The Fire Nymph Glowing with Pride

September 5, 2016 By Lee Leave a Comment

Sandy’s Artist Statement for Western Design Conference

One aspect of the Western Design Conference that is particularly fun is the competition between entries in various categories of creations. This year, we decided to enter our jacket call the “Fire Nymph” in the wearable fashion category. This is Sandy’s artist’s statement that will sit on the display podium next to the mannequin and jacket. The judging and announcements of prize winners will happen on Thursday night.

Artist Statement – Fire Nymph

The Fire Nymph is the signature piece in my Cacophony of Colors collection. With orange and red, colors of strength and boldness, it captures the brilliance of a dancing fire, falling leaves and joyous celebration.

I handmade the exterior fabrics of the Fire Nymph. By hand dying, combining wet and needle felted alpaca fibers (from our herd), the processes created a lovely surface texture with a soft handle.

Orange and red collage is the soul of the Fire Nymph. My biggest challenge was to create a jacket design that combined these intensely colorful fabrics without being over whelming. I was thrilled when I constructed the shell in my simple princess design jacket to find that alternating the collage felt with the rich solid orange felt created the desired balance. Befitting the Fire Nymph, the luscious burnt orange lining turns the interior of the jacket into a fiery statement.

Sandy Liggett Whispirit

Sandia Park, New Mexico

Til next week. Lee

August 30, 2016 By Lee Leave a Comment

Spirit of the Dance: Introducing Whispirit Wall Hangings

You’ve seen the results of our new design process we call “collage felting.” This technique now enlivens our jackets, shawls and scarves. We are delighted to report that we are getting rave reviews from Handwoven Originals, website and Facebook visitors and those who have come to our studio. Recently, while Sandy was showing me her latest collage creation, I commented that it would look terrific in its entirety as a wall hanging. She then gave me that look says “well….?” It’s amazing how creativity just needs a little push!

We are calling these “Spirit of the Dance,” because they are so dynamic and bursting with lively energy! (So says Sandy. In my opinion it’s our movement around the designing tables when creating these collages that’s the real dance. We often register 10,000 steps a day on our Fitbits in the process.)

We will be unveiling our new Whispirit wall hangings at the Western Design Conference in Jackson, Wyoming September 8 – 11. We wanted our loyal followers to get a sneak preview. As always, we would love to hear your reaction.

On to the Western Design Conference…. wish us luck!! …….. Until next time from Jackson, WY…. Lee

August 23, 2016 By Lee Leave a Comment

Two Weeks to Go

After getting new product up on our website and putting the final touches on our new “Design Your Own” website feature (have you sent us your reactions and suggestions to that new feature?) by last Monday we turned our attention to finishing the new garments we intend for the Western Design Conference in Jackson Hole, WY, September 7 – 11.

WDC is all about what’s new in designs across many mediums (fashion, jewelry, furniture, home design, etc.). Most of what we are taking there, and certainly that which will be on the runway during the style show, is being revealed for the first time. Ten days ago we had a number of such garments and accessories ready for Jackson Hole and were feeling pretty good about being ready.

THEN, the phone rang. It was our most prolific (and fascinating) boutique, Handwoven Originals. A surge in tourism due to all the wonderful end of the summer activities in Santa Fe had left the Whispirit section of their boutique bare! With Santa Fe’s internationally renowned Indian Market occurring in just a couple of days, was there any way we could get new product to them? Let’s see, potential sales versus being ready for WDC with some breathing room? Hmmm? Right. Off went our planned WDC product to Handwoven Originals.

So, guess what we’ve been doing the last several days and nights and will continue to do so for the next two weeks? We’ve even recruited the dogs! Aww, we like to be busy.

Til next time, Lee

August 16, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

Preview “Design Your Own Jacket ” – Tell Us What You Think!

Do you look at the Whispirit designs and think, “I really wish I had a unique alpaca jacket but … I’m not sure it will fit, I think I want a different cuff, I would really like a closure… I have short arms, am tall, short, skinny, not so skinny… I think a button would really jazz that jacket up.” Well, we have a plan on which we’d love to get your feedback.

We have been working with our Web Designer, the wonderful Adam Hurd at Rynotechnologies, to design a “Design Your Own Chic Kasode” page. For a limited time this Fall we will offer you the opportunity to design our best selling kasode jacket to your specific taste so that you … or someone for whom you want to do something very special … will have a unique jacket made from naturally luxurious alpaca. In addition to our always lightweight, loose fitting, flattering angles, you will be able to customize features that in the past may have caused you to shy away from purchasing a Whispirit jacket on-line.

We are sharing the draft of our Build Your Own webpage product page, which is not currently available through our site, to you, our blog readers and Facebook friends, asking for your feedback on this new idea.

We will accept orders for this Design Your Own Chic Kasode Jacket experiment between October 15 and December 1. The Kasode is, hands down, Whispirit’s most popular jacket design. With the help of one of our seamstresses, Heather Briggs, we have reworked this design to make it responsive to feedback from our wonderful customers, owners and associates at Handwoven Originals.

At this point, every jacket has side pockets that are strong and useful. Every jacket has lined sleeves to let you you pull it on and off with ease. In response to your earlier feedback, we have lengthened the jacket (how shall we say it, politely?) to cover your derriere. The front of the jacket is angled and has a lovely drape. We have heard you on closures and have added frog or loop closures on all our jackets. And, with the help of our neighbor and local artisan Robin Pascal, we now place a handmade artisan button on the front of each jacket to complete the one-of-a-kind commitment.

As well, after trying various ways of finishing the cuffs, we have come up with what we think are two really useful cuff finishes. We have identified 6 fabrics that we will have available, have updated our sizing charts, and can customize sleeve and hem length.

With this blog we are asking you, our blog followers and Facebook friends, to preview this “build your own” offer and give us your feedback. As a thank you we will email you a Whispirit coupon worth $25. So make sure we have your email address by messaging through Facebook or by leaving a comment on this post. Also, whether or not you comment, you will be able to order a Build Your Own jacket now before this feature goes public on October 15th.

Thank you for your support, we will keep you posted on how it goes…… Sandy & Lee

August 9, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

Revving up for Fall

I know, I know. It’s August. But we are in full tilt boogie getting ready for Fall. The second weekend in September is the Western Design Conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It is a big event with lots of high end artisans. And Whispirit will debut our new line of 2016 Fall fashions in the opening night fashion show held Thursday, September 8th at 6 pm. The FeltLOOM and the sewing machines are running long hours as we prepare those new garments.

Here are a few pictures of items that we have already sent to Dave Nufer to photograph. Obviously red, black and grey are prominent in this first batch. We think the collage trim adds a level of pizzazz that will make these garments come alive on a runway. And we are working on a wonderful, rich orange fabric and collage that we will photograph next week.

Back to the sewing machine. Til next time, Sandy

August 1, 2016 By Lee Leave a Comment

Critter Update

My turn to write the weekly blog. Sandy is in overdrive getting ready to leave tomorrow (Tuesday) for the Handweavers Guild of America’s convergence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Three of her favorite coats will be on the runway in the “Moving Fashion Forward” show on Wednesday evening. With our busy days, trying to make time to pack and finish projects in progress causes heightened stress. Yep, its my turn to write the blog.

After several of you asked, I decided it was time for an update on our four legged partners. Generally, everyone is doing just fine despite the unusually hot summer weather. New Mexico’s monsoon season has finally arrived bringing cooler temperatures and much needed rain. Between the interior of the barn and shadows cast by structures and trees, the dogs, cats and alpacas all manage to find a spot to get out of the intense New Mexico sun. We have water tanks and buckets strategically placed around the ranch whose contents constantly require refilling. We learned almost from the beginning while filling water tanks that the alpaca LOVE to be hosed down in the heat of the summer. They actually line up daily for that treat.

You will recall that our only birth this year was a bit of a surprise. As we were not expecting Dday, who was born June 6 – aka DeDe, her mother did not receive the extra protein we give the expecting moms 90 days out, thus, she was underweight. As you can see, however, DeDe is just fine.

Woodstock, who was attacked by an unknown predator a few months ago, lost a big hunk of fleece and skin, requiring surgery. This attack was in early April and since the surgery we have had to frequently clean the wound area, removing scabs to allow new skin growth. Note how the wound is closing with new skin. But progress is very slow. Otherwise, Woodstock is doing great.

Sundance, the senior Great Pyrenees, is showing signs of his age and slowing down a bit (just like me). He sleeps more than he used to, and we’ve noticed that he is more willing to let Atticus go check on minor noises and disturbances. Atticus is, well, Atticus. He has moved into the role of checking out everything and reporting his findings to Sundance. When they patrol together, Atticus always assumes a respectful pace or two behind Sundance.

Salty still exhausts himself trying to herd everything EXCEPT the cats. He finally figured that one out. Lately, he has become a real snuggle dog and particularly needs to snuggle during the afternoon monsoon thundering. Osita and Yeti our other two rescue dogs continue in their roles as security helpers for Sundance & Atticus. But they spend the balance of their time just being good ole comfort dogs – always happy to see us and appreciate any attention. Osita and Yeti almost always accompany us on our hikes.

A sad development. Our beloved long haired cat Abbott disappeared recently. We all loved that big black cat and he had managed to survive living about the ranch for seven years. We suspect a Great Horned owl, who has been living in a tree on our property for a while. RIP Abbott. Between coyotes and the owl, we are now down to four barn cats. Such is the cycle of life.

Thank you for your interest from all of the creatures, two legged and four, here at the ranch. Til next time, Lee.

July 26, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

Off the Beaten Track “Gems”

Sunday and Monday we celebrated my birthday by visiting some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path “gems” that make New Mexico so delightful.

A drive up the High Road to Taos, lush and green due to the monsoon rains having soaked at least this part of New Mexico’s northern terrain. Small artist communities like Truchas, Chamayo and, Ojo Sarco enchant me as the small road meanders along the mountains. A scrumptious dinner at chez Liggett’s combining the amazing offerings of Song’s Asian Cuisine with the rich tastes of Chateauneuf du Pape wine from an off-the-beaten-path infamous town in France. All being consumed on our Taos adobe while we enjoy flashes of lightning in a tumultuous sky!

Up early on Monday (my actual birthday), we (of course accompanied by Osita and Yeti, our faithful hiking companions), drive out State Road 518 past Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort to one of our favorite hiking trails. Agua Piedras Trail is tucked in the midst of Carson National Forest and it is a spectacular hike to Indian Lake. This time of year the wildflowers filled the lush meadows and pop up in sunny spots along the trail. Bright skies, quiet except for the soothing gurgles of the brook that follows the trail. Beautiful! Enchanting!

Two hours later, we are off the trail and sitting on the porch of our favorite “hidden gem” restaurant, Sugar Nymphs Bistro in the small town of Penasco. Lee, Osita, Yeti and I shared a lovely, well-prepared, right-sized lunch. Lee’s eternal quest for the BEST carrot cake in the WORLD came to its conclusion … right there on that porch. OMG, I am not a dessert eater, but must confess that from its eye appeal to the magnificent cacophony of tastes, this was, well …., a slice of heaven. As it should be. The amazing chef/owner of this eatery is a Buddhist monk who learned her culinary arts at the San Francisco Zen Center Restaurant, Greens.

Speaking of the slice, it was large enough to have served everyone in the Bistro and many passers-by. But we did not share. We ate several forkfuls and agreed that a treasure such as this should be doled out in tiny, tiny pieces over the several days, weeks, year. Just kidding. As I type this, Lee has probably already finished it. I better go check!

Until next time, when we will share some of our newest garment gems ……… Sandy (now one year older).

July 19, 2016 By Lee Leave a Comment

Dog Days of Summer

From last week’s blog you know that we were in Seattle for a few days. Returning from Seattle, we found our senses of sight, taste, and smell had been tickled to “overload.” We’re bursting with new ideas for designs and colors. Prior to departure we took several “sewing” machines in for servicing. They were to supposed to be ready upon our return. Of course, they weren’t. Acceptable reasons but, still not ready. So no sewing …

Probably just as well, it’s hot! Outside and inside. Unusually hot for the high plains desert of New Mexico. Too hot for hiking. Too hot for gardening. Where are the monsoons that kicked off July with breezes that kept day time temperatures at the mid-80?? In July when the sun goes down behind the Sandias, it’s supposed to be chilly! Instead the evening air is still and hot and we gather all the fans we own.

If the sewing machines were here and the FeltLOOM were running it would be even hotter in the Fabric Design Center. This is probably a good time to do a little maintenance such as checking needle boards and cleaning fiber dust from inside the FeltLOOM. Inventory needs to be checked to determine what is going with us to the Western Design Conference in Jackson, WY, along with our new creations. That’s not as hot as running the equipment, and you can sit right in front of a fan.

Sandy has been putting off trying some new hat designs, favoring new scares and shawls that sell so well at Handwoven Originals during the Santa Fe Opera season. Now’s a good time because making hat molds while sitting in front of a fan is a lot cooler than running around the FeltLOOM and “banging” out — literally — scarves and shawls. Only trouble with sitting in front of the fan while shaping a hat mold is that the Styrofoam blows all over and you get hot sweeping it up.

Or, maybe we should just follow our dogs’ example? It is after all their days. They run at night and sleep all day in the coolest spots they can find (often the Loom Room.)

Phone just rang — sewing machines are ready to be picked up. Sandy is already out the door. Oh no, it’s about to get hotter.

Until next time ……. Lee

July 14, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

Re-generating Our Creativity

Some years ago we embraced the philosophy of needing an “artist’s date” every so often to fan the creative embers. Artist’s dates can come in many forms from several hours to several days. Museum visits, a solitary hike in the woods, a visit to a gallery or even a brief trip to Taos brings new energy.

There is for us, however, nothing better than a quick trip to Seattle to regenerate our creativity. Travel is easy (nonstop flights between ABQ and Seattle), only one hour time change, and the change of climate from hot and dry New Mexico to moist and green Seattle. Add time our with interesting family members, a birthday to celebrate, and opportunities to visit places of great creativity and energy. We just returned from such a get away.

Good times with family, celebrating Lee’s birthday and wishing bon voyage to chef son Chris as he readies to move back to Boston to become Chef de Cuisine at Craigie on Main.

Last but certainly not least, Lee and I treated ourselves to a few hours at the never disappointing Seattle Art Museum. New and old artists, wonderfully displayed and curated. Finish the trip off with a first ever dinner at a Korean barbecue (who knew) with Ben and Laura. All too soon, it was time to go home, hug the dogs, check the herd and sleep in our own bed.

Today we are tired but, energized and eager to see how this “artist’s date” shows itself in our designs.

Until next week…….. Sandy

July 3, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

Celebrating the Fourth!

As we wrote in this blog last year, the Fourth of July is Lee’s favorite holiday. Besides celebrating our country’s birthing process it’s that time when he reflects on the year just past. This year we are doing our reflection in pictures. It has been a year of great delight, friendship, health and gratitude. Happy Fourth of July to all of our friends, near and far.

Happy Fourth of July. Celebrate safely and please remember all of our men and women in active service. Sandy

June 27, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

An Ode to the Three Muses of Handwoven Originals

One of the best things that has happened to me personally and to our Whispirit alpaca felted garments is the invitation to sell our creations at Handwoven Originals in Santa Fe. This year Handwoven Originals is celebrating its 35th year at the Inn and Spa at Loretto and the shop is filled with a constantly changing selection of New Mexico made wearable art pieces.

The unique gallery is the creative enterprise of three like-minded weavers, JB Pena, Ceil Swanson and Louise Lechner. For 40 years (they had an earlier shop before moving to the Inn at Loretto in 1980), they shared shop duties and responsibilities for keeping the shop open and helping each other keep space to continue their weaving. In the recent Essential Guide to Santa Fe & Taos article about this anniversary, JB Pena talks about the grit and grace of their enterprise.

“We lost our beloved Louise Lechner in 2013. Her spirit still lives in the shop as Ceil and I navigate with a lot of help from our terrific artists and associates that work with us. We still love to design and weave, create and paint. We are ever grateful for our loyal collectors and friends who have supported us through the years.”

Their team works throughout the year to showcase and sell their participating artists’ works. Their well-placed ads are beautiful celebrations of color and design. They work with returning customers, remembering what they like and suggesting new pieces to add to their collections.

What doesn’t show up in the ads or other publicity about this shop is their incredible contribution to the designing artists showcased in the shop. JB, Ceil and Louise have been wonderful mentors, nurturing creatives and demonstrating the balance between artist sensitivity and the marketplace. Alas, we never got to meet Louise.

When I feel that inevitable insecurity of new designs, a visit to JB or Ceil and any of their associates is in order. JB is great about pinpointing the solution to my prototype versions of jackets, wraps, scarves: “Make it longer, women like to cover their butts. Red, black and white are favorite color combinations. Can you put a closure on this? Make the sleeves wider. I like the lining in the sleeves.” Their feedback fills me with the exuberance of knowing that I am onto something. I always leave the shop with ego reinflated and filled with new inspiration.

Everyone working in the shop is knowledgeable about each artists’ work and can tell their customers what goes into the labor intensive handmade creation. They know what makes each work special and worthy of collecting. Because of their passion for each artist’s work, their customers return every year to see the new creations. The shop is a happy, contented place filled with smiles, good will and celebration.

One of the busiest times for Handwoven Originals is the Santa Fe Opera season, which begins July 1st. Lee & I have been busy creating new wraps for Santa Fe’s chilly summer evenings, which we will deliver to the shop this Thursday. If you are in Santa Fe, be sure to stop by this very special shop. If you can’t make it this summer, take a look at their beautiful website and online store and plan a visit on your next Santa Fe trip.

Til next time. Sandy

June 22, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

Wild Fires & Community

Like predators, wildfires are part of our life in the Southwest. The Dog Head Fire, which broke out last Tuesday in the Manzano Mountains and continued to rage without significant containment for almost a week, is probably 15 to 20 miles south of us. The plumes of smoke can be seen from every where in the East Mountains.

The fire broke out just as our weather became blistering hot, the humidity was too low to record and winds were blowing hard. It quickly grew from a 25 acre fire to a 1,300 acre fire and and exploded to it’s current 17,944 acre fire. After days of no containment, more humid and calm weather last Sunday permitted the 900 plus firefighters battling this monster to finally get a leg up and “hold the line”. Our “Go Bags” were ready by the front door, animal trailer hitched to the truck, and all vehicles full of gas. As we watched the huge column of smoke expand in size every day our heats went out to those who were being evacuated from the fires path. Some have lost everything except their lives. Others homes were spared by the quirkiness of a wildfire but more often by the quick and heroic acts of fire fighters who brave these fierce fires to hand dig trenches, cut down trees, clear brush and drop fire retardent to protect the homes very much in harm’s way.

Often over the last week, as we kept a wary eye on the conflagration 20 miles away, our thoughts were often about and grateful for the “community” of many that seemingly pops up over night to care for the victims. Teams of fire fighters, including Hot Shot teams, come from all parts of the country. They are bivouacking in tents in nearby fields battling the fire, sleeping a little, maybe a shower, eating and then back at it.

Over 300 people have had to leave their homes and are being cared for by volunteers in temporary shelters in several East Mountain communities. We are in the rural mountains. These evacuated areas are also home to many animals. Dogs, cats, birds, goats, chickens, horses, and livestock have been evacuated to safe areas set up by the public agencies, animal oriented non-profits and good-hearted neighbors.

A lot of work by volunteer groups and agencies done in advance of this fire and the wildfire season to help us all be prepared (how did we know about “Go Bags” and defensible space around our house?) We have particularly benefited from attending programs held by the East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association, to teach us how to be ready. Thanks to these agency’s and volunteer groups the fire even has its own Facebook page. We can monitor maps, websites for current information about what is going on and be vigilant.

Thank you to all the people who are fighting the fire, rescuing people and animals, and donating safe havens and funds to the victims. We know fires happen, they are scary, destructive and initially you can feel very much alone. It makes all the difference in dealing with such a crisis when a community of support exists.

Thank you to all mentioned above and anyone not, who have pitched in to help and who continue to do so.

Until next time …. Sandy & Lee

June 13, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

Celebrating the Last Bag and Empty Hangers

It has been two years since we participated in the East Mountain Fiber Farm & Studio Tour. And, WOW!, are we glad the dates worked for us this year. The Tour occurred this past weekend and it was a smashing success.

In preparation, Lee and I turned my fabric design studio into a Pop Up Shop, which meant putting away collapsible work & cutting tables, the steam press, my project bags of fiber and fabric, sweep the floor (poor spiders…), and created order where order does not normally exist. (Just ask Lee.) While we were at it, we inventoried our processed fiber. Boy, do we have an inventory of fiber, but that’s another blog.

We decided to put garments, scarves, hats, bags and other items created one to four years ago on deep discount to move product. The studio was repopulated with sale tables, racks and other display areas. Danita Coulter did her usual masterful job of cleaning up the barn so that we could showcase this year’s fiber clip. We also put new mom & cria into a barn catch pen so our guests could “ooh & ahh” six-day-old Normandie. (D/D for short).

There were already three car loads of visitors waiting at 10 AM Saturday morning when Lee went down to open the ranch gate. This foretold what was to be a constant stream of visitors both Saturday and Sunday, start to finish, with never a pause in the day. Not even to take a bite of my well-planned, pre-made sandwiches for lunch.

So much product sold we ran out of our special Whispirit shopping bags. We were so exhausted Saturday evening we just couldn’t bring ourselves to repopulate the sales tables and racks until Sunday AM and then the ranch gate was opened and it happened all over again! We have nothing left but a pile of hangers and empty tables where all the handmade vests, coats, jackets and accessories use to be.

The best part of both days was showing old and new friends what we do, how we do it and introducing our newborn cria. Sundance & Atticus (our Great Pyrenees herd guard dogs), always vigilant to strangers on the property, were the biggest winners as they got petted and loved by EVERYONE. Lee was jealous. Our raffle attracted over 100 entries. CONGRATULATIONS to Pattie S. from Albuquerque who won the purple shawl featured in an earlier blog.

My, what a great time. A special “Thank You” to our fellow Fiber Tour participants who worked diligently to publicize and find sponsors for this year’s Tour (especially Bill Herman, Sandra Holzman, Robin Pascal and Ginny Zvoch). Robin and Sandra are the dean’s of this event. Thanks, as always, to Danita, who helped us look so good. And of course, to the many, many people who spent part of their weekend with us, we specially say Thank You!!

Until next week……… Sandy

June 6, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

The Rest of the Fiber Tour & Welcome A Newborn Alpaca to the World

This week’s blog will focus on the artisans to be found at stops 4, 5, and 6 of the East Mountain Fiber Farm & Studio Tour, which is this coming weekend June 11 and 12. Get your map here.

Stop 4. The Woolshed at Maple Winds Farm

This stop on the fiber tour is owned and run by Victoria and Robert Collins and is truly a hands on fiber producer. Victoria is proud that this operation is literally from sheep to shawl. They sell fiber for all uses, wool, angora rabbits and alpaca from local producers. They feature handspun wool yarns as well as blends. The Collins are dealers for the well known looms Majacraft and Louet and have many commercial products to sell.

Stop 5. Hollywick Farms Alpacas

Kathy and Bill Herman own and operate Hollywick Farms. Their herd of alpacas are used to visitors and have just been shorn. Come meet the alpacas, feel their fleece and shop for roving, yarns, fashion garments and accessories. Be sure to enter Hollywick Farms’ drawing to win a pair of soft and comfortable alpaca socks.

Annie McHale's contribution to gift basket

Annie McHale will also be at Hollywick Farms with her amazing weavings. Annie is a passionate and prolific Inkle weaver. She saw her first Inkle loom when she was 17 years old and with the help of a library book and her dad, Annie built her own loom. Inkle looms produce warp faced bands no wider than 6″. Annie weaves straps for cameras, guitars and other musical instruments as well as belts and other personal accessories. See her endless ways of combining colors into patterns and clever use of new materials, techniques and inspirations.

Stop 6. Whispering Spirit Alpacas

This stop is our alpaca breeding and fabric creating location. We have a herd of 30 alpacas and two llamas (yes, you will notice the difference). Stop up at the barn, where Lee will introduce you to the animals, especially our new cria Normandie (born just yesterday) and show you this year’s harvest. See how we skirt the fiber to ready it for the mill. Then come down and join Sandy in the Fabric Design Center (a/k/a the garage). She will show you the equipment we use to make our textiles and will have deep mark downs on our Whispirit designs from this past winter. We will also have several new offerings fresh off the design table and ready for the boutiques. You get first dibs before we deliver. And, we will have felted fabric, prefelts, bags of felted remnant, batts, roving and raw fiber for sale. The purple scarf pictured above will be raffled off at our ranch.

Check out last week’s post for info on the other half of the tour, and join us this weekend! We look forward to seeing you.

May 31, 2016 By Sandra Liggett Leave a Comment

Check Out Our Fellow Participants on the East Mountain Fiber Farm & Studio Tour

Our blog today and next week will focus on the other ten fiber creatives who are welcoming people to the 13th Annual East Mountain Fiber Farm and Studio tour June 11th and 12th. As you will see, many of the six stops on the tour map have multiple artisans, so check them out in advance to be sure that you get to the locations with your favorite type of fiber arts.

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Stop 1 is Sandra Holzman’s studio where she creates and sells her SandraSilk handpainted silk scarves, jackets and outfits. In addition to her elegant and colorful wearable art designs, she also will have yardages and remnants available and even has a silk sale! If you haven’t seen her beautiful work before, be sure to check it out. And be sure to thank her for her service as President of the Route 66 Arts Alliance.

Robin Pascal, about whom we have written before because she is the creative genius of Perfect Button (Whispirit’s artisan button creator) is also at Stop 1. She will have racks of her amazing buttons for sale. But there is much more to Robin than her buttons. She is also a master weaver, spinner, dyer, jewelry maker… the list goes on. Her products include handwoven garments, shawl pins, fiber earrings, for those looking for unique wearable art. She also sells hand painted yarn, roving, silk hankies and felted batts, prepared mixed and handpainted warps, and handwoven remnants and thrums for the discerning DIY.

You will also find Catherine Kelly’s hand hooked rugs at Stop 1. Catherine makes traditional hooked rugs in a contemporary style. She will also have a wide selection of custom dyed wools for hooking, applique or other projects. Rug supplies, like backing and hooks are available for purchase as well.

Stop 2 is Edgewood Yarns and Fibers.

Edgewood Yarns and Fibers is the best yarn and fiber shop in the Albuquerque area. Owner Ginny Zvoch knows her yarn and is a fiber creative. She also creates an atmosphere of fun and support, in other words not your typical yarn shop. This space is stuffed full of creative yarns with a constantly updating inventory. My favorite part of the shop is the circular table with comfortable chairs where drop-in knitters and crocheters come and share skills and chill out. If you are a fiber person, this should be on your routine visits. BUT, this time of year, it is also where you can see and drool over the Grand Prize basket containing donated items from each artisan on the Tour. This basket is awarded to an individual who visited each of the six stops (and gotten their map stamped) selected through a drawing after the event closes on Sunday.

Stop 3 is Garcia Shaggy Wagon and Baa-Baa Shop. This family owned farm features Navajo Churro sheep, mohair goats and sheep. It is chock full of events throughout the two days of the Tour, including: sheep shearing demonstration at 11:30 AM, a demonstration with a circular sock machine at 2:00 PM. You can buy home made soaps, lotion bars, Churro roving, mohair fleeces and mohair kids and new lambs. Yes, the real thing. AND this location has food and beverages for sale: green chile stew, frito pie, homemade tea, lemonade and flavored sodas and chocolate dipped strawberries. Yum. I know where I would eat lunch if I did not have to be at our place.

Now, don’t you want to come out that weekend and visit? Lots going on out here in the East Mountains, just 30 minutes east of Albuquerque out I-40 and 45 minutes south of Santa Fe via Rt. 14.

Until next week “may the fleece be with you”….. Sandy