This & That

I receive a number of enewsletters, and one which arrived recently in my inbox was from Breanish Tweed, http://www.breanishtweed.co.uk/, the small mill in the countryside of the Hebridean island of Lewis. Their fabrics differ from the more typical Harris tweed fabrics, as they use a finer-weight wool and frequently mix it with silk and cashmere yarns. (I learned about the mill in the British magazine, Country Living, before one of our first tours to Lewis. The article was about the founder of the company, Ian Sutherland and the distinctive fabrics he created in the small weaving shed behind his home. Ian was very gracious and welcomed us for a visit.) The company was sold several years ago to a family of weavers in another part of Lewis. It's always a treat to visit them and their site, located with sweeping views of the hills and the sea.

Earlier this month, I also received the latest bulletin of the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers. This issue included a number of photos of our visit this past July. A treat to relive this memorable afternoon and the warm welcome extended by members of the guild.

Also, a mailing from Shetland tourism. Have a look at www.SHETLAND.org to learn more about in this special part of the world.

Now that I'm not as busy, I'm determined to learn to use the Ravelry site. Frequently at the Ottawa guild meetings, during the 'show and tell' portion, people will say that they found a pattern on Ravelry or had a design which was featured on Ravelry. The whole size and intricacy of the site has daunted me in the past, but will apply myself to learning how to use it. I feel more than a little stupid that it doesn't seem so bewildering to so many people.