Sisu Designs started out
as my weaving studio. I had a couple of looms and a wonderful collection
of yarns, some of which were for sale. I wove rag rugs, rugs with
yarn, wall hangings, table linens, and fabric for clothing. I also
taught weaving, spinning and natural dying. As I expanded my line
of yarns over the years, more and more knitters discovered the shop so
I started carrying more knitting yarns, needles, patterns, buttons and
other supplies. After our daughter was born, I offered an eclectic
selection of children's books along with the books on knitting, weaving,
spinning and dying. As my business grew, I found that I had little
time left for weaving because I was busy running the shop. Also,
my business shifted heavily toward knitting, and I spend much of my time
knitting samples for the shop to inspire my customers. Every once
in a while, though, I do get inspired to do a little weaving, and every
year a few people come in to learn to weave.
Fifteen or sixteen years ago, I offered a weekend
knitting retreat one Fall as the leaves peaked in their show of color.
Over the years, I have expanded this aspect of my business to include several
Fall and Winter knitting retreats. In February 2001, I even offered
the first annual southwestern knitting retreat at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico
- and we've been going back every year since then. For our current schedule
of retreats, please visit our knitting retreat page.
