Mikknit

One of the things I love about spinning and knitting is that it’s brought me into contact with a group of people who I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. Up until I learned to knit and spin, I didn’t really have any friends here - the friends I had were either people I knew from high school (who lived far away) and friends who were my husband’s friends in college. I’ve always been socially inept - I think it comes from my preference to keep my nose buried in a book rather than working to make friends. Plus I was in the smart group and the orchestra in high schoool - two things that didn’t help much with social standing and building social skills.

When I picked up spinning and knitting, I started hanging around yarn shops and joined the Weaver’s Guild of Minnesota, where I met several people through the beginning spinning class I took and the monthly spinning group. I went to the spinning group last night for the first time in probably two years or more and it was like I had been going every month without a break - very comfortable and welcoming.

I got to talk to the women who taught the natural dyeing class I took, the woman who was inspired to take up spinning after watching me demonstrate at the State Fair, women I’d gotten to know at past spinning group meetings, and a couple new friends. I left the Textile Center relaxed, happy, and refreshed last night and despite a late bedtime and an early wake-up call I am in a pleasant mood and ready for the day. More proof that a regular evening out is necessary for my sanity! Coffee would help, though. Guess I should go make some.

I’ve chosen the prize yarn! I’ll get pictures of it up a little later - I still have to go dig one of the skeins out of my stash. Make sure you leave a comment here and share your favorite fiber experience with me before 5PM tomorrow evening!