To Dye For --

Recently a spinning group I belong to decided to try something a little different. Instead of our usual spinning sessions, we thought we'd try out some natural dyeing. The original intent was to use solar power to heat the dyebaths (this was in the height of summer), but that didn't work out so well when I gave it a go. Not to be denied, we turned instead to a grill, and a hotplate. We met at a member's home (thanks Susan!) and proceeded.

Some of us used our own handspun, some chose unspun fiber, and I, being unwilling to give up my handspun to possible disaster, used Lamb's Pride worsted -- a blend of 85% wool/15% mohair, color - creme.

Herewith, for your viewing pleasure, are my results -- (as always, you can click for bigger)

One of the books we used for how-to information was "Wild Color" by Jenny Dean. With one exception our mordanting was done with alum, which is fairly safe (just don't inhale!). I did try making my own copper mordant solution, however this is a toxic substance so you need to exert great care.

It's been fun so far -- you just never know exactly what you'll get from any dyepot. We still have some lichen "brewing", and hopefully some other plants will catch our eyes before we're done!

And I'm Back...

There now, that was a nice, relaxing break, but prime knitting/crocheting weather is approaching and it's time to get serious.

While away, I discovered a fun new yarn -- Color Changing Cotton from Wolle . Want to see what I made? Sure you do! First up, is a cute little shawlette -- Traveling Woman by Liz Abinante.






And then, with the leftover yarn -- a decorative little scarf from a Japanese accessory crochet book.



See how the yarn slowly changes color? (As always, click on the photos for bigger.) It's four strands of cotton that has one strand changing color at regular intervals, for a mesmerizing effect. Well, possibly I'm easily mesmerized (!) but it is fun to watch the changes happen.

The original scarf went off to the big city with one of the daughters, but I liked the effect so much that I'm now working on one for myself. Normally I hate to repeat patterns, so you can understand just how much I've enjoyed working with this yarn.

There's more to come -- including Adventures in Natural Dyeing -- whereby I tear up my yard looking for good candidates for the dye pot, so y'all come back!

See You In September...

There comes a time when you just need to step back from the blogging -- when it's a chore, instead of something you look forward to doing on a regular basis. I think I'm there.

I started writing this as a way to keep in touch with my good knitting friend back in New Jersey. We both had Webshots albums for sharing and showing off our projects, yarn, etc., but I tended to be a little wordier, so... Back then she was probably my only non-family visitor, and even as more folks started to drop by she remained the primary 'audience' for my ramblings. This past January, at much too young an age, Valerie lost her battle with breast cancer. I don't think you have to be a psych. major to connect the dots -- at any rate, I'll be taking a break, and hope to be back with renewed enthusiasm in the autumn.

In the meantime, here's the latest knitting project -- "Buttercup", a shrug from Kim Hargreaves. Back in the day, it was sold in kit form, although I don't think that Kim is marketing her designs that way anymore. In any event, it fit the recipient, and she appeared to like it. What more could you want?

Those who know me...

...in real life, know that I am not a major fan of odocoileus virginianus. But, even I have to admit that this little fellow is cute --

(click for bigger)

He was resting in the meadow in front of our house -- I got about 2 feet away from him, and possibly could have gotten even closer, but I didn't want to stress him too much. I'll save the stress for his grown up, ornamental plant eating, poop leaving, tick hosting relatives.

Birthday Boy!

Now I'm 3.

How about a little color inspiration from the garden?

Lavender blue --

Cherry red --

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Or maybe some fresh green?

It's amazing how much happiness you can get from a handful of sweet cherries from your own tree!

A Hint of Pretty...

Tilli Tomas "Pure and Simple" silk -- Arts & Crafts colorway. Feels delightful as it runs through my fingers! Project details to be revealed later -- it's for someone else.

A Rainy Day in MD

It's sheep, it's wool, it's MD Sheep & Wool!

(As always, click on an image for bigger)

Despite the overcast skies and intermittent rain, someone's out there stimulating the yarn economy -- my, what a full bag you have before the 9 AM opening!

A little dampness won't stop those determined "Socks That Rock" folks from lining up (also pre-9 AM)!

A fine flock of fellows wait for judging to begin --

Wet alpaca -- not so light and fluffy now, eh?

Who can resist a bunch of frisky kids?

There's always a black sheep in every group --

Awww, how cute are they?

And finally, for Brenda, who asked me to bring back a bunny -- here's a bunch!

Swag? Not too much. I went with no real shopping list in mind, and decided that I would not buy anything that was already in the stash. This limited me rather severely, but I did manage to find some super soft yak yarn. I'm hoping I have enough of the laceweight yarn to make a little lacy something for around the neck. It's naturally colored dark brown, so doesn't photograph very well, so use your imaginations! Besides, softness is it's calling card, and that photographs not at all. Add in some goat's milk soap, some local honey and a tomato plant, and you'd hardly know I was at a fiber festival. The long-suffering (in the souvenir tote bag/tee shirt line) spouse graciously shared some of his super delish funnel cake (it's his yearly bribe) so life -- in the rain -- was good.