We will be waiting for you

Those words were used 40 years ago by Walter Schutz in the first Sievers School class brochure and for many years that followed. They’re still true today!

As one way to mark our 40th anniversary year, we’ll occasionally share some of the “Sievers Stories” collected last year from students. In one, Kathy B. wrote, “I came for my first class in 1989 and took beginning spinning followed by intermediate spinning. When I think back, that was really ambitious for someone who had never touched a spinning wheel. I spent every spare minute in the studio and had so much fun. I even woke up in the middle of the night to find my foot still moving the treadle. I ended up buying the spinning wheel and have been back for all kinds of classes. Sievers is my vacation, a chance to try new things and spend time with people who share the same interests.”   

These thoughts were mirrored in Sievers class brochures from the very beginning, “So come, enjoy, relax, learn…make new friends…an ideal place so the spinner, weaver or textile artist who has been hiding in you…can learn with others (and) surprise not only you, but also your friends.” Walter Schutz also featured the quality of the instruction , the warmth of the teachers and the “rustic, remote atmosphere of Washington Island – so far beyond the tension line” creating “the most delightful conditions you could imagine”. He knew then as we do now that Washington Island is a tremendous part of the Sievers experience.

And on Washington Island, every day has something new catching our eye. Trillium have started to bloom and the tiniest of leaves are just showing on the trees.

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Water levels are high and it’s very noticeable on the shorelines. Beaches have less beach and many docks are at or under the water level, especially when the wind pushes the water in.

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There is other water-related news to share from the Washington Island Ferry Line. They have announced plans to build a new ferry, the Madonna. The work will be done in Sturgeon Bay and delivery of what will be the largest boat in their fleet is expected in May of 2020. You can read more about the new ferry and her namesake on the Ferry Cabin News.

On your way to the ferry, particularly in May, June, September and October, please be aware of road construction along Highway 42 between Ephraim/Fish Creek and Sister Bay. For information on closures and dates, click here. You can generally make better time traveling north on Highway 57 as you leave Sturgeon Bay.

We will be waiting for you to see what you create at Sievers this year!