Working away on my COE-Spinning skeins these days. I haven't done much spindling, and NO Navaho spindling for 25+ years. So I took out the Navaho spindle I'd purchased from a woodworker in Memphis, tried working with it and realized that I'd bought just that--a woodworkers spindle. NOT a spinners spindle! It was just too heavy and wouldn't hold a spin at all. Live and learn! I did a little research and decided on an Al Snipes Navaho spindle, available from Hillcreek Fiber Studio.
I started working with it in earnest yesterday and by last night had settled on the best technique and the best wool to use for this skein. This morning I finished most of the skein (had to break for lunch and a cup of coffee). I have to say, this spindle is just "the bees knees"! Lightweight, removeable whorl, easy to get spinning and holds a spin just as long as I need it to! I'm just lovin' this tool, and may have to make it one of my airline travel spindles (if the shaft will fit in my carry-on). It would be wonderful for spinning up some chunky (chunky for me is worsted weight--LOL) yarn or for plying yarn spun on another spindle.
Back to the studio before my coffee gets cold!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thanksgiving dinner, a revisited adventure
Years ago, I was the one who hosted Thanksgiving dinner. In 1988 I had 38 people at my place, I used the neighbors oven to bake things and her refrigerator to store things that were overflowing in my house. Had the whole clan over (there's a BUNCH more of them now and we'd have to rent a hall to have dinner together now).
Then I married The Engineer 15 years ago, and his moms favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. She loved the colors, she loved the turkey, she loved having everyone around the table, she loved the laughter, she loved the shouting at the after-dinner football games--it was just her most favorite day! Last year she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was due for surgery right after Thanksgiving, so we shared the duties and I hosted. We made 2 small turkeys--one at my house and one at hers--because she still wanted to get her hands in that bird, she loved the day THAT much. (What a hoot, running over to her place the night before to pick up my share of the stuffing!)
This year, we're celebrating without her. And it's all up to me to try to remember how to time everything to be ready at the same time as the turkey. Y'see, I still haven't figured out the eccentricities of the new oven after a year, I've forgotten if the turkey is usually done a few minutes before or a few minutes after the suggested time. Then there's the letting-it-sit-for-15-minutes, and the time it takes The Engineer to carve (he has to share nibbles of turkey with the cat, and that lengthens carving time), all while I'm making gravy and trying to keep the mashed potatoes and extra stuffing warm and moist. Hmmmmm, maybe I need to start an Excel spreadsheet? But, I didn't used to do it that way, I used to know how to this as easily as I know how to spin yarn. Either I'm getting old and foggy in the brain or I've become accustomed to leaning too much on technology and expecting that cooking large dinners can be cataloged and/or kept to a firm schedule.
Either way, no one will turn down the turkey when it comes 'round on its serving platter, and no one will comment if the mashed potatoes are a little cool or the cat is sitting under the table staring at us with his laser eyes because he wants more nibbles. So, it's all good!
Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone! And remember why we call it "thanks giving".
Then I married The Engineer 15 years ago, and his moms favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. She loved the colors, she loved the turkey, she loved having everyone around the table, she loved the laughter, she loved the shouting at the after-dinner football games--it was just her most favorite day! Last year she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was due for surgery right after Thanksgiving, so we shared the duties and I hosted. We made 2 small turkeys--one at my house and one at hers--because she still wanted to get her hands in that bird, she loved the day THAT much. (What a hoot, running over to her place the night before to pick up my share of the stuffing!)
This year, we're celebrating without her. And it's all up to me to try to remember how to time everything to be ready at the same time as the turkey. Y'see, I still haven't figured out the eccentricities of the new oven after a year, I've forgotten if the turkey is usually done a few minutes before or a few minutes after the suggested time. Then there's the letting-it-sit-for-15-minutes, and the time it takes The Engineer to carve (he has to share nibbles of turkey with the cat, and that lengthens carving time), all while I'm making gravy and trying to keep the mashed potatoes and extra stuffing warm and moist. Hmmmmm, maybe I need to start an Excel spreadsheet? But, I didn't used to do it that way, I used to know how to this as easily as I know how to spin yarn. Either I'm getting old and foggy in the brain or I've become accustomed to leaning too much on technology and expecting that cooking large dinners can be cataloged and/or kept to a firm schedule.
Either way, no one will turn down the turkey when it comes 'round on its serving platter, and no one will comment if the mashed potatoes are a little cool or the cat is sitting under the table staring at us with his laser eyes because he wants more nibbles. So, it's all good!
Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone! And remember why we call it "thanks giving".
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Forgive me, but I had to post this
And now we know why I don't do festivals/fairs anymore. Too old to hold my tongue!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Return of the prodigal
I've recently been reminded by a few folks that I've not posted anything for several months. Sorry about that but I needed to crawl into a cocoon for a bit. Having lost my mother-in-law/close friend, my favorite cat, my favorite brother, and my oldest brother within 9 months was overwhelming for me. I'm the sort of person who needs to draw inward when in trauma and that's where I've been--working around the yard, knitting, spinning and just being quiet so the internal upset would have a chance to settle.
I've also been moving forward on my COE-Spinning and now have several skeins and quite a bit of the written work finished. I try to work on it 20 hours a week but it's difficult to spin to regulation or work with equipment I don't enjoy when there's all those pretty colors of wool calling my name. I keep reminding myself that nothing worth having is easy to obtain. Heck, it took me 30 years to earn my Bachelors Degree!
I washed some skeins of handspun last night that had been hanging around my desk for a month. The red yarn which always bleeds slightly managed to bleed A LOT this time, and the nice sage/mint/beige/turquoise handspun now has permanent pink spots. There was no reason for this dye to adhere to the fiber, other than the heat of the water. Despite having done everything that I know to remove the dye, there's still pink on the wool. Any suggestions?
I've also been moving forward on my COE-Spinning and now have several skeins and quite a bit of the written work finished. I try to work on it 20 hours a week but it's difficult to spin to regulation or work with equipment I don't enjoy when there's all those pretty colors of wool calling my name. I keep reminding myself that nothing worth having is easy to obtain. Heck, it took me 30 years to earn my Bachelors Degree!
I washed some skeins of handspun last night that had been hanging around my desk for a month. The red yarn which always bleeds slightly managed to bleed A LOT this time, and the nice sage/mint/beige/turquoise handspun now has permanent pink spots. There was no reason for this dye to adhere to the fiber, other than the heat of the water. Despite having done everything that I know to remove the dye, there's still pink on the wool. Any suggestions?
Monday, August 23, 2010
A little help over here, please? Monday morning rant....
Anyone else having this experience? You call a company, you get shifted to one of those automated menu messages where not ONE of the options is what you need? Or worse yet, the phone rings many times and either goes to voicemail or is ignored? You sign up online (sometimes repeatedly) for more information and never hear from the company again? What the heck happened to customer service?
All summer, I've been chasing several businesses that I dealt with in the past and have little success getting a response the first, second or third time. My pork supplier that I've worked with for 3 years now, has only bothered to respond once to my numerous emails and phone calls, and that was to say she'd "check her messages". And I was ready to throw lots of money at them! Two other farmers I buy from either do not confirm my order and payment or are slow to do so. Bought tickets for the local beer festival online, because that's the only way they wanted to do sell them, and it took 6 WEEKS to get a confirmation that they had my money. Tickets didn't show up till 2 weeks after that! The auto body shop that I've dealt with a couple of times hasn't bothered to reply to emails/calls AT ALL! I'm having the work done by another, closer but slightly more expensive, body shop. I just spent 2 days chasing down the Ziebart dealership to ask a question and make an appointment--finally got him an hour ago after strong-arming his assistant. I'm ready to go for a test drive in a car and possibly purchase in the next day or so, but can't get the Online Sales Manager to actually call when he says he will.
I could understand the slow/non-responses if I were simply a casual customer but these are businesses that I've done business with before! I realize that the economy is recovering slowly but I would think businesses would go the extra mile to retain old customers and attract new ones. I just don't get it.....
You may now return to your regularly scheduled day.
All summer, I've been chasing several businesses that I dealt with in the past and have little success getting a response the first, second or third time. My pork supplier that I've worked with for 3 years now, has only bothered to respond once to my numerous emails and phone calls, and that was to say she'd "check her messages". And I was ready to throw lots of money at them! Two other farmers I buy from either do not confirm my order and payment or are slow to do so. Bought tickets for the local beer festival online, because that's the only way they wanted to do sell them, and it took 6 WEEKS to get a confirmation that they had my money. Tickets didn't show up till 2 weeks after that! The auto body shop that I've dealt with a couple of times hasn't bothered to reply to emails/calls AT ALL! I'm having the work done by another, closer but slightly more expensive, body shop. I just spent 2 days chasing down the Ziebart dealership to ask a question and make an appointment--finally got him an hour ago after strong-arming his assistant. I'm ready to go for a test drive in a car and possibly purchase in the next day or so, but can't get the Online Sales Manager to actually call when he says he will.
I could understand the slow/non-responses if I were simply a casual customer but these are businesses that I've done business with before! I realize that the economy is recovering slowly but I would think businesses would go the extra mile to retain old customers and attract new ones. I just don't get it.....
You may now return to your regularly scheduled day.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Dedicated to my family, neighbors and friends
Feeling sad today for losses I've endured, heard about, and witnessed. Found this:
Family quarrels are bitter things. They don't go by any rules. They're not like aches or wounds; they're more like splits in the skin that won't heal because there's not enough material.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald
Some folks will do and say things within their family that they would find abominable in people outside the family circle. Yet they plow into each other in ways that are so destructive to all parties. Do they think that family are impervious to their hurtfulness? Do they think that they do no harm to themselves?
Play nice today......
Family quarrels are bitter things. They don't go by any rules. They're not like aches or wounds; they're more like splits in the skin that won't heal because there's not enough material.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald
Some folks will do and say things within their family that they would find abominable in people outside the family circle. Yet they plow into each other in ways that are so destructive to all parties. Do they think that family are impervious to their hurtfulness? Do they think that they do no harm to themselves?
Play nice today......
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Fawns a'plenty!
We woke up this morning and looked out the window to check for any storm damage from last nights rain. Curled up in the front yard was the sweetest little fawn, just growing out of his baby spots. Mom was nowhere to be found in our yard so we assume she was out in the woods having a little "Mom Time". I apologize for the blurry photo, it was shot through the window this morning.
Last week, doing the breakfast dishes, I saw this same fawn with his/her mother, grazing in our yard along the edge of the woods. An hour later, another doe with twin fawns crossed the yard going in the other direction, wandered around the property finding good things to nibble, and disappeared behind the neighbors house.
Here I am in the heart of a populated suburb, with all sorts of wild animals crossing through our large yard. I suppose it's the only 'meadow' in the area and they realize they can shelter in the surrounding woods and safely come out for food (although sometimes their idea of "food" does not mesh well with my flower and vegetable plantings) It's fascinating to watch them and we love the fact that living here is almost like camping, except we have all the comforts.
Last week, doing the breakfast dishes, I saw this same fawn with his/her mother, grazing in our yard along the edge of the woods. An hour later, another doe with twin fawns crossed the yard going in the other direction, wandered around the property finding good things to nibble, and disappeared behind the neighbors house.
Here I am in the heart of a populated suburb, with all sorts of wild animals crossing through our large yard. I suppose it's the only 'meadow' in the area and they realize they can shelter in the surrounding woods and safely come out for food (although sometimes their idea of "food" does not mesh well with my flower and vegetable plantings) It's fascinating to watch them and we love the fact that living here is almost like camping, except we have all the comforts.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Do finches have heart attacks?
I swear the pair on our back porch are headed for cardiac problems. They've been in that nest for 2 years now, and are currently raising their 3rd brood. I understand that when our cat is outside, they would be upset and raise a rucus. Whichever bird is closest to the porch flies from bush to bush, squawking and chattering in anxiety. But...they do the same thing when I pass near the window, or when nothing at all is happening out there. Any day now, I expect to go outside and find one of them lying on their back dead and the other bird parent fussing around, while the babies in the nest chatter for more bug dinners.
Anyway.....
I finally put the Siberian Husky-blend yarns up in the store. The fur creates a nice halo, I like it a lot. I haven't knitted anything yet to see how it behaves while being worn, but that's in the works. And, by the way, 10% of the proceeds from selling this yarn will go to Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue.
Anyway.....
I finally put the Siberian Husky-blend yarns up in the store. The fur creates a nice halo, I like it a lot. I haven't knitted anything yet to see how it behaves while being worn, but that's in the works. And, by the way, 10% of the proceeds from selling this yarn will go to Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
In which I report on another teaching venue, my garden, and my knitting pattern revisions
New Teaching Venue
I've been going to Fingerlakes Fiber Festival for several years now. Last year, I bumped into the lady who organizes the classes and chatted with her for a bit. Sent in my applications this spring. And received word last month that all three classes were accepted! Their website is updated with the 2010 classes and there's lots of other stuff to do up there. This is a wonderful hidden gem of a festival, folks, about 6 hours from DaBurg. There's lots of wineries around, and I can tell you where the BEST Indian restaurant can be found. This is the area that inspired my Upstate Meadows batts (which are currently sold out of my shop, but more will be made soon). Come on up and spend some time in the country!
Garden
Speaking of the country, I started harvesting my garden a couple of weeks ago. Well, actually, much earlier than that because lettuce and spinach come up FAST. After the lettuce, rhubarb and peas, the garlic was the first crop to come out of the ground. And I made a garlic braid today! I'm so proud of myself! It's hanging in the kitchen right now, with some bits of dirt still clinging to the roots. Couldn't shake/brush all the dirt without losing the dried garlic leaves, which is what one uses to make the braid. Making some caponato tomorrow with fresh eggplant and tomatoes from a nearby farm, and have some whole wheat Italian bread in the breakmaker right now. Lunch is gonna be GOOD tomorrow.
Garlic braid
Garlic fresh from the garden last week
Fresh rhubarb, peas and lettuce, washed and ready to go!
My knitting patterns
Reading the always-active copyright posts on Ravelry, it occurred to me that I hadn't looked at my copyright blurb in some time. It used to read "Garments knitted from this pattern are intended for the buyer's personal use and may not be sold for profit without prior written financial arrangements with the author". And I realized that it did not reflect what I actually wanted to say. I have always been happy to see knitters make something for themselves or their family/friends from my designs. *I* know I'm not going to make a boatload of money licensing my designs, but I did want some type of control over the items made from my pattern(s) and offered for sale. After all, if my name is going to be attached to a handknit item, I want it to be high-quality and the sales handled in a professional manner--and so I want to talk with the knitter to get a feel for who they are. And I LIKE knowing other knitters, especially the ones who like my patterns LOL. So I have taken out the word "financial" in order to be clear that I'm quite happy to have folks use my patterns to make and sell items--just please ask first.
I've been going to Fingerlakes Fiber Festival for several years now. Last year, I bumped into the lady who organizes the classes and chatted with her for a bit. Sent in my applications this spring. And received word last month that all three classes were accepted! Their website is updated with the 2010 classes and there's lots of other stuff to do up there. This is a wonderful hidden gem of a festival, folks, about 6 hours from DaBurg. There's lots of wineries around, and I can tell you where the BEST Indian restaurant can be found. This is the area that inspired my Upstate Meadows batts (which are currently sold out of my shop, but more will be made soon). Come on up and spend some time in the country!
Garden
Speaking of the country, I started harvesting my garden a couple of weeks ago. Well, actually, much earlier than that because lettuce and spinach come up FAST. After the lettuce, rhubarb and peas, the garlic was the first crop to come out of the ground. And I made a garlic braid today! I'm so proud of myself! It's hanging in the kitchen right now, with some bits of dirt still clinging to the roots. Couldn't shake/brush all the dirt without losing the dried garlic leaves, which is what one uses to make the braid. Making some caponato tomorrow with fresh eggplant and tomatoes from a nearby farm, and have some whole wheat Italian bread in the breakmaker right now. Lunch is gonna be GOOD tomorrow.
Garlic braid
Garlic fresh from the garden last week
Fresh rhubarb, peas and lettuce, washed and ready to go!
My knitting patterns
Reading the always-active copyright posts on Ravelry, it occurred to me that I hadn't looked at my copyright blurb in some time. It used to read "Garments knitted from this pattern are intended for the buyer's personal use and may not be sold for profit without prior written financial arrangements with the author". And I realized that it did not reflect what I actually wanted to say. I have always been happy to see knitters make something for themselves or their family/friends from my designs. *I* know I'm not going to make a boatload of money licensing my designs, but I did want some type of control over the items made from my pattern(s) and offered for sale. After all, if my name is going to be attached to a handknit item, I want it to be high-quality and the sales handled in a professional manner--and so I want to talk with the knitter to get a feel for who they are. And I LIKE knowing other knitters, especially the ones who like my patterns LOL. So I have taken out the word "financial" in order to be clear that I'm quite happy to have folks use my patterns to make and sell items--just please ask first.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Change in dates for summer workshops!!
Due to my brothers death, I've had to reschedule the 3 summer workshops/classes I'd previously scheduled. Folks who had already registered were kind enough to help me choose new dates, and I'm hoping the new dates will allow some of you to attend now.
Register early by email (carol [underscore] mcfadden [at] verizon [dot] net) or phone to reserve your space. Payment can be made via Paypal (I’ll send you an invoice once you’re registered) or personal check. At this time I’m not able to accept credit cards. Payment in full is expected three days prior to the workshop.
Spinning Woolen vs. Worsted Yarn
Did you know that the preparation of your wool affects the type of yarn you will produce? That there are different methods of drafting your wool to achieve either woolen or worsted yarn, and variations of these techniques? We’ll be preparing our own fiber from washed fleece, and talking about the traditional uses for both types of yarn. Students should be comfortable spinning on either a wheel or spindle.
Supplies to bring with you:
--Spindle or wheel (don’t forget oil, hook & extra drive band)
--Handcards/minicombs, if you have them (one pair of each will be available to share)
July 31, 2010—12:30 to 2:30
$35 includes materials and handout
Spinning Textured Yarns
Ever wonder how tweed yarns are made? Don't know what to do with that ounce of angelina or dyed silk waste you bought at the last fiber festival? In this 4-hour workshop, we’ll address these questions and more. If you have a fiber you've been wanting to try, bring it along too! We’ll experiment with it if there’s time. Students should be comfortable spinning on either a wheel or spindle to make well-constructed consistent yarn.
Supplies to bring with you:
--Spindle or wheel
--Handcards if you have them (one pair will be available to share)
--Niddy noddy and hang tags to wind off and label sample skeins (optional)
--At least 3 bobbins for your wheel; spindlers bring a storage method so you can wind off yarns as you make them
--Spare drive band, oil, any other “tools” you usually carry when spinning
--Please bring your own lunch; coffee/tea/water will be available
August 14—10:00 to 12:30 with 30 minutes for lunch
$60 includes materials and handout
Spinning Colored Yarns
In this 4-hour workshop, you will learn how to put multiple colors in your spinning without buying handpainted roving. We'll explore different carding and spinning methods to achieve mixed-color yarns and space-dyed effects and discuss the results and their uses. Students should be comfortable enough with a wheel or spindle to make well-constructed consistent yarn.
Supplies to bring with you:
--Spindle or wheel
--Handcards if you have them (one pair will be available to share)
--At least 3 bobbins for your wheel; spindlers bring a storage method so you can wind off yarns as you make them
--Spare drive band, oil, any other “tools” you usually carry when spinning
--Please bring your own lunch; coffee/tea/water will be available
August 28, 2010—10:00 to 2:30 with 30 minutes for lunch
$60 includes materials and handout
Hope to see yinz guys soon. Notice of August Saturday spinning day will be coming in your email soon......
Register early by email (carol [underscore] mcfadden [at] verizon [dot] net) or phone to reserve your space. Payment can be made via Paypal (I’ll send you an invoice once you’re registered) or personal check. At this time I’m not able to accept credit cards. Payment in full is expected three days prior to the workshop.
Spinning Woolen vs. Worsted Yarn
Did you know that the preparation of your wool affects the type of yarn you will produce? That there are different methods of drafting your wool to achieve either woolen or worsted yarn, and variations of these techniques? We’ll be preparing our own fiber from washed fleece, and talking about the traditional uses for both types of yarn. Students should be comfortable spinning on either a wheel or spindle.
Supplies to bring with you:
--Spindle or wheel (don’t forget oil, hook & extra drive band)
--Handcards/minicombs, if you have them (one pair of each will be available to share)
July 31, 2010—12:30 to 2:30
$35 includes materials and handout
Spinning Textured Yarns
Ever wonder how tweed yarns are made? Don't know what to do with that ounce of angelina or dyed silk waste you bought at the last fiber festival? In this 4-hour workshop, we’ll address these questions and more. If you have a fiber you've been wanting to try, bring it along too! We’ll experiment with it if there’s time. Students should be comfortable spinning on either a wheel or spindle to make well-constructed consistent yarn.
Supplies to bring with you:
--Spindle or wheel
--Handcards if you have them (one pair will be available to share)
--Niddy noddy and hang tags to wind off and label sample skeins (optional)
--At least 3 bobbins for your wheel; spindlers bring a storage method so you can wind off yarns as you make them
--Spare drive band, oil, any other “tools” you usually carry when spinning
--Please bring your own lunch; coffee/tea/water will be available
August 14—10:00 to 12:30 with 30 minutes for lunch
$60 includes materials and handout
Spinning Colored Yarns
In this 4-hour workshop, you will learn how to put multiple colors in your spinning without buying handpainted roving. We'll explore different carding and spinning methods to achieve mixed-color yarns and space-dyed effects and discuss the results and their uses. Students should be comfortable enough with a wheel or spindle to make well-constructed consistent yarn.
Supplies to bring with you:
--Spindle or wheel
--Handcards if you have them (one pair will be available to share)
--At least 3 bobbins for your wheel; spindlers bring a storage method so you can wind off yarns as you make them
--Spare drive band, oil, any other “tools” you usually carry when spinning
--Please bring your own lunch; coffee/tea/water will be available
August 28, 2010—10:00 to 2:30 with 30 minutes for lunch
$60 includes materials and handout
Hope to see yinz guys soon. Notice of August Saturday spinning day will be coming in your email soon......
Sunday, June 27, 2010
In Memoriam
Hoist an Iron City to the memory of my big brother, Ralph L. Geist (1936-2010). A good and loving husband, father, brother and neighbor who is now at rest and peace.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The second of my summer spinning workshops
Spinning Colored Yarns
In this 4-hour workshop, you will learn how to put multiple colors in your spinning without buying handpainted roving. We'll explore different carding and spinning methods to achieve mixed-color yarns and space-dyed effects and discuss the results and their uses. Students should be comfortable enough with a wheel or spindle to make well-constructed consistent yarn.
Supplies to bring with you:
--Spindle or wheel
--Handcards if you have them (one pair will be available to share)
--At least 3 bobbins for your wheel; spindlers bring a storage method so you can wind off yarns as you make them
--Spare drive band, oil, any other “tools” you usually carry when spinning
--Please bring your own lunch; coffee/tea/water will be available
July 10, 2010—10:00 to 2:30 with 30 minutes for lunch
$60 includes materials and handout
Payment Information
Register early by contacting me through this blog or on Ravelry (I'm feistywoman) to reserve your space. Payment can be made via Paypal (I’ll send you an invoice once you’re registered) or personal check. At this time I’m not able to accept credit cards. Payment in full is expected three days prior to the workshop.
In this 4-hour workshop, you will learn how to put multiple colors in your spinning without buying handpainted roving. We'll explore different carding and spinning methods to achieve mixed-color yarns and space-dyed effects and discuss the results and their uses. Students should be comfortable enough with a wheel or spindle to make well-constructed consistent yarn.
Supplies to bring with you:
--Spindle or wheel
--Handcards if you have them (one pair will be available to share)
--At least 3 bobbins for your wheel; spindlers bring a storage method so you can wind off yarns as you make them
--Spare drive band, oil, any other “tools” you usually carry when spinning
--Please bring your own lunch; coffee/tea/water will be available
July 10, 2010—10:00 to 2:30 with 30 minutes for lunch
$60 includes materials and handout
Payment Information
Register early by contacting me through this blog or on Ravelry (I'm feistywoman) to reserve your space. Payment can be made via Paypal (I’ll send you an invoice once you’re registered) or personal check. At this time I’m not able to accept credit cards. Payment in full is expected three days prior to the workshop.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Summer Workshops 2010
At the request of my friends and fellow spinners, I've designed a few spinning workshops for this coming summer. Having released the info to my gang of spinners (well, they ARE the ones who encourage me--the wind beneath my wings, so to speak), I'm opening things up to the public. I'll be posting them in 3 parts because I'm not sure my host will allow the entire document in one post, and I'd rather be spinning than editing Word documents!
Workshop/Class Offerings, Summer 2010
Spinning Woolen vs. Worsted Yarn
Did you know that the preparation of your wool affects the type of yarn you will produce? That there are different methods of drafting your wool to achieve either woolen or worsted yarn, and variations of these techniques? We’ll be preparing our own fiber from washed fleece, and talking about the traditional uses for both types of yarn. Students should be comfortable spinning on either a wheel or spindle.
Supplies to bring with you:
Spindle or wheel (don’t forget oil, hook & extra drive band)
Handcards/minicombs, if you have them (one pair of each will be available to share)
June 26, 2010—12:30 to 2:30
$35 includes materials and handout
Payment Information
Register early by contacting me through this blog to reserve your space. Payment can be made via Paypal (I’ll send you an invoice once you’re registered) or personal check. At this time I’m not able to accept credit cards. Payment in full is expected three days prior to the workshop.
So there you have it. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions, comments, etc. And be careful out there--tornado warnings abound in Western Pennsylvania this morning.
Workshop/Class Offerings, Summer 2010
Spinning Woolen vs. Worsted Yarn
Did you know that the preparation of your wool affects the type of yarn you will produce? That there are different methods of drafting your wool to achieve either woolen or worsted yarn, and variations of these techniques? We’ll be preparing our own fiber from washed fleece, and talking about the traditional uses for both types of yarn. Students should be comfortable spinning on either a wheel or spindle.
Supplies to bring with you:
Spindle or wheel (don’t forget oil, hook & extra drive band)
Handcards/minicombs, if you have them (one pair of each will be available to share)
June 26, 2010—12:30 to 2:30
$35 includes materials and handout
Payment Information
Register early by contacting me through this blog to reserve your space. Payment can be made via Paypal (I’ll send you an invoice once you’re registered) or personal check. At this time I’m not able to accept credit cards. Payment in full is expected three days prior to the workshop.
So there you have it. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions, comments, etc. And be careful out there--tornado warnings abound in Western Pennsylvania this morning.
Monday, May 24, 2010
I may actually be over-fibered.....
Last weekend I was one of the spinners on a sheep-to-shawl team at the Waynesburg Sheep and Fiber Festival in Waynesburg, PA (for photos of the 3 shawls, see Wild Rose Farm's blog, here--that's me in the sunglasses!). And then I carded lots of batts this week, photographed them and should get them in the shop this coming week. And spun some yarn. And knitted some hats. And knitted on my brown tweed sweater, ripped it out, knitted it again, and must rip out again because I'm math-challenged and figured the raglan decreases incorrectly. And today I headed to Stramba Alpaca Farm because.....I'd never been to an alpaca shearing and wanted to see what's up with that (she says innocently). Been a while since I assisted at sheep shearing and wanted to see the difference. Folks, it's more work than sheep! Sheep seem to be more accepting of having their hair removed. They have their hooves trimmed and usually get a protective shot of meds. Assistants grab the sheep for the shearer, whisk away the fleece (which sticks together as that's just the nature of sheep fleece), take it to a skirting table and pull away the undesirable bits. Alpacas don't like the whole idea of laying still and having shears run over them and some of them yell about it--loudly and unendingly. The assistants grab the fiber in 3 (and sometimes more depending on the farm) different batches--the blanket, the neck fiber and the trash. Their fiber drifts everywhere, and must be swept away before the next animal comes in. Sometimes there are other things that need to be swept away. It's tiring work and requires lots of helpers. By the time we were down to the last 4-5 alpacas, when I was asked to hold the animals head I had to refuse because I was just too tired to do the job well and didn't want to accidentally hurt the animal. I think I clogged the shower drain with the junk adhering to me. My feet hurt and I've had ice on them for several hours tonight. I don't want to card, spin or knit tonight cause I've seen (and picked off the barn floor) enough fiber for today. My hat is off to shearers and their assistants, because they will get up tomorrow and do it all over again. You guys rock!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Our Idaho adventure and Posy Toes spinning
We returned home last weekend and had a ton of stuff waiting for us--unpacking, washing laundry, mowing the overgrown lawn, making more arrangements for FIL to move in, etc, etc. I took a good number of photos for artistic inspiration and hope to have a new line of fiber batts based on the hot springs, geyser pools, and lichens that abound in Idaho. For a relatively dry state, I'm amazed at the amount of color that nature manages to squeeze out of the environment. Here's a teaser:
Work progresses on the Posy Toes Caladium batts. I've got almost a full bobbin.
I usually spin half the fiber on one bobbin, half on another bobbin, and ply them against themselves. I'm still trying to decide if I want a 2-ply like the others or if I want to Navaho-ply these to preserve the color gradations because I like them so much. Making a 3-ply would mean changing the sock knitting pattern as the yarn will be considerably thicker. We'll see.......
Work progresses on the Posy Toes Caladium batts. I've got almost a full bobbin.
I usually spin half the fiber on one bobbin, half on another bobbin, and ply them against themselves. I'm still trying to decide if I want a 2-ply like the others or if I want to Navaho-ply these to preserve the color gradations because I like them so much. Making a 3-ply would mean changing the sock knitting pattern as the yarn will be considerably thicker. We'll see.......
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Going missing this week
Sorry, no blog post this week. We're packing up and heading to Idaho Falls to visit our youngest son. There will be much eating, hiking, and laughing, hopefully a trip to Yellowstone again (we've never seen the park in the off-season), and general lollygagging about the countryside. I've been busy getting everything ready for our absence--teaching the catsitter how to use the security system, doing laundry, finishing dyeing some superwash wool, yak, and tussah silk, packing the sock knitting, etc. Of course, the last thing I do is pack the clothes; travel knitting is ALWAYS packed first!
Sock yarn has not been started yet, but it's on the To Do List for later today. I'm off to buy catfood so HRH Mercury has a decent selection for the coming week. Enjoy the week, and keep on spinning!
Sock yarn has not been started yet, but it's on the To Do List for later today. I'm off to buy catfood so HRH Mercury has a decent selection for the coming week. Enjoy the week, and keep on spinning!
Friday, April 9, 2010
How to spin my Posy Toes batts--Caladium
First, let me apologize for the photo quality--it was a rainy dreary day and I had to shoot inside with incandescent light--ugh!
For the third and final technique, I chose the Caladium colorway (none in my shop presently--I think they're still packed from the move!). It's a deep green/teal/ruby batt that I love and that will go with many things in my wardrobe. The technique for spinning these is a semi-woolen technique. Start by rolling the batt into a sausage shape--widthways if you want striping, longways if you want more of a blend. I want a bit of striping so have gone widthways.
You then begin to attenuate the roll, stretching it out in stages until it's a fat roving. I usually start at one end and gently pull the roll with one hand while holding the roll with the other. Keep enough distance between your hands that the wool will slide easily--it shouldn't be a tug-of-war!
Once you've gone from one end of the roll to the other, start again and work back to the beginning. This way, you achieve a more even thinning of the fiber roll as we all have a dominant hand. If you continuously start from the same end, that hand will overtake the non-dominant hand and eventually pull the roll apart completely (yep, did that once or twice!).
You will continue thinning the roll till it's the thickness you like. I like mine to be about 1-1/2" wide because I will spin with a long draw to trap air in the yarn and that's my preferred prep for the technique. If you haven't done the long draw, you probably want to practice before spinning sock fiber until you're comfortable with the preparation and the spinning technique.
Finally, I'll roll the lengthened batt into a ball of roving. Actually, since my batts come three-to-a-bag, I split one of them in half so that each ball of roving is actually 1-1/2 batts-worth of fiber.
Next, doing the actual spinning......
For the third and final technique, I chose the Caladium colorway (none in my shop presently--I think they're still packed from the move!). It's a deep green/teal/ruby batt that I love and that will go with many things in my wardrobe. The technique for spinning these is a semi-woolen technique. Start by rolling the batt into a sausage shape--widthways if you want striping, longways if you want more of a blend. I want a bit of striping so have gone widthways.
You then begin to attenuate the roll, stretching it out in stages until it's a fat roving. I usually start at one end and gently pull the roll with one hand while holding the roll with the other. Keep enough distance between your hands that the wool will slide easily--it shouldn't be a tug-of-war!
Once you've gone from one end of the roll to the other, start again and work back to the beginning. This way, you achieve a more even thinning of the fiber roll as we all have a dominant hand. If you continuously start from the same end, that hand will overtake the non-dominant hand and eventually pull the roll apart completely (yep, did that once or twice!).
You will continue thinning the roll till it's the thickness you like. I like mine to be about 1-1/2" wide because I will spin with a long draw to trap air in the yarn and that's my preferred prep for the technique. If you haven't done the long draw, you probably want to practice before spinning sock fiber until you're comfortable with the preparation and the spinning technique.
Finally, I'll roll the lengthened batt into a ball of roving. Actually, since my batts come three-to-a-bag, I split one of them in half so that each ball of roving is actually 1-1/2 batts-worth of fiber.
Next, doing the actual spinning......
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Tweed yarn, at last!
I have finally managed to card wool and spin a tweed yarn that's to my liking. It's all about what kind of bits you add to the wool, and what kind of wool you use for the base--took me 3 months to figure that out! I'm finishing up the last of 2 skeins, then need to wash them, knit a sample and photograph both the skein and sample. Pix coming soon.....
I'm also working on the third and final installment of spinning my Posy Toes sock batts. Prepared the fiber while taking photos of the process this morning, and will have a new post up next week. Just not enough time today, with preparing for Easter dinner tomorrow (roast leg of lamb with mustard/soy glaze, spring peas, scalloped potatoes and coconut cake for dessert--yum!)
And I managed to get my Phatfiber samples in the mail in time for the April box. April's theme is "All Creatures Great And Small", and I was inspired by the Easter holiday and all those pastels in the stores to do something with lavendars and purples. I made 2 sets of samples--Little Blue Heron is the marbled spinning fiber, and Lavendar Waxbill is the new cashmere sock fiber.
Must run to check on the cake in the oven. See yinz next week!
I'm also working on the third and final installment of spinning my Posy Toes sock batts. Prepared the fiber while taking photos of the process this morning, and will have a new post up next week. Just not enough time today, with preparing for Easter dinner tomorrow (roast leg of lamb with mustard/soy glaze, spring peas, scalloped potatoes and coconut cake for dessert--yum!)
And I managed to get my Phatfiber samples in the mail in time for the April box. April's theme is "All Creatures Great And Small", and I was inspired by the Easter holiday and all those pastels in the stores to do something with lavendars and purples. I made 2 sets of samples--Little Blue Heron is the marbled spinning fiber, and Lavendar Waxbill is the new cashmere sock fiber.
Must run to check on the cake in the oven. See yinz next week!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Teaching and new fiber
This was my week (month?) to write and submit teaching proposals. I'm submitting to a couple of fall fiber festivals, and perhaps to some nearby spinning and weaving guilds. I've decided to 'take the show on the road' once or twice a year and do some 4-hour workshops. Teaching keeps me sharp--I have to be current on my information so I can answer questions that arise, and it also inspires me because students come up with some very interesting ideas for yarn. Once the "What if?" ideas start going around the room, it's just like swimming in the middle of a Think Tank, and I LOVE it! I always go home completely exhausted and yet my mind is churning with yarny possibilities.
I've also listed a new sock fiber. It's a blend of superwash wool, nylon, angelina and CASHMERE. It is sooo yummy to the touch. I would have liked to put more than 15% cashmere in the blend but discovered that anything more than that started to fly around the room while carding and was difficult to spin properly. I was also concerned that the washability would be lost if the cashmere percentage was any higher. There are several other colors in the works--I just have to decide which one will stay home with me (I always keep at least one of my colorways cause I just can't seem to let go of my 'child').
This is Fire.....
and this is Water
And just for the fun of it, a peak at my latest marbled yarn/roving (both are available), Glow.
I just love what I do.......
I've also listed a new sock fiber. It's a blend of superwash wool, nylon, angelina and CASHMERE. It is sooo yummy to the touch. I would have liked to put more than 15% cashmere in the blend but discovered that anything more than that started to fly around the room while carding and was difficult to spin properly. I was also concerned that the washability would be lost if the cashmere percentage was any higher. There are several other colors in the works--I just have to decide which one will stay home with me (I always keep at least one of my colorways cause I just can't seem to let go of my 'child').
This is Fire.....
and this is Water
And just for the fun of it, a peak at my latest marbled yarn/roving (both are available), Glow.
I just love what I do.......
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
It's been a while....
I've been very busy lately trying to catch up with everything that was left hanging when Mom passed in late December. I've gotten the shop back in shape, dealt with contractors/insurance company to repair the storm damage (the gutters all sagged badly from the ice and one of them actually came down, bringing a piece of fascia with it). We're still working things out for my father-in-law--he spent over 50 years living in the house with Mom and he's having a difficult time keeping up with the house and the additional duties of cooking, cleaning and shopping. They did everything together, supporting each others' weaknesses these last few years, and he's like a lone tent pole now, teetering in the wind. We might be moving him in with us so he can have my garden to futz around with but not have the worries about shopping and cooking for himself.
I've been busy working on new marbled rovings and new sock blends with either cashmere or camel. Marbled roving/yarn (L to R: Apples and Oranges, Lake, and Players)
I'm also working on blending tweed yarns but so far my experiments are not to my liking. In the meantime, all my 'failed' tweed skeins will probably be listed in my Sale category. A good buy if you just need a small skein of tweed for a little project. Most of them are running 80-100 yards, so look for them to be up soon (once the camera battery is recharged!).
In the meantime, enjoy the spring snow melt and warmer weather. Daffodils and hibiscus will be up before you know it, and newly shorn sheep fleeces will be available for purchase from shepherds! Back to the studio to play with fiber......
I've been busy working on new marbled rovings and new sock blends with either cashmere or camel. Marbled roving/yarn (L to R: Apples and Oranges, Lake, and Players)
I'm also working on blending tweed yarns but so far my experiments are not to my liking. In the meantime, all my 'failed' tweed skeins will probably be listed in my Sale category. A good buy if you just need a small skein of tweed for a little project. Most of them are running 80-100 yards, so look for them to be up soon (once the camera battery is recharged!).
In the meantime, enjoy the spring snow melt and warmer weather. Daffodils and hibiscus will be up before you know it, and newly shorn sheep fleeces will be available for purchase from shepherds! Back to the studio to play with fiber......
Monday, January 11, 2010
R.I.P. Mom
Mary Louise McFadden, April 14, 1927 – December 26, 2009
Goodbye Wife
Goodbye Mother
Goodbye Sister
Goodbye Grandmother
Goodbye Friend
Goodbye Cousin
Goodbye Aunt
Goodbye Nurse
Goodbye Choir Girl
Goodbye Square Dancer
Goodbye Chef
Goodbye Gardener
Goodbye BabySitter
Goodbye Den Mother
Goodbye Chauffeur
Goodbye Painter
Goodbye Baker
Goodbye Teacher
Goodbye Neighbor
Goodbye Parishoner
Goodbye Boo-Boo Kisser
Goodbye Cookie Giver
Goodbye World Traveler
Goodbye Camel Rider
Goodbye Lover of all Creatures
Goodbye Hugs and Kisses
Goodbye Soft Blue Eyes
Goodbye Warm Gentle Heart
Goodbye Mary Lou...
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