Two new mentors since last issue.  Can you spot the new hot pink tags?  In Santa Fe, NM!  Inger Blomberg Seitz at your service--and she really knows a LOT about rya and many other Scandinavian fiber arts. Also new this issue is John Terzakis from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.  Thanks to you both for stepping up!   If you are confused...or stuck in the process...Rya help could be in the next town...or maybe the next state.  I'm keeping track of everyone who is willing to assist a beginner get started with a kit or a design.  I gladly share the mentor's contact info with the person who needs help (but I do not post their phone numbers or addresses to ensure their internet privacy).   Thanks to those of you who have offered to be of assistance if there is a neighbor in need: Jackie in Williamsport, Pennsylvania Kristin in Deland, Florida Tina in San José, California Kris in Paynesville, Minnesota  John in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey Janet in Monmouth County, New Jersey Inger in Santa Fe, New Mexico Marsha in Sun City, Arizona Madeline, south of Tucson Paul in Tucson, Arizona Denise in Snohomish, Washington Robbin--Vancouver/Savory Is., British Columbia  David in Cincinnati, Ohio Eleanor in Fleischmanns, New York Laurie in Chatham and Boston, Massachusetts Angie is near Mexico City Polly in Oakville, Ontario, Canada Mia in Stockholm, Sweden Marie in Scunthorpe/North England and Marian in The Netherlands You need NOT be an expert. All you have to do to change from a little white tag to a bright pink tag is be willing to help someone in your area get started.  I will contact you to make the connection...and no mentor to date has had more than one contact, so you are not going to be swamped!  Email me today. I am only one person in Maryland.  But you all are all over the country and the world.  I'd love to share my joy of getting people started on their first ryas with YOU if you are interested. Just let me know. byrdcallstudio@gmail.com

Shawn Lockhart operates this unique shop of hand-made works from dozens of local--and very exceptional artists, including me.  Since I don't do the Art Shows any longer to get my shirts into your hands, why not make a note to go visit Shawn at her Eclecticity store this month?  I just brought her a bunch of great shirts which she will gladly do her best to find the right size, design and color for you.  She will even text me with requests if you are seeking something in particular that she doesn't have....in case I do.  You can find them at 15 East Main Street, Westminster, MD right across the street from the Library.  Click here to check her out on Facebook.

Elizabeth Terzakis not only drew her design as seen here, but followed several pages of instructions from my book and calculated how much of each color of yarn she needed.

For those of you who can't wait for my book to be published, read this blog.  There is some great designing information contained in this illustrated story.

I'm not going to tell you too much here, so be sure to check out the series of photos and learn some techniques you can apply to many art forms.

And the final Sharing of the day is ....

A year ago I received about 100 lbs of the Swedish yarn supplies from an elderly Swedish woman who could no longer use her beloved "stash."  I have listed all that was available for the taking each month.  And today I am very happy to say that every single strand, pattern, and canvas has found a new home.  Thanks for stopping by, and thank you for giving the supplies new life potential!  If you missed this story ...   Refresh your memory here.

This is such a frequently asked question, I'm leaving this link here because it is nicely put into a nutshell. Credit to Lyndi McNulty and  The Carroll County Times.

Click here to read more.

Eclecticity  at 15 E. Main St., Westminster, MD now carries many of my shirts.  Drop by there and ask Shawn what she has in your size.  Tell Shawn "Melinda sent me." By the way, she represents many talented local artists. I recommend a visit.