There are times when life gets in the way of living; that seems to be the case for the past few weeks. Not only I have been overwhelmed by life, tasks, work, family, etc. but it seems a lot of you have been overwhelmed as well. Many contributors of this, our first anniversary issue, have been behind the eight ball as well. Some have written to say, "I know it's late but can you still use my article, etc.?" For whatever reason, it seems to have worked out and I believe this issue is a tribute to what Fiber Femmes all over the world know...we get it done somehow and, to a one, are Great Women Building a Gracious World.

I'm grateful to each and every contributor as well as those who take their most precious commodity, time, to read each issue. You have my utmost gratitude for sharing this "labor of love" called Fiber Femmes.

 For those with fiber related businesses, you'll be surprised to know you can afford our Classified Ads which will bring customers to your site(s).

This issue the FF Focus is on Laura Murphy, a paper maker I met during a Garden Yarn Exchange. Laura has been spinning six months and feels spinning is an extension of what she's already been and done in her life. Early in July, Laura and friend, Crystal Mascarenas, hosted the fledging, but successful,  southern Colorado San Luis Valley Folk Arts Fiber Festival. They both feel quite strongly about "creative economies" and strengthening where they live. If paper making interests you (I know it interests me!), Laura has a tutorial at her website, Wilde Thyme.

FF Features shake things up a bit with Grace Hatton's article, "ETHICAL" ISSUES WITH WOOL????, Laura Murphy (yes, the FF Focus) gives an introduction to paper making and Caryn Ackerman writes about her Japanese knitting classes. Lots of great articles, fun stuff, contests and much, much more. If you're interested in the contests, best check those first; some are time sensitive.

Healing Hokies - Mosaic Yarn Shop in Blacksburg, VA put together blankets from knitted and crocheted squares. See our Charity Focus to read more about the blessings that came from the tragedy.

The Romanian Fiber and Craft Tour is in August and there's still room. Please visit http://www.our-slovakia.com/romania.html for more information. Helene and Jozef have a history of ***fabulous*** tours and this one is no exception. It's a GREAT value and a trip you'll never top nor experience again!

Please visit and read our blog. I'm a bit sporadic in updating but when I do, it's *newsworthy*. There's a lot of good, useful, fun information headed your way so visit and visit often. And, please, check the blog entry, then send Gerry, Knitwear Designer Annie Modisett's husband a card. They are going through some rough times right now and a card would be greatly appreciated. It's called life and we're all "knit" together.

Fiber Femmes blog is hosting some contests; visit to see how you can win some wonderful prizes. Later, make sure you return to find the rules and regulations for the upcoming SCAVENGER HUNT and more great prizes.