An old friend, that’s how I feel when I sit down at my jewelry bench. My fingers and my mind remember the movements from 10 years ago. The way to hold my file, saw and polishing tools all comes back to me. Now that’s not to say that I haven’t hit a few road bumps, beacause I have.  I wake up every morning wanting to create, sketch and design my next piece. I fall asleep at night thinking of cold connection designs and when I’ll be able to sit down in front of my bench again. I’m in love with my old friend, jewelry.

I have been setting stones lately! After taking a class with Susan Lenart Lazmer at The Bead and Button show in Milwaukee last month that inspired me to take more risks creatively. Using more organic shapes, exploring different metals. It’s felt so good to be back at my jewelry bench. I’m loving it!

The pendant pictured is sterling silver with Cobalto Calcite from the Congo, Africa .

I am a jewelry artist at heart. My main focus for many years was to learn the manipulation of metals. Then I was distracted by fiber, and what an amazing journey that was. I’m focusing on jewelry again. Now, this doesn’t mean that I won’t be spinning, I’ll be doing both! Here is an image of the type of design I’m working on. More to come!

I hope to see you at this year’s No Coast Craft O Rama. If you haven’t been, you’ve been missing out!

  The Spring 2009 Spin Off issue is out! I am happy to announce that I have a sample of my knitting in this issue on page 88. There is an article of the Maine Morning Mitts knit with handspun and they choose mine for the gallery. Spin Off magazine has been my favorite fiber magazine for years, I am very proud to be part of it. I also did a shop update! 

I was recently in Tuscon, Arizona attending the Gem and Mineral Show for work. On one of the last days I headed to Rio Grande’s Catalog in Motion. As I entered the hallway to the main convention area I saw this! It’s me on the left with one of my favorite jewelry teachers from my days at Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts 8 years ago. Of course I had to take a picture of the picture of myself.

In Knitting News:

I am heading to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival with my knitting Buddies! Also going to Meg Swansen’s Knitting Camp in July!

In Yarn Business News:

Aisha Celia Designs will be selling kettle dyed worsted weight.

One of my favorite weekends of the year is just around the corner! Come and check out all of my new yarn, you’ll find the perfect gift for a friend or yourself. 

I have been keeping very busy! Between my day job, the yarn business, teaching and my many volunteer gigs I have been spinning like a top. Here is a photo from my trip to The Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival last month. More stories and pictures soon! 

Where do I even begin? Going to knitting camp with my friend Gretchen was fantastic! For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about here’s a little background. Knitting Camp was started by Elizabeth Zimmerman thirty-five years ago. Knitters come from all over the world for a long weekend in central Wisconsin to learn more about knitting. Elizabeth Zimmerman passed away in 1999 and her daughter Meg took over the camp. I am so happy I had the chance to have this wonderful experience and look forward to going again.

The photos below are of the sweater table at camp. This HUGE table has most of Elizabeth and Meg’s sweaters, shawls and hats. Also the sweaters and hats from Joyce Williams book Armenian Knitting. Being able to touch them and see closely how they were constructed is very helpful when thinking about your own knitting.