We continue with more news and good things from Washington Island and Sievers. For some of the best nature photos, we like the Washington Island Art and Nature Center Facebook page which is sharing the birds, scenes and sounds of the moment. One of the events in May that will be on pause until next year is the W.I. Birding Festival. Lucky for us, the birds are still coming!
A happy surprise greets drivers on West Harbor Road where about a dozen of these simple and meaningful signs along the roadside give a dose of good cheer.
Last time we shared lodging news along with a taste of what restaurants are offering. Now we’ll look at shops (as listed by the W.I. Chamber of Commerce). New as of late-June 2019 is Island Time Essentials featuring handmade bath, beauty and home products, essential oils, gifts, antiques and handcrafted greeting cards.
A number of the Island’s retail shops do have online stores. One with a brand new website including not only books, but many Fair Trade items is Fair Isle Books. Their next door neighbor, the Red Cup Coffee House offers apparel, jewelry and other special items, plus coffee by the pound from their artful posts on Instagram and Facebook. On Mann’s Mercantile online shop, you’ll find all colors, styles and sizes of Washington Island-themed wearables along with a variety of gifts.
Since the beginning of May, the winter coverings have come off the lavender plants at Fragrant Isle. Their virtual shop carries a wide array of Washington Island-based lavender products with their signature brand.
Similarly, Island Lavender Farm & Market carries a broad selection of quality lavender bath, body, edibles and home goods through its site.
After 60 years of family ownership, Gunnerson’s Kaupstadur, the gift shop just off the ferry landing with Scandinavian specialties, closed at the end of October 2019.
In other Washington Island news, since mid-March, quite a number of Island sewists have been making masks for friends and loved ones and as giveaways at Mann’s Store. We’ve heard from one maker that she personally has sewn more than 1,200 masks!
Speaking of makers and sewing, join Mary Sue Fenner for a free, virtual chat about her life as an artist, a sneak peek into her studio and tips and tricks about how she makes clothing (and what she is currently working on) for Jackets and More!, a lunchtime chat to be held Friday, May 15 at 12:00 pm CDT. The Zoom link is here.
We mentioned in a previous newsletter that the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts in Cedarburg, WI plans to host an exhibit, Doreen Speckmann Remembered, celebrating the life and quilts of Doreen Speckmann this November. Ann recently re-discovered a number of pieces of Doreen-designed “Provence!” and “Provence II” fabric. Sievers is offering these in 1-yard cuts. In addition, there are border fabrics in 3-yard cuts. All are 44″ wide, except for the “Provence II” border fabric, which is 42″. Note: We only have a quantity of one of each fabric shown, except for the “Provence II” border fabric where we have two. The price is $10.50 per yard including shipping (plus 5 1/2 sales tax if you are in WI). If you’re able to pick it up in person or ask us to hold it for a future visit, the price per yard is $8.00. The choices include:
Zinnia Party 
Baby Blooms 
Little Flowers
Fleur 
Tiny Tulips (Provence!) 
Paisley (Provence!)
Blooming Trio 
Leafy Lattice 
Woven Vines
Tiny Tulips (Provence II) 
Paisley (Provence II)
Provence! Border Prints 
Provence II Border Print
If you would like to order, please use our Contact page where you can safely include your name, address and credit card information. Or call us at 920-847-2264. Please list the name of the fabric and the color. We can add a Sievers 2021 calendar, too, for $5 (includes tax and shipping)!
In the spirit of travel, we leave you with these Washington Island views.
I remember cutting “fat quarters “ of that fabric. I never knew what a fat quarter was till I worked in the shop for my most Wonder Summer internship in 2002. Seem just like yesterday.
Hi Ann,Great to hear from you again! Yes, those classics are back in circulation and one of the more frequent questions we get from shoppers is “What is a fat quarter?”
Thanks and take care,CarolynÂ
Wow, nice find Ann. Looks like you hit the jackpot. Beautiful fabrics and such vivid colors.
They are definitely brightening up the Sievers office!
Thanks for the beautiful photos and update on the island. I love the fabrics shown! I recently ordered books from Fair Isle Books and they arrived yesterday. I was surprised that they came so fast. I miss the businesses on the Island but hope to make it over there sometime this year . . . . I love it on Washington Island. 🙂 Stay healthy.
Thanks, Renee! How nice to know you ordered books from Fair Isle Books. Deb’s new website is lovely. We hope it works out for an Island visit. It will be great to see you! Take care, Carolyn