"Thanks, Trudy! I've been wracking my brain for some time now, wishing that I could come up with a way to help this worthy cause. I couldn't figure out how to turn my fix-it and forge skills into something that would add to the fun of Wool Week, though, when Bunty came to the rescue. During a recent visit to my shop, she suggested that I might apply myself a little more to the pottery wheel and join some of the other vendors at the outdoor Garden Fete she was hosting for RBST. Bingo! I've been working day and night in order to get enough done to fill a stall. And, since my set-up works equally well indoor or outdoor, the switch to the Community Center was no problem for me. I asked around, and it seems that pots, dishes and yarn bowls were the most sought-after items, so that's what I've concentrated on for today. What? The sheep dishes? Oh, I'm so glad you noticed them. I just couldn't resist bringing them with me. They're my first attempt at a matched set of glazed, food-safe dishes, and I'm really happy with the design. I don't expect to sell something that big today, but I thought they'd make a nice exhibit. And the Bazaar is all about sheep, right?"
"How I got started is a funny story. I'm glad you asked, because a lot of the newcomers here on the Island weren't here during the lean, early days so won't remember when we had to send off-island for everything. Back then, I'd never even thought about trying my hand at clay work, and it was a string of meaningless incidents that sparked my interest. Eliot started it, really. He found the Potter's Wheel in one of his old deserted outbuildings and had it carted to my shop, not knowing what it was but hoping I could scrap the parts and put them to good use. It'd been sitting there for a long time, right where Harold and Benny had left it, waiting for me to find a free minute to tear it apart. After sitting there long enough, I started to use it to stack things on. And then, one day, I set a stack of market baskets (special order for Eloy) on top of it, and they spun around and flew off in every direction. It was a like a window opened in my mind. Why hadn't I thought of it before? It's a POTTERY WHEEL! I gathered the baskets and put them in a safe space, excited about clearing all the junk off the wheel and taking a closer look. As I examined it more closely, to see if it needed any parts or repair, the thoughts crowded each other out . . . There doesn't seem to be anything missing or broken. I wonder how hard it is to make pottery. I'll get the Library to send a book over tomorrow, and we'll see what can be done. Just wait till I tell Eliot what he found. He'll be proud to claim that his Islandshire has its own potter. Maybe I can make something special for him. Something with sheep on it. Now, where can I get some clay? That's about it. I still have a lot of fix-it and forge work to tend to, but I find I'm much faster these days at the ordinary work. I spend most of my spare time at the wheel, hoping to improve my skills and learn new techniques."
Trudy gave her friend a hug and took lots of photos and notes, eyeing a cute little pitcher. "No problem, Mina. I've got a lot to get done before the Bazaar opens, and I could stand here and talk to you all day. I've no doubt that this will be a popular booth with all the visitors today. And lunch sounds great!"
"Hi, Harold." Trudy didn't even have to turn around to know who was talking to her. "What's all that neat stuff in your tray?" She is quick on the draw, isn't she? Did you see that smooth move? Distraction at its best.
"Over here, we have sewing patterns for all kinds of styles that are just wonderful in wool fabrics. Look, this pattern even includes instructions for making your own wool sweater." Mabel sat down on the floor, digging through some of the large drawers from the sideboard. "We've brought some vintage buttons that would look great on a sweater. (I love this wooden toggle. It's so '70s.) Lots of by-the-yard rick rack and trim spools, of course. We brought buckles and yarn needles . . . snaps . . . all kinds of sewing notions and knitting markers in different sizes and colors. Let's see . . . oh, yes! Thank you, Joanie, for pointing that out. We even brought a couple of extra cutting mats and scissors. Folks are free to dig around all they like. We brought a nice selection of odds and ends. Boy, this floor is cold. Trudy, could you please give me a hand up? Joanie isn't very strong, you know. When she tries to help, we sometimes BOTH end up on the floor." Mabel and Joan giggled again, and Trudy helped Mabel to her feet.
At the sound of her name, Trudy whipped around and dropped the socks she was holding. "I'm SO sorry. I've never seen such beautiful socks before, and I just got carried away with the selection. Thanks for the offer, but I'll wait like everyone else. I'll get my interview typed up and be back as soon as I can. I would like to ask, before I go . . . do you make these things all the time or just when the weather's bad."
Mabel and Joan giggled. "If we only sewed and knitted during bad weather, it would be a very small hobby indeed. Joanie and I don't do well during the heat of the day, so we work in our garden in the morning and then head inside for our afternoon needlecraft time. Needlework comes in all shapes and sizes, you know, and it's a great way to pass the time."
Trudy was taking notes as quickly as her pencil could fly. "That's a great idea! Maybe a column about indoor activities would be a good thing to get out. I'll have to work on that. What kinds of needlecraft things would you recommend?"
"Before I forget, Bunty would like me to mention that only Sheep's milk was used in my food today. Everything? Yes, when any milk was called for in a recipe, I used sheep's milk. It was Bunty's idea, and it worked out beautifully. Surprised even me. So, what would you like to try first?" Eydie knew the value of a good review in the Gazette. Trudy made a note on her pad about the sheep's milk. That would definitely need to be mentioned in the review. "Pie sure sounds delicious, but I think I'm gonna have to go with the apple fritter. I haven't had one of these in ages, and they've always been my one weakness. Oh, and some hot chocolate would be perfect with that. Thanks!" Steviekins rubbed all over Trudy's legs, and she bent down with a dollop of whipped cream for him. That's his one weakness, and everybody on the Island knows it.
Check back tomorrow to find out if Eydie brought enough of everyone's favorites. And whether or not the awful weather keeps people away. And how Harold's necklace hawking goes . . .