Thank you to everyone that came to see us, show off their projects, and pick up pretties from our booth at the Fall Shindig. Thank you for supporting our little studio and shopping local! How did it go? We spent the day laughing! The vendors feel like old friends and there isn’t a table that doesn’t impress. We met crafter families, brand new humans in fabulous knitwear, and repeat customers that had grown taller, more talented, and funnier than since we last met. We made new friends and have a list of new ideas, and matched colours on many a project. Our new booth helper Cheryl loved the atmosphere of the show. Cheryl was amazing in the booth – she IS a knitter and crocheter herself, as well as an accomplished artist – and with her at the booth, Jason was able to take the day off to rest an injury. I always brag that fibre people are the nicest of all people, and you prove me right again. Thank you to our troop of clay helpers aka the clay indentured servants, and a late night Friday truck fixer, who made this show possible: Cheryl, Lori, Jill, Myrna, Shauna, Jenn, Mike are the friends and family that help make dreams soar. Our legions of emotional support keep us going too so thank you for the private messages and offers behind the scenes, the phone calls and emails, those who hand us a beverage when we take a break, and the love. (Hi Mom & Dad!) Today, I spend time on the couch drinking from my own Sheepie mug while I figure out two colour brioche with my new Sea Turtle Fibre Arts’  Breakwater Bulky in Bookworm. I couldn’t come home empty handed, could I? Not seen here but also acquired: Carole pattern by Amethyt Knits Luna Shawl yarn in Spanish Wine by Poppy Yarn & Fibre to make that lovely Carole Glitterati Intense yarn in Highlighter by The Wacky Windmill – watch her shop for deals as she winds down Berry Bergamont, Nutcracker, and Honey & Oatmeal Soaps by 1968 Soap Co who is also a potter! And now, back to that tea and knitting. Today, we rest.

I am thankful for this latest glaze firing! Such a lovely flock of sheep, ready to meet their new friends at The Fibre Shindig on Oct 15. We’ll be onsite from 10am to 5pm on Saturday Oct 15 at the Hillburst-Sunnyside Community Centre in Calgary. One day only! 

Here’s a sneak peek of some of the buttons that came out of the latest kiln firing. This batch was heavy on square beauties since I was completely out of square stock. There are hundreds of unique buttons, but I can’t help but show off some of what I’m packaging up tonight! My favourite glaze combination, this time on swirly squares: For those, like me, that like some fancy added to their knitting, crochet, and sewing projects: My newest glaze which proves again that taking a chance on a new glaze can be a wonderful decision. These are so full of depth and gloss: A lovely group of serene glaze colours that complement the great textures: If you’re in Calgary and you love shiny things, come see these in person Oct 7 or Nov 17! I have many sets of 2-5 that are great for cowls as the chill of autumn reminds us that it’s time to get the needles and hooks going to get our projects ready for the first snowfall. I’m going back to packaging handmade buttons and getting them prepared to find their new homes. Have a great night!    

We get by with a little help from our friends. In this case, it is my niece (and an artist in her own right) Jill Reynaud at the button table with me. Her eye for texture makes it easier for me to accept help, and she didn’t even flinch when I used the term “aggressively sponge”. I am a control freak when it comes to accepting help in the studio, and up until now my Mom, with a lifetime of artistry under her belt, had been the only other to touch the buttons. There are many that have offered and I’ve always declined because quality control is my #1 priority, and I don’t want to offend helpers by harping at them to “do it my way”. I need for ceramic buttons, diz, pendants, and everything else coming out of the studio to have smooth edges so they never catch or cut yarn. Smoothing every edge and hole is incredibly time intensive, but I personally feel that the final product quality is worth it. With two fibre shows coming up, and custom orders waiting for my attention, getting some help is the only way to get clay beauties into everyone’s hands. The clay gods heard my cries, and Jill arrived, eager to jump in. And I don’t offend her (or if I do, she just smiles and keeps making beautiful things) Thank you, Jill!