Wool Mountain

Having two markets this weekend with last week’s production was a bit overwhelming –thanks Kim for making it so easy and fun to be at the markets.  Whistler rocked.  It’s been a while since I kicked back with a gal pal and enjoyed a weekend hotelling.

If you are in Whistler in the Upper Village and don’t mind some noisy, boozy atmosphere, go to Merlins.   The tacos were $1 and I had a beer caesar.

The ride home today was sunny and gave us time for a pit stop. 

I can’t stop knitting with this chunky merino.  At 125g and 125 yards this yarn is rewarding to knit for quick projects on 8mm needles.  The hat (in oh so many colours) are just flying off the needles.

Things I Learned from Filberg

  1. Less is more. I keep learning and keep editing.
  2. Nature is the best backdrop for a booth.
  3. I do much better with an open display than a Berlin Wall.
  4. Get paid help.  Leaving your own booth is a luxury you deserve. Thanks Leah!
  5. Hug repeat customers.
  6. Let people say sweet things about your work.  Take compliments like currency.
  7. Be a good neighbour and you will have good neighbours.
  8. Always think sunshine.

This was my best year at Filberg for so many reasons.  Friends, neighbours, partner, sales.  This is not bragging.  This is gratitude.  I am lucky to have the people in my life that I have and I know that my success rests solely on their support.


Claire’s booth was so mobbed that she had to hang up her empty paper mache teacup.  Her booth looked amazing.
Joan had a great booth display this year and her daughter was a very engaging part of the display.  
Brett was the best neighbour and having him so close by saved us from having to leave each other’s booths for a visit. (entertaining and convenient).
We had a bit of extra time to reflect on the ferry (due to mechanical problems) and at the end of the day when your business trip seems like a partial vacation you know you’ve done really well.
Thanks for another great year Filberg!

I’m Home

Not my real home, but my artisan home away from home in Filberg.  Friday, the first day of the show was like a big warm hug.  I went against my better judgement and listened to John’s ideas for the display.   He rocked it.  I was able to tweak it a bit, but the design and layout was primarily his.  Why have I waited so long to exploit this untapped resource.

Getting a handle on my yarn addiction.

We had incredible weather and excellent neighbours on both sides.  I’ll get pics of their booths today  We also had a visit from Circle Craft with bundles of flyers for the show.  My work made the poster this year.  I am the bottom left corner.  This is exciting.

So bright I needed my shades.          

To Market, To Market

The prettiest thing at the market yesterday….Anne’s Red Pepper Jelly

The most patriotic and tasty item available………Debbie’s Go Canada! Pie

And the boutiquiest shared booth…if I say so myself…Joan and I rocked the display.

Don’t even get me started on the rovings….

What a great day! It’s a shame our next market isn’t until April. Thanks to my friends who stopped by ;).

January Brain

Jury Pieces

Never jury with the same article twice (even if it got you into the show). You will look like a one trick pony. It’s not enough that an artisan makes something, but they must be able to show some growth in their work. After 10 years of putting myself out there for judging, I might finally be getting a handle on this.

GST Filing

It’s due in a week, but just because I have a week to go, doesn’t mean I should wait until next Friday. The box of receipts is an ugly tangled mess. Although they are in one place, it’s going to take a bit of wrangling to make them report worthy.

Custom Orders

They all have deadlines and all need to be done, but I need to decompress before finishing everything. One is straggling from 2009 and I’m just trying to make something perfect and maybe perfect isn’t what’s called for here. The others are apre Christmas, some designs for Olympic staffers, and replacement pirate hats. It will happen.

Clean the Studio

Substantial yarn purchases at the end of the year require more adjustment to the studio. A bigger dyeing area for sure and some drying racks. I need to maximize my vertical space…Mariegold…are you reading this?

Pet the Cats

When I’m at home, there is knitting in my hand at all times. I have to remind myself to put the knitting down so that I can pet the cats. Habib has learned over the years to insinuate himself under the knitting and on to my lap. It’s still not the same as a good hug and squeeze.

Final Show


The prep for the last show wasn’t as complicated as Circle Craft, but it was a mixture of new design, replacing stock and finishing those last few custom orders for pick up. The day was overwhelming and the cast of players intense. Thanks to Pearl, Kim, Mariegold and the market volunteers. Also, an overwhelming thanks to my customers. Your loyalty and your kind words mean so much to me and make me feel more talented than I actually am.

Dinner at Legendary Noodle is becoming a habit after shows and long studio todays. How can you say no to noodles made to order. Delish.

Oh, and I forgot that I DO have one more show. I’ll be at Wise Hall next Saturday…Small table, not lots left, but if you forgot something special for your special someone, just email me and let me know.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday and that your Christmas knitting is nearly complete.