imagine childhood.

Amanda Blake Soule, or Soule Mama, is doing a little giveaway for Imagine Childhood. Which reminds me that I have some weaving to catch up on! Back in December when I was thoroughly and completely pregnant, my family decided we wouldn’t do a grand Christmas (lots of presents and all), because the little one would be our grand Christmas. We basically made known the 1-2 things we wanted for Christmas, put each of our names in a knitted hat, and picked a name at random. My mom picked me. And what were the two things I wanted?

The Beka Weaving Frame AND The Potholder Loom from Imagine Childhood.

the beka weaving frame

Since I was a child, something I’ve always wanted to do was shear sheep, card the wool, and finally handspin my own yarn. Back in college I almost purchased an antique spinning wheel! Crazy, but true.

I live vicariously through Farm Mama — she continually inspires me to try my hand in the whole making-my-own-yarn process. One of these days I’m going to march myself over to Sharp’s Farm and just ask them if I can help shear sheep. Kathy, the owner, is a real nice lady, so I think she just might let me. [She might look at me funny first, but then I think she’ll let me.] : ) Twas a complete bummer I missed the Sheep + Wool Festival that my county hosts every year, but there’s always next year.

I’m using the Beka Weaving Frame to build my way up to the Beginner’s Weaving Loom for dish towels, rags, and things of that nature. When we lived in Southern Illinois, Greg and I would frequent the home of an older couple, who were previously hippies, who lived out in the country in a sustainable home made of cedar built by the wife’s parents. It had a very natural, earthy, crunchy, lived-in feel to it. I love that feel. We always loved going there for their peaceful company and simple suppers. The wife, such an interesting lady, had a great, large, stand alone wooden loom in her airy bedroom that took up a large portion of her room. I just loved looking at her projects and crafted items. Inspiring. Inspiring. Inspiring, to say the very least.

Greg says if ever a sheep shearing conference occurs in Ireland, he’d let me go — what are the chances of a sheep shearing conference in Ireland? Lord, please bring it to pass.

the potholder loom