Inside The Fiber Studio

Come to the WILD WOOL MARKET this Saturday!

2010-05-27T13:08:00.006-05:00

We'll be participating in the first ever WILD WOOL MARKET this Saturday. Sure, it's Memorial Day Week-end, but come and see us. Here's the scoop:

WILD WOOL MARKET

Saturday, May 29th, 10-4

at the

Susan Hensel Gallery

3441 Cedar Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55407

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Other news from THE STUDIO:

Memorial Day Week-End SALE at the store.

This Friday, Saturday & Sunday

20% OFF all Fibers

25% OFF Ashford Dyed Corriedale

And...we've got tons of undyed fibers and a great selection of dyes in stock. We've got undyed BFL, Merino, Superfine Merino, SW BFL, SW Merino, Colonial, South African, Falkland, Wensleydale, Finn.

We've also got some really beautiful blends that would be fabulous dyed up...Cultivated Silk/Merino 50/50, 21m Merino/Tussah Silk/Baby Camel 50/25/25, Alpaca/Merino/Tussah 50/30/20, and BFL/Tussah Silk 75/25. And, of course, we have Cultivated Silk Top, Tussah Silk, Silk Noils, Throwster's Waste, and Silk Hankies, Bamboo and Tencel.

And for those of you who are out-of-state, we cheerfully accept MAIL ORDERS. Give us a call at 612.822.1600, check our Etsy Store, or contact us via e-mail.

FELT MAKER'S RETREAT

2010-04-02T14:19:00.012-05:00

Felt Makers Retreat

When:
April 23-25, 9-4

Where:
Community Homestead Farm
201 280th Street
Osceola, WI 54020
(it's just over an hour from Twin Cities)

To Register, or for more Information:
Call Jill at 952-484-1146, or e-mail her at JillLynn@JillLynn.com. Prices include a light lunch.

Seamless Vest or Top with Jill Lynn (shown above)
3 day class, Fri - Sunday ($360 + materials)
Have you ever asked yourself:
"How big do I make the resist pattern to get a well-fulled vest (or sleeveless tunic) in the size I want? Oh yeah, and preferably not cardboard stiff."

We will address these issues, and many more. By the end of class you will not only have a well made vest, or sleeveless tunic, but some great tools for sizing and control of fabric weight for all of your future projects.

Did I mention that the vest is reversible? To see more of Jill Lynn's work, check out her website at http://www.jilllynn.com/.

Elements Shawl with Kay Kaduce
2 day class, Fri - Sat ($240 + materials)
This shawl combines a wonderful mix of wet felted wool, textured nuno felt and re-purposed wool. The unique design features the use of a number of techniques, such as wet and needle felting, machine sewing, beading, and embellishing. Be ready for the creative juice to flow.

Freeform Bracelet with Rona Horn
1 day class, Sun ($120 + materials)
This over the top project features wet felting around a wire armature, embellishing with a simplified free form peyote look and additional beading techniques. The free form peyote is stitched in parts then assembled during the embellishing process, allowing you to mix and match your pieces in the course of the design process.

Cutest Kitty!

2010-03-21T16:47:00.004-05:00

This is my kitty, Pie...he is the sweetest boy!

Shepherd's Harvest and Tons of Wool for Dyeing

2010-03-20T17:05:00.018-05:00

It's Spring, and I love daffodils.

Thanks to my friend Barb for this sweet bouquet!

Here's a head's up, SHEPHERD'S HARVEST FESTIVAL is coming up fast! Be sure to mark your calendars...we'll be at the Washington County Fairgrounds (in Lake Elmo) Mother's Day Week-end, May 8th and 9th. If you are at all into fibers, it's a must see. A ton of activities going on, it's a blast, and it's totally free! For more info, http://www.shepherdsharvestfestival.org/.

NEW INTO THE SHOP:

We're loaded with fibers, including nine new colors in the solid color Merino Tops.

There are some very pretty new Multi-Color Merino Tops, too...can't wait to spin them up.

We've got a bunch of undyed wools that are perfect for dyeing. There's Blue Face Leicester (BFL), Merino, Superfine Merino, Falkland, Colonial, South African Top, Wensleydale (very lustrous and a very long staple), Superwash Merino and Superwash BFL.

We also have a bunch of other undyed fibers you can dye up. China Silk (aka Paj Silk) Fabric for Nuno Felting (54" wide), Bombyx Silk Top, Silk Hankies, Silk Caps, Silk Throwster's Waste, Tussah Silk with Flecks, Mohair Top, Soy Silk, Bamboo, Tencel, Firestar (100% Nylon) and even Hemp (new in the shop).

We're working on the new class schedule and I hope to have that ready soon. If you'd like to get notices about class schedules and other events at the shop, shoot me an email at pamangier@comcast.net with the subject "Email List," and I'll add you to the list.

And, as always, if you have any recommendations for the shop, I appreciate your input.

WINTER CLASS SCHEDULE

2010-01-17T02:06:00.001-06:00

The Winter Class Schedule is ready (yay!). You can take a look at it at http://www.thefiberstudio.com/classes.html. There are a couple of classes still to be posted, I should have them ready next week. And I'll also have the photos on the website within the next couple days.

And while I'm posting, here's a last minute reminder that the Spinning Group meets today, 12-4.

New Items, Spinning Group

2010-01-14T16:59:00.002-06:00

Hi everybody,

Here are some of new things in the shop:

Another shipment of Gale's Art has come in...her semi-solid BFL and 70 Alpaca/30 Silk (yum).

Hand Painted Firestar, a bunch of it in lots of colors, perfect for putting sparkle into your fibers.

Lots of Hand Dyed and Carded Romney, Corriedale, Border Leicester locks and more by Celeste. Also her Handspun singles from that started out as fleeces grown by happy sheep, all from Minnesota and Wisconsin...can't get any more local than that.

Pulled Silk Threads from Frabjous Fibers (great for carding into your batts and such).

Sari Ribbons from Frabjous Fibers, really nice colors.

And...new Crazy Batts carded by moi.

And don't forget...we'll be doing the Spinning Group at the shop on Sunday, January 17th, from 12-4, hope you can make it. February dates will be the 7th and the 21st, be sure to mark your calendars!

CRAZY BATTS at The Fiber Studio

2010-01-12T15:33:00.001-06:00

dscn1757 (2)
Originally uploaded by The Fiber Studio

New! Soft, Fluffy, Etheral CRAZY BATTS for spinning Art Yarns, each chock full of fibery goodness! They're also great for wet felting and needle felting, you'll want to check them out.

HOLIDAY HOURS

2009-12-21T21:40:00.006-06:00

Better late than never, I guess...
Hours at the shop over the Holidays will be:

WEDNESDAY 12/23, 11-6
THURSDAY, 12/24 (Christmas Eve Day) 11-3
FRIDAY, 12/25 (Christmas Day) Closed
SATURDAY, 12/26, 10-5
SUNDAY,12/27, 12-4

MONDAY, 12/28 Closed
TUESDAY, 12/29 Closed
WEDNESDAY, 12/30, 11-5
THURSDAY, 12/31 (New Year's Eve Day) 11-3
FRIDAY, 01/01 (New Year's Day) Closed
SATURDAY, 01/02, 10-5
SUNDAY, 01/03, 12-4 -- SPINNING GROUP!

It's been a difficult year for a lot of us, we just have to believe that 2010 is going to be better. I'd like to thank all of you for your support and friendship over the past year, it means a lot to me. Wishing you and yours a safe and blessed Holiday Season.
Warmly,
Pam

A NEW RAVELRY GROUP, SURI ALPACA, CHINA SILK and MORE

2009-12-14T20:53:00.006-06:00

I'm very excited...there's a new group on RAVELRY for friends of The Fiber Studio! I hope you'll join! In case you don't know how to find it, go to http://www.ravelry.com/, click on Groups, then do a search for The Fiber Studio. And if you're not a member of Ravelry yet, now would be a good time to jump in, you won't believe what a fantastic community it is! Thank you so much, Michelle, I can't wait to see how the group evolves! My name on Ravelry is fibrgrl, let's be friends!

I have some wonderful SURI ALPACA in the shop, unwashed (it's easier to spin it before you wash it), all of it Prime...in white, black and chestnut (sort of auburn, don't remember what color it's called). The white takes dyes beautifully, if you're into dyeing.

Do you know that we sell undyed HABOTAI SILK (also known as China Silk) by the yard? It's a perfect silk for Nuno Felting, very light and airy.

And, just in today:
A new shipment of ANGELINA FIBERS, more GREAT BOOKS (perfect for your gift giving), and Pro-Chem came in, all the SABRASET DYES are restocked, along with Synthrapol and Citric Acid Crystals.

I think I've told you about the hand carded CRAZY BATTS I'm doing since attending Camp Pluckyfluff with Lexi Boeger...well, they sell just about as fast as I can get them off the drum carder. It's "crazy." And do you know that The Fiber Studio is selling HANDSPUN YARNS from hand carded Crazy Batts? So far we've got Handspun from 3 spinners, all of whom were at Camp Pluckyfluff!

More news soon...keep up the Fiber Mischief!

Website: http://www.thefiberstudio.com/
Online Store: http://www.etsy.thefiberstudio.com/

CRAZY BATTS, ART YARNS, NEW ORDERS

2009-12-02T08:59:00.009-06:00

I am loving my new LOUET DRUM CARDER and have been carding Crazy Batts whenever I can...it's always exciting to see what the Batt looks like when you pull it off the drum! You can spin them into fabulously interesting yarns, you can use them in wet felting and needle felting projects. I've been spinning some Batts into Art Yarns, and my friend Zoe brought some of her Art Yarns in on consignment, check them out next time you stop by. I hope to get some of my Batts into my Etsy store soon.

I bought some Hand Dyed Carded Wool from my friend Celeste...Romney, CVM, Corriedale, Shetland, it's a riot of beautiful colors, all of it locally grown in Minnesota and Wisconsin!

A new shipment of GALE'S ART arrived yesterday: Fresh BFL in Semi-Solids (some new colors, too), Hand Painted Black BFL and her lovely Hand Painted Alpaca/Silk blends.

An order of Hand Painted Bamboo from THE FIBER LADY should be in today, too.

The Winter issue of WILD FIBERS magazine has just come in. Haven't had time to look at it yet, but as usual, the cover photo is amazing!

And, last but not least, our SPINNING GROUP meets again on Sunday, December 6, from 12-4, and we hope to see you!

That will do it for today...until next time, I hope you find yourself deep in Fiber Mischief!

Some Corny Stuff, Gale's Art, Hand Painted BFL

2009-11-22T10:51:00.007-06:00

Disclaimer: there's some corny drivel coming up...

It was Saturday (ya know)...and Lawrence Welk was on! I got to watch the whole show with my Uncle Lyle...woo hoo! It was a Thanksgiving show from 1973! OMG, talk about COR-NY! The (scary) hair, clothes, uber-sweetness, "Bobby and Sissy." I was surprised at how much Lyle knows about all of the characters..."those two were married but then they got a divorce and he married someone else," Lyle knew about every single person on the show.

After Lawrence Welk, we were watching Antiques Roadshow and I started feeling kind of sleepy (no matter how hard I tried, I nodded off a couple times). Then, I realized Lyle hadn't said anything for a little while. I looked over at him and he was asleep...I thought, well he'll never know if I just close my eyes for a few minutes...nothing like a little Lawrence Welk to put you in the mood for a nap.

For those of you who have been waiting for more Gale's Art, it will be shipping from Atlanta today and I hope to have it by Saturday. I talked to Gale yesterday, part of the Firestar on order will come in with this shipment and the rest will come in a couple weeks or so. The Hand Painted Semi-Solid BFL and the Hand Painted Alpaca/Silk fibers will be in this shipment, for those of you who have been waiting for it.

More of the Hand Painted Bamboo is coming too, I hope (fingers crossed) it'll come in Friday.

In case I don't post again before Thursday, I want to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A HOME STUDIO and THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2009-11-20T21:35:00.009-06:00

Some of you already know that I live in the house I grew up in. There are two bedrooms upstairs, and my sister and I used to share the biggest one. It's really big, like 16' x 19', and I'm finally getting around to organizing and rearranging everything up there into a home studio for myself for jewelry making, mixed media, etc. I have always loved ephemera, found objects, the quirky, the offbeat...and I've collected a ton of it over the years. I'm excited to get it all set up, and painted. When I get a more done I'll snap some photos and post them.

Soooo, anywho...while working upstairs I ran across this quotation, which I thought I'd share with you:

"Notice what happens when you follow your intuitive feelings.

The result is usually increased energy and power,

and a sense of things flowing."

-Shakti Gawain

JUST IN: Wool, Ashford Merino/Silk, Mohair & Angelina

2009-11-18T20:14:00.010-06:00

Just in this afternoon, another 84 lbs. of wool and other fibers...mostly Corriedale (what we use for Tote Bags, Slippers, Handbags, other wet felting projects and needle felting). There's plenty of Black, Lima Bean, Lime Green, Periwinkle and more...one of these days I have to get those listed in my Etsy store.

There's also another bump of the lovely Multi-Color Merino 80/Silk 20 from Ashford in the Woodland colorway, and two new colorways that I haven't had in before, one is Mango and the other is a very pretty blue (don't remember the name right now).

I also got some fine white adult mohair top that will be great tossed into the mix for Crazy Batts, and a bunch of new Angelina and Crystalina fibers are also in.

Monday I was finishing up my yardwork, when my birdbath caught my eye. No water in it, and the pottery shards that have been sitting in the bottom of it were beautiful! That's what's going on in the pictures at the top.

THIS IS GOOD TO KNOW (ya think?)

2009-11-18T00:46:00.010-06:00

I've been meaning to pass this along... :)
Do you know that you can still watch Lawrence Welk? woo-hoo! Every Saturday evening at 6:00 PM on Comcast Channel 13 (TPT 17) there's this great Lawrence Welk program (they show reruns and tell behind the scenes stories). My Uncle Lyle (he's 90 yrs. old, dear man) turned me onto it...when I can visit him on Saturdays we watch it together! It's actually a great show, and seriously, if you live in this area you should check it out, no matter what your age is. Nice, mellow music, kinda corny, lots of memories. Hey, let me know if you happen to check it out!

Crazy Batts & Kris Post's 3rd Annual Holiday Sale

2009-11-16T21:46:00.011-06:00

Oh my, the big Crazy Batt Carder (ala Lexi Boeger of Pluckyfluff fame) came in late last week and wait until you see the batts this thing cards. We've done a little playing around with it at the shop and everyone who has seen what it does (and how it does it) is awestruck. I hope to get pictures of more batts online this week, and I hope to list some in my Etsy Store (which is: http://www.thefiberstudio.etsy.com/). Hope you'll come back and take a look.

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HOLIDAY SALE OF UNIQUE HANDMADE ART

A lot of you know Kris Post, she teaches some of the great classes offered at The Fiber Studio. You've loved her work, this is a great chance to buy hand felted works of art directly from Kris, one day only...maybe something for yourself or for those on your holiday list. Kris and some of her friends hold this Holiday Sale each year, this is the 3rd Annual Sale.

Now, if I was more computer literate I would have been able to figure out how to get a copy of their postcard uploaded...until I figure that out, here are the details of the Holiday Sale:

where: 4047 LINDEN HILLS BLVD., MINNEAPOLIS, MN

when: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 9-5

Hope you'll stop by, do a little browsing and some buying!

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Coming to The Fiber Studio!

2009-11-11T18:45:00.004-06:00

There's lots of wool and other fibers on their way this week. About 80 lbs. coming from Ashland Bay Trading on Friday, and about that much coming from Ashford the first of next week.

An order of Felting Needles, Foam Bases and Multi-Needle Tools will also be in this week.

And then there's the Drum Carder I ordered...it should come into the shop by Friday, and I cannot wait! The Camp Pluckyfluff "experience" has opened up a whole new way of looking at fibers and the wide world of add-ins and all that. Yow.

Here's a heads up on the next Spinning Group, which will meet again Sunday, December 6th, from 12 to 4...it's a great group and all are welcome!

I think that will do it for tonight, as always keep up the Fiber Mischief-making!

CAMP PLUCKYFLUFF...Oh, My!!!

2009-11-09T21:45:00.016-06:00

Oh, geeez, did we have fun at Camp Pluckyfluff!!!

Lexi Boeger is amazing...and a great instructor! She was so generous in sharing her techniques, knowledge, tips and tricks, I swear it was just the best workshop ever! There were 22 of us in class and we just carded and spun our little hearts out all week-end. It was two days of pure sensory overload, and I don't think that even begins to describe it! Actually, it was so exciting that, when I got home Saturday night, I ordered a drum carder just like Lexi's! I can't wait for it to come in! More about carding to come...

FIBER NEWS

Due in Friday, an 80 lb. order from Ashland Bay Trading.

REMINDER, SHOP HOURS

Thursday and Friday, 11-5

Saturday, 11-5 Sunday, 12-4

Hope you're all gettin' into some good ol' Fiber Mischief!

SHOP HOURS HAVE CHANGED

2009-11-04T00:36:00.012-06:00

Holy Cow, it's been a long time!

Just a couple things this post. First off, due to unforeseen circumstances, the shop will be open shorter hours through Fall and Winter. Here are the new hours:

Thurday-Friday 11-5
Sat 10-5 Sun 12-4

Oh, and the shop will be closed this coming week-end...we're going to "Camp Pluckyfluff" with Lexi Boeger at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota (at The Textile Center). I can't wait! I've never closed the shop for a whole week-end before and I know it will be an inconvenience for some of you (for which I apologize). But this is such a great opportunity, and a bunch of us will be there.

Also coming up is the 35th Annual FIBER FAIR sponsored by the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. It is a huge sale and goes Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15. I'll post more about it next time, with the hours and more information. It's a great sale!

I also have to tell you about some lovely hand painted SUPERWASH BLUE FACE LEICEISTER that's just come in. It is supersoft and the colors are deeply saturated, and it was a big hit with the Spinning Group Sunday!

I hope you're all finding the time for some "Fiber Mischief." I'll post again soon!

Pam

Fall 2009 Class Schedule

2009-08-24T15:31:00.021-05:00

Our FALL 2009 CLASS SCHEDULE has gone out to the email list, and it's also up on the website. We are offering a ton of classes this Fall and there should be something for everyone! If you would like to see what we have put together for you, click here: http://thefiberstudio.com/classes.html. And, if you have any ideas for classes we'd love to have you share them with us, as we all love learning new skills!

JUST INTO THE FIBER STUDIO:

HAND PAINTED SOCK YARNS from Pigeon Roof Studios, these yarns are 80 Superwash Merino/10 Cashmere/10 Nylon, 380 yards per skein, size 1-3 needles (US) and very yummy!

Lovely HAND THROWN PORCELAIN DROP SPINDLES by local potter Dyann Myers! These spindles are beautiful, and little works of art...and they spin and spin and spin!

A new shipment of TOP WHORL DROP SPINDLES from Steve Kundert of Wisconsin! A wonderful selection of perfectly balanced wooden spindles, each made one at a time by Steve.

COMING IN SOON:

"INSPIRATION" YARNS from SouthWest Trading Company, 50 Alpaca/50 Soysilk, these yarns are beautiful!

2009-07-23T19:56:00.004-05:00

I swear that Summer is flying by! I know I've said it before, but where does the time go?

Kris Post is here tonight teaching her Nuno Felted Scarf Class. We've got a full house and, from the sound of it, they're having fun. The class participants are always awe-struck, because Nuno Felting is such a magical process...who'd a thunk a little wool and silk could do that?!

A quick update for those of you who like to dye. Another order of the Cushing's Perfection Acid Dyes came in this week, including 17 brand new colors (and now there are 67 colors to choose from). Summer is a great time for dyeing, come in and check out the expanded Cushing's color line, and the Sabraset/Lanaset in all 22 colorways.

And today, the new Fiber Arts and Quilting Arts magazines came in. I'm hoping to have a look at them in the next day or two.

Here's a reminder that our Spinner's Group will meet again on Sunday, August 2nd, 12-4, and everyone is welcome. I think we had 8 or 9 spinners for the July meeting, and it was the 4th of July week-end!

I'm need to scoot for now, hope to post again soon(er than usual).

Pam

New at The Shop - Lutradur and Cheesecloth!

2009-06-07T15:13:00.008-05:00

I now have Lutradur available for sale at the shop. Lutradur is a 100% Polyester Interfacing that comes 36" wide. I have a 50 yard bolt of the 70g weight, sold by the yard for $5.25/per.

Lutradur has many interesting uses, it's a fascinating material. You can paint on it, heat/melt it with a heat gun (or soldering iron) for lacy effects, rubber stamp it, image transfer, needle felt into it, foil and emboss onto it, print on your inkjet, melt it with angelina fibers, and who the heck knows what else!

I also nabbed a box of very lightweight, airy cheesecloth, I think it's 20 weight (?). I'll have to check the width and figure out what the price on it will be. It will also be sold by the yard.

I think both of these fibers have a ton of potential in fiber arts, surface design, bookmaking, altered books, artist trading cards, doll making, greeting cards...!

If you know anyone who plays with Lutradur and could teach a class, I'd love to know more about them and what they're doing with it.

Reminder: Spinning Group is Sunday, June 7

2009-06-05T13:01:00.006-05:00

Just a quick reminder that the Spinning Group meets this Sunday, June 7th, from 12-4 PM. I know there will be lots of stories told about last month's Shepherd's Harvest Festival, the fibery treasures that were found, wooly encounters that were had, and more!

BTW, SHF is so DANG FUN, is there anyplace else that we can have so much fun for free?! (I don't think so!)

The Festival set a new attendance record, too...over 6,000 fiber nuts attended the two-day event! It was so fun to see SO MANY of you turn out for Shepherd's Harvest, y'all seemed to be having a great time! Thanks so much for supporting the Festival, for stopping by my booth, and thank you so much for your continued support of the shop, it is appreciated!

Oh, and don't you think we need a better name than "Spinning Group" (yawn)? Put on your think-caps and let's see what we can come up with!

Hope to see you Sunday!

Pam

SHEPHERD'S HARVEST FESTIVAL, May 9th & 10th

2009-04-23T19:26:00.014-05:00

SHEPHERD'S HARVEST FESTIVAL is just around the corner and I've been stocking up! Here's a preview:

-A new shipment of KUNDERT DROP SPINDLES (see the photo).

-I also have an order of TURKISH SPINDLES coming from Ed Jenkins (including his new, smaller style TURKISH DELIGHTS, which I hear are fabulous).

-A shipment of GALE'S ART came in, in a really BIG box (see the photo). I have SEMI-SOLIDS and HAND PAINTED BFL and MERINO, yummy HAND PAINTED ALPACA/SILK BLENDS and something new...Gale's LIMITED EDITION HAND PAINTED CORRIEDALE CROSS TOPS in striking colorways (each is a one-of-a-kind, 4 oz).

-I have HAND PAINTED BAMBOO coming any day. It's wonderful to spin and it has such a luxurious drape and luster!

-I'm very excited about PIGEON ROOF STUDIO'S HAND PAINTED FALKLAND WOOL TOPS coming in time for Shepherd's Harvest! And after SHF, Krista will be sending me an order of her HAND PAINTED SIREN TWO SOCK YARNS (Superwash Merino/Cashmere/Nylon)!

-An order of deeply colored HAND PAINTED BFL from Lisa at DICENTRA DESIGNS will be here next week, too.

-And, don't forget the FIBRE FUSION FELBI PREFELTS! I'll have a bunch of prefelts at the Festival, some silk kits, and who knows what else. Afterall, I've still got 2 whole weeks to get it together! (Those of you who know me will understand that joke.)

-I'm also hoping to have some of the RUBBER BULB SPRAYERS left for sale. They are great for you wet felters (for wetting out your fibers), and they've been selling well.

Now, you be sure to visit us at SHEPHERD'S HARVEST FESTIVAL May 9th & 10th. Takes place at the Washington County Fairgrounds at Lake Elmo and for more information you can go to http://www.shepherdsharvestfestival.org/.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Teen-Age Girl Discovers New Use for Wool!

2009-04-09T18:36:00.012-05:00

You may not recognize her. This is Pixie, and she's going to make a wig! I can't wait.

Lookin' good, Pixie!!

(That's Pixie's Mom, Marjorie, in the background...they're two wild and crazy girls!)

Delicious Silk Scarves from Thailand!

2009-04-06T15:00:00.009-05:00

Wow! Over the week-end I had a woman stop in to find out about fibers and felting. Turns out she imports silk goods from the Far East and other areas and she happened to be on a selling trip to Minneapolis-St. Paul. She brought her goods in and I nabbed some really lovely silk scarves (like those in the pictures above). They have a very nice hand, and are quite an open weave. I think they'd be beautiful Nuno Felted! Some are tie-dyed, others are dip-dyed, and I bought a dozen to see if they're something you all might be interested in.

Heck, you wouldn't even have to Nuno them, they are lovely and drapey just as they are!

Bulb Sprayers

2009-04-06T14:48:00.006-05:00

This is one of the Bulb Sprayers that have just come in. I have them in this blue, a dark green and an orange. They are amazing for wetting out your fibers when you are wet felting. The price is $24.95. I have them for sale on my Etsy Store (http://www.thefiberstudio.etsy.com/), and you can also contact me at the shop (612.822.1600) or at pamangier@comcast.net and I'll be happy to ship one to you.

Artists Trading Cards Class

2009-04-06T14:26:00.008-05:00

This is a photo from the cover of the

Artist Trading Card Workshop book by artist bernie berlin.

This class is next Tuesday evening, April 14, from 6-9 with Kathy Coulter. Kathy has been playing with collage and altered art techniques for many years and you're sure to learn a TON about the process of creating these little works of art. For more information about ATC's (as they're called), do a Google search and you will be amazed!

No experience is necessary, just a desire to have fun and to meet others with like interests.

Finally, the Pre-Felts and Sprinkle Bulbs, More!

2009-04-03T16:10:00.009-05:00

I am so happy to be able to tell you that the FIBRE FUSION FELBI PREFELTS have come in, as have the RUBBER WATER BULBS for wetting your fibers in wet felting!

The prefelts are so soft and they're very generous in size, approximately 60" x 80". I have them in 17 beautiful colors, from neutrals to earths to brights, and they are priced at $38 each. You can use them as a base for wet felting (and needle felting) and save a huge amount of time not having to lay out multiple fine layers of fibers. They're also perfect for cutting into shapes and patterns to incorporate into your projects, as some of you have done in the Felted Tote Bag Class for embellishments and flowers. I've also got some new colors in the SUPERFINE MERINO tops.

SPRING CLASSES, OTHER NOTES:

The BEAD EMBROIDERY CLASS (with Jennifer Diedrich) will be Tuesday, April 7, from 6 to 8:30 PM. There are still a couple spots open in the class for anyone who would like to learn how to embroider with beads on fabric! (And don't worry, even though I'm closed on Tuesdays, I will be here!)

The REVERSIBLE FELTED HANDBAG CLASS (with Leslie Granbeck) is coming up Saturday, April 11, from 10 AM to 4:30 PM and there are still a few spots available in this class.

And, finally, we need to get some of you to come out for the COLLAGE: ARTIST TRADING CARDS CLASS (with Kathy Coulter) on Tuesday, April 14, from 6 to 9 PM. I'll try to find time over the week-end to post some links you can visit to learn about ATC's (as they're called). I think a lot of people aren't familiar with them, but they are so much fun. It's art-making on a small scale, about the size of a playing card. You can do a Google Search for ATC and/or artist trading cards and you'll be amazed at what people are doing on these little pieces. You need absolutely no prior experience to participate in this class, and you will learn a TON about collage, distressing, and many other techniques you can use in altered art projects. Come join us for a soul-satisfying evening that is sure to open up a whole new world to you.

For information about all of our classes, go to http://www.thefiberstudio.com/. There are also photos of the Bead Embroidery example and Reversible Felted Handbag example on the "Classes" page.

FINALLY, don't forget to mark your calendar for SHEPHERD'S HARVEST FESTIVAL on May 9th and 10th at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. For more information go to http://www.shepherdsharvestfestival.org/.

Classes, New Items and Shepherd's Harvest!

2009-03-12T11:33:00.012-05:00

Spring 2009 Class Schedule... I've got some of the classes on the website (http://www.thefiberstudio.com/), with a few more to come. New offerings are:

~Try It, You'll Like It! one day, 6-hour spinning class
~Drop Spindle Class
~Artist Trading Cards (ATC's)
~Bead Embroidery
~Knitting with Roving
~I'm still working on a few other ideas, so be sure to re-check the website. If you have any ideas for classes, I'd love to hear about them! Call 612.822.1600 or e-mail pamangier@comcast.net.

We've got lots of new items in the shop...

~hand dyed silk fabric for nuno felting, hand dyed silk hankies, silk caps and throwster's waste
~luscious 70% Alpaca/30% Silk top, hand dyed for us by Gale's Art, 4 lovely colorways
~a fresh shipment of hand dyed BFL and Black BFL in semi-solids and hand paints
~hand painted Merino tops, perfect for your nuno projects
~fresh shipments of our Corriedale, Merino solids and Harrisville batts
~custom blended batts

And, coming soon (next week?)...

~rubber squeegee bulbs for wetting your fibers, these are great!!
~Felbi prefelts and Superfine Merino Wooltops from Fibre Fusion in Australia

Remember to check out our Etsy store at http://www.thefiberstudio.etsy.com/ where you can order through PayPal (you don't have to have a PayPal account to use PayPal). And, as always, you are more than welcome to call the shop (612.822.1600) or e-mail me with your orders at pamangier@comcast.net. We always love to hear from you!

Save the Date: SHEPHERD'S HARVEST FESTIVAL

It's that time of year and our wonderful Shepherd's Harvest Festival is coming up soon! I can't wait! If you've been to the Festival you understand my excitement, and if you haven't been you should definitely make plans to attend!

Mark your calendars, it's Mother's Day week-end, May 9th and 10th, at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, MN. I'll be selling there again this year with my trusty sidekick Leslie, I'll post more in the days to come.

The Latest

2009-01-30T13:06:00.002-06:00

I just don't know where the time goes, January has flown by!

New hand painted Targhee tops are in, lovely colorways. The New Zealand Corriedale Sliver and Merino Tops have been replenished, a great selection available. Hand dyed silk hankies are in stock again, and I'll have more Gale's Art hand painted BFL by the end of next week.

A new order of Cushing's Dyes came in yesterday, and the latest Quilting Arts magazine is in.

And just a reminder...Sunday, February 1, is SPINNING GROUP here at The Studio, 12-4. Hope you can make it!

I've got to scoot, I hope to post again soon.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T14:20:00.006-06:00

Hi everyone. Hope your holiday season was bright and merry. Now it's time to get our noses back to the grindstones! Speaking of grindstones...New Year's Day was "Rock Day" for the Weaver's Guild of MN at the Textile Center. It's a once-a-year event and it's really fun. The idea is: after a season of merry-making and celebrating the holidays, it's time to get back to work! This was my second year at Rock Day and I love it. Virginia Parent is our gracious hostess, it's pot luck, and we spin, knit, weave, visit, eat, drink!

The 2009 Winter Class Schedule is online now, take a peek. We've put together some great classes (as usual).

Just a reminder that the shop will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays through the end of January (and possibly longer). We will maintain our normal Wednesday thru Sunday hours.

Spinning group is tomorrow. Of course it's gotten to be the joke that I schedule the group for a Sunday when the weather is inclement! (not true!) We'll see who the hardy Minn-e-so-tans are...we're supposed to get up to 4" of snow between now and tomorrow.

Have to run, hope you're having a great extended New Year's week-end.

Tidbits from the Studio

2008-12-23T15:07:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone! Need a last minute holiday gift for a favorite fiber fanatic? In addition to the large variety of spinning and felting fibers we sell, we offer Gift Certificates in any dollar amount you'd like.

Posted hours for tomorrow are 11-2, but if you need to come earlier or later just let me know (I'm only 10 minutes from the shop, so no problem).

Comcast sent a film crew to the shop a couple of weeks ago to shoot the shop for a Channel 1 (Comcast On-Demand) feature. It was so fun and the four guy crew was really getting into the fiber thing and felting. It may be about 4 weeks until it starts running and if you have Comcast you can find it on Channel 1 in "Get Local/Best of the City."

We'll have spinning group again on Sunday, January 4th, anytime between Noon and 4 PM, and we hope to see you!

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a most wonderful Holiday season and to thank you for your support over the past year. It's been crazy and I'm so looking forward to 2009 and what the New Year brings!

Wishing you and yours Peace, Love, Health and Happiness!

Pam

New Stuff

2008-11-23T15:10:00.003-06:00

A quick note about new items that have come into the shop. The Gale's Art fibers have come in. We have lots of her Black Blue Face Leicester in rich, deep colorways and her wonderful Blue Face Leicester semi-solid colorways...very nice!

Our hand dyed bamboo fibers have been very popular and they're fun to spin, so silky and shiny. And, we've discovered they're a great alternative to the hand dyed silk top for making "paper" in wet felting.

We've also just gotten in natural color Superwash BFL (newly available product). And some natural Falkland Wool Top from the Falkland Islands. From what I understand there are no known parasites or insects detrimental to sheep found on the Islands, and so these sheep and their fiber has never been "dipped."

Holiday Sale with Kris and Jill Lynn

2008-11-15T10:27:00.007-06:00

And here's the postcard for the Holiday Sale Kris and Jill Lynn are hosting with some friends next Saturday, November 22nd. Don't you love the Holidays?!

Great Sales by Local Artists in Our Area

2008-11-14T14:26:00.031-06:00

My friends Leslie Granbeck (who also teaches at TFS) and Signe Albertson are teaming up with a couple other friends tomorrow (Sat 11/15) to host a Holiday Sale. I hope you have time to stop and shop!

The Weavers Guild of Minnesota is holding Fiber Fair 2008 at the Textile Center of Minnesota this week-end. You'll find great gift ideas...offerings range from hand knit/woven scarves, mittens, table cloths and runners to large rugs and fibers for spinning! It is a great event and all proceeds go to support local artists and the Weavers Guild. Please try to get over there and check it out, you'll be glad you did! Find the Fiber Fair at the Textile Center of Minnesota, 3000 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis (about 1/2 mi. East of 280 on University), phone: 612-436-0463. Hours are: Fri 11/14, 12-9; Sat 11/15, 10-5 and Sun 11/16, 12-4.

My friends Kris Post and Jill Lynn Olson (who both also teach at TFS) are having a sale next week-end (Sat 11/22). I'll post their card as soon as I am able.

The Latest

2008-10-30T14:54:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've had time to post, so let's get started!

Spinning Group is Sunday, November 2nd, 12:00-4:00 PM. Bring your wheels and spindles and c'mon over!

We've scheduled an additional Felted Beads & Baubles Class with Leslie for Tuesday, November 18th, 6:30-8:30 PM. We have a few spaces left, call us at 612.822.1600.

BUY MY BEADS, Clearance Sale! I've decided to close out my BEADS section. The beads at The Fiber Studio were stock from my previous shop and are at 2002 (or earlier) prices! Any of you bead buyers know how much bead prices have risen just in the past couple of years. I have a nice selection of beads for jewelry, embellishing, crazy quilting, surface design, art dolls, collage and anything else you can slap a bead onto! Delicas, flowers, lentils, leaves, stones, vintage, Swarovski crystals, Czech fire polished, seed beads and mixes.

So here's the deal:
40% off, good on cash sales only
30% off, with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
All Sales Final, Some Items May Be Exempt

NEW STUFF AT THE SHOP

Stephen Kundert Drop Spindles! These are such nice spindles, made in Wisconsin. All are between 1.0 and 1.4 oz. (mostly 1.2 oz.) in lovely woods such as Birdseye Maple w/Walnut, Purpleheart w/Maple, Zebrawood w/Maple, Butternut w/Walnut, Bubinga w/Maple, Wenge w/Maple.

Superfine Merino from Fibre Fusion (Australia) in delightful colors, such as cumin, china blue, verdant, moss, rose quartz, peri peri, prussian blue, urban, smudge, sublime, aubergine, turkish red, terracotta.

Hand Dyed Bamboo Fibers! Beautiful bamboo in five colorways from Fiber Lady. We have Orange Fizz, Prairie Dusk, Raspberry, Bluebonnet and Misty Glen...lovely!

I've got an order coming next week that will include Falkland Top and Superwash BFL!

Gale's BFL Art Fibers are on re-order. Gale's on vacation and those won't be in for a couple of weeks.

Can't think of anything else right this minute. I'll try to shoot some photos tomorrow and get them posted for you.

We've got Aussie Fibers comin' our way!

2008-10-08T18:55:00.000-05:00

I placed an order for Superfine Merino with a vendor in Australia today. It's supposed to be pretty wonderful and we may have it as early as the end of next week. Lovely colors, it felts really fast and it's especially nice for wearing next to your skin. We'll let you know when it comes in.

In the meantime, the new Comprehensive Beginning Spinning with Virginia Parent started tonight at The Studio. It's always so much fun to see the progress of the new spinners from week to week and they have such fun! And it's been such a lovely October day that we can even have the door open tonight!

Speaking of mice...There's a funny black cat that has taken to laying in wait for me in the morning and then, when I open the door he does everything he can to get into the shop with me. He meows, he scratches the door, he's just beside himself. I might let him in if I didn't bring my kitty "Pie" to the shop with me sometimes and I can't deal with that. Sooo, anyhoo, getting back to mice...I wasn't too surprised yesterday when I found a dead mouse lying on the back door mat. Oh great, I thought...an offering. What next!?

Hand Painted Scarves

2008-10-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

Leslie and I have been dyeing silk chiffon scarves like a couple of madwomen. Leslie leaves for Brookings, SD tomorrow to teach felting workshops through the week-end. She needed scarves for her workshops and so did The Studio. We have a nice selection of hand painted 100% silk chiffon scarves that are great for nuno felting, 12" x 60" at $12.00 each. We were also able to find beautiful iridescent 100% silk scarves that are perfect for nuno felting, approx. 10-1/2" x 54" in six lovely colorways, $14.50 each. And, as always, we have raw-edge hand painted 100% china silk in 11" x 90" for $18.00 each. We have a Nuno Felted Scarf Class coming up on Saturday, October 18 from 2 to 6 PM. We have just a couple spaces left to fill in case you're interested.

Indigo Dyeing

2008-10-04T14:29:00.000-05:00

Today is the Indigo Dyeing Class here at The Studio, taught by the wonderful Virginia Parent. What a fascinating process indigo dyeing is! I myself haven't had any experience with indigo until today. Get this: the fibers and yarns look yellow in the pot...and then, as they're lifted out of the dyepot and the air hits them they start turning a lovely organic blue! It's magical! The "girls" in the class decided to do a second dip for a more intense blue and I think one or two may even do a third dip. And it is a most beautiful Fall day for dyeing!

Virginia will be teaching again Saturday, November 1, when we'll be offering Natural Dyeing with Earthues. I'm looking forward to that class too, and there are still a couple of spaces left if any of you are interested.

Just another reminder that tomorrow is Spinning Group and we hope you can make it. Of course, it's supposed to rain tomorrow. It's gotten to be the joke that it's usually rainy on the day we have Spinning Group! Well, it'll make a good day to come inside...and spin and socialize with old (and new) friends!

Spinning Group Meets This Sunday!

2008-10-03T13:19:00.000-05:00

Hey, spinners, don't forget that the Spinning Group will meet 12-4 PM at The Fiber Studio on Sunday, October 5.

And for those of you who don't spin but have a hankerin' to learn how, there are a couple of spots left in our Comprehensive Beginning Spinning Class with Virginia Parent that starts on Wednesday, October 8.

We're planning on doing some sort of Intermediate Spinning Class during the winter session. If you have any thoughts or suggestions let me know what they are.

A little fiber mischief in Brookings

2008-09-17T14:38:00.000-05:00

The Fiber Studio is sending Leslie off to the South Dakota Art Musuem in Brookings, South Dakota! Leslie will be teaching three feltmaking classes October 10 and 11. For details visit the museum's website: http://www.southdakotaartmuseum.com/.

Brookings is just across the Minnesota border, less than four hours by car from the Twin Cities. If you live out Brookings way (or know someone who does), don't miss this great opportunity to learn the art of wet feltmaking with Leslie.

New Hand Painted Fibers (BFL) Hot Off the UPS Truck

2008-09-16T18:15:00.000-05:00

Leslie went over to Illinois this summer to the Midwest Fiber & Folk Festival. Besides having a little vacation her mission was to scope out new fiber sources for the shop. She didn't find as much as we had expected...BUT, she met Gale Evans from Gale's Art in Atlanta, GA. What a find! Gale hand paints lovely Blue Face Leicester, Black Blue Face Leicester and Nylon Firestar, and we received our first shipment from her today! Leslie has used Gale's hand painted Black BFL in her wet felting and it makes absolutely beautiful felt! Way to go Leslie!!

We have some lovely semi-solid and multi-colorways which have been hand painted over white BFL, and hand painted multi-colors over Black BFL in 4 oz put-ups. We also ordered Gale's hand painted Nylon Firestar which is perfect for carding and blending, and adding a little shimmer to your projects!

AND JUST A REMINDER:

Don't forget that we are kicking off our 1st Anniversary tomorrow evening! Jack and Barbara Maloney will be reading from and signing their book, THE WEE MAD ROAD (a best-seller at Garrison Keillor's book store!). We'll be at Anodyne Coffeehouse, 4301 Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis and it all starts at 7:00 PM. We truly hope you'll be able to join us!

Just a P.S.

2008-09-11T13:21:00.000-05:00

Don't forget about our special event reading and book signing with Jack and Barbara Maloney, authors of THE WEE MAD ROAD, next Wednesday evening. We'll be at Anodyne Coffeehouse, 4301 Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis from 7 to 8:30 PM!

You can see more about it in my September 6th post (below) and at Jack and Barbara's website (which I forgot to include with that post!): http://www.theweemadroad.com/.

Leslie and I are looking forward to seeing you!!

Vintage Jewelry at The Studio

2008-09-10T12:47:00.000-05:00

The weather is starting to turn and I really like these cooler days and nights...don't know about you, but it puts me IN THE MOOD FOR SPINNING AND FELTING!!

I'm working on filling up the glass case with vintage jewelry...brooches, earrings (including a pair of bakelite dangles), necklaces, and other sparkly things. I'll post a picture when I have time.

Upcoming Events...

2008-09-06T17:53:00.000-05:00

My friend Theresa at Anodyne Coffeehouse is graciously letting us hold our book signing and reading with Jack and Barbara Maloney at her coffeehouse. I'm very excited because Anodyne is the BEST coffeehouse and eatery anywhere! Click on the link above to check out her website for Anodyne News, Menu, Events and more. I hope you'll make time to stop by Anodyne soon! And thank you so much, Theresa!!

Just a Couple Things

2008-09-05T19:28:00.000-05:00

Hi there! Well, the postcards have gone out and we're starting to get registrations for our Fall Classes. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but if there's something you want to take you should sign up now. You may be used to getting the class schedule on the postcard but we are offering so many classes this Fall (17 of them are new) we couldn't get them all on a postcard! So you just need to go to our website, http://www.thefiberstudio.com/ and click on CLASSES to access the class list and a link from which you can download a printer-friendly class schedule.

The much awaited annual issue of FELT Magazine from Interweave Press has come in. Since last year's issue sold out all over the country in a matter of weeks I increased our order and we have a good supply of them right now.

Next post I'll tell you more about what we have planned for our 1st Anniversary.

Fall 2008 Class Schedule is Online Now

2008-08-26T19:28:00.000-05:00

We are offering a lot of terrific classes this Fall and you can see the schedule online. Just go to the CLASSES page on our website, http://www.thefiberstudio.com/. If you'd like to print it out simply click on the link for a printer-friendly version. Remember, our classes are very popular and they fill quickly. So if there's something you want to take...

Don't think I've mentioned this yet. Wednesday, August 27 (tomorrow evening) from 5-8 PM, the 13 businesses here on 48th & Nicollet are hosting a "Spotlight on 48th Street" event. You'll find food sampling, demonstrations and information about the various businesses here in our little hub. It should be a lot of fun...hope you can join us!

We are re-stocked with fibers...over 150 lbs. of fiber came into the shop today and thanks to Leslie's help it's all out and ready to go!

Where The Heck Does The Time Go?

2008-08-21T19:58:00.000-05:00

Hi...long time! I have been super-busy the past couple weeks but I'm planning on getting back to keeping the blog updated. This will be short and sweet, more details will follow.

Leslie and I have been working on the upcoming Fall 2008 Class Schedule (whew!), and have we put together some great classes for you!! We will be offering 17 new classes (can you believe it?), along with our tried-and-true favorites. We're going to have a whole lot of fun here this Fall! A lot of the new schedule is on the website so be sure to click on over there and check it out at http://thefiberstudio.com/classes.html. We'll be loading new photos and putting the finishing touches on the CLASSES page as we are able and we'll be getting the post card out to our mailing list next week sometime.

And, can you believe it...we'll be celebrating our 1st ANNIVERSARY in business next month!! We are planning a SALE and along with some special events to celebrate the date. Here's a little teaser: We are going to kick off that week-end with a book reading & signing of a "sheepy sort"...more on that in a later post.

Don't forget...I'll be doing a shift as a spinning demonstrator (Weavers Guild of MN) at the Minnesota State Fair on Monday, August 25th from 5 to 9 PM. If you find yourself out at the Fair during that time I hope you'll stop by the Creative Activities Building to see me! It'll be fun!

I've got our Etsy Store up and going and I'm adding things whenever I have a chance. Check it out at http://www.thefiberstudio.etsy.com/. I'll be working on a second Etsy Store for non-fiber stuff which will be at http://www.chartreusegirl.etsy.com/.

Okay, that's going to be it for this time...I'll be back soon!

Photography 101 with Jeff Barber

2008-08-05T12:34:00.000-05:00

I know I have to learn to take better photos! So I was very excited when I saw this month's meeting of the Upper Midwest Bead Society (UMBS) would feature Minnesota's own internationally renowned lampworker Jeff Barber, and he would be talking about shooting great photos! Well, I'll tell ya, I was writing down everything (scribble scribble scribble) because I knew basically nothing about my little digital camera. Jeff explained camera settings, lighting issues, and shared many of his personal tips & tricks to shooting great photos. Lucky us! I came away with lots of ideas that I plan to start playing with, and I'd just like to thank Jeff because I really learned a lot last night! (And of course, now I want a more expensive camera!)

BTW, you can see Jeff's awesome lampwork (and photography) at Lakeside Art Glass. And if you ever have a chance to see his work in person, you must!

Reminder: Spinning Group Tomorrow

2008-08-02T19:23:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of the month and the Spinning Group will meet 12 to 4 pm. It's a lot of fun...and we have such a nice group of spinners that get together! Why not join us? The address is 4810 Nicollet Avenue, phone number 612.822.1600.

Vintage Trinkets Cabinet

2008-08-02T14:30:00.000-05:00

I've been re-stocking the trinkets cabinet with vintage goodies...old trinkets, broken vintage costume jewelry, oddities, and even some pairs of sparkly, vintage earrings with rhinestones that's there's nothing wrong with! If you've been into the shop, you know the trinkets cabinet is a big old Coats & Clark's thread cabinet (that I got from my friends Leslie and her husband Larry). It measures 26-1/2" wide by 23" deep and has 5 sliding drawers that are loaded with this stuff, all fun for collage, atc's, mixed media, assemblage, found object art, jewelry...

Lovely New Fibers from River's Edge

2008-07-31T16:24:00.000-05:00

We have a lovely selection of new 50 Merino/50 Silk hand dyed braids from River's Edge...each colorway was handpicked by Leslie especially for you! (She brought them back from the Midwest Fiber & Folk Festival.) Each braid is 3 oz., $24. Good job, Leslie!

Thought of the Day

2008-07-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

When you follow your bliss...

doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors;

and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else.

Joseph Campbell

(1904-1987)

As a BTW, do you know we sell vintage ephemera and game pieces at The Fiber Studio? I love collage and altered art projects and have collected this stuff for years. And that's how a place that sells fibers came to offer collage classes! We've got some great stuff for collage, altered books, scrapbooking, atc's, jewelry, art dolls or anything you want to use it for! Stop in sometime and do a little rummaging!

We're Opening an Etsy Store

2008-07-27T19:57:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I'm setting up an Etsy store, and our seller name is thefiberstudio. I hope to get some product up for sale over the coming week, so if there is something you'd like to see for sale on Etsy, please e-mail me at pamangier@comcast.net.

I'll be working at the shop tomorrow (Monday) from about 11 am to 4 pm and the shop will be open while I'm here. If you need anything, feel free to stop by!

More Tidbits

2008-07-26T10:22:00.000-05:00

The COLLAGE: PAPER DOLLS CLASS with KATHY COULTER Thursday evening was a lot of fun! My first paper doll is on the left and the Frieda doll is one Kathy made that I keep on display at the shop. It was great fun to see everyone's paper dolls come together. It was quite a meditative process, really. We made new friends...and we all agreed that it was a great way to spend a summer evening! Thank you so much Kathy...you're the best!

The latest issue of WILD FIBERS is in, and as usual, it is packed with interesting articles and beautiful photos!

Tidbits

2008-07-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

Speaking of it being quiet around here...Judy, Kris and Jill are at the Midwest Felting Symposium in Madison, Wisconsin through Sunday. They registered for some great workshops and they're going to come back with lots of ideas! I can't wait to hear all about it. I know some of you are going to the MFS, but for those of you sticking around town, The Fiber Studio will be open all week and week-end! (hint,hint) Why not stop by?!

There's room in the COLLAGE: PAPER DOLLS CLASS with KATHY COULTER Thursday evening if anyone is interested. It goes from 6-9 pm and $35 includes all supplies. See for yourself what altered art is about!

There are a couple spots left in the FELTED TOTE BAG WORKSHOP with KRIS POST on Saturday, August 9. It goes from 10 am to 4:30 pm, $65 + supplies. This is a wonderful workshop and the participants are always thrilled with their finished tote bags!

I had a quick chance to look at the new QUILTING ARTS magazine last night while the Beginning Spinning class was going. It's dubbed their "Go Green" issue and it's full of interesting items, such as "rusting fabric," mixed media wall hangings incorporating found and recycled objects, quilted pet portraits, digital designing, dyeing with indigo and more.

Here's a head's up...I've been rustled into taking a shift demo-ing spinning at the State Fair. I'll be there from 5-9 pm on Monday, August 25. I don't have all the details yet, but it's with the Weavers Guild of MN and we'll be in the Creative Activities Building.

Hot Off The Presses...

2008-07-22T16:20:00.000-05:00

The new FIBERARTS and QUILTING ARTS magazines came in today. I haven't had a chance to look at them yet but plan to do so this evening while the Beginning Spinning class is going on. I'll tell you about them tomorrow.

All of the small custom blended batts I brought into the shop sold and I'll be blending more, as time permits. I do them at home on my electric carder...but I don't seem to be home much lately! I brought about 2 oz. of a color I'm calling "Seamist" in today. It's a blend of merino with a little tencel and some glitz. I'll post a picture when I can.

It's been quiet around here since Leslie took off on vacation last week. She's been lazing (and feltmaking, of course) along the shores of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. And last week-end she took in the Midwest Fiber & Folk Festival in Illinois. She hooked up with Carol and Debb from River's Edge Weaving Studio (from Michigan), and she'll be bringing their new 50 Merino/50 Silk hand dyed braids back for the shop. We met Carol and Debb at Shepherd's Harvest Festival in May and have been selling their lovely hand dyed fibers. (We have their BFL, 80 Merino/20 Silk and some 50 Merino/50 Tencel.)

I have to scoot...the Beginning Spinning class is on tonight and I need to start getting set up for them. BTW, I had no idea this blogging thing would be so much fun!

Budding Artist Visits The Fiber Studio

2008-07-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

The other day, my friend Molly stopped by the shop with her children, Vivian (4 yrs) and Gus (18 mos). Just about as soon as they got here, Viv whipped out an unfinished drawing she had brought along and a red crayon. Draw, draw, draw, scribble, scribble. Once satisfied with her work, she gave it to me. I've taped her "artwork" on the wall and already the city's art lovers are noticing! I can't wait to see her little face when she sees it. By the way, Molly is a talented artist and graphic designer herself, with a lovely line of stationery and gift bags. See for yourself at http://www.apiarydesign.com/.

Our New Blog!

2008-07-19T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

You've found us in the midst of a new adventure...blogging! Today's post will be short and sweet, as we just wanted to say "hello" to you all. We'll be posting again soon, so be sure to check back.

Until then, may you have many happy adventures in fiber mischief!