours later, rolled to turn off the light and put my book back on the table.  

See you tomorrow night page 10. 

all together now

We have a little rhythm that's evolved since we've lived here, since the boys have grown a bit older and a new little one was added to the bunch. After dinner, while Steve and I begin the post-dinner, before-bed wind-down with the littlest ones, the (big) boys clean up, wash and put away dishes. The 'deal' that makes this so sweet for them, and means that we hardly ever hear complaining, is that they get full control over the kitchen iPod while on cleanup duty. Both the artist and the volume. Which in a kitchen with lots of room to move around in, and two energetic boys who love music and dancing... means a nightly dance party. (And hopefully a minimum of breaking dishes. But you know...happy dishwashers are worth cleaning up a broken mason jar for every so often.)

It's a good time in there. We all step in from time to time to help, and dance...but really, this particular ritual is their thing, and their time, and they own it like nobody's business. It would be lovely and idyllic and convenient if we could all just listen to the likes of The Beatles all day long and be satisfied. But my exploring and curious music lovers are just that - curious and exploring. And there are many moments in their days where their chosen music isn't appropriate for all in a room. We make a lot of compromises - that's what families do.  But this after dinner kitchen time? It's all theirs. 

After all of that Lady Gaga/Flo Rida hoopla ("Hoopla, Mom? Really?" I can hear one of them saying right now), we can generally find them still together...reading. Though I think the dance party really continues all the way until they part ways and head to separate rooms to sleep.

All that to say, they got some new pajamas this week too, thereby completing my 'late for solstice' pajama set. As simple as simple can be - I knew that's just how they'd want them - they're elastic waist pants they can pair with their own shirts. Simple white tshirts, worn to ballet class, and jazz class and modern class...and to the important after-dinner clean up, followed by bed. Using Simplicity 2290, Calvin's are in this fabric, while Ezra's are in an out of print (I think) RJR flannel. 

Just like that - one month later than intended - I've got five flannel pajama-clad babies, warm and happy. Which makes Mama happy too.

All Together Now. (I slip The Beatles in wherever I can.)

17 January :: on my mind

Adelaide took this photo yesterday. Between horseback riding lessons for her, and a trip to the grocery store, we found ourselves waiting in a lobby for Calvin to finish his class. I had some work to do, and she had some Misty to read. But that little girl of mine snuck into Mama's bag to find my phone and take this picture. (She also snuck two pieces of gum - Mama's gum. Sweet teeth, the both of us.)

{This one by Calvin.}

I love the pictures of theirs I find. They tell me so much about them...and me...and us...and how we all fit together.

A few things on my mind this Tuesday morning, January 17th...

:: I've been busy with a new project. For a while now I've been working on it, but especially right now, I'm deep in it. It's one I care a lot about, and am excited and hopeful to share with you. Very soon.

:: I'm trying to turn myself into a morning person (see aforementioned workload + aforementioned busy children). I've never been one. But quieter evenings and an earlier bedtime are helping to make it possible. It is so peaceful in the early hours, when the house is still. My head feels clear and it seems I get so much done. There's a grace in those early hours that I might just be beginning to understand.

:: I gave up coffee a few months ago now. I miss it, but my body feels better without it. I do not think, however, its absence is helping with that previously mentioned attempt at morning love. Peppermint tea just doesn't have the same 'zing' at five a.m. Hmn.

:: I'm listening to The Head and the Heart a lot right now (check out the Austin City Limits broadcast). I'm feeling happy that I'll be seeing them live in just a few short weeks. (Just as soon as I figure out that babysitter-for-five little detail.)

:: Last night before bed, Calvin, Ezra, Adelaide and I gathered around the laptop on the kitchen table to watch Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. I know they don't understand the depth of it all, but they always understand the power of it, as silence fills the room and they become enraptured with his voice. I always cry a little.

:: Often - sometimes hourly - I need to remind myself that the piles of books everywhere in my house really aren't anything I want to complain about. I love how much they love to read. (Which reminds me, I've got a book post brewing for you.)

:: I am positively itching to go snuggle up those two baby girl nieces of mine once again. Soon.

:: I am very much looking forward to this weekend's first SEAM meeting at Alewives in Damariscotta. Like-minded crafters gathered in a crazy-awesome fabric shop? Show-and-Tell and food and drink too? Oh yes.

:: I've got a pork shoulder slow roasting in the oven right now (a la Jamie Oliver) and it smells so good. It'll be there all day long cooking and keeping warm until late this evening, when my tired, hungry skiers arrive home. 

:: It's snowing gently outside. It's going to be a beautiful day.

:: Around me today are just the two littlest.  We'll have oatmeal and tea for breakfast. After that, Harper will want to check for eggs in the chicken coop. I'm in...

And so this day begins. 

warming

Oh, Brrr. Winter is truly here now!

We finally have ourselves a little bit of snow, some proper winter temperatures, and frozen ice. My littles are so excited with the 'beginning' of the season of snow and ice play. Skates are fitted and ready, sleds are by the door, ski poles scattered in the driveway, and I can't for the life of me get those ski boots off their feet - inside or not.

Meanwhile...inside, I'm stepping up my mission to 'keep them warm!" with the growing pile of flannel pajamas. Adelaide has worn little besides her jammies since she received them, and now Harper and Annabel can join her too as properly clad in mama-made warm jammies. 

They each have two new pair. The fabrics, once again, are mostly Anna Maria Horner's (with the orange print being an exception). That flannel is just so thick and lovely, it's great for this.  I'm sorry that I don't have a pattern source for you, as they were both drafted on-the-fly. Harper's, by tracing an existing pair (something I talk about in detail in The Creative Family), and Annabel's by eyeballing Adelaide's pattern and just cutting something smaller (if you're looking for something similar, Prudent Baby has a 2T tutorial).

Using the fabric on hand - small pieces and all - meant that I needed to mix the prints up a bit to get the fabric amounts I needed. Hence, Annabel's arms, and Harper's contrasting cuffs. Love that. I made Annabel's on the shorter side, to allow for all that crawling the little miss does. They work perfectly this way when paired with woolen underlayers. (These footed overalls get a lot of use these days). 

Three down, just two more to go!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ WOOLEN MOSS ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Woolen Moss. In Kate's words:

"My Etsy shop is dedicated to quality handmade clothing made from all natural, low impact dyed,  and organic materials. All designs are my own and reflect my ideals of wearing clothing that is both good for your body and good for your earth. Every body is beautiful and unique and should move freely and with ease."

Follow along with Woolen Moss on Facebook for updates and periodic coupon codes.

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Kate:  I have just completed my first year. I can hardly believe it. I have learned so much in that time. I can't wait to see where Woolen Moss goes in the times to come. It feels as though it is getting better and stronger, day by day.

SouleMama: Tell us what you envision and dream for the future of your business.

Kate:  I hope to some day find a way to engage in the cycle of giving back. I need to get my business on it's feet just a little more solidly, but then I hope to form a partnership that allows me to provide some opportunity for sharing the benefits of what I've created. There is just too much need out there to ignore. I'll be sure to update you on this as the plan unfolds in the coming years.

SouleMama: What artists/crafters/teachers have inspired your life?

Kate:  I have been greatly impacted by the stories of both Blake Mycoskie of TOMS Shoes and Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia. I will not claim to be walking in the footsteps of either one of them, as they have created empires far beyond my aspirations. But their ability to do what they believe in with intention and consciousness has been a great inspiration to me. 

SouleMama: How does the balance of family and work play out for you?

Kate: I have spent many years trying to figure out how to incorporate the variety of interests and passions I have. I feel blessed to have found that path while at the same time being able to stand on my front porch smiling when my son climbs off the bus every day. He sees me work hard, and he sees me be there for him when he needs me. I could not ask for a better place to be than that.

For today's giveaway, Woolen Moss is generously offering the following to ONE winner:

Organic Wool Sweater Shirt

(Seen above. This top can function as a shirt or sweater with it's long tunic length. It features extra long sleeves with decorative seams, with or without thumb holes, and a side split cowl neck line. Wool can be quite a luxury when found in such high quality as this. It is thick and soft and warm and wonderful. Made to order, your color choice.)

 

In addition, Woolen Moss is offering Free Shipping for the month of January on all orders. Enter code FREESHIP when checking out. 

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Thank you to Woolen Moss!

To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  

Comments closed! The winner is...

I was just saying to myself today that I needed more wool clothing in my life. Beautiful sweater.
Posted by: Jessica

SouleMama Sponsor ~ ARTTERRO ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Artterro Eco Art Kits. In the words of founder Forrest: 

"Artterro is all about creativity. We design our eco art kits to offer an engaging experience with fresh fun projects and artist quality materials. Prepare to be inspired and delighted as you design beautiful jewelry, fanciful bubble wands, sophisticated storybooks and more. Helping people tap into their creativity with fun, affordable projects is at the core of Artterro’s mission, as is our committment to sustainability."

You can follow along with Artterro on their Facebook page.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Forrest:  I was inspired to start my business after a frustrating shopping experience. I wanted to find a fun arts & crafts kit that I could do with my young son. I had always loved making art with beautiful natural materials and wanted to find a kit that was affordable and easy so we could make gifts together. After searching everywhere (I really mean everywhere), I thought, if I'm having this problem then there must be other parents with the same issue.  I created my first kit soon after. A couple years later I found my business partner Jen, who shares my passion for art, creativity and family life. We now have twelve products that we produce here in the US at Goodwill Industries, and we sell them to specialty stores all over the US and Canada, and directly to customers from our web store.

For today's giveaway, Artterro is generously offering the following bundle of three sets to THREE winners:

~  The Creativity Kit
(Set the creative spirit free with a beautiful assortment of handmade paper, 100% wool felt shapes, glass and wooden beads and more--perfect for making bookmarks, ornaments, gift tags, small sculptures and collages.)

            ~ The Wire & Bead Kit 
(Twist & bend amazing sculptures with US-made copper wire and glass marbles, plus an assortment of wooden, glass and shell beads.)

            ~ The Art Journal Kit 
(a unique product for budding artists to easily explore their creativity through art journaling.  Artists of all ages can learn fun doodling, drawing and collage techniques with inspiring materials.  Available in 5 fun colors!)

In addition, Artterro is offering all SouleMama readers 20% off orders placed by January 31st. Use code SOULE20 at checkout. 

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Thank you to Artterro!

To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  

Comments closed! The winners are....

I would just love to win one of the kits!
Posted by: Mary Ann in Vermont

Ooh, these look like fun. Thanks for the chance to win one!
Posted by: Jessamyn 

Would be better than better to win this !
Posted by: Tasmanian Minimalist

 

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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{photo by  the new Mama, Bethany.}

(to answer all the curious commenters - this is another sister of mine, and no we're not twins, but we think we could pass, don't you?)

this big sister's advice

I met two amazing little girls yesterday. My newest nieces, Solaya and Giselle are here now, and already so completely doted upon and loved up by our big family. We're ready to watch them grow. Their Mama, my baby sister, was starry-eyed in her new role of Motherhood. With her sweet man by her side, two babies in their arms - a new family life begins. It's nothing short of magic - all of it, really.

I try to reserve my annoying oldest-sister advice for when it's truly needed or asked for. A new mom, suddenly with two babies, certainly there's a lot I could say. But all that really matters - the most important things of all in my mind - is to hold them and take care of yourself. 

So that's what I told her. Hold them. Take good care of yourself.

My own Mama drove to and fro (because she's a rock star of a city driver, and I am not), while we talked about the latest of her grandchildren, and I sat knitting a dress for my own little baby girl, nearly eight months old herself..and growing, growing, growing faster than the dress is being knit.

Arriving back to my house full of my own babies, I was surrounded instantly by an almost eleven year old pirouetting through the kitchen, an eight year old singing so loud we could hear him through the whole house, a six year old at the painting board with a cat on her lap, a three year old doing flips off the couch, and a baby girl reaching out from her Papa's sling to me. 

I can remember each and every one of them just as tiny as those little girls.

I know it's so cliche. But it's true, too. It goes so fast.

Hold them. Take care of yourself.

On Harper Time

Yesterday found our house empty of anyone over the age of five, as the skiers among us set out in search of winter. In their absense, there was a relative and unfamiliar quiet with Mama and just two littles. I will confess that there was a moment in the morning when I began to plot out all I could get done in the day with just a baby on my back and Harper at my side. Much cleaning, a bit of cooking, maybe even a little bit of work with some perfectly-timed coinciding naps.

But then this little guy led me out to the chickens...just to check for eggs, he said. An hour and a half later, still 'just checking for eggs,' I was reminded of the wonderful sense of time and pacing that three year olds have. It's a beautiful thing when there's all this wonder in the world...and the space and time to explore it.

I tried my very best to carry that pace all the way through our day together.  It was a lovely day... on Harper time. 

belatedly

In the interest of sanity and a few winks of sleep, I made a last minute decision to let go of making five pair (five pair!) of Solstice Pajamas this holiday season. (I traditionally have a new Mama-made pair under the tree for everyone.)

It was January 5th before anyone noticed the absense of them.

I'm going to take that as a sign not that no one notices Mama's handmades (that can't be true, can it?), but rather that they will not be permanently scarred or suffer life-long emotional damage because of the absence of matching sibling pajamas on December 22nd, 2011. 

Phew.

So here we are in January, with all that lovely flannel in queue (it's luscious!), a long winter still ahead (once it actually starts), and growing little bodies to cover up in warmth. And well, now that they've been alerted that something was missing, they're all quite intent on reminding me that they would, in fact, love those Jammies, please and thank you.

This weekend, wIth my studio assistant at my side (see above), I started in on the pile. Working from the middle child out (the middles always need an extra boost, right?), Adelaide was first. I used my favorite nightgown pattern - Butterick B4910. It's so slick and, made a little long, they fit for such a long time. Quite simple, too -I can make one in about as much time as my studio assistant is happy with a ball of yarn and chit-chat with Mama (do you see that? Reaching for the yarn over the toy? That's my girl).

The golden fabric is Anna Maria Horner's In The Clearing, and I'm sorry I don't remember the source of the grey and pink polka dots.

Have I shown you my size tag trick? I can't remember if I've shared this here before or not. This girl of mine is not a fan of those annoyingly itchy tags. (I get that.) But I find the tags enormously helpful in the sorting and organizing of clothes to hand on down to the next little one. So... some time ago, I started putting the tags in, but with a little flap of soft fabric over it. So only the flannel touches the skin, but the size tag is still hiding there for me to see. 

Soft and cozy flannel nightgowns. Just right for before-dinner chess, late night painting, horse dreaming and staying warm. For the life of me, I can't keep socks or slippers on her feet, but Papa's snowboard boots? Well, that's another story. She's talking about ditching her skis and trading them in for a snowboard. I can see it. Pajamas and all.

(melissab just reminded me of this. Yes!)
 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ BARNLIGHT ELECTRIC ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Barn Light Electric. In their words:

"Barn Light Electric is an online lighting store offering an array lighting products, many of which are American Made. We not only sell to homeowners looking to update their spaces, but we’ve also had the pleasure to work with designers, architects and restaurant owners too. "

Follow along along the Barn Light Electric Blog, and follow them on Facebook (where they donate $1 to local schools and charities for each new fan they get).

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Barn Light:  We are coming up on our 4th year of business in 2012.

SouleMama: Tell us about your background.

Barn Light: As with many businesses and shops on Soule Mama, we started out simply as a hobby!

SouleMama: What is your favorite part of your job?

Barn Light: One of our favorite parts of the job is working with such a variety of customers. Each has their own project that they need lighting for and it’s always exciting to see what type of setting they’re installed in. Since each home and business is unique, no two settings are ever the same!

SouleMama: What's the product or offering you are most excited about right now?

Barn Light: We’re still very excited about our line of porcelain lighting. Since the 1960’s, no one had really been manufacturing porcelain lights, that is until we launched our new line about a year ago. Today, they have such a universal look to them that they can tie into nearly any style of home – contemporary, country, industrial, you name it! 

For today's giveaway, Barn Light Electric is generously offering the following to TWO winners:

~ an Ivanhoe Sinclair Pendant!
(The winners can each select the finishes and cord styles so they will match their homes. The Sinclair is one of many additional porcelain lights available on our website.)

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Thank you to Barn Light Electric!

To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  

Comments closed! The winners are...

Oooo...I LOVE.
Posted by: well fed soul

such a homey light! I love the look of the twisted cord.
Posted by: monica 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ WHOLE FOOD KITCHEN ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Whole Food Kitchen. In Heather's words:

"Whole Food Kitchen is a three month, self-paced, multimedia online workshop designed to inspire, educate, and encourage people around creating a whole foods kitchen (or re-energize their existing one). This workshop is infused with a non-dogmatic, inclusive approach to nutrition. In life and in food, Heather's focus is on simplicity, patience, keeping it real, and common sense."

Heather blogs at beauty that moves.

SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?

Heather:  Hearing the most positive words from people - their life has changed, their children are enjoying more fruits and veggies, they've released judgment about how the perfect diet should look, they feel more fluid and energetic than ever before. Feedback from clients is easily the most rewarding part of what I do. Being a part of another person's joy and healing is a unique privilege that I treasure.

 

The most difficult part for me would have to be administrative work. The finer details of business operations are not my strong suit - writing interesting, informative content and delivering it in a beautiful way is my place of comfort and grace. Someday I'd love to hire a virtual assistant, that would be wonderful!

 

SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?

Heather: A blend of trusting my inner voice (writing down those final, amazing thoughts just before I fall asleep at night) and listening to my blog readers and class participants. Whole Food Kitchen was born from conversations and interests of past30 Day Vegan participants who wanted a longer experience with a diverse twist that would appeal to their families. (30 Day Vegan is by design a personal retreat of sorts.) 

SouleMama: What does a typical day at work look like for you?

Heather:  I tend to work in blocks of time throughout the day, we homeschool so a full 'day in the office' doesn't exist for me. I love to rise early and have have a solid, quiet work time first thing (after a little morning housekeeping and quiet time/yoga practice), then I'll head back to my desk in the afternoon for another block of time. I try to do a final email check/response in the evenings, going to bed with a fairly empty inbox feels so good.

SouleMama: How is your child incorporated into your business?

Heather: My fourteen year old daughter films all my cooking class videos! This is such fun for us, and we love that it becomes part of our homeschool day.

SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

Heather: 

 

On this path no effort is wasted,

no gain is ever reversed;

even a little of this practice

will shelter you from great sorrow.

- Bhagavad Gita

 

For today's giveaway, Heather is generously offering the following to TWO winners:

~  a complimentary pass to Whole Food Kitchen - a three month online workshop!

In addition, all SouleMama readers may register with a $15 discount through the month of January. Simply enter the discount code soulemama at checkout and receive $15 off!

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Thank you to Whole Food Kitchen!

To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  

Comments closed! The winners are...

Dreamy!!!
Posted by: Sarah

Oh my! Is this still open?! So timely and needed thought not in our budget right now. Love Heather and her lovely presence. e.
Posted by: erin

 

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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a squam story

"The one thing I can say right now with enthusiasm and certainty is that if you're in the position to be considering attending Squam - either this fall or next year, but are on the fence for whatever reason - because you don't know anyone else going, because you're not sure it's worth the money, because you're not sure you'll gain anything from it - well, my strong and gentle words of advice are to hop right off that fence and GO. Magic happens there, I tell you...and in my experience at least, that magic can come in unexpected and beautiful ways."

That's what I said three years ago.

I'm going to tell you the rest of the story, one I never thought I'd write about here. At least not when it happened. But time has a funny way of making things lighter than they were in the moment, and retrospect sometimes brings about a clarity that softens what was once hard, and shapes it into something different altogether. What a blessing when that happens. And what a blessing it was that "Squam happened," for me. For it was there that a quiet, but life-changing moment happened that gave me room to breath into myself, and fills me with gratitude still.

{Squam photo by Andrea Jenkins}

I attended Squam Art Workshops with the intention and "job" of speaking to the crowd of attendees on Friday night. A lifetime of aversion to speaking in large groups and 'teaching" behind me, I had a newly forming role as author ahead of me. As a result, I had convinced myself that being comfortable with such speaking engagements, teaching opportunities, radio and television appearances (and on and on) were merely a personal challenge that I could work through. That practice would make this kind of thing easier for me, that it was something I should work to overcome.

Work, indeed, I did. I tried oh, so hard. I kept showing up, I meditated, I repeated mantras to myself, I talked (and talked and talked) about it all with friends. And I kept on trying - scheduling one thing after another and working my way through them all. But you know what? It never got easier. Not one little bit. Fear, dread, anxiety, illness, even...it only got worse.

It was within that context - with that struggle held close to my heart and those who knew me well - that I wandered my way over to Squam one day in June nearly three years ago now. With baby Harper on my chest, I first walked into a cafeteria there full of lovely people who I was later scheduled to speak to. I saw warm and friendly faces, some very special ones among them who somehow (I am certain) saw something behind my eyes and sent some very lovely, silent vibes my way (I felt them).

Walking back to my family, an awful sinking feeling began to settle in as I realized that I could not, would not speak that night as I had both personally and professional agreed and committed and prepared to do. It wasn't the old familiar feeling of anxiety, but something new - rather as if my body was speaking a final and definitive NO! The voice was loud and willing to let people down, not follow through on a commitment, in order to be heard. I can't quite describe the feeling in that moment - both of my options (stay or leave) felt impossible and full of dread.

Returning to my sweet family, shaking with nerves, I packed our bags, loaded up the car, and took a deep breath as I called Elizabeth (creator of Squam). Prepared for all manner of responses (except the one I was about to receive), I braced myself as I told her that I was unable to fulfill my commitment and we were going home. There was only a moment of silence on the other end before I heard her sparkly self spring to life, "Stay right there!" she said. Minutes later, two angels in the form of Elizabeth Duvivier and Swirly arrived at our doorstep. And this woman who I had never met before, who I had just professionally dropped a big and messy last-minute ball on...well, that crazy (awesome) lady gave me a hug.

We talked a lot that day. Without hesitation or pressure, she let me off the hook, so to speak, encouraging me to go home if that felt best. We ended up rearranging things a bit, changing up the plan, and moving forward with the events in a modified way. But more importantly that any of those details, is the bigger gift that she gave me. As we walked together in the woods later that afternoon, she said, "Oh! I see, I see! That's not who you are! This, right here, this is you!" 

And that simple, obvious, perfect statement right there, was what we call a lightbulb moment.

The next day, still in a bit of a haze and fuzzy with all that was going on in my mind, I had my only other moments at Squam as I dropped in on a knitting session with Megan. The warmth of her gentle spirit, alongside the fire roaring in the fireplace, was a lovely blessing. I knit for a little bit, Harper crawled, knitting and fiber and babies and farming and life were talked about in simple and real ways...and I realized I was right where I belonged. This, I remember thinking, is who I am. The way I "teach," the way I "speak," in this world of ours ... it's in quiet ways.

{Squam photo by Emily Proudfoot}

I spent the rest of that summer reeling with delight, really, at the new revelation. My "No, thank you!" responses to similar opportunities carried with them an internal tickle - a giddy feeling of freedom. Because sometimes, saying NO is just as liberating and freeing as saying YES.  Because in the space of letting go of the expectation I had of myself - one I'd carried around my entire life - of who I thought I should be, of what I thought I should do - I found the room, the freedom, and the deep comfort to just be myself. To embrace the quietness of me.

That afternoon with Elizabeth...those moments at Squam...were a quiet and pivotal change in my life. I am entirely certain that it happened there - and not at any of the similar events/moments earlier - because that was an environment in which it was safe to do so. A gathering of soul-seeking, creative, encouraging people put together by some very magical souls with open hearts themselves. The possibilities of what can happen when such a space is created are endless. Knit a sweater. Paint a picture. Make a friend. Find yourself. Change your life. All of the above and more - it's whatever you choose.

{Squam photo by Jen Gray}

I'm thrilled to be attending Squam once again in June this year. I will not be speaking to all of the attendees (at once), I will not be teaching a class...I will simply be there with miss Annabel on my back, knitting needles in my hand, camera on my shoulder, classes to attend, and the hope of real and meaningful connection with like-minded, open-hearted lovelies. That feels good and right and wonderful, and I greatly look forward to the days.

And with that personal tale told, what I started out to tell you today (ahem), is that the lovely ladies of Squam recently unveiled a new and beautiful website, and along with it, many new additions to the world that is Squam. Along with the information and details about the Retreats themselves (registration for Spring Session begins January 9th!), and announcements of new Retreats (they've gone global!), is the widening of the goodness of Squam for all to access. A new storefront, featuring just one special limited edition piece each month. The first piece for this new corner of Squam are handcrafted gleena porcelein cups and tumblers made by Aysa Palatova.

To celebrate all these changes and new beginnings, I'm so happy to be sharing with you a gift from Squam - one of Aysa's porcelein cups to one of YOU. Simply leave a comment in today's post for a chance to win the tumbler "Q is for quiet" (pictured above). I'll draw a name on Friday morning.

Can you believe they assigned me "quiet"? Oh, Squam.

~ ~ ~ 

Oh goodness, thank you ALL for your kindness! I wish I had 2000 cups to give away. The random number generator led me to...

ever since hearing about Squam a few years ago, I've kind of held it in my heart as a place out there, that ... someday... wouldn't it be lovely? so far off (both literally and figuratively) but a joy to just think about. your post only added to that far away dream, but also reassured me that my choice to not do those things I. am. not. isn't so terrible, just because it's not what the world expects me to do. quiet is so lovely... thank you!
Posted by: christyb 

 

resting today

Sniffles, times seven, are making for some restless nights around here. I think today will be spent making tea, sipping it, and convincing everyone to stay under the covers.

A couple of quick announcements first, though ~ 

~ The shop is open again! All three books are stocked, and the few remaining First Day letterpress prints are now available. Thank you!

~ For the locals, I am thrilled to introduce you to S.E.A.M. - Sewing Enthusiasts and Artists of Maine! A collaboration between the owners of three fabulous fabric shops - Z Fabrics, Alewives, and Fiddlehead Artisan Supply. Meetings of the new group will be help bi-monthly at one of the three shops, as a place to celebrate and share your sewing passion. I'm honored to be a guest at the first meeting, Saturday, January 21st, at 4pm. All are welcome! Check out the S.E.A.M. blog for more details.

Take good care today, friends!

greeting twenty-twelve

The concept of time, and calendars is a funny one to talk about with little ones. Little ones who pay no attention to such things as clocks and calendars. "There's no beginning OR end of it, Mom. That's just in our minds." Ezra likes to say, in one way or another, often.

It really is one for the adults, isn't it? For we do pay attention to those things - we are ever so aware of the ticking of the clock, the passing of the years...more and more so, I am finding, with each one that goes by. I suppose that's why New Years Eve and New Years Day really are becoming my favorite days of the year... A day to stop, reflect, celebrate, let go, exhale...followed by a proverbial clean slate, deep breath, and refocus.

We gave a hearty goodbye to 2011 this weekend, surrounded by old friends and new ones, good food and fire, and so many children running through my house that my heart nearly burst with the blessing of it. We celebrated all day long with the house full of people...but as the night wore on, each guest slowly trailed out, or fell asleep, until I found myself washing dishes and listening to the radio with my love in a quiet, dark and messy kitchen when the new year arrived.

It was just the way to end such a year as 2011.

The following morning the coals were smouldered as the sky brightened. And thus we greet a new year - a deep breath, and the promise of new adventure, exciting work, and freshly-set intentions. 

I do love beginnings. Even - perhaps especially - the ones we create in our minds. 

Happy New Year to you and yours! 

1 January

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Hello, January! 

Welcome (and welcome back!) to the newest Sponsors here at SouleMama ~ 

Whole Food Kitchen
~ online workshop from Heather of beautythatmoves

Persisting Stars
~ photography e-course from madelyn mulvaney

Coastal Knits
~ knitwear collaboration between friends on opposite shores

High Mowing Seeds
~ organic vegetable, flower, herb, and heirloom variety seeds from Vermont

Quince and Company
~ wool yarns sourced and spun in the U.S. 

I'm grateful for their support, and pleased to be sharing this space with them. I encourage you to check out their wonderful offerings in the days to come! 

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