When we started Norsk Fjord Fiber in 1985, it was a simple business: importing raw wool from rare, Norwegian-raised Nordic breeds of sheep (Spelsau and Gotland/Pelsau), to U.S. Spinners. Over time, our business expanded to a variety of products, all related to simple, time-honored Nordic textiles, traditions and tools. We worked hard and enjoyed introducing others to the rich Scandinavian fiber traditions.

Now we have simplfied and are back to a single product: a breed-specific Norwegian weaving yarn called "Vevgarn" plus a few high quality warp yarns. Vevgarn is excellent for tapestry, rugs and bound weave structures. We even have a few knitters devoted to using Vevgarn for their hardier yet colorful garments. Please visit our products page for our catalog of products for purchase.

Now that we no longer work those 24/7 work weeks, many ask, "What are you doing now with all your time?"

Please read on if you are curious. I have yet to find that box of bonbons and the sofa!

We have always gardened and now spend a lot of time growing most of the fruits and vegetables we eat. This year round venture and adventure, which includes a greenhouse, cold frames, root cellar and daily labor is worth every delicious bite we consume and share with others.

Patrick has become engaged in an effort to save Eastern Hemlocks from the damaging effects of an introduced insect - the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid from Japan - by using biological control with the USDA-approved predator beetle that controls this Adelgid on Hemlocks in Japan. He created a website to educate private landowners, savinghemlocks.org. Patrick is often out in the woods with landowners and concervation groups, helping them protect privately-owned Hemlock ecosystems.

And speaking of rescue: I first fell in love with the Bearded Collies that visited our booth in 1988 at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Show. Lately I have become more engaged in Beareded Collie rescue work in the area. That website is located at carolinabeardies.org. Our club seeks to keep Beardie owners in these two states connected with each other. That way we can help all those Beardies and Neardies in need...plus have some fun with our dogs at Beardie Bounces!

Yet, what else does one do with all those shaggy dogs? Spin their hair, of course! I have become absolutely addicted to dog hair spinning, drawing on my epxerience working with Spelsau and other Nordic fibers to develop all sorts of spinning techniques for Beardie and other dog hair. I teach weekend workshops, so please contact me if you are interested. It is great fun - using hand spindles and beginners are welcome. Keep it simple!

Another passion of mine is pet therapy. Not all dogs, regardless of the breed, can do this most demanding work, so our latest Beardie addition is exceptional in this field. He excels in working with hospice patients and with delinquent teens...yes he is special! And to counter all that emotional work, he is learning tracking and search and rescue work. The SAR is so we can find Patrick when lost deep in the woods! Our other slate Beardie rescue keeps order on the homestead. Jobs for all.

Yet even more rescue work is being done around here.

Patrick and I have placed a conservation easement on the 140 acres of Blue Ridge escarpment headwaters where we live. More recently, we "rescued" a 154 acre mountainside that was scheduled for development near the blue Ridge Parkway. Soon, a wildlife conservation plan will be in place on that property. These are only small tracts of land in the grand scheme of things, but it is our effort to establish some protected spaces in these beautiful western North Carolina mountains.

The world in which we all live can be complex, and sometimes simple is good. So we wish you success in realizing a mindful approach to simplifying your life.