FIBER SHOPS TO RAVE ABOUT!   Shop of the Month  Pocket Meadow Farm Getting there is half the fun with Pocket Meadow.  First, you leave DC or Baltimore and head toward the mountains into West-by-god-Virginia.  Take Interstate 81--north or south depending your entry--exiting on 16W, Rte. 9.  Follow that over hill and dale, through historic country till just before you get to famous Berkeley Springs.  Two miles east of town, turn left onto Peter Yost Rd.  Pocket Meadow is the first house on your right, a lovely, old yellow farmhouse. The sheep are grazing in the pasture.  The front porch holds rockers where knitters gather in warm weather to knit and chatter.  Inside--well, inside is a delight of colors and textures.  Karen works as a graphic designer and her palette shows her training and her inate color sense. For the most part, fibers are top of the line with prices to match.  There are some middle of the road yarns but it's hard to select these over the gorgeous higher priced.  However, your visit to Pocket Meadow is a day's adventure.  Lunch in quaint Berkeley Springs.  If you have time (and made reservations) avail yourself of the natural hot baths.  Spoil yourself, you're worth it.

	If You're Ever in Vermont. . . and you want to visit an Alpaca Farm You must take a drive to the lowermost portion of the Northeast Kingdom and stop in at Snowshoe Farm in Peacham   Run by Terry and Ron Miller, this impeccable and delightful enterprise is home to many alpacas.  On a recent visit we cuddled four brand new crias (baby alpacas) and received loving kisses from a doting female.  Their fiber is for sale in a small retail room of their old farmhouse.  Some is already spun and dyed; some is combed ready for the wheel or drop spindle.  Quality alpacas are for sale but they do come steep.    Call ahead to make sure they're not out and about.  802-592-3153

Delightful Weaving Done Here

Right in the middle of a glorious Vermont meadow sits Underandover Studio.  Whether you're a weaver or just an admirer of fine, creative, fiber art, you'll want to stop in and chat with Wendy Regier, master weaver.  Best to call first, as Wendy is often out seeking inspiration or serving the community. 802-226-7331.   Be sure to meet Maude and Pip, the resident Australian Shepherds.  If you visit at the right time of year, you may be able to enjoy Pang Ting's rare breed, Icelandic sheep that board in the summer meadow.     Click here to visit Underandover Studio