It’s fall again in Cordova, and we all know what that entails: shorter days, colder temperatures, and beautiful fall foliage. The rich green of summer has been replaced by yellowing leaves, which look striking against our newly snowcapped mountains. Fall comes and goes quickly here, and with fresh snow already on the mountains we acknowledge the need to fully celebrate fall, as it will be gone all too soon. The seasons are one of the few things in life we can depend on, and yet, while we already expect fall to come after summer and winter to follow quickly, it amazes me how new every season feels. As nature depends on change we are reminded of fresh starts and new possibilities. It also reminds us that life is lived in seasons, in that there will be a time for work and a time for rest. Rest, isn’t just a luxury, but a fundamental part of our being.
And it has been a well needed rest, for here at the Net Loft, summer brought a whole new level of busy-ness as we hosted our first Net Loft Fiber and Friends event. This was a weeklong program with world renown knitting instructors including: Bonne Marie Burns, Alana Dakos, Donna Druchunas, Gudrun Johnston, Mary Jane Mucklestone, Celia Quinn and many more excellent teachers such as our local talents, Michelle Ess, Barb Hanson, Christa Hoover, Alyssa Kleissler, Gail Nowicki, Frances Samuelson, Terri Stavig, as well as previous Cordovan, Bonnie Morris Phillips and her dear friend Lori Goldman . The week consisted of more than just classes, and included an adventure day, with activities for our guests to explore and enjoy the beauty of Cordova. It was a wonderful event with more than a hundred people participating from all over Alaska and many from other parts of the United States as well, and an international traveler from Norway. It was a great learning experience and opportunity to make new friends while gaining new skills. Thanks to all who helped make it a reality. I will have to memory blog on that soon, (as well as on my recent trip to the Shetland Islands). Here is a photo of our local group of Anchor Yarn Bombers that kicked off the event.
With our summer over, the Net Loft has settled back into it’s regular pace. Here at the shop, we know that fall isn’t just the season of pumpkins and colorful leaves, but more importantly, it is the perfect season for crafting. As the chilly weather brings people inside, it’s the perfect time to work on fall crafts, and spend these slower months with friends and family. The Net Loft is offering Autumn Workshops to get you started and inspired. The classes include: spinning, weaving, knitting.and crafting, and are a great way to get some gifts made for the upcoming holiday season.
Register at the Net Loft for these upcoming classes!
Knit Wristers with Valerie Covel: November 3rd, 10th 7-9 PM
Cost: $20, includes pattern and materials
Friday Night Crafting with Anna Hernandez
First Friday of the Month: November 7th 7-9 PM
Craft: Paper Stars
Cost: $10, includes workshop and materials
Rigid Heddle Weaving with Dotty Widmann: November 17 10 am - 2 pm
Weave a boucle scarf in class session and weave another at home. Class uses handdyed mohair wool boucle in your choice of color.
Cost: $25 plus materials includes use of loom for 5 days.
Gift Knitting with Val Covel and Dotty Widmann: November 17 7-10 pm
We will be knitting a small set of mittens that can be used for an ornament or for the start of a mitten advent calendar. Class includes yarn for knitted miniature mittens AND students will receive a notebook of several patterns perfect for knitgifting. Samples will be on display of potential quick projects. All students will receive 10% off yarns needed for any of the projects in the notebook.
Cost: $25. Students will need to bring needles. Needle size tba
We hope you are enjoying these cozy fall days, and taking time to craft. Let us know if we can help in any way.
Happy Autumn!
Thanks to Megan Butler for help writing our blog and for getting us back in the swing!