In a nutshell, THANK YOU! The last time I posted here was to say I would discontinue The Kindly Dyer website. I’ve had a re-think and will continue for a while yet with renewed enthusiasm thanks to the rather lovely feedback from blog readers and all those people I’ve met who have admired or bought my natural dyed yarns. Your words of appreciation and encouragement make all the difference.
Last weekend I attended Woolfest Auckland as a trader again. It was the 10th anniversary of Woolfest and I’m sure it gets better and bigger every year. I am immensely grateful for all the purchases, and moreover, for the chance to connect with customers; to hear about and see what people create with Kindly Dyer yarns, chat about project ideas, and of course about natural dyeing. I have once again come away filled with joy and energy to make beautiful colours again.
I want to say a special thank you to someone I first met at Woolfest last year. We got chatting about the use of Tanekaha bark and twigs for dyeing. This native tree, commonly known as Celery Pine, grows only in the northern half of the North Island, so not in Martinborough where I live. My customer had commented on a small sample skein I had dyed with Tanekaha twigs picked up while on holiday in the Bay of Islands. Upon hearing of my desire to find more Tanekaha he said he had a Celery Pine tree in his Auckland garden and he could save me some twigs. Last Saturday he searched me out at Woolfest and said there was a box of Tanekaha twigs ready for me! We arranged a time for me to call in the following day and collect the precious bounty. I am beyond delighted and cannot say thank you enough for such kindness and generosity. I can’t wait to brew up some vibrant rich Tanekaha colour.
I’m grateful too for your purchases of the last couple of Bunny Odile yarn packs at Woolfest and I have made a donation to Womens Refuge with the proceeds. I will be making more bunny yarn kits and will advise when they are available again.
All in all, the last week has been full of joy. I was in Auckland to help look after our grandchildren. That meant supervising outside adventures, playing duplo, reading stories – Granny McFlitter the Champion Knitter and another of Nana’s fave’s ……Marmaduke Duck – and then once Woolfest was done and dusted, going tutu shopping. So. Much. Fun.
I’m actually enjoying writing this post and outwardly expressing my joy and appreciation for all these good things in my life.
Nga mihi nui……………Keiry
The Kindly Dyer 