Most everyone in our area is familiar with the “farm to table” movement. An upsurge in awareness has made the quality of one’s edibles a top priority for many families. For those families, locally sourced, locally grown/raised, and as organic as possible has become the mantra for food buying and consuming. This mantra has begun to encompass other parts of people’s lives as well, including the parts that happen in the knitting and sewing rooms around the nation.

Thus was born the “Sheep to Shawl” movement.

Baabaazuzu is no stranger to this tracking of wool. They know from which ugly sweaters that magnificent hat came. In fact, an increasing number of artisans can even track down the very ewe from which their yarn was shorn.

Having such knowledge fascinates fans of this industry. Sitting down to a new basket of yarn from a sheep that you know, and who knows you, is an amazing thing. Add to that the possibility that you, yourself, gathered the yarn, spun it, dyed it, and prepped it for this moment of creation and you have a mix that makes your new shawl, or the gift that you are about to give, a much more personal affair. You know the complete story of that piece of warmth wrapped about you. More and more, fabric pros and novices alike are searching for just such an experience.

Joining Baabaazuzu in hosting the event will be the Alpaca Store at Maplewood Farm, Great Lakes Ranch, Happy Goat Lucky Ewe Fiber Farm, It’s Sew You, Tealwater Ranch, Woven Art, and Yarn Hollow.

These vendors, along with a long list of fiber arts professionals, will be on hand offering advice, giving demonstrations, selling products and supplies, and hosting classes, all geared toward upping your fiber arts game and allowing you to witness, and play a part in, the journey that your fabric takes on its way to being your next treasured project.

To learn more about this event, including cost and how to register, visit college.interlochen.org/fiberartsweekend.

Happy Worst Sweater Wednesday! Hope you have a wonderful and safe 4th of July, friends!

Meet Cynthia and Debbie–both are from Illinois, but met in northern Michigan at their summer cottages years ago.

When the girls were asked to share one of their fashion rules, they answered:

Cynthia: “My 21 year old daughter says not everything you wear needs to match, so I’m working on that.”

Debbie: “I’m all about comfort.”

Although they don’t live near one another in their home state, they religiously talk on the phone–and even “joint exercise” twice a week with their iPhone-buds, so they can walk and talk.

They aren’t just seasonal friends–they’re as they say, “Summer Sisters.”

And both Summer Sisters walked out with some lovely Baabaazuzu finds!

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

We had to have a laugh at thinking–wow we just can’t get rid of the snow, not even on a sunny June day. Thank goodness our wool pile is not an accurate radar for weather. Happy Worst Sweater Wednesday, Friends! – The Zu Crew

This year for our 2014 catalog we had the unique opportunity of featuring mothers and their children. We are excited to spotlight two of our model mommas and their children in today’s post.

Meet Tya and Jacob Harrison.

BBZZ: What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?

Tya: My favorite part about being a mother is the unconditional love I get from my son. His love is so pure and true. There is nothing better than that!

BBZZ: What’s the hardest thing about being a mom?

Tya: The hardest part about being a mom for me is being my own worst critic. In my mind I am always re-thinking, and over thinking things. I have to learn how to sit back and enjoy this time with my son and husband.

BBZZ: What would be the ideal Mother’s Day?

Tya: Getting to sleep in and having sushi for dinner!

Meet Laura and Grace Oblinger.

BBZZ: What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?

Laura: The intense love. There is nothing else that will enter your life that will garner the love, passion and intense feelings you have for your child. Grace has completed my life and I have never loved anything or anyone as much as I love her.

BBZZ: What’s the hardest thing about being a mom?

Laura: Similar to what I just stated–that intensity of the emotion and feelings you have for your child brings similar intense feelings when you fear your child is hurt or sad. When I see my Gracie angry, hurt or sad, I share the same emotion but probably ten times more, as I want to protect her from any pain. I know I can’t and this has been by far the hardest thing, accepting that I may not always be able to protect her.

BBZZ: What would be the ideal Mother’s Day?

Laura: Home with my family. No interruptions, no distractions, no competitions–there’s nothing that brings me peace and happiness more than the oasis of our home and time with Chris and Grace. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, as long as we’re together and combine that with the comfort of our home–and I am one happy mommy.

And Grace was happy to answer some of our questions too.

BBZZ: What’s your favorite thing to do with your mom?

Grace: Snuggle.

BBZZ: If you could give your mom anything for Mother’s Day what would it be?

Grace: A kiss and a monkey. My mommy LOVES monkeys and always wanted one as a pet. I would love to get her one (and then I could play with it too!)

BBZZ: What do you love most about your mom?

Grace: She is beautiful and funny!

We couldn’t be happier that these lovely mommas and their children were part of our photo shoot (and also part of our Mother’s Day blog post). Cheers to a wonderful Mother’s Day!