LINDA SALSBURY
Registered Nurse by education and profession, Linda is now focused on farming and fiber production. She plays the dual role of farmer - breeding, birthing, and overseeing the welfare of a large alpaca herd and sheep flock. In the shop, she is the owner and operator of Eagle Bend Yarn & Fiber. In concert with input from both Beth and Chris, yarns and colorways are designed and then produced for the shop from the herds that live on the farm. In addition, manufactured yarn purchase decisions are made by Linda and Beth, to complete the products offered at the shop. Linda is an improving knitter, crocheter, spinner, and studied Sorting and Grading of all Fibers under the auspices of SUNY Cobleskill, being mentored by national alpaca judge, Wini Labreque. Building a small business is her passion, and caring for her staff, customers, and livestock is where her heart is. Linda is also the mother of 4 adult children, 8 grandchildren, owner of three Scotty dogs, and a flock of chickens.
BETH PHILLIPS
First introduced to needlearts at a young age by a great aunt and grandmother, Beth did not become passionate about yarn until 2001. A graduate of the Art History program at U.C., Beth later studied knitting by some well known names in the industry including Ann Budd, Kyle Kunnecke, Romi Hill, and has participated in Knit-A-Longs with Knit Purl Hunter and Knitspot. In 2019, she became a Certified Knitting Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council. She has recently won numerous awards at our Boone County fair competitions including Best of Show. At the shop, Beth offers help to our knitters, teaches Intro to Sock classes, Beginner Lace, Fix-It Classes, just to name a few. She is also skilled in crochet basics. Beth is the Assistant Shop Manager at Eagle Bend, and in addition to working the shop, also assists with breeding, birthing, and shearing our sheep and alpaca herd.
TRACEY SMITHERS
A proficient, self-taught knitter AND crocheter, there truly is nothing that Tracey cannot do. In the shop, she teaches advance skill classes which include sweater construction, brioche, color work, as well as felting and some needlework projects. Her skills provide Eagle Bend with countless resources of instruction.
CHRIS DISBIO
Chris began needlework at the young age of 8 when her grandmother taught her to Crochet. Through the years, she picked up knitting, tatting, and quilting as well, and through personal study, as expanded her skill level to offer help to our customers in whatever need of fixing they find themselves. Chris enjoys knitting socks, but lace and shawl construction are her passions. Chris covers the shop part-time and is available to help customers select yarns and matching patterns. Chris also work with me for fiber, both skirting, dying, and assists in choosing weights of yarn.
LISA LEICK
Lisa is a self taught crocheter, starting in the 1980s using the Boye book,
"I Taught Myself Crochet". Lisa said she liked to try out new stitches and new
techniques, and to adapt patterns to come up with new ideas. Lisa makes all
kinds of projects: hats, scarves, afghans. She joined the Crochet Guild of
America (CGOA) in 2018, and is now the Northern Kentucky CGOA chapter
president since 2023. Lisa is a dedicated crocheter instructor for our yarn
shop, and is available for classes during each month.
HEATHER HELDMAN
Heather moved to Kentucky five years ago and shortly joined us at Eagle Bend as a member of our Happy Knitter social group. In the past year, Heather has become one of
the Staff at the yarn shop, using her expertise as our I.T. Person. She also edits the newsletter and helps with other technology issues. In addition to knitting, she runs her own business making stamped silverware as The Talking Teaspoon. Her items are unique and can be found in various many small businesses across the country. Locally, you’ll find her items here at the yarn shop. Heather also enjoys to travel and works with
community volunteering.
KATHY HOUSLEY
Kathy, a nurse by education, became a frequent visitor at the shop and we pulled her into a
Member of one of our staff. She was interested in all types of needlework from a young age,
And first embroidery at age 8. She didn’t learn to knit until age 49, her first lesson from her Daughter-in-law. She soon became obsessed with her craft and has now become very Skilled knitter. She has won blue ribbons at the Boone County Fair in not only Knitting but also needlework. She spends time at the shop helping customers, teach new Techniques, and especially fixing mistakes.