Back in college, I had a part time job working at Wood Lake Nature Center. Every time I came in, I had no idea what I was in for. The senior naturalist always had something new and interesting planned. She'd say, "Today twenty school children are coming in and we're teaching them to snowshoe. Have you every walked in snow shoes before? Here, put these on and practice before they get here." Or there was, "We're cooking up snacks from natural plants today. Go out and pick some cattail roots. Use this poker to break the ice." Boy scout groups would come in, bird watchers, all kinds of groups. She always had something interesting planned. One day we went out and picked plant leaves to dye yarn with. I remember picking a bucket full of mint to soak overnight before teaching a class the next day. She gave me a copy of the handout she'd mimeographed. I still have it and I'm still working with plants and plant dyes after many, many years. So you never know what you'll learn today or how it will serve you in the future.

I love color. Not knowing exactly what color you'll get from natural dyes is part of the appeal. In addition to nature's colors, I also work with chemical dyes just because I enjoy playing at being a mad scientist. (And who hasn't wanted to be Professor Snape in Harry Potter?) I sell commercial yarns as well because sometimes you just need something that will be the same color every time you buy it. Enjoy the yarn!