Fantasy Fibers
CUSTOM CARDING, SPINNING & DEHAIRING
FIBER & YARN SALES
9190 S. Centennial Lane Canby, OR 97013 503-263-4902
www.fantasyfibers.com ffibers@web-ster.com
Newsletter #5 December 2002/January 2003

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I guess winter is really here…I know we shouldn’t complain here in the Pacific Northwest…we hardly ever get snow right here, but when we need to winterize the house, take down the hanging plants, etc, everything looks bare…winter. But, with spending more time indoors, we have more time to spin, knit, crochet and weave, right? So, sit back and enjoy the winter weather!!!

The soap making classes have been SO great! I’m so ready to make some myself…Renee has neglected one thing in her instructions…where do we find that extra day??? Ha! Sorry Renee, I just had to put that in there.

We got a new shipment of Opal yarn in lately. Besides filling in the holes in the stock, we got the Bumble Bee yarn in along with the Southwest Collection. Remember, these balls of yarn make 3 socks and go for $12.00/ball. Now I have more display socks to make! Just when I thought I was caught up.

I’ve gotten a few responses to my query about the washing of fiber. Yes, everyone’s idea of “clean fiber” seems to be different. It was suggested that I re-write the instructions on the website to be more specific. What is “hot” water, etc. I’ll work on that concept and maybe even include some “tips” for everyone on the list. Thanks to all the customers that put in their 2 cents worth…I really appreciate your suggestions.

We’ve agreed to sell some of our yarn outside the shop as we really don’t have much “foot traffic”. The yarn we purchase from other sorces will not be sold elsewhere, but the yarn we spin here at the shop will be at the “Cozy Ewe” in Oregon City now. Becky called the day she got the yarn saying that as she was unpacking it it was selling! Good for you Becky. I’m so excited!

We’re waiting for a response from a company about the washing process. Looking into the use of the “grey water” that we’ll produce along with the disposal of the lanolin and “stuff” that we’d be washing off the fiber. In the mean time seems that we’re not producing bad stuff like we thought we were. Seems that the Eccoscour that we use for washing is really good for washing (we knew that) and not that bad for the environment….then we add vinegar to the first rinse that not only gets rid of the extra soap, but actually switches the PH back! So, we’re taking on some washing now and sounds like that’s going to multiply quickly. Guess I’d better get my hands wet, hey?

We have a limited supply of the dyed superwash merino wool top. We can no longer get any more of this top from our regular supplier. We can only get the nautral ecru color…which can be dyed. Anyway, if you need more of the regular colors, stop by or call about it. Hopefully we won’t be out of it already. We’re looking for another supplier, but it’s a real

job to find one. I’ll let you know when we do.

We still have a little Wensleydale Top left over. I’m closing this out because it tends to want to felt just sitting around. I don’t sell enough of the stuff to keep “fresh” stuff on the shelf. This normally sold for $10.00 for an 8oz. bag. We’re closing it out for $8.00 for an 8oz. bag. Colors and quantities are limited so call or email me with the numbers at that moment, okay?

Best laid plans and all…I had hoped to have this newsletter done and on it’s way before my husband’s surgery…November 19th…ooopppsss. I really shouldn’t plan anything these days.

Things are progressing as we speak. We hope to start classes up in February.
So far, we have the “WILD WOMEN SOCK CLASS” scheduled for February 22nd. The cost of this one is $12.00 class fee, which must be paid to register for the class. All class fees are non-refundable. Please let me know if this is a class you’d like right away as we expect it to fill up fast. Trish (Pat) Andersen will grace us with this wonderful class once again. You’ll need 4-5 double pointed needles in a size to match your yarn…you’ll need several different colors…about 3-4oz. each.

March 1st will be the beginning soap making class. Not only is this class fun, but you end up going home with soap you helped make. In six weeks you’ll enjoy this wonderful soap…and not be satisfied with store bought soap again…believe me!

March 22nd and 29th we have a basket making class. This is a nice sturdy hand basket/tote to use. It has a wooden bottom and leather handles. It is big enough to fill up with all your needlework supplies or magazines. The class will teach you the basics of basket making with a wooden base. The baskets go together easy and are fun to

make. All the materials you need are provided in the supply fee. There are some tools that you will need to bring but nothing that you probably can't find around the house or at the hardware store. $20.00 (non-refundable) will register you for both days and $25.00 is the cost of the supply kit. Come join us for the fun.

So, let’s summarize the classes:
February 22nd--Wild Women Socks
March 1st—Beginning Soap Making
March 22nd—Hand Basket/Tote part1
March 29th--Hand Basket/Tote part 2

Well, I’m about out of news here. The shop has been extremely busy lately, and that’s good. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care & God bless.
---Janell