Living in the Questions
A dear friend recently asked who WoolTribe’s blog is for here on Substack. I’ve been mulling over that question—and I want to share my thoughts with you, woven through happenings of the last week!
Embracing the In-Between
In thinking through who we’re writing for - and who our customers are, I have to first admit I have never been comfortable with tidy categories. In fact, they make me tremendously uncomfortable. I suppose it’s because I see more opportunity for exploration and growth in the in-between areas—the spaces not easily defined. That’s exactly why remodeling the cabin, with our studio in the lower level, feels like the right path for us. It’s not just about creating a space; it’s about bringing into existence a living, breathing canvas for creativity to unfold in real time.
As an artist working in textiles, painting, illustration, and writing, being part of WoolTribe makes perfect sense to me. Everything dovetails—the colors Sheri and I mix, the yarn we dye, and the stories I tell through art. It’s all connected, part of one continuous creative flow. The cabin renovation project is no different for us - it’s a giant creative project!
Cabin Update: Progress and Possibility
Speaking of embracing the in-between… The cabin renovation continues to be an adventure. Our standing seam metal roof installation is complete, and by the time you read this, the gutters should be fully installed as well. The studio ceiling is nearly complete - just a bit of electrical work to be done and then we’ll finish up the ceiling. Next week, new kitchen appliances will be installed, and the week after that, new windows. This renovation has been the most intense collaboration we’ve undertaken - and definitely has had the longest timeline! We are aiming to be done with all the major work by the end of August. (Is there a renovation shock emoji?)
A Week of Color: 300+ Skeins Dyed
Last week, we thought we were dyeing 200+ skeins of yarn for our wholesale customers, but as we did the final tally, we realized we were going to be dyeing more than 300 skeins! The studio space renovation isn’t anywhere near finished, but we did just fine. There’s something about actually having working air conditioning that makes heating up more than 30 kilos of wet wool much more enjoyable! We sent off skeins (and some finished samples too…) to Maggie Valley Yarn Shop and Knitter’s Corner in King, NC. We also sent skeins to Anna at Mochimochi Land! Three great businesses you should check out!
Also, we should share that McGee, the little mini Schnauzer staying with us at the studio last week, assisted our sweet family member, Abbye, with banding and labeling yarn… 💕
At the End of the Day…
When I think about who I’m writing our WoolTribe blog for here on Substack, or who we’re dyeing yarn and crafting accessories for, I realize it’s for people who embrace the unknown, who find joy in the process, who see their art and life as inseparable. People who don’t need to have it all figured out, but want to live fully in the questions, alongside a community that values curiosity and growth. People who are as excited to explore as they are to find answers.
We’re all about living a life steeped in creativity, the work of making art, and the art of making a life. This is a space for fellow explorers who want to create, connect, and keep asking “what if?”
More than anything, I just want to thank you for being part of this journey with us. I’m excited to keep sharing, learning, and growing together - and I’d love to hear how you live your best creative life!
With warmth,
Ladianne