Earlier this year, I connected with bestselling fiction author Betsy Cornwell via a Facebook group for female-identifying, trans and non-binary freelance writers and editors to find homes for their stories. Betsy posted about her plan to turn an old home in Connemara, Ireland, into a childcare-inclusive arts residency for single parents like her. The turn-of-the-last century building had once served as a place to teach rural women to knit so they could support themselves financially, and Betsy is a longtime knitter herself, so I knew this was a story I wanted to share. Betsy wrote a blog post about the project in March, and she also gave a virtual tour of the space during the Indie Across the Pond event.
I’ve been following Betsy’s progress over the last several months, and watched with excitement as her dream came closer to reality, with a crowdfunding campaign that succeeded in raising enough money for the 20% down payment and to cover the monthly payments. Sadly, she hit a roadblock a couple of months ago when the bank denied her mortgage application. She now has until this Monday to raise enough money for the entire purchase price of the building. After looking at her business plan and feeling confident that she will create a wonderful and much-needed space to support creative parents, I’m hoping our community can help bring this dream one step closer.
Get cozy as the temperature drops with new colors on Murky Depths Dyeworks’ Sanctuary worsted, a 100% Merino, non-Superwash that provides great stitch definition for cables, stranded colorwork and mosaic knitting.
Ashleigh Wempe’s Sedona Sunrise shawl is designed to evoke the image of a sunrise, with three colors of fingering-weight yarn worked in an easy mosaic pattern.
While you’re getting ready for the winter holidays, don’t forget about the one in February! This Valentine’s countdown box from WoolenWomenFibers is inspired by epic love stories through the ages and includes 14 days of luxurious Cashmere yarn, charms and a project bag.
The recent shop update from Sharon of Flora Adora Fibers includes Surprise! Sock, naturally dyed with plants and other botanicals. Use the coupon code BOTANICA for 10% off all items except gift cards from November 13-19.
In preparation for the holidays, Maureen of Charming Ewe has been creating tons of new colors and pictured here is one of them. Deck the Halls is a fun sock set of bright red and green with multicolored speckles.
If you’re in or near Columbia, MD, Sharnessa of Shar’s Purls is having a P.S. Love the Butterfly Trunk Show at the SO Original Yarn Studio.
