Tumbleweed Yarn decided to use wildflowers as inspiration for our new colorways and Kitman’s summer MKAL. In October of last year my husband and I bought a house just outside of Galveston, TX. We currently live in Fort Worth, TX and we have plans to move to this new house in 3 years after he retires. Currently the house is undergoing some renovations, and I have been overseeing the work long distance. This is something I do not advise doing. Fort Worth is in north Texas and Galveston is in south Texas. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. I have been making this drive almost once a week now since the renovations began. Wheeeeeee! Although I do like road trips, taking this long drive solo has been trying. Until…the wildflowers. In the springtime our Texas highways are covered with delicate blankets of vibrant color. Almost every household in Texas has a portrait hanging on their wall of the family nestled in a field of bluebonnets.

And for someone who loves color, this has been a welcomed change in the scenery. The 3 flowers we chose to be inspired by are the bluebonnet (which is the state flower of Texas), the indian blanket, and the thistle.

Kitman’s shawl MKAL is also inspired by the wildflower. I have seen the completed shawl and it is BEAUTIFUL! Those of you who are already signed up to knit it will not be disappointed. It is probably my favorite shawl of hers to date. And if you are not signed up for the MKAL please visit Kitman’s Ravelry site and look at her other designs and get the details for this knit-along. It might help you to decide to come on board with this one.

I’m pretty good at a lot of different things, such as never having sour milk in my refrigerator. Just approaching the expiration date within a couple of days causes me distress so that I either guzzle down the remains or with much guilt pour it down the drain. The thought of opening a carton and getting a whiff of the curdled remains of outdated milk turns my stomach and causes my compulsive behavior. Another example of something I’m gifted at is reminding my husband that the sweet puppy he brought home with him at the beginning of the year (without asking me, mind you) is his responsibility not mine…”So go pick up that poop!”

And there are some things that I’m not so good at and blogging would be one of them. I’ve been remiss the last few months in writing about the happenings at Tumbleweed Yarn and my journey of becoming a better knitter.  One of the most exciting things that we did recently was participate in the DFW Fiber Fest.

Back in November 2013 we had our first vendor experience when we had a booth at the Etsy Craft Fair. That was a success for us but nothing like we had at the Fiber Fest. We met so many people who were so wonderful. Creative people who love yarn and all things fiber! And Kitman was fortunate to meet people who have knitted her designs. She was so honored when one of her admirers asked for an autograph on a pattern she had designed. She is a rock star! 

  Several opportunities to promote our business were presented to us at the Fiber Fest. Kitman and I were invited by Carmen Jones to be interviewed on her podcast, Tapgurl Knits. There are podcast about knitting! And Carmen is adorable. You should give her a listen. She knows knitting and has personality plus. Kitman and I can’t imagine being on a podcast. I’m a behind-the-scenes kind of gal and Kitman worries about English being her second language, or third or fourth. She is multilingual! She speaks English better then most of us natives.

Our booth neighbors, The Shepherd’s Wool and Antiques, out of Wichita Falls, TX introduced me to the world of rug hooking. I have another craft to spend money on! Ack! The owner Susan Myers is a wonderful person and has some beautiful items in her shop. Facebook her if you are interested in hooking rugs. The wool fabrics she offers are glorious.

So this was a highlight of the last few months. I’m determined to do better at chronicling our adventures. Maybe if I imagine my blog having an expiration date with dire, sour consequences I would do better…