Twisp of Fate

First, a “shopcam” update.  Rick built this beautiful walnut table for some neighbors.  He got the matched boards from a friend in the valley who has had them for a long time and was threatening to cut them up for the stack laminate, sculptural work he does.  Rick rescued them from this fate and replaced them with some “regular” walnut that will do just fine for our friend.

We were in Seattle for 4 nights, three weeks ago, for many reasons including my participation in the Seattle Weavers’ Guild annual sale up at St Marks Cathedral.  It always amazes me how quickly they put it all together, and how much work is on display in the room.  I sold all 7 of the dishtowels I brought, plus 2 scarves, and had a good time just hanging out and socializing with the other weavers.

hundreds of towels on display

one of the four “scarf tables” arranged by color

We also had good visits with Rick’s mom and sister, and got together with several friends for dinner and/or visits over the course of the long weekend.  On the way out of town on a Monday morning, we picked up a U-Haul trailer for a one-way trip from Seattle to Twisp, so that Rick could pick up some wood at Specialty Forest Products in Algona-Pacific (Kent Valley south of Seattle).  He got a fabulous deal on a big pile of cherry rippings, among other things.  These are cut-offs from lumber when a customer order wood cut to a specific dimension.  The pile turned out to be even bigger than he expected, and many pieces were 12-14 ft long but had to fit into a 10-ft trailer.  So he spent many hours at their cutoff saw getting it all to fit.

Rick and the big pile of wood

The following weekend found me out in Port Townsend for my annual knitting retreat, an event I have been attending for over 25 years.  It was great to see my Seattle friends, as well as some folks from all over that I only see there once a year.  The weather was warm and dry (enough) for long walks to the beach or into town.  I sold 6 more of my scarves, plus a blanket and some “pre-owned” sweaters.  Picked up some great bargains, mostly for use in weaving, at the stash-reduction sale that has become a treasured part of this event.

Two of my friends had ordered Hansencrafts miniSpinners so I went along for the ride to pick one of them up at the Hansen’s new manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Port Townsend.  When I picked mine up 2 years ago, they were still operating out of a side room in their home.  This new building takes it to a whole new level – they are obviously enjoying a great deal of success!  Much of the operation involves computer operated machinery and their dust collection systems are fabulous – the place was incredibly clean for a woodworking shop.

computer operated routing table for end pieces

drill station with jigs

computer operated lathe

finished e-spinners waiting for a happy buyer

with my buddies at the Hansencrafts manufacturing site

By the way, I just love my miniSpinner and use it for almost all my spinning these days.  I picked up a third Wooly Winder bobbin during the visit, and a cleaning kit.  Got a lecture on not cleaning or oiling my spinner for the last 2 years (oops! sheepish grin…) so now I will be sure to take care of it a little better.