The extra daylight, the seesaw temperatures, plus the many returning and new Sievers students already registered for classes are sure indications of the changeover from winter to spring.
These whitetail deer now have greener grazing ground and although we haven’t seen or heard any Sandhill Cranes or Red-winged Blackbirds yet, they’ll soon arrive.
One winter activity, taking place on some of the coldest and snowiest days in February, was the Washington Island Quilts of Valor group working in teams in the Sophie Studio on several quilt tops. Those are sent to a longarm quilter and returned to the group for their final finishes. The quilts are then awarded to veterans. Ellen Graf helps coordinate this event and chooses the pattern the teams will work on. These QoV efforts are supported by a number of Island organizations and individuals.
With the transition from winter to spring, wind storms move the ice in and around the bay of Green Bay, forming cracks and ice shoves (as seen here at People’s Park). Recently, a good amount of rain fell on the frozen ground and ice ponds formed in fields, ditches and low spots, including my yard. I’ve considered establishing an ice-out contest for my picnic table! You might be thinking “March is no picnic”…we may tend to agree.
Winter is always a good time to delve into some Sievers history. After sending out the latest “Sievergram” (a communication between the office and current Sievers instructors), I looked back to the original one sent by Walter Schutz on August 28, 1982, titled “Sievers Up-to-the-Minute”. In it he wrote, “…the school is taking on the aspect of a serious enterprise due to the valuable instruction you offer your students. The School is nothing without students and you, the teacher. Outside of that it is nothing but a group of nice buildings – what goes on inside is all you!” And on January 6, 1983, Walter wrote, “The Surprise is Bigger Each Year! When Mary Sue Fenner and I sat in the living room here among the lath and plaster when the building was being readied we made our first plans, I had no idea we would advance so rapidly and come so far in such a short time…I can’t believe what has taken place. Much of this is the result of your work and enthusiasm and you get a great deal of credit for it.”
This was after just the fourth year of Sievers classes and here we are, about to begin year 47. Those words remain true as ever!
Today’s view over Detroit Harbor will soon change, reflecting less winter and more spring!
The best classes I have taken have been at Sievers. Congrats on season 47! You all do a great job-administrators and teachers!
Thank you, Janet! There was another statement of Walter Schutz’s in those old Sievergrams. He said it wasn’t about the quantity, but instead the quality. We continue to focus on that! We hope to see you again in class sometime! Carolyn
I think every season on the island is magical. I love the island and I love Sievers!
How nice of you to say, Mary! With upcoming days of warm sunshine and the maple sap running, we’re enjoying the changeover from winter to spring. By the way, we picked up the 2025 Destination Door County printed book and the photo of you which I took in Susan Frame’s Beginning Weaving class a few years ago is included in an article about Door County’s art scene. A nice surprise! Take care, Carolyn
Always appreciate your updates Carolyn!
Thanks, Kathe! It had been a while since the last post. Just hunkering down through the winter, I guess! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures next time we see you! Hugs, Carolyn
Oh my, 47 years. When I close my eyes…I can see Doreen, Gisela and myself sitting in Walter’s living discussing year two. So exciting. I am glad all of you have continued the Sievers traditions. Thank you. Hugs to you all. Char
My, doesn’t time fly? There’s hardly a day that goes back that doesn’t hark back to something Walter-related. What a legacy he created! We’re so glad you were there at the beginning, creating the foundation that still stands. You’ve helped make a lot of people happy! Love from all of us, Carolyn
Seivers was my salvation for so many years when we lived on the Island.
You continue to hold a big spot in my heart for all of you and your teachers.
I love visiting you and your lovely shop each summer when we vacation there.
Congratulations on 47 amazing years.
Thank you to each and every one of you!
Dee
Thanks, Dee! You’re another “Sievers Achiever”, for learning, for sharing and for teaching! Learning to knit in your class has given me a lifetime of enjoyment. Thanks for being a great friend and it will be great to see you again and catch up with what you’ve been working on! Love, Carolyn