While in college, I (obviously) had relatively little time to devote to non-college pursuits. That’s as it should be, I suppose, but I’m rediscovering some of those interests that either were put on hold or put off all together while I was getting my undergraduate degree. The past few weeks (and months), I’ve gotten out my crochet hooks, bought yarn, and whipped up some various projects, while most recently I’ve turned my attention to smaller items. For instance, this shawl I actually just finished crocheting to be the size for an American Girl doll. Those who know me well would know that I have a weakness for American Girl dolls, and this shawl looks quite beautiful on my Felicity doll. While I don’t have a picture of the shawl on Felicity, here is a picture of the almost-finished garment. The fabric with it will turn into doll dresses. I made a pattern from a store-bought doll dress, but I have yet to find a good place for my sewing machines, so my sewing is still somewhat on hold.

It turns out the Black Hills area is quite an artsy community, with lots of participation in what might be termed “traditional” or “folk” arts. Yesterday, Mom and I went to the Black Hills Fiber Arts Fair, where I visited with a number of women who are skilled weavers, spinners, dyers, and some who raise their own fiber animals (someday!). I got a ten minute lesson on using the drop spindle from the “Godmother of Drop Spindles” (as her colleagues dubbed her), and promptly purchased a kit. Even though it isn’t very good, the finished thread is so pretty! This is another one of those interests I’ve had for what seems like eternity, ever since I read Little House in the Highlands. Martha, Laura Ingalls’ great grandmother, is given a drop spindle and some wool. The part of the book where she is learning to spin used to fascinate me.

There were so many vendors and so many beautiful products–Hand-spun yarns, woven shawls, dyed fabrics, beautifully carved spindles, etc. With a few more doll-sized projects in mind (other shawls, which will hopefully be sold eventually), I gave myself a budget and found some beautiful 100% wool yarns. Unfortunate, the hand-spun yarns were a little outside my price range, but these were beautiful. Can’t wait to see what the projects look like when they’re finished!