Minnesota, the land of knitting dreams
I am having a lovely time in Minnesota. My grandparents were both from here, but, having never met them, there is a bit of disconnect in feeling like this is "home." At least, until I met the fiber enthusiasts!
What a great state for fiber and crafting of so many kinds! Duluth was my first stop on this teaching tour. It is a truly beautiful city on the shore of Lake Superior. I grew up near Lake Michigan, and so the great lakes have a big place in my heart. It felt so different to be looking east over a large body of fresh water, but I certainly could get used to it.
The leaves were at their height -- I couldn't have planned for a better weekend to be there, and the hills and bluffs around the lake provided so many vantage points from which one could enjoy the lake or the plentiful winds.
The members of the Northern Lights Fiber Guild and Textile Guild were delightful to teach and interact with, and I especially enjoyed meeting Karena, an avid knitter from Northern Michigan who came over for my seminar. I actually didn't get any pictures of the teaching and meeting or lunch. Anyone got an image to share? I also got to renew old friendships in the area, as well, all while sampling great food.
Thank you, Karen, for sharing your home and heart!
The next day was delightful in that I got to go to the Sami Cultural Center of North American, also in Duluth, and gave a short discussion on some matters of the textiles and knitting of the Sámi people. I was able to meet Marlene Wisuri again, and my aunt Cari and uncle Charlie drove up as well. Lastly, Zoe, a student doing her thesis at Amherst, came to make connections and explore her recently discovered Sámi heritage.
with Marlene Wisuri, chairman of the Sami Cultural Center of North America
More to follow!