Episode 58: A Dream Afternoon with Keeley Richardson

What is Keeley Richardson's idea of a "dream afternoon"? The founder of the online blog and magazine Puget Sound Woolpack does not hesitate: "You guys know this: sitting and knitting and eating cake, I mean, that is probably my dream afternoon. And if only I could spend every afternoon doing that, I would be very happy." We say, "Yes, please! Sign us up!" We could also spend all afternoon listening to Keeley's lovely British accent. We loved learning more about Keeley's fiber life, which started when she was about six growing up in Birmingham, the midlands region of the UK, in a fiber family with her mum, nan and aunt teaching her everything from knitting and embroidery to sewing: "Back then, we didn't call it 'the fiber arts'--that's a new phrase--it was just something we all did in our household." Her teddy bears were the first recipients of her efforts as they proudly sported long thin scarves. Crafts were also taught in schools, and when she noticed that her three young sons weren't coming home with the kinds of craft projects she remembered, she started a business teaching kids to knit and sew as a creative lunchtime club in schools. By the time she left the UK, 600 kids were enrolled in the program across three counties. When she and her family relocated to the Seattle area in 2017, she began connecting with people in the local fiber community. Starting the online blog/magazine Puget Sound Woolpack seemed like a natural next step for putting her background in marketing, writing and teaching the fiber arts to work:

"The Woolpack isn't just about me . . . it is a platform for local businesses, for local yarn stores, for local wool producers, for dyers--it's a space for them to talk about what they do, their background, what motivates them, and what inspires them. The Woolpack isn't designed to be something that says, 'you should buy this.' It's about the people behind all of the things that we know and love. And I hope that comes across. That would be the intention."

The Woolpack's feature "Fiber Heroes" tells those fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of the people behind the things, while "Yarn Adventures" focuses on local events and things to do. "The Yarn Test Kitchen" offers one-skein projects featuring yarn from local indie dyers as well as simple, favorite recipes for a good bake for the dream afternoon. We can't wait to try the "Everyday Olive Oil Cake" she recommended. And we also can't wait to connect with Keeley at Rhinebeck again, and with her guidance--she has tried them all!--try out some of the other fiber events in the area, such as A Woolen Affair, Indie Untangled and CAKEpalooza.

So, while Rhinebeck is still months away, it's never too early to start thinking and dreaming about it, and our conversation with Keeley Richardson in this episode is a great place to start!