The first class, many first-time weavers, a new instructor and for the first time, using the 8-shaft Baby Wolf Schacht looms in a Beginning Weaving class at Sievers were a lot of “first’s and new’s” to start our season.
Besides the first project of a scarf or table runner, students finished a three-piece color gamp. Quite a lot of weaving these happy students were able to go home with! Susan Frame, the instructor, is familiar with using the 8-harness looms for beginners when teaching at The Fiber Garden so we followed suit and, as we anticipated, it all worked beautifully.
One of the students attending the class had bought a Sievers loom in 1981 from Walter Schutz (we still have a record of the purchase) and had woven on it only a few times since then. She became reacquainted with its’ workings by weaving her second project on one in the studio.
We have some other “first’s and new’s” to share. We are happy to introduce Kirsten Foss to you as one of the friendly faces you will see at Sievers. Kirsten at one time owned the Vagabond gift shop, now Fiddler’s Green. She has been a Sievers in Winter student and one of her many interests is knitting. Welcome, Kirsten!
Each year we also try and update you on new Island businesses or happenings. Much is the same as it has been in other years, with some changes. Hotel Washington now serves lunch on Saturday and Sunday and small plates on Monday and Tuesday. Reservations are recommended. Fragrant Isle offers lunch everyday, as a box lunch to go or to enjoy outdoors under the awning. Occasional special dinners are planned for later in the summer. If you enjoyed the Almond Bars at the Danish Mill, the folks at Susie’s Sweets on Main Road have received permission from the Nikolai family to use their recipe and sell them in their sweet shop. There is a new art gallery located in the two-story Den Norske Grenda Stabbur at Mann’s Mercantile featuring woodcarving and paintings. New as well on Main Road is Trillium Spa, offering massage therapy by appointment. Lots of music at Fiddler’s Green through the summer, a special dollar-for-dollar matching challenge for each the Trueblood Performing Arts Center and Rec Center to double their revenues in 2018 and so much more! Every location, business or otherwise has it’s own new story to tell in 2018.
We hope for many pleasant “first’s and new’s” for you, too!
Just love hearing about what is going on in the classes and on the Island in general. Thanks for your updates. Sounds like Sievers is ready for a wonderful season.
Thanks, Linda! When I started writing about new things on the Island, I didn’t realize how much there actually was. Probably more, too, that we don’t even know about yet. Take care…we miss you!
Miss coming to the island. Love hearing what is happening. Family keeps us busy for the time being. My mom moved up from MO this past year. She is 88 and lives by herself. My father-in-law,94, also lives by himself. They just need traveling help. Our 2 young grand sons ( 7 & 10) keep us busy so our daughter doesn’t need child care. We enjoy every minute with all of them. Thanks again for all the news.
Thank you, Judy. Your busy, happy family life sounds great! I’m glad we can stay in touch this way. Take care, Carolyn
The table runners and scarves are beautiful! Thank you for the updates on what’s new on the island. See you in August!
What a fun week that will be, too! See you then.
Are Kirsten and Carolyn related. I need a Washington Island ancestry tree!!! Can’t wait to see you all later this year.
Yes, Kirsten is one of my sister-in-laws. That would be one big tree, by the way!
Love the news, Carolyn! Can’t wait to take our classes. Question for you, did the Danish Mill burn down? Heard this news from an unknown source and we were shocked. If so, are they going to rebuild?
Hi Karen, we’re looking forward to seeing you! Yes, last August, the Danish Mill had a devastating fire and the building was not able to be saved. Luckily, no one was hurt. The fire was noticed about 4am. They have decided not to re-build, for a number of reasons. The building was removed and the piece of land it was on has recently been sold. You will see members of the Nikolai family now working in other locations. One big part of their summer is operating the Sailor’s Pub restaurant, down by the Shipyard Island Marina.
It’s great news from the island happenings. Can’t wait for my time there.
We can’t either, Annie…each day brings us closer!