Gratitude, Passages, and A Wheel Comes Full Circle

I remember when I was on the wait list for a Wyatt wheel - a beloved Pegasus, that mighty wheel made of mesquite, turned by Mr. Wyatt in his Texas workshop.  I never met Bill Wyatt in person, but we had a few lovely phone conversations when I'd ordered a wheel from him.  He was an Alaskan pilot for some years, and we had a great time talking about those days! I got on the wait list when I was a relatively new spinner; and that was many years back.  While I was waiting,  he sent me a turned wooden bowl, just a small one; I still have that little gift and treasure it.

I never got my wheel made; Mr. Wyatt became quite ill and never got to make it.   I managed to find one, and bought it - and it was truly a beautiful wheel.  But it wasn't exactly right for me; Myles Jakuboski, the man who took over Wyatt wheels, did some retro-fitting on it that made it pretty sweet; but it wasn't " just right" for me.  I sold that wheel some years ago.

Now, a wheel that belonged to a friend and mentor has been made available to me.  My friend Myler was a  remarkably well-known and renowned women in the Alaska fiber arts scene.  She was a force to reckon with!  She was funny, fierce, and influenced many lives. 

I plan to purchase Myler's Pegasus wheel; she knew for years that I wanted it, and we laughed about it every time I saw her .  I say, "Hey Myler!  Are you ready to sell that wheel yet"?  She wasn't ever ready, but knew who to call once she was. I never let her forget!

I will treasure that wheel.  I never had one made for me by Bill Wyatt;  but Myler had!  And Myler was a right-handed spinner, like me.  Her wheel will fit me to a "T" and I am so grateful.  Myler was one of the FIRST women I met in Alaska.  She coordinated the Valley Fiber Arts Guild retreat, and I'll never forgot how much fun I had that first year when I met her.  I felt like I had a mentor from the start!  And now, the wheel I wanted when I first started spinning will come to live with me, as my friend and first mentor has no need for it any longer.

Myler passed away last night in her sleep after some illness.  I was really glad I got to see her earlier that day.  I was able to hold her hand, stroke her forehead, and tell her that she is loved.


My heart is a bit heavy for our loss in the Alaska fiber arts community.  Myler!  We adore you, and respect everything you did in this community.  I know I am not speaking just for myself when I say you changed many lives for the better.  Rest well, and fly with angels, my friend.

Myler left a substantial legacy in Alaska; many people over the years learned to spin because of her.  She was an institution before and during the Alaska State Fair every fall, handing out free spindles and wool to anyone who was interested.  She coordinated fair entries and judging, and came to our guild meetings admonishing us to get in lots of entries!  She knew how important it is to have a historical presence at big events like the fair.  She cultivated friendship and mentored the newbies.  She made a difference for many people, for many years.

Nine years later...

I just found my blog again and today is a landmark day.  We just put my youngest son on an airplane, he is off to college!  My tears flow and my heart is joyful and sad all at once.  He has developed into a wonderful human being with a very bright and promising future.

Back in the workshop

Life has an amazing way of slipping by...keeping me occupied with one thing or another, then suddenly...YEARS have passed!  No time is this more apparent than now, as my oldest son graduates from high school this month.  I can scarcely believe that he's going to be leaving soon.  I am so immensely proud of him but also quite melancholy.  He's really a wonderful young man and I am going to miss seeing him every day!

Happy Easter everyone!  I am busily preparing for another upcoming Fiber Arts Retreat at Camp Maranatha.  Always fun!  This year, I am excited to get all my goodies into my new trailer, which will make the process much easier.  I've been making batts and dying roving, and I hope to have a successful retreat.

I am looking forward to seeing friends, old and new, spinning some yarn, and eating...and of course, enjoying the beautiful setting. 

I am still here...

I have a blog.  That's been abandoned!  Oh, poor blog.  So sorry to be so darn busy that I couldn't update for over a year.  Sad, sad, sad.

I will strive to do better!

Sweet Summertime

It's been a busy few months.  I took a trip to North Carolina, and Israel.  To top it off, we just bought a sailboat!


My business plans are moving slower than originally anticipated, but I am still excited and motivated to sell my handspun and hand-painted yarns.  Stay tuned for the announcement and online store!

Preparing for Valley Guild Fibers Arts Retreat!

This weekend is the bi-annual Fiber Arts Retreat sponsored by the Valley Fiber Arts Guild.  For two and a half blissful and busy days, we'll be at a gorgeous lakeside camp, with comfortable beds, private bathrooms (!) and stuff to keep us happy.  Spinning some...felting....visiting with friends, destashing, and adding new stuff to the stash.  All fun, all the time.  I am greatly looking forward to it.  I've spent some time organizing my studio, and am now going through items preparing them for sale.  I plan to destash a good deal of my stuff in my continuing effort to declutter my space and simplify my life. 

Yesterday I arranged my shelving in my weaving room, making space for my magazines, books, and yarns.  It looks GOOD.  I love all the color and texture.  Hopefully it'll be an inspirational space to use once I get all the other cleaning completed.

Here are some photos!








And some rolags I carded awhile ago to make a self-striping yarn:

A Link to one of "My Favorite" Blogs.

This blog belongs to my friend Sara.  Her family of sheep, dogs, horses, cats, chickens, and honeybees live on Equinox Farm.  Her life seems idyllic!  I subscribe to her blog posts, and they greet me each day on my Google home page.
This post is from last year, when she sent me my Ashford Traditional spinning wheel.  Click on the photo to enlarge it - her paintings are whimsical and fun!  The cool thing is, many depict her actual critters.

Very cool!

http://myfavoritesheep.blogspot.com/2010/01/effectivefinally.html

Renate Hiller on Fiber Art

This is such a true assessment of fiber art - any art, really, that utilizes the hands.  Take a moment to watch this video.

Spinning Wheels

Last night I was attempting to list the wheels that I've owned.  I spent a long time going through my photos looking for proof...but alas, many wheels were never photographed.  Those that were, will appear on these pages. 
Like anything, spinning took me hook, line, and treadle.  I became what some would call compulsive about everything to do with spinning.  People who know me are not surprised by this character trait.  It can be a lot of fun to jump in with both feet!  It can also be a little, well...compulsive.
I know I've owned more wheels than many.  Which is pretty handy, since I want to teach spinning and help others love the craft.  I have first-hand knowledge of many brands and makes of wheels. Of course, spinning wheels are kind of like cars.  They all do the same job, but each person has her or his own preferences in style, function, and size.

My favorite wheels are still with me - the others have moved on to new homes.  I've regretted selling some.  If I could have them back I would!  (And I still have a "wish list" of a couple of wheels that I hope to own someday).

Wyatt Pegasus and Schacht 40th Anniversary Matchless

IMG_4280, a photo by AKPeacecat on Flickr.

These two wheels make a lovely pair and are amazing machines. The big wheel is the highly sought-after Wyatt Pegasus. Made by Bill Wyatt, who died a few years ago, they are incredibly well-balanced and carefully crafted. Bill was a former bush pilot in Alaska before moving to Texas, and a sweet guy. We spent a lot of time visiting on the phone about spinning wheels and the state of the world. Like other wheel makers, he maintained a waiting list for his wheels. The Pegasus was the most popular model, and I needed on with the flyer on the right. Unfortunately, he died before he got to my name on the list.
Then, I cast my fishing line out on the internet, and a spinner contacted me wanting to sell her wheel. I pounced! The wheel was at the time only set up with a spindle, not with flyer and bobbins. Myles Jakubowski, Mr. Wyatt's apprentice, fashioned a beautiful flyer and bobbins set up for my wheel, and it came to me last year.
The Pegasus is made of mesquite wood and is very regal...and spins like a dream. The drive wheel is 30", and once you start treadling, it moves with very little effort. A work of art and engineering! I am fortunate to have one of these wheels.

The 40th Anniversary Cherry Matchless was produced in limited quantity by Schacht Spindle Company (Boulder, CO). At the time of their production, I talked myself out of purchasing one. But last year I decided that I wanted one and again put out internet feelers. This wheel was brand new, and still in a spinning shop on the east coast. She came to live with me several months ago and I LOVE IT.

Pomegranate Blossom

Pomegranate Blossom, a photo by AKPeacecat on Flickr.

This is a Navajo-plied bobbin of four ounces of gorgeous Polworth wool, from Intothewhirled Fiber Art. She if offering colorways each month. This is "Pomegranate Blossom", the second in the series. It's really great to follow her group on Ravelry and see how different everyone's yarns are!

Some Yarnie Goodness

100_1102, a photo by AKPeacecat on Flickr.

Here is a photo showcasing many skeins of handspun yarn. I created many of these over the course of two years recreational spinning, and one week of intense production spinning! I have so much to learn, but one thing I know for certain is how happy I feel when I see all this yarn.

Time to Post Some Photos

I have several days of blog posts to make up, so I decided to do.just.one and see how it goes!  Maybe it'll put me in the mood to get many more done.

I have been very busy lately with my fiber and supplies.  I've been spinning every day, sorting through the PILES downstairs, getting rid of unwanted furniture, buying some items for my booth at the upcoming Saturday market this summer...whew!  LOTS going on.

Several days ago I spent hours in the mother-in-law apartment (my studio!) cleaning and getting set up for some serious production.  I still have a long way to go, but I am really happy with how it is shaping up.  You need to understand, that my "studio" has always been a dumping ground for boxes of stuff, supplies, piles, etc...and has never been organized.  Now that I am starting a small business it's time to do it!

The studio, or apartment, is the bottom level of our home.  Technically it is a one bedroom apartment, but in actuality there are two rooms - one is finished, one is not.  The unfinished room is my husband's workshop.  At least it will be once we get it set up!  Here he'll be able to putter and work on his projects, like the BMW restoration in the garage (right outside the workshop door!) and building that Martin guitar he bought the kit for years ago.

I digress.  To get into the studio, you can either come downstairs from the house into the garage, and then through his workshop and into the studio.  Or, you can enter from the outside.  Once in the studio, you'll find a kitchen with microwave, cooktop and oven, fridge, sink, and cupboards.  There is also a bathroom with a bathtub (hooray!) and a washer and dryer.  There is space for a dinette, too, or any small table.  One large bedroom, and a living room area complete the studio.  Oh, and just off the living room is a patio area with double doors.  It is south facing so it gets a lot of light when the sun is shining.

The Country Classics Dye Rack

The Country Classics Dye Rack, a photo by AKPeacecat on Flickr.

All these dyes are patiently waiting for me. As soon as it warms up a bit more, I plan on doing some dye work. I have several jars of each non-toxic color.
Next to the dye is my Patrick Green Triple Picker. This is a device that looks like something from a medieval torture chamber, but in reality it's used to fluff apart the wool to make it easier for carding and spinning.

Pat Green Triple-drum Supercard

Pat Green Triple-drum Supercard, a photo by AKPeacecat on Flickr.

This carder is AMAZING. I got it for a steal - they are almost never available used and when they are, they're usually four times or more what I paid. No kidding! It works beautifully.

Wall of Wool

Wall of Wool, a photo by AKPeacecat on Flickr.

A bit closer view of the squishy soft wools, ready to be blended.

My colorful wall

IMG_4224, a photo by AKPeacecat on Flickr.

This pleases me every time I see it!

Woolee Winder!

I splurged on a device to help speed up my production of yarn.  It's called a "Woolee Winder" and is made for many different wheels.  I bought one for my Schacht Matchless wheel, in cherry to match.  It operates as a level wind system, like the winder on a fishing reel.  As I spin yarn, and it is pulled onto the bobbin, the Woolee Winder lays it out evenly.  Not only does it look neat and tidy, it saves me the time of having to stop every few minutes and move the yarn from hook to hook.

Now, this invention is pretty darn cool.  But I do have to say, it is a little noisy!  Not terrible, but I really enjoy the near silence of spinning on my big Wyatt wheel, so the clatter of the WW gears is a bit noticeable.  I am, however, really pleased with the speed and function!  Photos to come!

Beautiful weather! For cleaning HOUSE?

Ok, well, the weather is absolutely beautiful today.  Alas, my house...not so much.  Therefore, today is a cleaning day!  Kids are at school and I have NO APPOINTMENTS or anything to do until this evening when I leave for the Fiber N'Ice "Spring Fling" in Wasilla.  I am taking a three-day Ravenstail weaving course.  Very exciting!