Category: general

  • The Boring Purchase That Lasts

    The Boring Purchase That Lasts

    In mid-August of 1993, on a road trip to Maine, I bought an LL Bean tote at the Freeport outlet. It wasn’t exactly an exciting purchase for a high school student, especially as it was brown with a white webbing stripe leading to a leather handle. I would not be dissuaded; I knew it would…

  • taking stock

    taking stock

    This is the time of year that asks us to take stock. It’s built into the calendar: today the end of Q1, we recently marked the beginning of spring, and erev Passover is tomorrow. The daffodils are starting and there are bunnies everywhere. It feels like the right moment to look up from the work…

  • the serious work of play

    the serious work of play

    Cas Holman writes in chapter 3 of Playful that play commonly serves as a pressure release valve: a low-stakes way to let off steam, to grapple with emotions, to let go of cares and worries for a time. It helps us celebrate good times and cope with hard times. And if we can let go…

  • Learning Together

    Learning Together

    I’ve been thinking about the difference between having experience and being able to teach it. After several years on the sidelines in the fiber arts space, I’m finding my way back and shifting my focus. While I still may design on occasion, I still edit, and create samples. Right now I’m figuring out what it…

  • tips for after sheep and wool

    tips for after sheep and wool

    The days after a sheep and wool festival (or any large event) are ones which can cause a range of emotions. This is true whether you attended or didn’t. For a while, you might feel a grief of sorts; and that’s completely normal and okay. This year, I didn’t make it to Rhinebeck. After the…

  • preparing for sheep and wool

    preparing for sheep and wool

    It’s that time of year. The New York Sheep and Wool Festival (aka Rhinebeck) is this coming weekend, October 18-19, 2025. With that in mind, here’s my semi-annual update with tips for making the most of your festival experience. First, some basics about the festival itself. I’m only speaking to the actual Sheep and Wool…