This is Oktobre. They are the face of the company. as well as the wind beneath our sails. Additionally, they help morale.

This is Oktobre. They are the face of the company. as well as the wind beneath our sails. Additionally, they help morale.

T'was a dark and mildy drizzly midday, when from the heavens Oktobre came to us. They spawned a dream. A dream that took to loom. A dream that brought textiles, unlike any others, to the good people of the midwest.

Oktobre, sheep of dreams, blessed the earth and from it grew the House of Spools. Oktobre then called for mighty champions of the fleece.

Barbara was the first. The first to heed Oktobre's call, and follow their threads to the House of Spools. Knighted as the Lead Fleece Finder, she paves the way with her intricate designs and fleece findery. 

Yet, the fleece still called, mighty and strong. Stronger than one alone could corrale. So, Barbara enlisted Andrean and her Child of Many Names to join her in the House of Spools.

Thus, Andrean became the Yarn Wrangler and the Child of Many Names became the Warp Whisper and, together, the three became the Sheep Shifters.

They answered the call.

They heed Oktobre.

They shift spools to woven story, fleece to freedom.

The first show

The first show

Barbara Daiker

An impromptu meeting of friends at the Urban Growler in St. Paul. Just appetizers and introduction between two artist friends. One of the friends is a painter and the other jeweler. We start talking about nothing and everything when the painter mentions the Urban Growler is hosting its first Makers Market. Oh, and they are looking for artists. Well, what fun! The jeweler could show her work, as is the painter. So my wife suggests, as she is the promoter and salesperson of the group,  that I put my textile at the end of the jeweler's table. Just see what happens. In the goodwill and enthusiasm of the company, sure. I can do that. What the heck?

A couple of days later I dig into my finished items. Oh my, there is a lot more than I recalled. I can't use the end of the jeweler's table; it would be too much. Okay, I need to get my table. Now it is real. I need to tag and price the items, get cards, take sales, and more. My wife jumps in and helps me plan and organize. In her helpful way, she contacts the Urban Growler to see what they need - more tables. She is on it, and three more tables head their way.

The day arrives, and we've set up everything, except batteries for the decorative lights. Off to the hardware store runs my wife. The jeweler seems to be in a dark corner, not great for shopping for small items. My wife worked with the Urban Growler staff to bring a light, and it was perfect. Ready - Set - Go

The crowd was substantial on Friday evening. Sold out the bamboo scarves in the first 30 minutes.  That was a clear message. Another favorite item is the dish towels, each with a story. While fewer people on Saturday, a lot more conversation. We were tired in the end, but had a great time and set up ideas for filling the stock and future events.

Poems

Poems
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