I wanted to follow up on last week’s post to expand on the latest news from The Varlet’s shop and to let folks know how I’m doing healthwise. I’ll give an updated timeline for production runs still yet to ship, though progress has been made this week and the results are encouraging.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I became ill the first week of January. My recovery took until about the 16th, with some lingering effects early in the week but I’m pretty sure I’m virus free. Still a bit uncomfortable breathing when outside cycling. Even in 60+ degree weather that we’re having, it just feels like the air is too cold for my respiratory system, which is out of the norm. I can usually ride in the 40’s with no issue, but as mentioned just some lingering effects which are getting better each day. I did not have extremely strong symptoms, but was not able to be productive during this time. Most frustratingly, symptoms seemed to come and go, with me feeling like I kicked the thing only to have a new symptom spring up out of the blue after a few hours. Not the sickest I’ve ever been, but it was strange.
Since Monday, I’ve been back in the shop pretty much full time and making progress on outstanding orders. My plan for the rest of the week is to get in touch with everyone individually that has a brush in progress. It has been some time since I gave individual updates, so I’ll be focusing on that to finish off the week. Since there are a lot of brushes in progress, I won’t have any photos on this blog post, as editing needs to be done separately for the blog and for emails, and that would take too long right now. My next blog post (pretty much now on a bi-weekly schedule) will probably feature some nice photos.
May/June and SFF Auction brushes
The knots have been completed for the lingering May/June brushes and for the SFF Auction brushes. I’ll be sending final photos shortly to each patron (tonight).
July-Sept
The July-Sept run is still in the final stages at various points of completion, and I will have reports for each individual patron via email. They should start shipping very soon.
Oct/Nov
The Oct/Nov run is well into the mid-point of production and depending on complexity also in the finishing stages. Most two-piece handles are still in the rougher shaping stage. Again, I will have progress updates for everybody via email with photos.
January 2022 Orders
Orders for January 2022 brushes will start this weekend. I’ll begin to get in touch with folks on this run and go over final details and/or changes to any preferences.
Releases
I had a couple of brushes that I offered at the end of 2021 to patrons of custom pieces, they were not offered publicly. If I’m able, I will have some pre-made offerings in the next few weeks. Firstly, I’ll have to catch up on customs but when the time is right I will offer some more pieces depending on my progress of custom orders.
I’m looking forward to speaking to folks individually and hope everyone is keeping healthy as we get 2022 going. Thanks to everyone for stopping by.
-Aldo
