http://www.tourdefleece.com/

Set yourself a personal spinning challenge. You will begin spinning on the first stage of the Tour (July 5th), and finish on or before the last stage (July 27th). You, of course, may spin on those days designated rest days for the riders.

Rules:

1. The idea is to set yourself a challenge. It doesn't matter what the challenge is -- it could be spinning fine for the first time, or producing an artsy fartsy yarn as an exercise, it could be spinning enough for a specific project. If you've always wanted to spin a little every day (say, a spinning meditation practice), but never seem to find time for it, perhaps that could be the challenge -- spinning every morning of the tour. What matters is you set out the challenge, and meet it during the specified time.

2. There will be no spinning before the start of the first stage.

3. You must finish spinning before the last stage ends.

4. You may sample and do other research as needed beforehand if it helps you decide on your challenge, or will help provide you the tools and information you need to meet the challenge.

The Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey)

As much as I enjoy the different categories of the Tour de France, for the purposes of the Tour de Fleece, there is only one option -- the Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey). Either you meet your challenge, or you don't.

Finishers will get a button for their blog, which will be essentially the same as last year's version. Of course, there is the immense pride in undertaking the Tour and riding -- er -- spinning to completion.

Entering the Tour de Fleece 2008

To enter the Tour de Fleece 2008 spinning challenge, please leave a comment stating your name (nicknames are acceptable) and the URL for your blog or the webpage where you'll be reporting your spinning progress during the running of this year's Tour de France bicycle race. You can also submit your entry by e-mail via the link in the sidebar -- make sure you put "Tour de Fleece" in the subject line.

Entries will be posted below -- please check the list for your entry, allowing a couple of days from the time you submit it for me to update the list. If you haven't been added to the list of participants after a few days, please let me know in the comments or by e-mail as I may have missed seeing it the first time around.

Although the aim is to start on July 5th, as in past years, if you find us late, you can still feel free to hop aboard -- just set a challenge that will be appropriate to the time left before the end of the Tour.

To Market, To Market....one stitch at a time

SnB stitchers will be able to sell their FOs at the Janesville Farmer's Market again on Saturday, July 19 from 8-Noon. Remember the market is relocated to the top of Courthouse Hill in the parking ramp behind the courthouse. Those who sell items will share the cost of our 2 spaces but others are invited to just join us for stitching. FREE lessons and trouble-shooting always available. Weather permitting as usual.

The Brits are Coming Again!

Those of you who met Jean Embery from Benfleet, England at Stitch 'n Bitch 3 years ago can say "Hi" to her again on Monday, June 14 when she and her husband, Howard, return to Janesville for a visit. Come greet - and or meet them for the first time - at the Main Street Saloon, 117 N. Main 7:30-8:00ish. If Main St. is still closed from the flooding then, we'll be at the SpeakEasy, 19 N. High St. The Embery's will love to see previous acquaintances again and you'll have a chance to learn what they've been up to in Essex!

Please note: While fish are swimming in the park (see fins in photo below!), the Janesville Farmer's Market is MOVING up the hill on Saturday, June 21 to the upper Courthouse Park parking ramp area. Let's continue to support our local farmers through this time of flooding devastation to so many fields and shop the market on Saturday!

Main St. under water

River moves toward the library after inundating the parking areas.

WWKIP Day June 14, 2008 At Janesville Farmer's Market

Crowds coming to downtown Janesville to see the flooding Rock River brought many first-time Farmer's Market visitors on June 14 who were able to enjoy the SnB Worldwide Knit in Public Celebration as we did "performance knitting" on 5-foot tall needles with rope! Knitters of all ages tried their hands at king-size needles to join in the fun.








While the water of the Rock River was climbing onto Main Street during the market, Rachel Hunter won our drawing for 2 skeins of yarn while Paul Holz won our spring contest of "Oddest Yarn Project".




SnB "regular" Julie (Thursday SnB) had fun trying to deal with larger needles while Patty (Monday SnB) also kept the knit fabric growing.

It's Market & Shearing Time

We knit, we spin and we sell! Our SnB had lots of sales and inquiries on the Janesville Farmer's Market opening day May 10. Being serenaded all morning by a chanteur from Paris didn't hurt either! There were even some return customers from last year


looking for new socks. Now we look forward to many more great times at the market this summer. SnB returns there on Saturday, June 14 also encouraging participation in Worldwide Knit in Public Day. Bring your needles, your yarn, a chair and some change to enjoy local bakery treats. (www.wwkipday.com) And, as always, BEGINNER LESSONS ARE FREE!

Remember to join us on June 1 at the
Sugar Creek Alpaca Farm
for spinning and knitting demonstrations
during their shearing event.

Springtime at Sugar Creek Alpaca Farm

Wednesday, April 29, Sugar Creek Alpacas, Willow Tan Alpacas, and Andrea's Alpacas worked together to welcome local school children who learned about alpacas, their fiber and how the fiber is used. The Janesville SnB demonstrated the process of taking the alpaca fiber from shorn locks to spun yarn to knit garment.

Learn more about these alpacas and opportunities to visit by contacting the farms: (262)742.3799, (262)728-5545, or (262)470-7675.

Spring shearing will take place at Sugar Creek Farm on June 1 beginning at 10a.m. (N7031 County Rd. H, Elkhorn, WI)

Performing Opportunity

Do You Sing? Dance? Juggle?
BECOME A BUSKER!

Buskers are that rare breed of street entertainer in search of the best place or "pitch" to perform their artistic endeavor. Buskers can be any type of performer: dancers, mimes, artists, clowns, magicians, musicians, puppeteers, jugglers, acrobats, tumblers, living statues, and just plain weird! They can be amateurs or professionals . . .
Busking is NOT against the law in Janesville: however it isn't legal to accept financial reimbursement for street performance unless you are part of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
The United Arts Alliance is currently looking for performers and artists of every artistic discipline. While a member under the UAA "umbrella", you will be able to accept financial, free-will donations at the site of your performance. UAA will provide you with flexible dates and locations in downtown Janesville, provide you with proper identification as a UAA busker, and work to help promote and publicize your performance . You can use this opportunity to hone your performance skills, build a local audience, and earn some money!
To apply, please go to the UAA website at www.rockcountyarts.com where you'll find an application. If you are unable to use this application, please request a print copy using the contact option at the bottom of the site or by calling 608.752.9248 and we'll get one to you right away.