Good morning! This week, I have been dyeing and packaging up the Eight Days of Easter Kits. I expect to mail them today or Saturday.

I have also been struggling to choose the April club colorway. I wanted something hopeful because we all need hope so dearly. I spent a long time trying to choose a painting that seemed right for spring, for Easter, and for the times in which we live. Finally I asked for help from friends on Facebook, and Amanda (thank you, Amanda!!) came up with the perfect suggestion. It’s Van Gogh’s painting, “Almond Blossom.”

Almond trees are among the first to bloom in early spring and are considered to be a symbol of new life and hope. Van Gogh made the painting as a gift for his brother, Theo, and his brother’s wife on the birth of their son.

Here is a quote from the letter his brother wrote to Vincent Van Gogh:  “As we told you, we’ll name him after you, and I’m making the wish that he may be as determined and as courageous as you.”

Fresh from the Dye Pot

As I write this, I am cooking up another batch of Beautiful Universe.

I also made another batch of Nebula on Sparkly Merino Sock here:

I dyed Monet’s Water Lilies on So Silky Sock for the first time, and I think this may be my new favorite yarn base for this colorway. They go really well together. Here that is:

Lots of Yarn and Fiber

I got an email from each of my wholesale suppliers warning that they might have to close their distribution centers depending on what their states decide to do, so just in case, I stocked up. I now have enough yarn and fiber to last for at least three months plus all the goodies I already have in the shop now. I just wanted you to know that I intend to continue adding new yarn and fiber to the shop as always. You can always see what’s new in the New This Month section of the shop.

Flagwool

I just got the word yesterday that Flagwool is cancelled. I can’t say I’m surprised, but it’s still very sad, and I know it must have been a very hard decision for the organizers. That’s my big festival of the year and a great opportunity to see some of you in person. Hopefully I’ll be able to do some trunk shows when we can all get together again.

Spingo

I mentioned last week that the team at Spin Together was hosting Spingo–a spinning Bingo game–to lift everyone’s spirits and help with stress through spinning, which is so relaxing and almost meditative. It’s still going on through the end of the month, so if you are a spinner looking for something fun and relaxing and maybe a little challenging too, head on over and join us.

Show and Tell

I thought that next week would be a great time for a show and tell newsletter, so please email me photos of what you have been making along with pattern info and any other details you’d like to share. I can’t wait to see and to share what you’re making. I’ll share what I’m working on too.

Speaking of Sharing…

While we are all staying home and not sharing what shouldn’t be shared, please do spread the word among your friends that even if they can’t get out to their local yarn stores, there are lots of wonderful options for hand-dyed yarn to keep their hands busy and their minds a little more at rest. I would be grateful for any mention.

Stay well!!