In Nov. 27 Issue
By Kim Graham
Times Journal Reporter

For ten years, Sandy Ellis has been weaving wool fiber into works of art. Now she has opened, Wool-n-Things, a weaving shop located on Hwy 127 in Russell Springs behind Curt's Heating and Cooling.

"Wool-n-Things products are hand spun, hand dyed, hand woven, made in America in this county textiles," said Ellis.

Saturday, November 29th from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sandy will launch her grand opening with an open house at Wool-n-Things.

Ellis, a Kentucky native and 30 year Russell County resident, earned her weaving certification at John Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC.

She is also a juried member of the Sheltowee Artisans, a handcrafted guild based in Somerset and serves as the organization's secretary.

The store is stocked with an array of hand crafted products including garments such as hats and scarves, home goods like table linens, towels and rugs as well as whimsical 3D needle felted figures and wall hangings.

"I use mostly wool fiber in my work," said Ellis. "I also weave cotton, angora and frequently use recycled fabric for weaving items like rag rugs."

Ellis says much of the raw wool she dyes and spins into yarn comes from her daughter's flock of sheep.

Introducing the community to the craft she loves, is also a part of Ellis' offerings at Wool-n-Things.

She plans to hold basic beginner classes in spinning and weaving, needle felting and felt appliqué techniques.

 "It's fun to do," Ellis said. "I find it relaxing and it can be very creative."

 Some weavers incorporate beads or even feathers into their work, she says.

"You can follow a pattern or make it up as you go," said Ellis. "Just let go and have fun with it."

For folks who want to work on projects and don't want to buy equipment, Ellis will offer in-house rental of her spinning wheels and looms.

"Spending time at the loom feeds your soul and provides a respite from the duties of the day," Ellis said.

Wool-n-Things store hours are Tuesday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, contact Sandy Ellis at —

e11650e@yahoo.com.