A Happy Fiber Thanksgiving

Maureen here.

Time to give thanks. Because this is allegedly a fiber blog, I want to give thanks in that context.

Thanks to the angora goats for giving us mohair. Leslie and I have both been working with Lion Brand Moonlight Mohair lately and loving it. (And thanks to the Northeast Angora Goat Breeders Association for the photo at right.)

Thanks to Ocean State Job Lots for selling Moonlight Mohair that normally sells for $8 a skein for $2. That allowed me to make myself a beautiful shawl for $24. (Local readers - don't bother rushing off to the Danvers store after reading this. I bought their last 6 skeins on Monday. Mwa-hahahaha.)

Thanks to Leslie for introducing me to the Essex County Needlecraft Guild. This group of talented women never cease to amaze me with the beautiful objects they bring to the monthly show and tell. They are so modest their descriptions usually start with, "Oh, that's just a simple..." I can't wait until the December meeting; it's the Christmas potluck lunch. Trust me, you don't eat for DAYS afterward. You just sip green tea and smile.

Thanks to Elizabeth Reed for teaching me this year about wet felting in her washing machine. She has no idea what a monster she unleashed.

Thanks to all those Canadian sheep who gave their wool for Patons Classic Merino, my current favorite for felting. It comes in lovely colors, crochets easily with no splitting, and felts consistently.

Thanks to Helen at Helen Parker Textiles (67 Broadway, Rockport - stop in and say hi!) for allowing me to continue felting in her professional washie AND for selling my crocheted and felted bags there. While I'm at it, thanks to Helen and Frank for being good friends and for having me over to watch Game 7 of the ALCS and Game 4 of the World Series. Happy nights for Red Sox fans (And aren't we all grateful that Jon Lester recovered from cancer to pitch and win the clinching game of the 2007 WS?).

Thanks to Grace Murray for being a great role model. Grace is of a certain age (she and Dave celebrate their 60th wedding aniversary today) and knits like a dream. She is also still willing to learn new skills and was in the lace knitting workshop with me at the ECNG last week. Grace, I want to be you when I grow up.

PS. Remember Odessa from previous posts? Thanks to the Great Huntress for catching the mouse the other night.