Musing on the difference between needing caffeine or needing the coffee break itself, it occurs to me once again the importance of savouring the moment.
Learned about a very interesting U.S. lacemaking boom in  The Laces of Ipswich: The Art and Economics of an Early American Industry, 1750-1840
Anyone out there on Goodreads?  I’d love to see [...]

As details for the July’s tour, Vermont Craft and Cuisine are stitched together, I’m always struck by the passion and enthusiasm of the farmers, winemakers and artisans…. not too mention the people that have signed up.  Vermont Tourism obviously agrees with me, and their You Tube channel features some of these people.  Check out some [...]

Sunday morning.  Good for sleeping in, right?  Waking refreshed and renewed.  Not me.  Not this Sunday.
Following the volcanic ash cloud and airport closures for more than a week, the final decision was made to cancel the 2010 Tuscan Textiles trip on Wednesday.  A decision not made lightly, as I know everyone in our small group [...]

Wooly lengths were not the only yarns in Harrisville last week.

There were the story yarns as well. Our small group of knitters chatted happily about knitting inspiration, patterns, gossip, and iPhone apps on the way up to Harrisville.  We were totally intrigued by Chick’s tour of the Harrisville Designs spinning mill.  For 30 plus [...]

Spring Energy sums up our chat at the bar today!
Last minute cancellations for Tuscan Textiles could be your surprise.  We’ve got 2 sudden spaces open.  Check here for details, and bring your energy to the week.
Diane Epstein stopped by and helped Giardini di Sole open their doors.  They mixed beautiful Italian ceramics with lava stone [...]

It’s another rainy March Monday and I’m ready to be taken away….

I’m watching people while eating gelato along the “passeggiata.”  The afternoon sun is slowly giving way to the evening breezes that make the evenings so pleasant in the Castelli Romani.
From September 6 to 16, our Knit Romana will call Frascati home.  ”Capital” of the [...]

It’s that time of year again:  choosing journals to distribute on the Italian tours.  Starting last year, I began ordering them online… I was burned during the fall of 2008 when I ran down to my art supply store to pick up the standard favorite.  And they were OUT OF STOCK!  Ok, I know this [...]

One of the great things about sending out the last newsletter was that I heard from many Tactile Travelers.
It was great to hear about and see photos of their latest projects.  Everyone was quick to also mention their list of unfinished projects…. ones started on the trip, fabric and yarn bought and not sewn up. [...]

New England is dotted with mill towns.  The brick buildings along rivers and streams powered the 19th Century industrial revolution. They also extended US political revolution by promoting economic independence from Britain.  Each mill developed and declined as manufacturing moved elsewhere in the US and eventually overseas.  As I explore New England, it’s so interesting [...]

The Boston Globe Travel Show graced the Seaport World Trade Center last weekend. Friday morning featured trade workshops before the floor opened to the public that evening. It was good to meet area travel agents, industry reps, and listen to fun travelers talking about social media.
Walking the floor, however, reminded me of just [...]