Gatherings

I have many friends who started off as students.  My dear friend Jan J. is among them and I can't imagine how it is we didn't meet years before.  I say this because she and I seem to have a connection that was obvious from the beginning, but not spoken of often.  It's just there. 

We share a love of reading and gardening and interest in spiritual matters.  But most obviously we share a passion for knitting...what knitting means to each of us individually...and how it feels when we get to sit down and knit together.

Sadly, like many friends these days, Jan and I do struggle to find time to get together.  It seems to be the new 'norm' for most.  Email and Facebook, Twitter, texting and phone calls have replaced coffee and brunch, lunch and dinner and happy hour cocktails. 

We have moved to a state of disconnect, don't you think?  In my view the disconnect comes from several things:  a lack of eye contact, a lack of sincere conversations catching up and dialing in, and just not experiencing the feeling we get when sitting in someone's physical space sharing our lives in real time.

And just for the record, while I do have days I feel like doing it, this is not a post or a rant about how we should all give up our modern day conveniences to go sit on a mountain top somewhere with each other and contemplate life.   In fact, it is just the opposite.  Life changes and so do we.  Instead of wishing for days gone by and simpler times, I have found I personally am much more content moving with the times and acknowledging the advantages we have at our disposal, instead of fighting it.

The challenge is to blend all of the cool things that technology does for us with activities and moments that counter balance the lack of one-on-one interaction.  For me, recognizing that it is happening is the first step.  Prioritizing is the next.

Spending time commiserating with friends is one of the most valuable things we can do for ourselves.  Soulful chats, quiet conversation, laughing out loud, passing the box of kleenex to dry tears, sipping something delightful that you don't normally serve just yourself...all reasons to gather with each other and share a moment.  The benefits are real and in fact quite necessary for us as humans to experience. 

Time deficit is a self-created dilemma.  Ask me how I know.

I am a strong believer in being in the moment, what it can do for you, and how it can change your perspective on yourself, on others, and the world.

I practice yoga for that reason.  I practice meditation for that reason.

I run.  Oh how I love to run.  It clears my mind and makes me feel empowered.

I want to hone that skill of being in the moment every chance I get.  I watch children play and I learn something about being totally engrossed and happy for a time.

I sit down on the floor with my dog and run my fingers through his wild, soft, white coat while he is completely still and content to be with me and enjoy the attention.  He teaches me that true companionship with another means accepting the person and the moment exactly as it is, no judgment.  Just allow things to be.

When I get on my motorcycle and head out on the road, my senses feel sharp and my mind is totally focused on the feel of the bike underneath me and the wind and the sun washing over me.  It's as close to being truly free and truly in the moment as I can get.

And that is why I love knitting so much.  No matter my mood, no matter the circumstances or the energy around me, when I put knitting in my hands I am instantly grounded, centered, and just BEING.  I know that's a contradiction, in a sense, because actually knitting is DOING, isn't it?

But mindful knitting is like meditation.  In meditation you breathe and you your body is still.  The duality of it is what makes it work. 

When I am knitting, the movements of my hands are the breathing.  My mind becomes the still. 

No matter what's wrong in my life or in the world that day, I am okay when I am knitting.  The feel of the yarn, the warmth of the needles, the rhythmic sound they make when I really get on roll...that all gets me there and keeps me there.  

Everyone needs something that gets them there.

And the only thing better than knitting by myself is knitting with others, because it allows me a double dose of being in the moment.  All the benefits of knitting and all the benefits of connecting with others.  My soul is filled to the brim in those moments, IF I truly allow myself to be there.  (That is the key.  Purposefully and intentionally choosing to place yourself in a moment and gather from it whatever you can about yourself) 

I have found it is especially good for me, as I tend to isolate myself for days or weeks at a time from real moments with others.  Why?  Well, I get overwhelmed, I suspect, and then I shut down.   And of course, alone time, quiet time, is equally important.  You have to make those choices for yourself.  Ask yourself what it is you need.  But often, I can get stuck in that alone time, and for me that's not the balance I am working towards.  Gathering with others (to knit or otherwise) brings me out of my world and into theirs.

These are the reasons then, that since I have been teaching, I have been offering what I call "Knit Aways"---small gatherings, special occasions, learning something new with friends of your choosing, in your environment, at your convenience.  Sounds lovely, doesn't it?   More than any other type of class I teach, these are my favorites.

Why?  Well, I think the biggest reason is that someone taking the time to create a moment, a pause in their lives, for themselves and those close to them, is really so very wonderful to be a part of.  It gives me an opportunity to do mindful teaching, intuitive instruction like no other setting or circumstance can.  (more on those things another day :)

I have done a few of these Knit Aways over the years, but sadly, not many.  Marketing this concept has been a challenge.  Weeknights and weekends are taken up by so many other things for families these days, it seems that we feel almost wasteful with our time if we are not checking things off of our to-do list instead of spending an afternoon with friends.

In many parts of the world, knitting, handwork, and other creative endeavors are a way of life, not just something you do when you have nothing else to do.  And there's no guilt involved.  You need not explain what you're doing or why.  Beautiful concept really.   I would venture to say individuals who live this way are more centered, content, fulfilled, and generally well-adjusted and equipped to handle the inevitable stress and pressures that come with being human on this planet.

Since I have embraced knitting and fiber art as a career and way of life myself, I have had one 'small' goal above all others:  to share my passion for knitting, but more broadly, my passion for creativity in all of its forms, and how it can enhance your life.  And the only way I know to do this is take it moment by moment, be out there, not afraid to 'do my thing', in my way, on my terms, and seize every opportunity to break down gender barriers and age stereotypes that seem to go hand in hand with knitting.  (oooh, yet another topic for another post...lovely:) 

So when Jan J. approached me at the fiber arts fair last fall about doing a class in her home based on a pattern that one of the fair vendors, Bijou Basin Ranch, had on display, I  immediately thought what a great idea, and at the same time wondered when and how I would be able to put it together for her in a way that honors all of these things I have been writing about.  That is why I do them after all. 

Jan, too, had a vision for how this class would look and feel.  Because obviously if she had simply wanted to knit the project, we could have made that happen long before now.  Her thought was to make it special...share it with others.  Create a memory.  That's who she is.  She herself works very hard every day to focus on the elements of life that bring her closest to knowing herself better and she continually amazes me at her willingness to grow and expand and experience new things. 

I respect that deeply.  I believe that is why we are here.

March 19, 2011, Jan will host a knit away in her home. (and just fyi--as of the day of this post, I still have 2 openings out of 7, if you are interested in joining the class--email or call me for more details and questions) 

But here's a sneak peak at what this Knit Away will look like:

We will be making a simple, but stylish little button up cowl that caught her eye many months ago...

 

 

...it is made from Bijou Basin Ranch yarn called "GOBI."  It is spun from yak and camel down!  (This is a new one for me to work with too!) 

It has a soft, silky feel that I look forward to wearing close to my skin.  I am working on the test sample now. 

The yarn comes in natural colors only and this particular one is a very beautiful taupe that can be worn with almost anything.  It will also be what I call an all-seasons accessory because of it's weight and texture.  I love to knit pieces that can be used every season of the year. 

The sweet and delicate cable/lace stitch pattern is fairly easy to memorize, but presents some challenges.  Even though it is marked at an Easy skill level, I would consider it appropriate for a Strong Advanced Beginner ready to expand their skills or an Intermediate knitter looking to practice his/her lace techniques by way of a very portable, satisfying project. 

We will sit down in the morning and learn the pattern together.  I have lots of tips for lace knitting as well as a couple of new techniques to show everyone.  Cabling without a cable needle, the perfect buttonhole, tensioning with lace stitches, blocking, and working with luxury yarns will be some of the topics we will cover.

Afterwards, Jan will be serving a delicious lunch of Southwest Chicken Chili, Blueberry Cornbread Muffins, and Spinach Salad.

Spring will be upon us by that time next month and I can't think of a more wonderful way to usher it in. 

I encourage you to to look at your day to day life and acknowledge that you are doing the best you can with what you have to work with...accept this...but also understand that there's nothing wrong with slowing down, striving for more balance, and realizing that you are not being selfish when you take time for yourself.  You will have more to give to your family, your job, your friends, when you don't feel cheated out of the things that really tickle your toes!

The knitting is a big part of it, the company and conversation another part.  Sitting down to a meal with friends, yet another part.  These all combine to create a deliberate moment to share, to learn, to celebrate the fact that we are more than our to-do lists and our jobs and roles and titles and responsibilities.  These are the details of our lives, the specifics.  That's not who we are as a whole. 

I hope to conduct many Knit Aways this year as a part of my journey.  I wish you real moments of your own.   

Knit On,

Donna

Sweet Success

We now have the 2nd Annual Scotts Bluff Valley Fiber Arts Fair under our belts.  I spent the last week reliving and relishing the entire experience in my mind and with my fellow board members and awesome volunteers.

Here's to a job well done ladies!     

Comments that I heard from our participants were positive, to say the least, and very encouraging:  "Upscale, inspiring, educational, high-class, well-organized, so much fun!"   And most importantly, "Can't wait for next year!"

Our many thanks to all who came out to the fairgrounds!  Your participation was fabulous and your enthusiasm inspiring.  I am already working on some new things for next year's event, so stay tuned.  (Yes, the show must go on and the planning never stops!) 

In the meantime, I thought you might like to see a few highlights from Friday's classes and of course the fair on Saturday.  I will have a complete gallery for the 2010 fair up this week on the website, but this will give you an idea of the incredible talent that was this year's fair!

Donna Friebertshauser teaching Brazilian Embroidery

Stephanie Flynn-Sokolov conducting her beginning wheel spinning class

I love spinners!  Barefoot and comfy while they are working!

Deb Wagonner of Two Windows Dye Co.  She came all the way from Hutchinson, Kansas to teach a knitting class and vend at the fair

Many thanks to Nancy Shroyer for traveling the farthest (North Carolina!) to teach Traditional Fair Isle

Felted Entrelac Tote class

...taught by Mavis Davis of LaPorte, CO.  Mavis is Harlan Brown's daughter

Joan Sheen of Kearney, NE shared her expertise in the Crackle Weaving class

Oh how I love this piece...the colors are gorgeous!

Color Theory class

Vicki Square of Ft. Collins, CO...so pleased to have her teach this year

 

Donna Friebertshauser also taught Silk Ribbon Embroidery in the afternoon session

The very talented Rhonda McClure of Ewe and Us teaching Needle Felting.  Rhonda and her husband also had a booth at the fair.

Here is a wonderful piece that Rhonda shared with her students.

 

Hand made soaps from Laura Whelchel of Laura's Herbal Apothecary

Couldn't be a Nebraska fiber fair without a few team hats...compliments of Kathy Hartmeister of Op Pa Llandet

Peggy Wells, daughter of Harlan Brown and Vice President of Brown Sheep Co. giving a greeting and thank you to all of our vendors at the Galleria the night before the fair

Getting to know each other and taking a little time out for some great food and drink was a welcome break from all of our hard work!

After a very busy day on Friday, you would think everyone would be dragging the next morning, but no!  The energy was high and smiles were seen all around the show floor.  Below are some highlights of the fabulous demonstrators, vendors, and breeders that made this year's fair such a success.

Creativity and imaginative uses for natural fibers were everywhere that day!

This young lady is so talented!  She was the youngest student the day of classes and everyone was amazed at her talent for fiber art at such a young age.  She will be one to watch for in the future of this industry!

Beautiful, hand crafted drop spindles from Wooly Designs of Crawford, CO

Kim Schiffmacher and Deb Barrett demonstrating weaving and Australian locker hooking

Fair t-shirts and totes for sale featuring the fabulous artwork of Laura Avila, a local artist from Mitchell, NE

And oh yes, a fair favorite last year and this year, the Swedish Tomten!  Each one has a personality of it's own.

Our spinning instructor, Stephanie, posing with Laurie Alkire, one of my fellow fair Board members

Cher Maybee of Barn Anew Bed and Breakfast showing her tomten

 Cher and her husband Allan co-sponsored the fair, along with Brown Sheep Co.  Cher is also on the Board of Directors and planning committee for the fair.    Allan gave an historical presentation of sheep wagons at Barn Anew the day of the fair.

Crochet demonstrators Carmen Sanchez and Brandy Earl along with my good friend and fair volunteer, Jan Johnson

This is Laura Avila (the artist who created our logo) with her mom, Cathy McGrath of Tanglewood Studios who came all the way from Las Vegas to participate in the fair.

Two extremely talented ladies, Darlene Tagler (Prairie Pines Quilt Shop, Gering, NE) and quilting demonstrator for the fair, Deb Aschenbrenner

Phil Switzer ( and wife Chris)  brought Paco Vicunas which was a new addition to the fiber animal lineup this year

Mick Leighton of Loveland, CO brought alpaca again this year

Richard Phillips of Prairie Moon Alpacas taking time out to relax and knit

He and his wife, Ann are such a fun addition to the fair and so knowledgeable on all things fiber art

Debbie Leighton (Deer Valley Alpacas) and Ann Phillips (Prairie Moon Alpacas) share a booth called Fiber Frolics

Sarah Meyer along with her mom, Cheryl of Hidden Valley Ranch showing an angora hat her mom knit out of the fiber obtained from their French Angora rabbits

Tracy Kreie demonstrating drop spindle techniques

Our weaving demonstrators Libby Lundgren and Berni Lewis

Laura Avila, Stacia Phifer, and Christy Strong at the information booth...oh these ladies worked hard that day!

Our door prize gang!  Virginia Garrett, Melissa Robbins (coordinator), Anna Robbins, and Marge Townley

Loretta Haught, one of the hardest working volunteers and fiber art enthusiasts you will find, taking time out to pose with me

Judy Hoxworth, our Silent Auction coordinator (talk about a big job!) along with Christy Strong, co-chair of the Hospitality committee

One of the many beautiful items on the silent auction table

A Little bluegrass music courtesy of Green Valley Homesteaders to set the mood!

Payson Haught with Salty, a French Angora rabbit

Miss Maggie Brunmeier, daughter of Jewel Brunmeier, our Breeder Committee Chairperson (Jewel, why don't I have a pic of you?!?)  She was so busy I guess there was no time to pose! :)

And speaking of posing...llama brought in by Curt and Susan Boyes of Red Barn Wool Station from Minatare, NE

Oh my!  A face only a mother could love?!?  Angora goat....what a ham!  Maggie told me all of their names, but can't remember now!

Alex Becker holding a sweet baby Cashmere goat

Joanna Johnson's book signing at the Brown Sheep booth

These ladies asked me to take a picture, but I don't know their names..totally adorable in those hats though.

Me along with our guest of honor, Mrs. Janet Brown of Brown Sheep Co.  She said she had a wonderful time that day and visited with many, many people!

Last year's fair was so busy that I wasn't able to buy one thing!  This year I did get to sneak a little shopping in with my daughter, Kendall,  and here's a few of the treasures we came home with:

Phil (my husband) won a door prize from Designs by Anna (felted bracelet and pin)...he said it wasn't his color though, so he generously gifted the set to Kendall and I :)

Another Designs by Anna (Walker)  purchase...Kendall picked this one out for herself (quilted/felted bracelet)

My beloved little Swedish Tomte handfelted by Gabriella Cervin (he's a faithful guardian of small things...every home needs a little watching over) 

Sock yarn hand-dyed by Deb Wagonner of Two Windows Dye Co.

Kendall and I each picked our favorite colorway for socks I will be knitting for us--the pictures don't do the color justice!

And the same goes for this lovely little bundle of hand dyed roving from Ingrid Borah of Whysper Mountain Woolens--I hope to get out the drop spindle soon and practice my spinning with this luscious fiber

Then once I get it spun I'm thinking I will knit this:

Deb Wagonner was wearing this cute little knit headpiece the day of the fair and Kendall wanted the pattern

Linda George was selling her Swedish Mittens kits again this year...I so wanted to buy the pattern last year, but missed my opportunity

This year mission accomplished!  I can't wait to dive into the pattern, which Linda told me was written in the late 1700's...that's very cool...they are a combination of Lamb's Pride from Brown Sheep and a beautiful soft mohair...I especially love the detail of the embroidery and buttons and they are so thick and warm!

What an exciting weekend!  Thank you again to everyone who shared their time and incredible talent to the event. 

Sweet success indeed!

Knit on,

Donna

ps.  I will try and go back when I have time and add a links to the businesses listed here (there are so many!).  I do have a booklet with all the contact information though.  Leave me a comment and I would be happy to send one to you or give you info. on any one you would like to know more about or order from.