A Change of Scenery

For our entire marriage my husband has been telling me about the beautiful Superstition Mountains outside of Phoenix, AZ.   I recently had an opportunity to meet up with him for a long weekend out in Phoenix.



Saguaro Cactus on rocky cliff above Apache Trail






We drove into the mountains for a relaxing day in the Tonto National Forest and nearby Lost Dutchman State Park. 

Lots of Very Large Cacti (this one is nearly
5 feet tall)









Everything he raved about over the last 20 years was no exaggeration. I hope to go back again soon with all my camera equipment to capture the desert in full bloom.


Desert Flowers







The Craggy Earth

What an austere, yet hauntingly beautiful landscape!

 

The Wash Outside of Tortilla Flat (Pop. 6)

 

Canyon Lake







Speed Limit Advised



My Newest Haul

Spinner's Flock Winter Fleece Fair - Beech Middle School
Chelsea, Michigan

On February 18th, I met up with a couple of my good friends to attend the Spinner's Flock February 2012 Winter Fleece Fair in Chelsea, Michigan.  It's an annual sale that is always full of beautiful Michigan grown fibers, Michigan handspun yarns and lots of exotic fibers.  There are plenty of books, magazines and patterns for knitting, crochet, weaving and spinning for sale.  There is always new and used equipment for sale as well.  It's the perfect way to cure "cabin fever" in February with all the bright colors, the soft and warm fibers and yarns, and of course all the delightfully warm-hearted fiber artists from our region.  We look forward to it every year.

Spinner's Flock 2012 Winter Fleece Fair Purchase

This year I had a "small haul" but it is beautiful nonetheless. The burgundy, blue-gray, and bright multi-colored rovings are from one of my most talented good friends, Edie Bowles.  Her farm is called Spinning Moon Farm and she has a shop on Etsy. 

I kept waiting for the sun to shine to take advantage of the good light outside on the porch in order to best display the incredible colors.  But alas, the weather wouldn't cooperate; it would be windy, cloudy or snowy.  I decided I'd better just go ahead and take the picture inside since it's been nearly 3 weeks... the picture doesn't do it justice!  Anyway, I can't wait to spin it all.

My First Inkle Weaving

My First Inkle weaving…  

Schacht Inkle Loom - a gift from the Hetter Family


I always wanted an Inkle loom. Thank you to the Hetter family for your generous gift!  I will treasure Mrs. Florence Hetter's inkle loom knowing that she had made beautiful items on it for her family and friends.  I look forward to doing the same for mine. 

My First Inkle Weaving - Close up

I took my first inkle loom class on-line today with Daryl Lancaster through Weavolution, an Internet weavers’ network. 

What a joy!  I can hardly wait to design my own trim, ribbons, bands, belts, shoe laces... the possibilities are endless!