Category: Farmers’ Market Update

Taking Leave

Photo of daffodils & study tools
Restful Study Flowers

It’s official.
For the 2012 season – this summer market season –  I’m off.
My market experience will be as a customer this year.

Technically, I’m on sabbatical – with a booth space reserved for 2013.  And (no surprise) the current relationship I have with Webster’s Dictionary compelled me to look that word up.

Webster tells me sabbatical is an extended leave – for “rest or study”.
I intend to do both.

Rug making, rep weave, and  log cabin designs have my attention at the moment.

Several new-to-me yarns from Henry’s Attic are making their way into project plans.

Ashland Bay has new fiber I’m eager to spin and weave – especially the new colors in their merino-silk blend  –  likely additions to my line of shawls and scarves.

And with warmer weather on the way I’ll be moving outside with dyes: trying out a few new techniques and applications;  fine tuning some of the color combinations I like best; and practicing on my handwoven fabric.

At the same time I’m continuing to review, renew, re-write, re-weave, and re-work several Rigid Heddle projects – hoping to give students in my Beginning Weaving class some additional choices and offer some of these new projects to a larger audience of RH weavers.

I’m also trying to develop a better working knowledge of how to use and maintain a website/blog.

As for vending at the Burlington Farmer’s Market, it means I’m not.
Not this summer.
And not having to wake up at 4:15 Saturday mornings?  That’s part of the “rest”.

This summer I’m looking forward to shopping there.
More than a quick dash away from my booth.
An actual jaunt.
Maybe even a saunter.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the new ‘footprint’ of the market works for both customers and sellers.  This larger space includes a section of St. Paul St.-  closed to traffic – with vendors lining both sides of the street.

More space means more vendors – 90 this year!   Vermonters selling what they grow and make – fresh produce, meats, cheeses, beverages, prepared foods and handmade crafts.  The market keeps growing – changing, improving and expanding – bringing more good things into the mix.

Better and better.  Every day  in every way.

And that sentiment is guiding my choice as I take my leave this year.
It’s time for me to look forward and include more good things in my spinning, weaving and dyeing – things I can share with an incredible group of individuals who enjoy, encourage and support the work.

I appreciate the opportunity.
And promise to post my progress.

Joanne's blog signature, Pine Ledge Fiber Studio

Yes – to Market Tomorrow

But who knows after that?

October can be a wicked month – like April can be cruel.

A few years ago, we had a significant snowfall around this time – enough to close the Notch early.  (Several YouTube videos show people driving this tricky, twisted mountain road, – take your pick, but I like this one).

The Fall Foliage ‘peak’ is later than usual this year – good news for everyone able to take advantage of the sunshine and warm weather we’ll have for the next several days.

And that makes it sound like this week-end we’re in for a treat – even if our fingers need mittens in the mornings as we scrape frost off the windshield.

So come to the Burlington Farmers’ Market tomorrow (or visit the farmers’ market nearest you).  Enjoy these beautiful fall days and support the people who grow your food.

I intend to scoot out of my booth long enough to do a bit of pre-holiday shopping – stocking up on some of the things that make great additions to a ‘Made in Vermont’ gift basket.

Since the weather forecast I’ve seen only extends to next Wednesday – who knows – by next weekend there could be snow.

Joanne's blog signature, Pine Ledge Fiber Studio

P.S. I promised several customers that I would post my intentions each week (to let them know whether or not I would be at Farmer’s Market).  It’s been a good practice – helping me get into the habit of writing something – anything, on a regular schedule.  But now that the season is winding down, my focus will be on actual spinning, weaving and dyeing – rather than me obsessing about the weather.  First up will be some posts about weaving with handspun yarn.