Recent and Current Projects

I typically have multiple art projects in progress at the same time.  Some are finished quickly, others, not so much.  As you can tell, I love the Boho style!  

The butterfly-themed harem pants were made from fabric purchased at Joann Fabrics right before they closed permanently.  

The dress in the second photo was made from batiks I had on hand.  The pattern, "Wilder Gown", is easy to make and is flattering to most body types.

 Lastly, I'm knitting a scarf in garter stitch.  The bulky yarn was purchased in Bozeman, MT last February. 

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto

Knitting Retreat, Sievers School of Fiber Arts

October 2025 was a great time to visit Washington Island, WI.  I was there to attend my first-ever knitting retreat.  An intermediate knitter at best, I was game to attend a retreat with fellow knitters!  It was a great experience all around.

The "Open Studio Knitting Retreat" took place from Oct. 7th - Oct. 12th.  I journeyed to Washington Island, WI one day ahead of time.  I stayed at the Inn at Frog Hollow, a charming B & B I'd stayed at before. The entire experience was wonderful.  Fellow knitters at the retreat were very welcoming.  Many have been attending this retreat for years.  The retreat typically fills quickly once registration opens.  There was an instructor-lead knitting class running concurrently in the other studio. Those knitters were friendly as well. The staff at Sievers is top notch. Don't hesitate to go there if the chance arises!

I took the Washington Island ferry on October 6th, arriving a day ahead of the retreat.  The day was initially blustery.  The weather improved upon arrival on the island.  I drove around on the island.  I visited Schoolhouse Beach.  Eventually I stopped in at the Sievers School of Fiber Arts gift shop.  It's simply the best gift shop around, especially for those who are into fiber, basketry, and other handmade goods. 

Photos are pure eye candy!  Some show scenes from Sievers, the world’s cutest dog spotted outside a gift shop, the Inn at Frog Hollow, signage at the knitting retreat, and, riding on the ferry to and from Washington Island.  Oh, and there’s a “class” photo too!  I'm in the row that's standing. I'm wearing an orange print shirt.  Last photo shows the two shawls I worked on while at the retreat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto

Michigan's Upper Peninsula, August 2025

I had the pleasure of visiting the Upper Pennisula of Michigan in early August.  My husband and I rented an Airbnb for the second time.  "Graystone Cottage" is located near Lake Linden, MI.  The cottage sits on my favorite lake, Lake Superior.

 We spent one night in Eagle River, WI along the way north, from our home in Madison, to the U.P.  Once we reached Houghton, MI, we headed for Portage Quilt House, not far from Michigan Tech.  A considerable amount of fabric was purchased.  In fact, we made a second stop there later in the week!  A large amount of hand dyed yarn was purchased at the Wood 'n Spoon in Mohawk, MI.  They also sell fresh baked, yummy cookies.  Be sure to stop there if you're visiting the Upper Peninsula. 

Heading into Houghton, MI.

Graystone Cottage (Airbnb photo)

Graystone Cottage (Airbnb photo). Lake Superior is in the background.

Beautiful sunrise.

                                                  Another pretty view from the cottage.

                                             

                                                          Pretty road, Upper Peninsula.

 

 

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto

September Happenings

Calling all fiber artists!  If you’re available September 7th - 10th, consider attending one, or both, of these events!

The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show and the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival have overlapping dates.  Both are excellent events offering classroom instruction, exhibits, and massive vendor malls!

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto