Southeast Ohio Fiberworks

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

Madder. A biennial bedstraw plant the roots of which give a deep red dye that's been used for centuries to dye cloth.

I planted five seeds last year, watched them grow, then saw them die-back for winter. Fingers crossed they'd make it through.

After a particularly long freeze, I waited as the earth warmed to see if any plants made it -- and they did incredibly well! I lost only one plant and the rest are going bonkers in my flower beds.

Because it's a biennial, it only blooms in its second year, so the sight of these flowers makes me happy. Why? Because flowers make seeds!

Later this summer or fall, after seeds set, I will dig up these plants and dry the roots for dye testing.

Has anyone dyed with madder? How'd it go? Any pitfalls? What was the best part of dyeing with this plant?

05/29/2026

Dang I keep forgetting to post this, but if you see it, tomorrow is the day! The board of the Southeast Ohio Fibershed has pulled together a great community event with speakers, demonstrations, some sheep will be there at some point, a tour of the Hocking Hills Garment Center will happen around 4pm, and we have a wonderful group of shearers I've worked with from the Akron area who will be available to chat with you, too! I'll be there with my yarn and demonstrating hand spinning with my gorgeous Kromski Minstrel wheel. 2-5pm, hope to see you there!

Don’t forget about our upcoming Spring Meetup! We’ll be at Hocking Hills Garment Center from 2:00 to 5:00 on May 30th. Come on out to learn about the Fibershed, support local artists, and meet some sheep! See you there! 🐑🧶

05/21/2026

New colorways available for squishing at market this Saturday! Pistachio Tea, Spring Phlox, and Blood Orange are first to hit the tables... All DK weight superwash Merino.

05/14/2026

2026 flax planting is a success! Do I wish I'd planted earlier? Yeah, but it's working out fine. It's been about 2weeks and there's some nice growth already. The pot next to my feet has a nice bush of sage that will go in my front flower beds to feed bees and other pollinators this summer, then give me material for a gorgeous yellow dye in the fall.

I used a rolling planter my daughter built about 6yrs ago so she could have a moveable garden and take it with her wherever she goes. Unfortunately it couldn't go with her this year so she told me to go ahead and use it.

I purchased 4oz of "Avian" flax seed (imported from The Netherlands) from in Pennsylvania. I used half of them in this box. For the flax newcomers, Anita, the farm and shop owner, includes a thorough explanation of how to plant, harvest, and properly ret your flax, plus pointers for processing into linen thread/yarn. I still have my dried flax from three years ago hanging out in my house. Maybe I'll combine the two when it's time to process it.

Finally, what are the sticks for, you may wonder? To discourage birds from eating my seeds and to keep squirrels from digging in the planter. Jerks. As you can see, it mostly works 😅

05/12/2026

*Newsflash! I'll return to the Athens Farmers Market this Saturday May 16 with the Athens Art Guild, 9am to Noon!*

I've been absent for the last month as I recover from a double hernia repair surgery. That recovery included a 10lb weight lifting restriction that I'm starting to increase -water is very heavy, in case you didn't know 😂

I am being very careful as I ease back into my work, so if you need some yarn for a project, please come see what I've got!

If you like my Jacob yarn, come check out this triple skein Red White and Blue set I pulled together! Perfect for a patriotic shawl or cardigan in color blocks, stripes, or a fade! I'm working on a set of new colorways in my DK merino that I hope you'll enjoy - stay tuned for those as they will be available in the next couple of weeks. See you soon!

04/14/2026

I've curated some Jacob wool yarn sets that you might like for a sweater (Rhinebeck?), hat, scarf, cowl, or shawl! 

I'm bringing back my Patriot colorway to celebrate our country's Independence in 1776.  This blue-grey-red version has that old timey look to it, and you can get it with a darker red for a more vintage look. 

A colorway I dye for fall is also represented here, Summer's End with a deep warm green, golden yellow, and crisp orange for a cozy project. 

I also realized I have a very vintage 80s double combo of a dark teal and my dusky pink Memaw's Parlor mauve colorway, if you're looking for something fun!

My Ohio University "OU, Oh Yeah!" colorway with grey yarn instead of white, would make a lovely hat and scarf set for you or your future (or current) Bobcat to wear at football or hockey games next year.

These and several other suggestions are going online this evening. Head to my Linktree in my bio for the links you need 😊

crocheters ohiouniversity

04/14/2026

I've curated some Jacob wool yarn sets that you might like for a sweater (Rhinebeck?), hat, scarf, cowl, or shawl!

I'm bringing back my Patriot colorway to celebrate our country's Independence in 1776. This blue-grey-red version has that old timey look to it, and you can get it with a darker red for a more vintage look.

A colorway I dye for fall is also represented here, Summer's End with a deep warm green, golden yellow, and crisp orange for a cozy project.

I also realized I have a very vintage 80s double combo of a dark teal and my dusky pink Memaw's Parlor mauve colorway, if you're looking for something fun!

My Ohio University "OU, Oh Yeah!" colorway with grey yarn instead of white, would make a lovely hat and scarf set for you or your future (or current) Bobcat to wear at football or hockey games next year.

These and several other suggestions are going online this evening. Head to my Linktree in my bio for the links you need 😊

04/03/2026

Prepping undyed 100% silk and my wool/silk blend embroidery floss for a dye sesh this weekend! Adding some spring colors and restocking others... 340 micro skeins!! 👀 I'm going to need new storage....

If you're working on an embroidery or visible mending project, post your wip and tag me in it! I would love to see what y'all are working on!

02/13/2026

I will have some red skeins of my Jacob wool yarn, a cozy non-superwash yarn, available at the farmers market this weekend on Saturday morning 9:00 a.m. to noon. Buy one for your hat making needs! If demand is there, I will dye some more next week. Link to the pattern for the Melt Ice hat is in my Linktree in my bio ❤️