Where In The World is Daryl?

I’m here, in North Carolina, up in the mountains in Asheville.  I’m teaching a three day garment construction workshop at the Haywood Community College, in Clyde NC.  Can I say I am so jealous and wish we had this program near us?  Amy Putansu took over this amazing program from Catherine Ellis a couple of years ago, and this is my first visit to this wonderful fiber studio, brimming with looms, yarn and energetic students of all ages.  I have eleven students in my three day class, and I’m enjoying everyone of them, each has something to bring to the table, they are quick and efficient, and all of them competent sewers.

I’m staying with Karen Donde, who I’ve known for a long time, a southern NJ transplant, now enjoying the creative energy of the arts community in Asheville, Karen is a frequent contributor to Handwoven Magazine, and has opened a studio with Barb Butler, called the Sutherland Handweaving Studio, where they sell looms, handwoven scarves and accessories, and give classes in weaving.  Last night the Downtown arts district had their fall open house, and I set up shop so to speak, selling my books, a sort of book signing, and enjoyed free flowing wine and the opportunity to just sit and spin on my little drop spindle, always handy since I’m never without my Happy Bag.  There was a display featuring the donations for the raffle to raise money for prizes at the Blue Ridge Fiber Show 2010, I will be judging the handweaving component on Tuesday, the teal pieced tote on the right is my donation.  The handwoven scraps for the bag came from the leftovers from the Convergence 2008 Design Challenge.

I’m staying with Karen for the first part of the trip, her house in the outskirts of Asheville is lovely, with mountain views, and as we headed out this morning for the second day of the workshop at Haywood, I was thrilled to see Hot Air Balloons soaring above the horizon, the intense whoosh of the hot air, breaking the still of the morning.

Stay tuned…