River Run Weaving Blog

Well here we are right next to Christmas and then New Years Eve.  It is snowing lightly now and looks picture perfect outside.
It was down to 6 degrees last night but our sheep still prefer to sleep outside the barn.  There wool is very thick now and the Ewe’s are showing signs of their pregnancy.  They walk a little slower up the hills.  Many prefer to eat snow rather than walk up to the heated water trough.

My husband Will was out feeding our chickens last night and as usual he was changing their water too.  When he reached into the hen house to get the water container he was very surprised to see a Pygmy Owl sitting on it.  When Will got hold of the water container the Owl politely moved to the floor.  He was very friendly and the rooster did not care that he was in there. What a treat.

We will be sharing time with neighbors and friends during these next two weeks and are so grateful to have them in our lives.

Best of the Holidays to you and yours
Sharon, Will and all the critters

Blog December 11^th.

Well it is time to break out the snow shoes.  We have about 6 inches left on the ground with more due in tomorrow.  I love this time of year when I can be out in the snow feeding and watering the animals and then come into a warm inviting home and sit back with a hot cup of tea and crochet, Knit, or weave for the next year market or new items to put into my Etsy Shop.

Planning and just beginning the creative process is such a joy. In addition the view from our home is a wonderland with the snow on the ground and in the mountains.  Because we live about 22 miles from Missoula our pantry serves us well this time of year when we really stay off the roads more.  Now we can start using some of the canned goods we put up last summer.

It must be time to make Christmas cookies and candy for the Grand children.  I guess I better get busy.

Have a Joyful and Safe Holiday Season.

Sharon

Being part of the Fiber artist community I continue to be amazed at the creativity of folks that like to create.  This past week our Spinning Group met and shared what project they each were working on.  One woman is spinning her natural Llama fiber into a yarn that she will weave into a coat. Another life long knitter was learning to spin yarn so she could make a sweater. Some others make prayer shawls for their church and hand knit hats for newborns.  The list goes on and on.

Another used her hand spun yarn to knit a Danish working shawl. I did not know what that was.  It is a triangular shawl that wraps the body and ties in the back to keep you warm but able to use your arms freely.  I must say it was spectacular.

Many of these artistic crafters get their inspiration from nature.  Here in Montana we are all very aware of the sky, forest, rivers and lakes.  Some of the scenery can take your breath away and have you matching up colors to fit the landscape.

Any one wanting inspiration should find a local spinning, weaving, knitting or felting group.

If you’re not a joiner locate an adult continuing education class.  I noticed in our area classes on knitting, felting and silk painting just to name a few.

Fall is coming soon so get some projects lined up now and you will have some wonderful gifts for yourself or family during the Holiday season.

Sharon traveled to the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in Brasstown, North Carolina. Yes it was hot 98 degrees and 80% humidity especially compared to Montana so far this summer.  She went to study under world renowned rug weaver Jason Collingwood.  Jason is from England and studied with his Father Peter Collingwood. Peter is the author of several books on weaving that have the highest ratings among rug weavers the world over.

The class was a week long starting at 9am each day with an hour lunch break. Weaving  continued until 6pm and then back at it until about 8:30 or 9pm and this lasted all week.  Many techniques were explored and tested.  A certificate of Achievement was awarded to Sharon at the completion of the course.

The course was over way to fast. Meeting other weavers and sharing ideas was a real highlight of the time there. Many other crafts are studied at the school and any student wanting to improve their craft should explore the school’s offerings.

Summer is here and our wool is in the final stages of processing into yarn.  We have 2 of the four blends in house a black and dark grey.  We are expecting a light grey and cream toward the end of July.

Sharon can hardly wait for the new colors that are a blend of this years fleeces so she can work on some special rug and saddle blanket designs.

Well there we were in June waiting for Summer. All the lambs are born and doing well. The Last one was 4 weeks ago.  This little EWE came in at 9 pounds a month later she is already up to 20 pounds and having a great time playing with the other lambs.

We were so gratified that The University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance gave Sharon special recognition in a certificate of “Significant Contribution” for the 2009-20010 season. The Fiber arts Class did a site visit and tutorial at the River Run Weaving studio for a day.  They were a wonderful class and participated in weaving and sock knitting.  It is so nice to be appreciated.