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For my fellow crafty geeks, if you’re looking for inspiration check out this new magazine: Craft.
Knitting update
Not much going on at Mimosa’s. I’m working on a pair of Eleanora socks, My So Called Scarf, and knitting a bunny toy. Oh but best of all, and problaby why I can’t seem to knit long, I’m digging into my merino/cashmere roving. This roving is divine! It’s hard to put down. I’ll try to bring some to KH this week.
Some of you have asked for photos of Chile, and details of the trip. I can help out with both but the photos will take less time…Northern Chile. I’ve tried to provide as much detail as possible without having to spend loads of time at the computer. If you find yourself intrigued and want to visit this part of the world, just drop me a line!
Now for books. I know there’s several of you out there that have a HUGE thing for books. Well, so do I, and my bookshelves hate me. Here’s some freebies, first come, first serve. All I ask for in return is that you give them love, and pass on after reading.
Now for the rules, I would prefer to give these to the KH irregulars, but if you are dying to read a book I will consider sending for postage. Please comment here or email me (if you have my email addy).
Books available
- The Pickup:Nadine Gordimer
- Will you miss me when I’m gone (Carter Family history) : Zwonitzer & Hirshberg
- Human Croquet : Kate Atkinson
- The return of the caravels : Antonio Lobo Antunes
- Your blue-eyed boy : Helen Dunmore
- The archivist : Martha Cooley
- Glass soup : Jonathan Carroll
- Running with scissors - Augusten Burroughs
That’s how it felt this morning driving into Alexandria. If only it could be this way everyday.
I’ve predrafted that yummy merino/cashmere and I’m ready to tackle the spinning. BUT. HOLD ON. I need to figure out the best method to spin this up so that the colors don’t get muted; or worse get the craptastic syndrome. Any thoughts? Strip off sections and spin end to end? Or mix a few sections and spin together? Oh decisions!
This week’s mutterings…
Actually this weekend began with Stitches East, and continued on to some dyeing action.
Not much to say about Stitches East, except it was disappointing, and not unique in any which way. There were some great vendors (Blue Moon Fiber, Black Water Abbey, antique button lady, etc), but it was also full of the generic yarn stores that really should just stay at home unless they are selling their own yarn line. I don’t know about you but I don’t go to Stitches East or MSWF to buy Rowan or Debbie Bliss. That’s why I have the internet or my LYS.
My purchases were quite small (my wallet thanks me), and just right. I got 2 skeins from Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Queens Rock and Obsidian. I also got a huge skein of undyed laceweight Merino, and a few patterns. Best of all though, I got to meet up and hang out with some great late night irregulars, and shop with Maeve and Erin. Afterwards, the gang of Stephanie, Aimee, Jasmine, Courtney, Erin, Maeve, and I headed for food and wine. Thanks Stephanie for the great spot!
Now for the real fun! Maeve graciously offered her stashola of dyeing chemicals to Erin and I. Erin has some yarn and roving to dye, and so do I. But Maeve could dye yarn for another week and not be done! That stash is huge. The girls got together yesterday afternoon, and spent the day analyzing yarn, colors, more yarn, knitting up yarn, and dreaming about the next dye job. I’m Hooked!
Here’s how it went..
Thank you Maeve! I owe you big time. Let’s see I think I heard “I’ve never knitted with handspun”. Well, keep your eyes open.
Find fiber, aka yarn or roving, to dye. I present you some of mine:
Foxhill Farm: Sock Yarn, Cormo and nylon
Paradise Fibers: Merino/Cashmere roving
Dunk in bath of chemicals
Paint…doh! Erin has pics, but come back…
Let your yarn/roving dry, and fondle. Click on pics for larger images.
Roving, aka yummy fiber goodness
Same roving different lighting
Foxhill Farm sock yarn
Don’t let Cricket eat your roving:
Thank Maeve again! Thank you!! and start knitting or spinning.