Fiber Junkies - Hooray

It's that time of year - lots of gatherings with special friends. My Fiber Junkies certainly fits that bill, such special and talented ladies whose friendship I value so much. There are only 6 of us and we do manage to have buckets of fun as well as creating and experimenting each time we meet. 

Our annual holiday party was at Gens this year. 

Gen had a beautiful table and we all brought some yummy things to share. I particularly loved the centerpiece made with popcorn, cranberries and a candle - how clever!

Denny who has been absent due to a family medical situation always brought the Yule cake which was lavish and delicious. Kate took over the job this year and created a delicious sponge jelly roll cake filled with whip cream, chocolate glaze and colorful holly.

Gen had these very clever napkins which she made and unfolded into a half circle to use and then folded back to a tree. Gen let me borrow one so I can make some for my table. I thought these could be made in a variety of prints for different seasons - flowers for summer, autumn colors etc.

This is what they look like when unfolded...

and the various folds

to wind up as a tree.

We had so much bubbly even some pretty blue which was quite yummy!

The whole day was delightful but by far the best part is our gift exchange. Since there are so few of us, we decided several years ago to do a gift for each person. Knowing and working with each other so closely, we know each other's styles which makes it even more fun. Mary is a wonderful felter and doing more and more very intricate things. She made each of us a small bowl, picking the one she thought was most suited to what we love. Mary knows I love polka dots and here's mine. It's wonderful and it will sit in my studio where I spend the most time and want to be surrounded by my favorite things.

Kate made covers for these little notebooks; all the fabric was made by Kate.

and a place for a pen inside. It's already in my purse as this will be used constantly.

Val made us small rice-lavender heat bags which I've already used for my sore shoulders. Val made all the fabric and then screened designs on top. Not only is it functional but beautiful and smells so nice with the additional lavender.

Gen who is probably the best knitter I know...Seriously...this woman can make anything! She knitted us all scarves which are gorgeous, each one a little different. Well, it's been quite warm here but friday night in Asheville with the wind chill - it was 10 degrees. We were out and about and guess who was wearing this beautiful new scarf and loving it!

I made note cards using sky fabric I photographed and printed on fabric as a background. I also had lots of photos of trees I've taken over the years. I made them into small silk screens and screened them onto the background and adhered them to notecards.
Every gift was so thoughtful and useful, so like this group. In counting my blessings this year, this wonderful group of ladies is at the top of my list.
Hope your holidays are happy and bright, the countdown is on...