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Category Archives: Spinning

FO : Twice As Nice

08 Jan

I had promising, high hopes for the new year.  I always do; what isn’t there to love about a fresh new year?  A clean slate, in a way.  Or a new canvas in which to paint new memories.

All of that was shattered when someone let the air out of my new tires, right here in front of my house.  I have no idea who did it (probably some stupid teenagers playing a prank,) but needless to say, it left me feeling slightly vulnerable and a little bit violated.  Top that off with an uncommonly stressful week at work.  All I can say is, this year had better get movin’ and improve, soon.

In good news, my husband starts a new job this Monday!  I’m so happy for him.  He will still be doing the same type of work, but in a better environment that is a little closer to home, and is a little more money.  I just hope that his mood is elevated and he’s not as stressed as he has been.  One of the worst things in the world is seeing the man you love suffer in some way, and there is nothing you can do but be supportive.

 

Happy Hubby!

 

John’s parents stayed for dinner last night, after helping us install the new light fixture they gave us for Christmas.  We celebrated with cheesecake and a bottle of ‘Life and Limb’.

But, while this has been a week of ups and downs, I’ve still managed to accomplish a few things in the newness of the year.

 

I'm still spinning

 

  • Project : ‘The Crown Jewels’
  • Fiber : ‘Creatively Dyed’, 50% merino / 50% tencel, 4 oz
  • Ply : standard 2-ply
  • Weight / Yardage : DK/Worsted, 140 yds

I was drawn to the color of this roving, and the shine, at the Fall Fiber Festival last year.  Chan talked me into buying it, even thought I was feeling cautious.  I was happy staying in my ‘spinning comfort zone’; merino, BFL, etc.  Never had I tried to attempt something like this.  I was afraid that it wouldn’t spin up well, that I wouldn’t have as much control over the fibers as I did with 100% wool.  Well, I can safely say ‘Thank you, CHAN!’  This was a true pleasure to spin.

Next, I have a knitting project that I kept putting off, but why I have no idea.  Cowls are so easy to knit; they take me one afternoon, or two evenings of tele, to make.  My mother’s hairdresser had requested one and I was more than happy to comply.  My mother has had the same hairdresser for years, ever since Amy B was right out of beauty school.  She’s seen me grow up, she styled my hair for my wedding.  She’s a great lady and I know that she’ll love the cowl.

 

Mmmm ... Manos del Uruguay

 

  • Project : ‘Purple Seaweed Cowl’
  • Pattern : ‘Seaweed Cowl’ by Elizabeth Blake
  • Yarn : Manos del Uruguay, ‘Wool Clasica’

 

This is one of my all time favorite cowl patterns.  The ribbing is simply enough to memorize, and really give the yarn the texture that it needs, and compliments the yarn.  This yarn is warm and squishy, not to mention soft!

 

 

 

I hope that your year if off to a great start, and that you are enjoying your weekend!  What have you been crafting so far ?

 
5 Comments

Posted by on January 8, 2012 in FO, Knitting, Spinning

 

One More, For Good Measure

31 Dec

I can’t let 2011 pass by without posting about the Knit Night holiday party!  A yearly tradition, we all flock to Jess’s house and eat, knit, and exchange gifts.

 

Our hostess, the lovely Jess

 

Crazy, all of them.

 

One of the things I love about this group is how wonderful everyone is, how kind, sweet, and compassionate they all are.  They are very much family to me and gathering to celebrate the holidays means a lot.

 

Sarah and her boyfriend, John

 

Lovely Leesa

 

Kathryn and the clown

 

Okay, let me tell you the story behind this knitted clown.  I’m going to let the knitter remain nameless, but I can assure you that it was no one in our group.  We all agreed that it was an amazing project, complete with knitted underwear, walking stick, and binoculars.  Not to mention that there was a knitted thermos and cheese sandwich in the knapsack on it’s back.  While I have to applaud the effort that went into this (because the detail really is amazing,) it still creeps me out to the highest level.

But John seemed to like it, and even suggested that we make Babs a Facebook page.

 

What happens when boyfriends attend knitting parties

 

We exchanged gifts via a thieves Christmas theme, which was really fun.  I had never done it that way before.  I came home with two skeins of Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed, and copy of ‘The Knitters Answer Book’, (thanks, Erin!)  I also brought home a giant bag of yarn that Alyssa needed a new home for.  It is an acrylic blend, but so pretty and pink, just screaming to be made into a vintage style sweater.

 

Sarah, snuggling her yarn

 

I think everyone was very happy with their gifts, as well as the food and the company.  I even managed to get some spinning in!  Jess’s FIL is a woodworker, and is making her a spinning wheel.  He wanted to watch me spin, to see the mechanics of it all in motion.  He’s a neat guy and I really enjoyed talking ‘shop’ with him.

 

Not the best photo, but the yarn is beautiful! Tencel/Merino blend.

Tomorrow night, I’m working, but I don’t mind.  I’m not really one for New Year’s Eve parties (someone is always too drunk.)  Besides, we’re having our own little ‘party’ on the unit to celebrate.

So, from the Menagerie …. have a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve, and a very happy New Year.  May it be a time of reflection, for the year that is passing and the one that is to come.

 
4 Comments

Posted by on December 31, 2011 in Friends and Family, Spinning

 

Spinning FO : Orange You Glad You Spun Today

12 Oct

I know, that was a terrible pun, but I just couldn’t help myself.  The new yarn that I’ve finished spinning makes me smile, and I admit, puts me in a bit of a silly mood.

 

  • Project : ‘The Great Pumpkin’
  • Fiber : This one’s a real ‘mutt’!  Cormo/Finn/BFL
  • Ply : Standard two-ply
  • Weight / Yardage : Sport weight / 279 yards
I purchased this fiber from Hooked On Fiber, a great LYS that is now, sadly, closed.  She had baskets full and I was in the need for something with bold color.  I think I got my wish with this fiber.  There was only one bag of each fiber in the orange, so I thought, no problem.  Who says that I can ply three types of fiber together?
The yarn is very soft, and honestly, I have no idea what to knit with it.  But I’m sure I’ll eventually think of something.
 
2 Comments

Posted by on October 12, 2011 in Spinning

 

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Fall Fiber Festival 2011 – Part II

07 Oct

Now onto part two!

There was a Ravelry meet-up at Noon, so we made our way to the Education tent.  I decided to hike to my car and back, so that I could get my spinning wheel.

See? I do smile when I spin.

 

There were also a few looms set up, so Laura and Alyssa decided to take a stab at it. It looked like a lot of fun, and the ladies leading the demos were very helpful.

Weaving away

 

But in the middle of it all, I was struck by surprise!  Chan showed up and, I must admit, I didn’t even recognize her.  She’s been participating in Weight Watchers as well and, if I may say so, she looks amazing!!  I seriously didn’t know it was her until she said hello.  Chan, dear, you look fabulous and amazing!

Dianne and Chan

 

Dianne is the owner of Creatively Dyed, a booth that always tempts me into buying something.  This year, it was a 4 oz of merino/tencel fiber to spin.

Another booth that I also had to stop by was Stoney Mountain Fiber.  Barb is a wonderful lady and I had to say hello.  For those of you who read my blog frequently, Barb is who sold me Nina, my Ashford Traditional wheel.

Barb, spinning guru

 

Most of the gals decided to head over to the Montpelier house for the tour.  Amanda stayed behind, so that I could have some company while I waited until the end of the festival, to pick up the yarn that I had entered.  While we took a final walk around, after knitting in the cold for a few hours, we saw this.

So cute!

 

So, wanna see the loot?  I didn’t buy nearly as much as I would have liked to, but for being on a budget, I’m happy with my purchases.

Spinning goodness

 

On the left is 4oz of merino from Wild Hare Studios, in ‘Blue Spruce’.  I won a voucher along with my ribbon and that was the prize that I chose.  On the right is that merino/tencel from Creatively Dyed.  It feels like butter and I admit, I’m a little intimidated to spin it.  But Chan talked me into it, so I’ll give it a shot.  I also bought some grayish blue Louet bulky (for Christmas knitting,) and a skein of yarn for a swap that I’m in.

It was an amazing day and I really hope that I get to attend again next year!

Tired, cold, but happy!

 

 
3 Comments

Posted by on October 7, 2011 in Friends and Family, Knitting, Spinning

 

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Fall Fiber Festival 2011 – Part I

03 Oct

My favorite sheep and wool type festival has always been Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier, VA.  It is a small festival, but so much fun, with great vendors and good food.  In the past I’ve gone with my husband or a few friends, but this year, we had a whole gaggle of yarnies!

Most of the Knit Night Crew (Laura, Erin, Erin's sister Kelly, Alyssa, Amanda, and me at the bottom.)

We had what I consider ideal weather for the festival; cold enough to wear a sweater and at least two hand-knit items!

Erin, with her new cat hat and husband sweater

It was a little muddy but at least it didn’t rain on us while we were there.  Not that rain would stop us; there is always plenty to do!  Sheep dog trials, shopping, and apple cider donuts!

Sheep in motion

I love to see all the breeds of sheep that are there, especially now that I’m spinning more.  I can see a breed and put it together with something that I’ve spun.

Friendly Sheep

"Hey - what ya doin'?"

But I’ll admit, my favorite part of the day was when I finally made it over to the Skein and Garment Competition tent.  I entered three skeins of hand-spun this year, and I was dying to know if I had won or not.  And guess what?  I won second place!!!!  I was so happy – I couldn’t believe it!  I honestly didn’t think that I would place, let alone win something (a voucher for 4oz of roving from Wild Hare Fiber!)  I was riding high the rest of the day.

Second Place - Beginner Category - Single Ply

But the fun didn’t stop there!  Since I have so many photos, I’m breaking this down into two posts.  Stay tuned tomorrow or Wednesday for more friends, fiber, and all the loot that I brought home!

 
3 Comments

Posted by on October 3, 2011 in Friends and Family, Spinning

 

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WWSIPD 2011

18 Sep

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the year; World Wide Spin In Public Day!  This is the day that my friends and I converge on the Old Town Mall in Winchester, spinning wheels and spindles in tow, and awe the muggles.  I always enjoy answering questions and some of the comments bring both a smile and a raised eye brow at times.  You just never know who you are going to meet!

Even total strangers are amazed

 

That’s Lloyd, and he graciously allowed me to take his picture while holding my wheel.

I’m not sure if he just works at, or if he owns, the Tropical Island Coffee Cafe. (I’ve never eaten here, but I do hear that is mouth-watering and amazing.) He spotted Amanda walking from her car with her spinning wheel, and when I spotted them both, we all got to chatting away.  He was amazed, and I think a little inspired, that we spun our own yarn, and then knitted items from our fiber bounty.  We chatted about getting back to the basics, passing down traditions and keeping the ways of our grandparents alive.  About how wonderful it is to be self-sufficient, and I explained that, in my opinion, that is one of the most important aspects about spinning.  There is such a strong feeling of community, of self-worth.  Of crafting and talking and laughing.  Of meeting new people and renewing already strong friendships.

Two lovely knitters

Walking in to the Espresso Bar downtown, we immediately spotted this two ladies sitting in the front window, knitting.  We all made out way to the back of the cafe, settled into my comfy chairs, and began to ‘talk shop’.  I always love to meet new fiber friends, people who appreciate what we do, and why we do it.  And I do apologize for the yellow hue for some of these photos. apparently, when ‘auto scene select’ is on, it still means that you have to enter it manually, so the flash works when indoors.

Katrin and Amanda, both on Louet wheels

Do I ever smile when I spin?

I finally finished plying the gray Jacob fiber that I purchased in Ithaca, NY and moved on to some local BFL.  It’s orange; I seem to be trending with that color right now.  I think I’m just in the spirit of the upcoming season.

Erin did bring her Hitchhiker wheel, but she also had he drop spindle, so that she could teach Jess to spin on one.  Jess’s husband made her a drop spindle and she’s so happy to be crossing even further to the Dark Side with us. I don’t think that there are too many of us in the group who don’t spin.  And those who don’t, want to learn.

Erin and Jess - fiber love!

There wasn’t much else that I would have wanted to do on a cold, rainy Saturday.  These ladies are amazing and I’m happy to call them members of my Fiber Family!

 

 

 
2 Comments

Posted by on September 18, 2011 in Friends and Family, Spinning

 

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FO (Spining) : Zombies!

08 Jul

Last month, while reading my daily blog updates, I came across mention of a Shaun of the Dead SAL (spin-a-long.)  There was no way that I was going to be able to pass that one by!  I’m a huge fan of the movie, not to mention Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.  The SAL was offered by Fiber Fancy (check out her Etsy shop!)  She had a lot of different color themes to choose from, all from the movie, including; ‘Flowers For Mum’, ‘You’ve Got Red On You’, ‘The Girl In The Garden,’ and ‘The Winchester’.

I chose ‘Now, Who’s A Pretty Boy, Then?’ because Ed is my favorite character in the movie, and I have a soft spot for Nick Frost.

  • Project : “Now, Who’s A Pretty Boy, Then?”
  • Fiber : Shaun of the Dead SAL, Fiber Fancy – BFL, 4 oz
  • Ply : standard 2 ply
  • Weight/Yardage : Fingering / 379 yds

I thought that she did a great job capturing the colors of the scene intended; the green of the Jag, the earthy feel of the surroundings that they drive down, fleeing from zombies.  I love it!  The fiber was soft, easy to draft, and a dream to spin.  I can’t wait for her next SAL!

 
5 Comments

Posted by on July 8, 2011 in Spinning

 

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FO (Spinning) : Slightly Obsessed

25 Jun

Okay, I’ll admit.  I love the color purple.  All shades, all hues; I wear it, knit it, and spin it.  But I think I’ve had a bit of purple overload, so this may be the last of the purple projects for some time.

First, we have a cute little skein in various shades of purple.  I received the roving in a swap.  While it was a bit of a pain to draft (it was semi-felted.  I’ve found that this may have something to do with storage of the fiber or the dye,) but I whipped it into submission.  But, in all my frustration, I forgot to write down how much yardage I had.  I know I can get at least a pair of fingerless mitts with it, and my Mom has already admired it!

  • Project : “Purple People Eater”
  • Fiber : Frabjous Fibers (2 of 4 oz spun)
  • Ply : standard two ply

Next, we have some yarn that I must say, I am uber proud of.  I received a full pound of roving from Tina, for my birthday, back in February.  I have to say that this is the most amazing roving that I have ever spun.  It practically drafted itself; I felt like it was smooth sailing from start to finish.  I also plan on entering a skein of this yarn into the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier this autumn (the skein on the left, to be exact.)  After that, I think this will become a shawl for myself.

  • Project : ‘Violet’
  • Fiber : Buckwheat Bridge Angoras : 50 merino/50 mohair (8 oz)
  • Ply : standard 2-ply
  • Yardage/Weight : 543 yd/ sport

I may accomplish some more spinning this weekend, depending on if I want to put down my knitting.  I’m so close to finishing a pair of soft alpaca/merino fingerless mitts for myself, that I want to do that before spinning.  But that empty bobbin is whispering my name, calling to me to fill her so I can ply my roving from the ‘Shawn Of The Dead SAL’.

What are you up to this weekend?

 
3 Comments

Posted by on June 25, 2011 in FO, Spinning

 

FO (Spinning) : So Much Yarn!!!

24 May

I’m playing catch up with a lot of posts; there is hand-spun, knitting, and fashion to share!  I’m finally out of my funk and I’m back with full force!

Earlier this year, I started spinning some undyed Merino at re-enactments.  I finally found a day when it wasn’t raining to wash and dry this beautiful yarn!  It is incredibly soft and I can’t wait to dye it up and knit something for myself!

  • Project : “Nights In White Satin”
  • Fiber : Undyed Merino, Hudson Valley Sheep & Wool, Co. – 8oz
  • Ply : Standard Two-ply
  • Yardage/Weight : 450 yds/Sport-DK

The second spinning project I have wasn’t as much fun as the one above.  While it drafted great, it was itchy, but that is just the nature of the breed (Shetland.)  I decided that it would make a good shawl for re-enactment, since it won’t be laying on bare skin.  I also decided NOT to ply, something that I usually look forward to.  I just wanted to get the most out of the fiber, yardage wise.

  • Project : ‘Shades of Gray’
  • Fiber : Undyed Shetland, Hudson Valley Sheep & Wool, Co. – 4oz
  • Ply : Single
  • Yardage/Weight : 580 yards/Fingering

I’ll be honest; I’d been wanting to get those finished so that I could dive into the purple Mohair/Merino that I received from Tina for my birthday in February.  This fiber is so soft!!!  I’ve just finished plying, but I have to get it washed and dried.  But, I’ll leave you with a spoiler.

 
2 Comments

Posted by on May 24, 2011 in FO, Spinning

 

FO (Spinning) : Dirty Hippy

15 Apr

I’ve been working away, swiftly, on some beautiful Merino that I purchased in Charlottesville, so that I could have all of my bobbins free for the re-enactment this weekend.  I must say, I am very proud of this yarn, and proud of myself.  My WPI is improving and my hand-spun continues to become more even.

  • Project : “Dirty Hippy”
  • Fiber : Stoney Mountain ‘Merino Pigtails’ – 6oz ( give or take)
  • Ply : Standard 2-ply
  • Yardage/Weight : 420 yds total / Sport – DK weight

I love these colors! . I was trying to think of what to call it, and I kept thinking of tie-dye and hippies, so hence the name “Dirty Hippy“  When I picked up my Baynes wheel from repair at Barb’s shop in Charlottesville, I saw this sitting in the bin and I just had to have it.  Essentially, there were 7.2 ounces in the braid, but two skeins were more than enough for me.  So, if anyone wants some fiber to play with, and you like the colors, I have a little over 1.5 ounces or so, if you want it!

Every time I spin on Nina, my Ashford Traditional, it gets a little easier.  I’m still getting used to the 2 oz bobbin, and I think I’m going to be saving up for, as asking Santa for, a jumbo flyer.  I really miss those 4 oz bobbins!  Still, I notice that my spinning is getting better and my technique is improving on this wheel.  I really like the single treadle, as compared to the double treadle that I was spinning on before.

Hopefully I’ll have some beautiful, un-dyed Merino to share with you this week, depending on how much spinning I get done this weekend!

 
5 Comments

Posted by on April 15, 2011 in FO, Spinning

 

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