The Retreat

I spent four blissful days at the farm doing only what I wanted to. Heaven. Saturday morning, after a farewell breakfast with the family, I drove up to Park Rapids, stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few things and then, since I only had a van full of dyed fleece, a drum carder, spinning wheel, and 5 different knitting projects for four days, I stopped at Monika's to pick up some "just in case I run out of things to do" yarn. Don't waggle your finger at me, I know I have fiber issues... (click on pictures to bigify)

Sunday and Monday were spent, carding, blending and spinning the "Socks and Mittens" wool I dyed last summer. I had no particular goal in mind, other than to end up with some sock yarn. I used Suffolk fleece from Francis's brother-in-law Dean. I love this fleece for socks and mittens as it does not felt easily, and is very springy and sturdy. In fact, when machine washed and dried, it fulls slightly and makes a nice "cushy" sock.

Tuesday I drove the backroads to Perham to visit a shop called At Loose Ends. This is a cozy little yarn shop in a house that is over a hundred years old and has all those neat little rooms. The proprieter is Lil McRae and she was so warm and helpful! She carries everything for knitting, spinning, weaving, felting, and any other type of fiber art you may want to try. And if she doesn't carry it, she'll find it for you.

Wednesday I sadly packed the van and headed home. I'll miss the farm but I do feel wonderfully refreshed and ready to dive back into work!