Brazen Sheep a site for fiber lovers   A Micki Smith original pattern on the designer. Montadale yarn by Liz Cavey  Yuletide Happiness is Knitting (and buying locally made items)     Whew!  Several projects are tucked here and there out of sight of prying eyes--and inquisitive puppy searches.  Lots of scarves this year, particularly with the lacy, ribbon fiber.  Wonderful, brilliant colors.  No socks, I hate knitting socks.  There is, of course, a sweater for Hubbie in his favorite colors.       For those of us in this mountain hide-a-way, we're trying our darndest to buy locally made items--even yarn.  However, there are items that promote a more global economy.  One project involves a microfiber/ faux fur throw, 50x60".  It's gorgeous, washable and machine dryable.  I found this at a well known discount store and thought, "What perfect vests this would make!"  Cutting the throw in half, gave me two generous vests, even using the cutaways for pockets.  For $19. these can't be matched.      Up the road a piece, lives an organic farmer who raises cattle and chickens.  He gives a portion of his sales to the local rescue mission.  This year, we bought several gift certificates from him for neighbors and some frozen meats for our family.  These gifts help the farmer and the homeless.  Besides, his meats are absolutely grand.      Not too far from here, over the border into Virginia, is a farm that makes Italian sausage the old fashioned, time honored way--hand made with meat from neighboring producers.  Wow, is that good sausage.  Family members each get a bag of various sausages. (We did keep a couple back for ourselves!)      We purchased an item from our local blacksmith.  While "chewing the fat," he showed us a memorial he was working on for a nearby family who recently lost their son in an automobile accident.  This interaction gave us new insight into our neighbors pain and strength of character.       Funny, how avoiding mall rushes and national chains brings home the Christmas Spirit.  Knitting, I have a chance to ponder just what this glorious season is all about.  Shopping locally, we help our neighbors keep up their businesses and have opportunity to chat and perhaps share a mug of cider together.      Sounds a little old fashioned, but it's a wonderful holiday season this year.  Less hectic, more friendly, and definitely more meaningful.            Merry Christmas!  And a healthy and prosperous New Year!        Click here to send a fiber-related e-mail to Brazen Sheep.

	A TEASING PEEK INTO OUR OFFERINGS & PROGRAMS Brazen Sheep is a site for fiber lovers.  The designs you see as you move from one page to another are either one-of-a-kind or templates for the original patterns listed separately.  These completed pieces may or may not be up for adoption.  If they are, the items will be noted with size, fiber content, and price.   There are three distinct sections to the Brazen Sheep website.  The first is for the eye and the itch to get creating.  Here you will see what has tumbled from the mind and fingers of fiber artist Micki Smith.  When she’s in her studio (the better part of any calendar segment), she’s available via e-mail to answer knitting questions, spur on your own creative juices, or act as a resource.   Classes, events, thoughts, meanderings, and other mystic moments can be found in appropriate segments of the navigation bars.   Sheep of the Fold, reflects the spiritual side of any art, but most specifically fiber arts.  Amy Beveridge and Micki Smith, friends since the beginning of time, have a combined experience of over 50 years leading workshops based on the Creator and the created.  These events can be shaped to meet the needs of any group. If you’re yearning to find the connection between your needles, pens, hooks, brushes and the internal Spirit, check out Sheep of the Fold. Be sure to use the navigation bar on the left to move yourself around the site You can e-mail me direct by clicking here! My computer is Open 24 Hours a Day!