Spinning Dreams, Knitting Hearts Together

I took my three Little Women
and set off to visit a dear friend, Adele,
for an afternoon of spinning, knitting, and friendly conversation.


Upon entering the welcoming home,
we saw the star of the show . . .


But before lessons began
we enjoyed perusing a collection of
Ukrainian and Russian heirlooms
received from family and friends.


We ventured into her textile studio and admired
her latest quilt creation in progress
made for orphans in Ukraine.


The loom in the center of the room caught everyone's attention
with it's simple beauty and intricate mechanics.


A pattern book holds the key


To weaving gorgeous fabrics like this Ukrainian Rose pattern.


We returned to the living room
and the wool rolled out to welcome these eager pupils.



The softness of the wool


Combined with the skill of a retired Home Economics teacher,
who bought her first wheel in 1975,
produced marvelous results.

First up . . . Rachel


Who showed a natural flair.


Lydia began her knitting lesson
while Rachel practiced spinning.


Next Elizabeth began spinning


While Rachel took up her knitting needles for lesson time.


Eventually Lydia switched to the wheel,
though she said she found knitting much more to her liking.

She, too, found her groove and spun some wool,


While Elizabeth launched into knitting.


All too soon our time together ended,
but Adele surprised us greatly
by sending her "spare" wheel home with us
for some practice time.


Smiles graced all faces
as we loaded the wheel into the car
and sped off for home
with a date to get together again next week
for another delightful afternoon of
spinning and smiling and sharing.