Ah, July – the month of road-trips, workshops, and garden bounty. See what we’ve been up to here at the studio this July. Newsletter begins after the Jump. Happy Weaving!

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself. – Chinese Proverb

Throw * Beat * Change * Beater Back

Dispatches from the Studio

Hi kids. We’ve just finished another fantastic workshop with ten happy weavers from all across North America. As I write this, they are getting on ferries and float planes with their heads full of new ideas, and their suitcases even more full – with yarn!

Traditionally, summer isn’t the time of weaving – it’s the time of laying the foundations for the winter weaving months. Historically, we tended the sheep and the lambs, we tended the fields of flax and cotton, and we grew what was needed for the winter months ahead. In the studio, we find that we are always trying to stay on that pattern, preparing what we can to best support our weavers through the long winter season.

So, although it’s warm and sunny today, I find myself thinking about the winter. I’m traveling to India again this year, and I’m very excited to visit with friends, both old and new. We are planning a new cozy kit to release for all your snugly winter plans. We are even starting to think about Knit City, which is a massive show that we are attending in October. Even when I wish the clock would just stop so I could weave all the projects I have in my head, it seems that time marches on regardless.

Enjoy your summer, and if you are weaving, we would love to see a project that you’ve been inspired to create this summer. Even if I’m not finding time to weave, I love to be inspired by your progress.

-Jane

10% Sale Extended until the end of July

We would really like to thank those of you who took the plunge and tried our new webstore. We are certainly pleased with how things are going, and we owe a debt of gratitude to those of you who pointed out errors and glitches. We are extending the sale until the end of July – please use code MIDSUMMER.

Remember orders over $200 are shipped for free, and if you’re shopping from the US, you can take about another 30% off the price for the exchange rate! Shop Now and Save.

Hope for Korah Update!

Things are really progressing at the weaving program at Korah. Some of you may know that Jane was in Ethiopia for the month of January this year and spent sometime with an organization called Hope for Korah. She helped a few of the program leaders and participants become familiar with weaving techniques as a way to branch out into another area of re-training and hand-craft that allows people to earn money and that fosters growth. Here are a few of the most recent pictures we’ve received from Hope for Korah.

Rosemary’s Corner

It’s time for another delicious recipe from Rosemary!

Citrus Shortbread – Makes 2-3 doz

1 tbsp Lime Zest

1 tbsp Lemon Zest
1 tbsp Orange Zest
1 tbsp Orange Liqueur or Juice
3/4 lb Unsalted Butter
1 Cup Sugar
3 Cups Flour, plus 2 tbsp
1 tsp salt
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In a small bowl, combine the citrus zest with the liqueur.In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and not grainy. Add the zest and liqueur.

Gradually add the flour and salt just until well combined. Scrape the bowl a couple of times while mixing to make sure everything is incorporated.

Turn the dough out on to a floured surface. Divide into 4 pieces, and roll each piece into logs about 2 inches in diameter. Roll in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove logs from the fridge and unwrap. Slice into 1/2 inch slices and place on oiled or parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until just golden around the edges. Let cool on the baking sheets before removing.

For special occasions, you could drizzle these cookies with melted white chocolate, and decorate with candied violets. They may be stored in an airtight container for 1 week or frozen for 1 month.

-Rosemary

Free Bench with David

Our David (loom) is so handsome, that we thought we’d offer a free bench to entice you to spend hours sitting together! Contact us for more details and we’ll arrange for a brand new David Loom and bench to join your weaving adventure.

In the meantime, you can click here to head over to the shop and explore our David looms.

And finally, a pattern.

We thought we’d like to give you a little something to offer some inspiration for your summer project planning. If you’re anything like us, we spend so much of our summer in the garden and on our porches, that our looms can feel neglected.

We’d like to offer this free pattern that uses 8/4 cotton as a way to get the creative juices flowing and possibly allow for jump-start on your fall projects. Please click here for your free place mat pattern download.