Years ago, we submitted regular articles to the Washington Island Observer newspaper using this same headline. Topics ranged from Sievers enrollment, current hours, featured classes, the introduction of our new Facebook page (from a January 21, 2010 article), Sievers anniversary events as well as the notice of a new feature to our website, an online newsletter, which would be added in March 2008. Here we are, sending another blog post thirteen years later. How could the time go by so quickly?
One newsworthy item that occurred on March 12 was a major upgrade to our Sievers Benchwork website by replacing the 2002 version with a entirely new look thanks to 3W Media Co. It is much more streamlined and user-friendly, both for the customer and for us. Sievers Benchwork supplies modular, open-grid sections along with leg units, angles and more to model railroad hobbyists. We have been making and selling benchwork since 1979, the same year Sievers School was established. This product was originated by Walter Schutz and his sons, who were interested in model railroading. Back in 1952, Walter wrote an article about building benchwork in Model Railroader Magazine, so the idea was planted early on. Butch has been the main carpenter from the beginning and Barb Cornell has worked alongside him for many years. We ship orders almost daily with the busiest months generally being October through April, which dovetails well with our summer Sievers School and shop schedules.
In other happenings, we’ve been ordering and have started to receive new items for the shop starting with these books by and from Kate Davies Designs.
Warm Hands & Ten Years in the Making $29.95 each 
Shetland Oo-$24.95, Knitting Season-$29.95
Helpful and stylish knitting notions have arrived, too!
Themed stitch markers, earrings, tins 
Gauge cloth, stitch markers and stoppers
Round or Removable Stitch Markers (could be used as charms) – Flamingo, Evergreen, Cherries or High-top – $4.50 each, Yarn Ball Earrings – $14.00, Flamingo Tins – $10.00.
Cocoknits “Check” Your Gauge Cloth – $18.00, Choice of three shaped colorful Stitch Markers – $8.95 each, Neutral Stitch Stoppers – $11.95
We also have these new-to-us easy to intermediate needle felting kits. The intermediate kits are not necessarily more difficult, they just have more steps and take a bit more time. Fleece, instructions and two felting needles are included in each kit and they are listed as appropriate for age 8 and up. Other styles on hand include Kitties, Puppies and a Snowman. The Flamingo and Bluebird pin kits are $12.50 and the others sell for $20.00. If you do not have a piece of felting foam, we have three sizes, 4×4-$4.00, 6×6-$5.50 and 8×8-$8.50.
Needle Felting Kits! 
More styles!
If you are interested in ordering any of these items, please use our Contact page or call us at 920-847-2264. Shipping and sales tax (for Wisconsin residents) would be added to the order total.
We understand that a new Shetland Wool Week pattern will be released in early April, designed by Wilma Malcolmson, the same knitter who gave us the very popular Katie’s Kep. We’ll share it and some curated colorways when it is available.
Most of the winter views are melting away with the extra sunshine. These icy ones remain.
Even in the quiet months, there’s always something happening at Sievers!
I can’t wait to get there!
Every day brings us one step closer! We’re looking forward to seeing you!
A bit early to open the cabin, but we are ready to start shopping and seeing friends!
Hi Peg, Yes, with snow falling this morning, it is a bit early. It will be good to see you again!
Washington Island is Heaven on Earth. I hope to be lucky enough to attend a class at Sievers School someday.
Thank you, Cathy, for that nice comment about Washington Island. We agree! We hope to see you in class someday.