I Took a Spinning Workshop that Changed the Whole Way I Spin

In 2006 after my mom died I learned how to spin yarn on a drop spindle (I got at the PNE) from my neighbour Diana. She also invited me to go to her spinning guild (Langley Weavers & Spinning Guild) in Langley. I proceeded to join and get a wheel and I was hooked. I loved it. I went through a few wheels before I found the one l loved. Fast forward 20 years I had been feeling a bit discontent with my spinning because I was unable to figure out how to change the way I spin to get the yarn I wanted. 

Then our guild had a workshop with one of our wonderful teachers called.... TAKE THE WHEEL: Thick, Thin & Totally on Purpose with Kim McKenna. It was a 2 day workshop that helped the spinner know their wheel better and to make a few adjustments to their wheel and/or to the way they spin to intentionally spin the yarn they want. We also talked about the yarn we were using & why it was chosen for either thick or thin yarn. 

Well, it was life changing in regards to my spinning. I am making yarn thinner than I have ever made and it looks better than what I have been spinning. Even though it is not exactly what I want yet it is visibly different in a good way and some not so good but that is ok because learning is fun when it clicks. It doesn't need to be great right off the bat. 

The class was small and we were learning from each others questions asked. I found that I had a great time learning and that I can still learn well. Sometimes I have felt I did not learn well. Yet what I was reminded was  that finding the right instructor and the topic that you were looking for is golden. I feel like something has broken free and I am excited about making yarn again. I am excited to practice what I have learned and also look forward to continue learning more about different topics that relate to my spinning like how to process the fleece I have to make wonderful yarn. What type of fibre do I like to spin with the most, what am I curious to try spinning? I am sure there are more questions but right now I am enjoying practicing what I just finished learning. 

Time Keeps Going On.....

 1943, 1945, 1963, 1966, 1968, 1991,1992. Certain number have fond memories. Loads of excitement and possibilities. Things to come, may come, could be. Laughter, good times. There are also times that seem to be times that you may have thought you may never get through. 2003, 2006 & 2008 are years for my family and friends of ours we DID NOT think we would get through alive. Cancer diagnosis, surgery, radiation, end of life care, more cancer more deaths, more sadness. 

When my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer it was a major hit to our family. Watching her go through the surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and seeing that it was not helping and knowing we would not have much time was devastating. The thought of survival  without her was something I felt at the time was impossible. 

It has been 20 years without her. 18 without our Dad and my cancer treatment. Those years were devastating yet there were moments of beauty. My niece sitting on my Dads lap talking to the nurse, my nephew yelling at mom to wake up he had a picture he made for her. The friends of moms that came across to country to help her in at the end and support us was a miracle.  

This is one of the last pictures I have of my parents. Vicky & Terry. They are still well loved and extremely missed.

Letting Go Opens New Possibilities

 I have been holding onto the idea of sewing clothes. I had been gifted  a sewing machine from a friend and her mom many, many years ago. I was very excited to get it and try sewing again. I had stopped after high school. I went to craigslist and bought a used serger and got lessons along the way with my Mom. I struggled with the serger and also sewing clothes. It was not a fun hobby for me like it was with my mom. She was good at it and enjoyed it.  

Several years ago I got that serger a check up and was told it was not beginner friendly and could be hard to use, So I sold it and bought a new one but it still was not fun for me to sew. I did not like it.  I wanted to give it up yet felt guilty. I felt like I was a disappointment in some way. Go figure.

I decided to let it go and sold it to my aunt for her grandson. HE WAS SO EXCITED TO GET IT.  Letting the sewing clothing thing go to a weight off and opened up space for me to feel excited to get back to my card making. One of my crafts is making cards. They are simple cards nothing to elaborate in any way yet they five me joy. The one thing that tweaked my interest is to learn some simple watercolour painting to enhance my card making. 

It has sparked some joy that I have not felt in along time. I am looking at YouTube tutorials and found 2 books to work through to see if I can play with paints. I am a class &/or kit person so I am hoping that I will enjoy this process. So look forward to to seeing my makings with watercolour paints