I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S
Maxine Bronstein and Debbie Hayward have turned their avocation into their vocation .
them high-quality diets , limiting stress , and keeping them out of situations that could damage their fleece . It makes for an exceptional product ,” says Maxine .
In the spring , Debbie and Maxine attend each shearing . “ We pick up each fleece , fling it onto mesh , and skirt it ( removing all the unusable pieces ). Then we bag , weigh , and label the individual sheep ’ s fleece ,” Maxine explains . But shearing is only the beginning . The fleece and eventual yarn will be handled and washed many times before the ladies even begin thinking about rugs , blankets , and hats .
First , the couple will take it back to their island studio . There they will sort the fleece according to the kinds of yarn they want and send it to the mill for spinning . Or keep it , when it ’ s too beautiful to part with so they can spin it themselves or share it with other handspinners .
Sorting the wool is in fact one of the cornerstones of their craft . Because each type of wool has characteristics that make it especially suitable for a specific purpose . Fine fiber with a higher crimp count is best for garments worn close to the skin . Stronger , coarser fibers are ideal for rugs and outer clothing . Furthermore , similar fleeces need to be spun together .
“ If the yarn is made from fleece that is too different in character , then it can
be scratchy ,” says Maxine .
Once the fleece is spun , it ’ s returned to the Maxine and Debbie as skeins or hanks of specific weight and yardage . The couple then personally washes every skein to make sure it ’ s free of any residual oil from the spinning process .
“ Whether we sell the yarn as a natural color or dye it , washing makes the yarn bloom and soften ,” Maxine says .
Debbie , the weaver , creates scarves , rugs , blankets , and other home accessories . Maxine , the knitter , makes sweaters , mittens , and socks .
Knitting and weaving are a long process in and of themselves . But for the women to have even reached this point has taken weeks , if not months .
It ’ s this labor-intensive process that the couple has dubbed the ‘ Slow Fiber Movement .’
“ For us , it ’ s all about the fiber . It ’ s about creating something beautiful and long-lasting and that makes people happy ,” says Maxine . “ It ’ s about promoting Lopez Island wool and supporting local farmers . It ’ s an amazing thing to get to do . It never feels like work .”
You can find Debbie and Maxine ’ s work at the Saturday Lopez Farmer ’ s Market , Chimera Gallery , and wool shows around the Pacific Northwest , or visit their studio with an appointment . For more details , visit their website : www . islandfibers . com
CELEBRATION WORTHY PINTS AT CAIRN BREWING
You won ’ t find Cairn beers in the grocery store or on tap at the bars around town . A taste of this neighborhood brewery requires a trek to the north end of Lake Washington . It ’ s worth the visit ( especially if you find yourself just . 8 miles away at Kenmore Air ’ s headquarters ).
Nestled beside the Burke-Gilman Trail ( p . 30 ), Seattle visitors can easily trek , bike or bus to this dog- and family-friendly taproom . The brewing area is set among communal tables that spill onto a large patio . On tap , you ’ ll find a selection of more than 15 beers ranging from seasonal ales to year-round favorites .
A favored place for Kenmore staff to grab a pint , the husband-wife duo Bill and Jen decided to honor Kenmore Air ’ s 75th Anniversary with an easy-drinking ale : Lake Hopper – Blonde Ale . With a subtle sweetness and a crisp finish , it ’ s the perfect beer for toasting an adventure . Which , as luck would have it , Cairn is also on . The brewery is celebrating its own milestone — five years bringing toast-worthy pints to the neighborhood .
Hungry during your visit ? Cairn hosts a wide variety of rotating food trucks at the Kenmore Food Truck Corner . Peruse their beer and the latest food trucks on their website or in person : 7204 NE 175th St . Bldg A , Kenmore , WA 98028 cairnbrewing . com kenmoreair . com
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