tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27410500575130671992024-03-13T09:37:09.740-07:00KnitKriketKristen post about her knitting and spinning adventures, including Monmouth caps, Gunnister purses, historic knits, and the more modern stuff.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-583942479287956262016-04-06T06:37:00.004-07:002016-04-06T06:37:46.490-07:00A Sweater at Long LastMany years ago (ok, probably at least 10) I bought this lovely pink "denim" yarn to make a cute hoodie for my daughter Adelaide. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NxH6c40U-0/VwUQ_0uDq0I/AAAAAAAFF0Y/rMgNuq1gVfUUOyaf0coAP2W3Ttd6mpn0Q/s1600/EmmaSweater1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NxH6c40U-0/VwUQ_0uDq0I/AAAAAAAFF0Y/rMgNuq1gVfUUOyaf0coAP2W3Ttd6mpn0Q/s640/EmmaSweater1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I was so busy with my hands having little kids that I never did anything with it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BKXVcfdPeY/VwUQ_tf24QI/AAAAAAAFF0c/yd4JPcfRIloMkXCi1NJSwKWI3j8nGAa8A/s1600/EmmaSweater3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BKXVcfdPeY/VwUQ_tf24QI/AAAAAAAFF0c/yd4JPcfRIloMkXCi1NJSwKWI3j8nGAa8A/s640/EmmaSweater3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I finally started a few years ago, then kept putting it aside for other things. I finally decided that I'd better finish it quick before my youngest niece was too big to wear it.<br />
<br />
It fits, which is great, but even better, she loves it! You never can count on that with kids!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdR45IGxl1s/VwUQ_rAgjwI/AAAAAAAFF0U/JLeqL1d3N84TtSNmugWRA_Ire5DQ73gfg/s1600/EmmaSweater2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fdR45IGxl1s/VwUQ_rAgjwI/AAAAAAAFF0U/JLeqL1d3N84TtSNmugWRA_Ire5DQ73gfg/s640/EmmaSweater2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-47009155799959575882015-12-06T07:32:00.005-08:002015-12-06T07:32:47.833-08:00McLean Holiday Craft Show<br />
I've got a bunch of knitting in the McLean Holiday Craft Show this weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQmbDTsAkLo/VmRS5T9UEyI/AAAAAAAFFSk/KTSc6Nmc9GU/s1600/55bf8ba6c7c646.25712249.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQmbDTsAkLo/VmRS5T9UEyI/AAAAAAAFFSk/KTSc6Nmc9GU/s400/55bf8ba6c7c646.25712249.png" width="355" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have lots of hats, mittens, and scarfs for sale, along with a bunch of other wonderful things made by my guild members. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhOh3nOEKzc/VmRUoyMNvAI/AAAAAAAFFSw/MD9BwxphgJA/s1600/IMG_5349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XhOh3nOEKzc/VmRUoyMNvAI/AAAAAAAFFSw/MD9BwxphgJA/s400/IMG_5349.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a bunch of hats being blocked.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-911GAylGvag/VmRUo0aq5RI/AAAAAAAFFSs/jhi_W5wxVF4/s1600/IMG_5430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-911GAylGvag/VmRUo0aq5RI/AAAAAAAFFSs/jhi_W5wxVF4/s640/IMG_5430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And some matching mittens. Matching is of course a relative term. They match the hats, but they don't all necessary match each other! We'll see how many people like the charming randomness of that look.</div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-26984547160933104022015-08-28T07:03:00.003-07:002015-08-28T07:03:55.297-07:00Thrum Cap on the Lady Washington<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I received these pictures of one of my thrum caps a little while ago. Aren't they beautiful? The ship is the Lady Washington, and the pictures make me want to hop aboard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOfxvw3aEr4/VeBpcLCKNeI/AAAAAAAFEsM/DFtNgXALqk4/s1600/JeremyBrooksThrum1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOfxvw3aEr4/VeBpcLCKNeI/AAAAAAAFEsM/DFtNgXALqk4/s640/JeremyBrooksThrum1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love this way of wearing the cap thrums inside. That's how thrummed mittens were worn. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wpIkxLQPuM/VeBpcFAzSFI/AAAAAAAFEsI/2SC_Lk2vN_M/s1600/JeremyBrooksThrum3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wpIkxLQPuM/VeBpcFAzSFI/AAAAAAAFEsI/2SC_Lk2vN_M/s640/JeremyBrooksThrum3.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you so much Jeremy Brooks for sending the fantastic pictures!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wJnQ-5dJNU/VeBpcG2T7dI/AAAAAAAFEsE/meHWbPHybM0/s1600/JeremyBrooksThrum2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wJnQ-5dJNU/VeBpcG2T7dI/AAAAAAAFEsE/meHWbPHybM0/s640/JeremyBrooksThrum2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-71804683451643837652015-08-27T07:57:00.001-07:002015-08-27T07:57:23.998-07:00Oh, No!I came back from a week-long vacation and found this on my window sill:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeqfJ8PE12U/Vd8kIYWeQrI/AAAAAAAFBeE/H16j6VwdMfk/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeqfJ8PE12U/Vd8kIYWeQrI/AAAAAAAFBeE/H16j6VwdMfk/s320/IMG_4552.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I was very afraid it was a wool moth or case bearing moth that eats wool. After searching the internet, I can say that I don't know, but I hope it isn't. Most of my wool is now packed in air tight plastic after my last scare, so hopefully I will be fine.<br />
<br />
Can anyone identify this moth for me?<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-85326452283962814312015-06-16T15:38:00.001-07:002015-06-16T15:38:47.241-07:00The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival 2015When I moved to Northern Virginia a couple of years ago, I had no idea that the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival even existed. I knew I was closer to some wool festivals, and I was really hopeful that I'd find my way to Rheinbeck one of these years, but I didn't know what was almost in my backyard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73K3HFoDOCY/VYChe_4MeMI/AAAAAAAE8pg/6AeiRH5jwO4/s1600/IMG_3475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73K3HFoDOCY/VYChe_4MeMI/AAAAAAAE8pg/6AeiRH5jwO4/s640/IMG_3475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was innocently knitting away in the Apple store one day (while my daughter took an animation class) when a fellow knitter spotted me and came over for a chat. She told me about a few of the festivals in the area, including MS&W, which I had just missed. DARN! Well, I told myself, I'll make it next year, and put in on the calendar a year ahead of time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rB9AKSSA5C0/VYCheiiI3cI/AAAAAAAE8pk/Ab3dNLRtTno/s1600/IMG_3494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rB9AKSSA5C0/VYCheiiI3cI/AAAAAAAE8pk/Ab3dNLRtTno/s640/IMG_3494.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The festival was great. I had a terrible time protecting one Saturday all for myself. Hubby was gone camping with one son and the scouts (as always), and I had to enlist help to find rides and care for the other kids. But I made it! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JU4RodG1kds/VYCheidDA3I/AAAAAAAE8po/ofNIB00EVhQ/s1600/IMG_3491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JU4RodG1kds/VYCheidDA3I/AAAAAAAE8po/ofNIB00EVhQ/s640/IMG_3491.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I set out thinking that I would peruse the entire festival, pick out my favorite things to buy, then go back for my favorites. I'm very limited in budget, and have to be careful. It didn't take me too long to realize that there is NO WAY to see everything. It wasn't until that night at the spin-in that I was told this is the biggest sheep and wool festival in the United States. I believe it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcumQCrjgj8/VYCiJyVCw_I/AAAAAAAE8qA/sDOsW854Nts/s1600/IMG_3490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcumQCrjgj8/VYCiJyVCw_I/AAAAAAAE8qA/sDOsW854Nts/s640/IMG_3490.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of 5 or 6 huge indoor barns, plus there were scad of outdoor vendors.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
I also loved the sheepdog demos. I love animals, and I find the way sheep flock together fun and crazy to watch. They almost look like a school of fish on land. And man those dogs are smart!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2j4M7cz5UE/VYCiKyeR3MI/AAAAAAAE8qI/Z3Z9xNbkUaE/s1600/IMG_3478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2j4M7cz5UE/VYCiKyeR3MI/AAAAAAAE8qI/Z3Z9xNbkUaE/s640/IMG_3478.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The day ended with a spin-in, which was a blast! Basically, I got to sit and spin, meet people, compete to make the bumpiest yarn in 3 minutes (I came in second!), and enjoy the many many prizes they were giving away. I won a beautiful shawl pin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FX9gFIcsTM/VYCkN9mDjgI/AAAAAAAE8qU/6HGmETJ4D8w/s1600/IMG_3495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FX9gFIcsTM/VYCkN9mDjgI/AAAAAAAE8qU/6HGmETJ4D8w/s640/IMG_3495.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I loved this image of the woman spinning next to me. You can tell what colors she likes: her spinning wheel, fiber, and the single sock she just finished all match.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NfJLiRTudw/VYChf8uh5pI/AAAAAAAE8p4/HUg4Uto2458/s1600/IMG_3496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NfJLiRTudw/VYChf8uh5pI/AAAAAAAE8p4/HUg4Uto2458/s640/IMG_3496.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What I didn't realize a year ago is that I needed to keep checking the website for when the new classes were listed so that I could sign up quick. By the time I looked, they were ALL FULL. Maggie Casey (whose book taught me to spin) was here, and <a href="http://sheepandwool.org/festival/jc04-to-spin-a-fine-thread-with-judith-mackenzie/" style="border: 0px; color: #3a3a3a; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Judith MacKenzie</a>, <a href="http://sheepandwool.org/festival/jc05-dyeing-to-paint-with-carol-bodin/" style="border: 0px; color: #3a3a3a; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Carol Bodin</a> and <a href="http://sheepandwool.org/festival/jc06-drafting-evolution-mastering-worsted-and-woolen-and-everything-in-between-with-jaycee-boggs-faulkner/" style="border: 0px; color: #3a3a3a; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jaycee Boggs Faulkner</a>. How did I miss these women coming right to me? Well, next time I won't miss out. I've put "sign up for MS&W Workshops" on my calendar a year ahead. And I'm saving my pennies. See you all next year!<br />
<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-52172455963001914372015-06-16T15:06:00.001-07:002015-06-16T15:08:14.872-07:00Lucky MeI finally got pictures from my friend with <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/">Stephanie Pearl-McPhee</a> when she was in Baltimore.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmjCKiuea1E/VYCc6Br-uUI/AAAAAAAE8pM/ab4PntPM3cs/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmjCKiuea1E/VYCc6Br-uUI/AAAAAAAE8pM/ab4PntPM3cs/s400/DSC_0027.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_325220287"></span><span id="goog_325220288"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
She was promoting her (then) new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1449437087/yarnharlot-20">The Amazing Thing About The Way It Goes.</a> Go buy a few copies, seriously, and you'll never lack or a good gift when you need one. Don't we all need more laughter in our lives? That book is hilarious AND awesome. And now I can pretend I'm good friends with Stephanie!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dev0R9nfekE/VYCc6JOye0I/AAAAAAAE8pI/0FczjTmYbng/s1600/DSC_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dev0R9nfekE/VYCc6JOye0I/AAAAAAAE8pI/0FczjTmYbng/s400/DSC_0028.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The cowl I'm wearing is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tilting-tardis-cowl">Tilting Tardis</a> pattern by Marilyn Phillippi that I knit on my way home from England a couple of years ago.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-43407871773873631682014-04-10T05:26:00.005-07:002014-04-10T05:26:46.455-07:00A Yarn Harlot Sighting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">Last month I was lucky enough to get to go to <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/2014/03/baltimore-briefly/">a book signing</a> by Stephanie Pearl McPhee. I went with a new friend on a road trip to Baltimore to see her and it was totally worth it. She is an awesome stand-up comedian; dry, sarcastic, with perfect comic timing. I laughed so hard for an hour and half that my laugh muscles were sore the next day. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">She read a chapter from her new book, and at some point made a joke about her brother being so practical he practically shaved with Occam's razor. My scientist friend and I laughed out loud and then found that that reference was pretty obscure for the knitting audience. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">And I can't help but blog without a picture. Here are the beautiful daffodils that came up like a gift in the garden of my new house.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gl9Pxx6mWTs/U0aN7iflo5I/AAAAAAAB-Kk/_2ePo9mnn9o/s1600/IMG_6929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gl9Pxx6mWTs/U0aN7iflo5I/AAAAAAAB-Kk/_2ePo9mnn9o/s1600/IMG_6929.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPa2xZulIc8/U0aN7vwtr6I/AAAAAAAB-Kk/pjBitVsuYOM/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPa2xZulIc8/U0aN7vwtr6I/AAAAAAAB-Kk/pjBitVsuYOM/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-89987022541196150192014-03-21T09:06:00.001-07:002014-03-24T07:11:22.045-07:00What's the best way to wash a fleece?Last october I bought a piece of a Cormo fleece at the Shenandoah Fiber Festival, hoping to get it prepped in time to spin it up during Spinzilla. Well, I washed it (I thought), but never got any farther along with it. I was hoping that I would be able to card it with the only cards I own, which are really fine, because it is such a fine wool. I've been learning a lot the hard way since.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6yODksD32o/UytxMvsQEDI/AAAAAAABnv8/w5H0mo_VmaI/s1600/IMG_4080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6yODksD32o/UytxMvsQEDI/AAAAAAABnv8/w5H0mo_VmaI/s1600/IMG_4080.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Cormo crimp.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In early February, I tried picking some of the fiber. I found that all the bits of grass and dirt just stuck to the fiber. In fact, the fiber felt greasy still, and kind of sticky itself. I tried carding and spinning up a tiny bit, and it was pretty frustrating. Carding wasn't too bad, but didn't get rid of the foreign material. Spinning was hard because the fibers were sticking together. I decided that if this was "spinning in the grease" it is not for me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQQFvzTMJgM/UytjRaiBwBI/AAAAAAABns8/rhkHBbYsi0w/s1600/IMG_1575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQQFvzTMJgM/UytjRaiBwBI/AAAAAAABns8/rhkHBbYsi0w/s1600/IMG_1575.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washing the sample. See how dirty it still is? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SKFuhcMCg8/Uytle4AMGII/AAAAAAABnuk/aK_S_4YUqRk/s1600/IMG_6590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SKFuhcMCg8/Uytle4AMGII/AAAAAAABnuk/aK_S_4YUqRk/s1600/IMG_6590.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washed sample looks cleaner, but is uneven because of the stickiness, and still has particulate matter in it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I decided to read up some more on washing fleece, and a little more on cormo in particular. What I found is that cormo, along with some other fine fleeces, is really greasy. Also, it is best to wash the grease out right away; if you don't, it can get old and "sticky". <br />
<br />
So, I knew I was in for another wash job, but didn't know for sure what to try next. There are so many opinions and styles of washing fleece, and I was so afraid of ruining my fleece by felting it up. I decided to do some experimenting on small portions before I washed my whole fleece again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JK5hI82Hsho/UytxoYYuv-I/AAAAAAABnwE/Ua_rDVEC3Jc/s1600/IMG_4098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JK5hI82Hsho/UytxoYYuv-I/AAAAAAABnwE/Ua_rDVEC3Jc/s1600/IMG_4098.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The raw fleece before any washing. It didn't look quite this dirty in person.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, a description of my fleece. I didn't really know much of anything when I bought it. The lovely people who sold it to me had it in a bag and were selling it by the ounce. They said, "Just pick what you want." I didn't know what I was doing, and was a bit embarrassed, so I just pulled off a chunk of what was on top. When I first washed it, I did it in a mesh laundry bag. The fleece didn't have a very clear lock structure even then, so I just spread it out in the bag and laid that flat in my sink. After drying in the bag and sitting for a few months, it was a bit of a jumbled mess. Most of the fleece looked white, but the tips were still very orangy/yellow. The longest locks are 2.5 inches. Some are shorter. There is a beautiful fine crimp to the fleece. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccInAv6ISfM/UytxpJr9mhI/AAAAAAABnwM/4deNqhmZASM/s1600/IMG_4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ccInAv6ISfM/UytxpJr9mhI/AAAAAAABnwM/4deNqhmZASM/s1600/IMG_4104.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First washing in a mesh bag. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I pulled off seven little pieces of the fleece, and set up my experiment. The soaps I've seen suggested most often are dish soap, laundry detergent, and even shampoo. One site had suggested baking soda to change the alkalinity of the wash water. Warnings abound against too much agitation and shocking the fleece with cold water. I decided to try both of these too. <br />
<br />
For all samples, the initial wash (well, this is really the second, as the whole fleece was washed in dish soap in October) was in 140 degree water. This was reported a few places as best for Cormo fleeces and their greasiness. I let each soak long enough to cool some, drained it, then added the hottest water that came out of the tap as rinse water (except for Sample 6). I ended up rinsing 4 times. I varied the samples as follows:<br />
<br />
Sample 1: Dish Detergent (Dawn Pure Essentials)<br />
Sample 2: Shampoo (Herbal Essences)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmQhLe3BKJo/UytjO5G5WkI/AAAAAAABnsk/IR9stVo1qBs/s1600/IMG_1573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmQhLe3BKJo/UytjO5G5WkI/AAAAAAABnsk/IR9stVo1qBs/s1600/IMG_1573.jpg" height="497" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-wash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqF2u9YB-FI/UytkLREB1HI/AAAAAAABntE/TyzKYUcFvlg/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqF2u9YB-FI/UytkLREB1HI/AAAAAAABntE/TyzKYUcFvlg/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG" height="459" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Wash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_fhlTGEeHA/UytkNUBYGhI/AAAAAAABntc/qD1u2587ITk/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_fhlTGEeHA/UytkNUBYGhI/AAAAAAABntc/qD1u2587ITk/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" height="419" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Rinse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sample 3: Laundry Detergent (All Free Clear)<br />
Sample 4: Laundry Detergent + Baking Soda<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-galy8-HZ70c/UytjPgAnknI/AAAAAAABnss/1WklZf6aw1w/s1600/IMG_1574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-galy8-HZ70c/UytjPgAnknI/AAAAAAABnss/1WklZf6aw1w/s1600/IMG_1574.jpg" height="520" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-wash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWNjBGZB2LQ/UytkME0VolI/AAAAAAABntM/CBXYKzsmHHA/s1600/IMG_1577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWNjBGZB2LQ/UytkME0VolI/AAAAAAABntM/CBXYKzsmHHA/s1600/IMG_1577.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Wash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0KM7couPRe4/UytkOd2QqFI/AAAAAAABntk/EROZQVCTQvw/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0KM7couPRe4/UytkOd2QqFI/AAAAAAABntk/EROZQVCTQvw/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Rinse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sample 5: Laundry Detergent + Agitation<br />
Sample 6: Laundry Detergent + Cold Water Shock<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbtLGlcGHv0/UytjQ-QRIXI/AAAAAAABns4/35NYSJMugXE/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbtLGlcGHv0/UytjQ-QRIXI/AAAAAAABns4/35NYSJMugXE/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" height="496" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-wash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O0dtemdvQY/UytkMjzvGZI/AAAAAAABntU/tXThsfh0QpY/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3O0dtemdvQY/UytkMjzvGZI/AAAAAAABntU/tXThsfh0QpY/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Wash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWsu3Q1Zo0E/UytkO_Dn99I/AAAAAAABnts/WRlllQZkMAE/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWsu3Q1Zo0E/UytkO_Dn99I/AAAAAAABnts/WRlllQZkMAE/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Rinse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My results were not all as I expected! I would not assume that these results would all be the same with a different type of wool, especially the agitation and cold water shock, but it was comforting to know that at least in this case, I didn't need to panic about either one. After washing and drying, I picked each sample, carded it, spun it as a singles, and then navajo-plied all six samples into a tiny skein. Here are the notes I made during the process:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sample 1: Dish Detergent</b><br />
<br />
This fleece is so much better after an additional washing, it is hard to criticize. There was still quite a bit of vegetable matter, but it mostly shook free in the picking. The fleece is much fluffier, and felt clean, not greasy. The fleece combed ok, but had little dense areas (almost neps). The vegetable matter that still remained didn't fall out in the combing, and was still hard to pick out. When I spun this little bit, I was disappointed that the fiber didn't spin out smooth. There were little bumps and neps that made an even draw difficult.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIGYPMPid3I/UytlN2lSt1I/AAAAAAABnt0/Nf_fJ-qBGsQ/s1600/IMG_6544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIGYPMPid3I/UytlN2lSt1I/AAAAAAABnt0/Nf_fJ-qBGsQ/s1600/IMG_6544.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dish Detergent Sample after drying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLUzMFltlzA/Uyto-rDfi9I/AAAAAAABnuw/H9FInwWOT5s/s1600/IMG_6563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLUzMFltlzA/Uyto-rDfi9I/AAAAAAABnuw/H9FInwWOT5s/s1600/IMG_6563.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dish Detergent Sample after carding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Sample 2: Shampoo</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Picking this bit of fleece right after the one washed in dish detergent, it was clear that it was softer and smoother. It didn't feel greasy in any way, just softer to the touch (like conditioned hair would). It picked easily and released a lot more grit. Combing went well, and the fleece was cleaner than the bit I washed in dish detergent. It spun more easily than the first sample, but still had a bit of grit and tiny neps of fiber.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDC7MNnLBkE/UytlOhkC-nI/AAAAAAABnt8/CEvfym65xW0/s1600/IMG_6547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDC7MNnLBkE/UytlOhkC-nI/AAAAAAABnt8/CEvfym65xW0/s1600/IMG_6547.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shampoo Sample after drying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-9XNzyLBS4/Uyto_JzYmsI/AAAAAAABnu8/d9--j74p7fs/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-9XNzyLBS4/Uyto_JzYmsI/AAAAAAABnu8/d9--j74p7fs/s1600/IMG_6568.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shampoo Sample after carding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Sample 3: Laundry Detergent</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The first benefit to the laundry detergent is that it doesn't suds up like dish detergent. The sample felt about the same as the shampoo sample to the touch--soft and smooth. As I picked though, there was a big difference. This sample came apart much more easily as I picked. It is my clear favorite so far. The locks seemed to fall apart and fluff up, dropping remaining grit and dirt as I went. Combing was a dream: easy, with no sign of neps, just an even beautiful batt. It spun up smoothly too. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-8M384Yeaw/UytlPChIRqI/AAAAAAABnuE/wAfWUAkJ5dY/s1600/IMG_6551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-8M384Yeaw/UytlPChIRqI/AAAAAAABnuE/wAfWUAkJ5dY/s1600/IMG_6551.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry Detergent Sample after drying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rIonnuqrRs/Uyto_2_DmKI/AAAAAAABnvA/IXaHLDOI_I8/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rIonnuqrRs/Uyto_2_DmKI/AAAAAAABnvA/IXaHLDOI_I8/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry Detergent Sample after carding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Sample 4: Laundry Detergent with Baking Soda</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I didn't notice an appreciable difference when adding the baking soda. I expected the fleece to look or feel a little cleaner, but it didn't. I think it feels a little less soft, and was a bit harder to pick than the sample washed in laundry detergent alone. It felt pretty much like the dish detergent sample. When combing, it was a little stiffer than the sample without the soda. Spinning was not quite as smooth as without the soda.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePHwdMkFg9s/UytlRLdYchI/AAAAAAABnuM/yDUDrXS6MqY/s1600/IMG_6554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePHwdMkFg9s/UytlRLdYchI/AAAAAAABnuM/yDUDrXS6MqY/s1600/IMG_6554.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry Detergent and Soda after drying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yo6mB9CUho/UytpAZkvg8I/AAAAAAABnvI/aIfg3tl7OJ0/s1600/IMG_6576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yo6mB9CUho/UytpAZkvg8I/AAAAAAABnvI/aIfg3tl7OJ0/s1600/IMG_6576.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry Detergent and Soda after carding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Sample 5: Laundry Detergent with active washing and agitation</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I've been so careful about all of my washing because I'm so afraid of felting my fleece. I decided to treat this one sample roughly and see what happens. I actively swished this sample in the hot water many times, turned it, picked the tips apart, and rubbed any parts that looked dirty. I'm amazed by how good this sample looks in the end. There might be a couple little spots that are tighter looking. It was a little harder to pull apart in picking. When combing, the fiber stayed uneven longer, with areas that looked like neps, similar to the sample washed in dish detergent. My take-home from this is that at least with this fleece, I can do some gentle swishing of my fleece while washing and not worry at all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUCCa1-tPOo/UytlRjI9wcI/AAAAAAABnuU/10Mq2MFgYzA/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUCCa1-tPOo/UytlRjI9wcI/AAAAAAABnuU/10Mq2MFgYzA/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample with plenty of agitation (not much cleaner)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QN9ZtSCAdso/UytpBNMNPHI/AAAAAAABnvQ/0M3vcN692fk/s1600/IMG_6581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QN9ZtSCAdso/UytpBNMNPHI/AAAAAAABnvQ/0M3vcN692fk/s1600/IMG_6581.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agitated sample after carding (you can see it's still has debris)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Sample 6: Laundry Detergent wash shocked with ice water</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Everyone says not to shock your wool with cold water, as the scales will suddenly close up and cause felting. I decided to go all the way and went from the hot soak water to ice water dumped on the sample. I then repeated the hot wash and cold rinse. There is no striking amount of felting in this sample, though like with the agitation, I could tell in the picking that it was a tiny bit harder to pull apart. The combing went well, with the fiber just a little more resistant than my ideal sample washed in laundry detergent. The most interesting thing to me about this sample is how clean it is. It is noticeably whiter than all the other samples. It's hard to see why this would be true. Perhaps the cold water closed the scales on the fiber shafts and allowed the wool to rinse cleaner?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U53EKa2-ajE/UytlSZOxMGI/AAAAAAABnuc/1O8GsgY8vS8/s1600/IMG_6562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U53EKa2-ajE/UytlSZOxMGI/AAAAAAABnuc/1O8GsgY8vS8/s1600/IMG_6562.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold Shocked Sample after drying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0h5Mgm5luWM/UytpB9avL2I/AAAAAAABnvY/-hGPKI29lFY/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0h5Mgm5luWM/UytpB9avL2I/AAAAAAABnvY/-hGPKI29lFY/s1600/IMG_6585.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold Shocked Sample after carding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTsG1B2yTrU/UytpCj3_etI/AAAAAAABnvg/37X9tStf9mU/s1600/IMG_6587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTsG1B2yTrU/UytpCj3_etI/AAAAAAABnvg/37X9tStf9mU/s1600/IMG_6587.JPG" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right-hand sample is the cold-water shocked one. Can you tell in the photo that it's whiter?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spun Product:<br />
<br />
You can tell in the final yarn that some of the samples were cleaner than others. It's hard to show in the picture which is which, but the cold shocked sample is the really white one on the right-hand side of the bobbin.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUQq_-iFN1Y/UyxXmL9DxcI/AAAAAAABn74/4EK7uE-Onx0/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUQq_-iFN1Y/UyxXmL9DxcI/AAAAAAABn74/4EK7uE-Onx0/s1600/IMG_6606.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singles in order: 1-6 go sect to right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SOWiDIIlTM/UyxigHImq1I/AAAAAAABn98/59EM1qf5ph4/s1600/IMG_6684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SOWiDIIlTM/UyxigHImq1I/AAAAAAABn98/59EM1qf5ph4/s1600/IMG_6684.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navajo Plyed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4PJJEBw8fHk/Uyxii_iF-vI/AAAAAAABn-E/HammYqpKRY4/s1600/IMG_6686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4PJJEBw8fHk/Uyxii_iF-vI/AAAAAAABn-E/HammYqpKRY4/s1600/IMG_6686.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the samples that were easier to spin, and the one that's whiter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Final Results: </b><br />
<br />
Laundry Detergent all the way!<br />
<br />
I will always wash in laundry detergent in the future. I believe I will also try a 24-48 hour cold water soak as my first step, and hope that I get some of the benefits that I got in my cold water shocked sample. I also think I'll take a small sample and wash and agitate it before I wash the rest so that I know how worried I need to be about my treatment of the fleece.<br />
<br />
I took these results and washed the entire fleece again, did several rinses and then dried it. This time, I let the fiber float freely in my sink, but I had the mesh bag floating below it, so I could pick it up to drain. After drying, I found the fleece STILL felt greasy, so I went through the whole process again. I think part of my problem was that I only used the hottest water the tap would produce, instead of heating the water to 140 deg F.<br />
<br />
Now that the fleece is clean and I've done some picking, I really think that lots of my problem with neps is the fleece itself. It has little bits of short fiber (don't know if they'd qualify as second cuts, but probably), and I don't think I got the best part of the fleece. I also don't know if the neps and bumps in the carded fleece were caused by my inexperience with carders. At least it was an inexpensive investment for me to learn on!<br />
<br />
<br />
References:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.spinningforth.com/articles/spinning/washing_fleece.html">http://www.spinningforth.com/articles/spinning/washing_fleece.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.applerose.com/Sales%20Cormo.html">http://www.applerose.com/Sales%20Cormo.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://gansey.blogspot.com/2011/09/spinning-and-knitting-in-grease.html">http://gansey.blogspot.com/2011/09/spinning-and-knitting-in-grease.html</a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-82989196057145433802013-12-12T07:29:00.001-08:002013-12-12T07:30:36.627-08:00One of these skeins is not like the others...Remember the Sesame Street Song? "One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong…"<br />
<br />
Well, I did some woolen spinning for the first time during Spinzilla. Then I tried to go back to my short forward draft to spin the third skein for my Color Affection shawl. Can you see the results in the pictures?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c98J5ver7jY/UqnSUvqHVPI/AAAAAAAAGz8/ajnVSmNUIWY/s1600/IMG_5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c98J5ver7jY/UqnSUvqHVPI/AAAAAAAAGz8/ajnVSmNUIWY/s640/IMG_5419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The two on the ends were spun before Spinzilla. The one in the middle was done during Spinzilla. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLdDy29cdlc/UqnSVE_3bUI/AAAAAAAAG0E/JLmTqaa2MtI/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLdDy29cdlc/UqnSVE_3bUI/AAAAAAAAG0E/JLmTqaa2MtI/s640/IMG_5421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My skeins go like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Skein 1; 100 g, 258 yd</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Skein 2: 80 g, 215 yd </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Skein 3: 90 g, 168 yd</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Normalized per 50 g, that:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Skein 1: 129 yd</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Skein 2: 134 yd</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Skein 3: 93 yd</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Besides the yardage being so different, the feel of the yarn is quite different: fluffy, airy….woolen spun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My goal was to match KnitPicks Palette, as I mentioned in<a href="http://knitkriket.blogspot.com/2012/10/spinning-for-color.html"> this post</a>. Trouble is, I didn't notice until just now that I'm DOUBLE what I thought!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here I was saying, Pallete has 213 yd/ 50 g, so I'm doing well at 258. But that's for 100 g! What's my problem? I was planning to simply spin another skein 3, but now I might just have to start all over. Hrumph.</div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-26033823232910947012013-10-26T20:04:00.001-07:002013-10-26T20:10:12.416-07:00Spinzilla Day 7 and AftermathRemember that saying "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray"? Well, it sure is true for me.<div><br></div><div>We left on Sunday morning for our camping trip after postponing for various reasons, including rain. Because we changed plans, I thought I'd get to bring my spinning wheel, but as we started to pack the car, I could see it wasn't going to happen. With a canoe on top, we couldn't bring the car top carrier, and the car was FULL. In the end, I threw in my spindle and some brown mill ends.</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">It poured on us during the drive to James River State Park, but it was only drizzling when we got there. The river was beautiful, and I had visions of getting my husband to take a picture of me spinning on the banks of the river. It didn't happen like that. First we broke out the ponchos. Then I made lunch under the hatch back of the car while my husband scouted tent sites. Then we ate, and it finally quit raining. We used the break to get camp set up. When we were all done, it was settling into dusk. I was about to get out my spindle, when my husband said, "I'm going to try out the canoe before it gets dark. Want to come?" Was I going to say no to an offer like that? When we got back, it was time for dinner. While I was cooking, my son made a fire. With some lighter-fluid help, he finally got the damp wood burning. After dinner, we all settle around the fire and I pulled out my spindle...and it started to rain. We all jumped up to clean up everything before it got too wet. We got the little kids into the tent, then did the dishes in the rain before following them. I couldn't let the last day of Spinzilla end without the tiniest bit of spinning, so I ended up trying to spin while sitting on the floor of my tent holding the spindle above my head. I got a couple of yards of bad singles before my kids asked if I'd please turn the flashlight off. Ah, well. At least I got something to add to my total.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bvrd4k3964Q/UmyAD1u1HzI/AAAAAAAAGvs/c5Ze5_zyfOQ/s640/blogger-image-2082603608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bvrd4k3964Q/UmyAD1u1HzI/AAAAAAAAGvs/c5Ze5_zyfOQ/s640/blogger-image-2082603608.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">The rest of the camping trip was great! Monday was a beautiful dry day. We canoed, explored, and enjoyed the weather. We came home Tuesday, and I was starting to worry about getting my singles plyed so that I could count up my totals. I thought I still had enough time. Well, nothing ever goes as planned, and I ran out of time. I managed to ply the white wool, but had to use a balance to estimate the red. I wound the purple off and measured, then wound it back on, and my little bit of brown was easy to measure with a tape measure. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DHIuHlTZaD0/UmyADKmd8TI/AAAAAAAAGvk/bSzSxLkskX4/s640/blogger-image-675191248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DHIuHlTZaD0/UmyADKmd8TI/AAAAAAAAGvk/bSzSxLkskX4/s640/blogger-image-675191248.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">My total was 2243 yards spun. This is so much more than I've ever spun in a short time before, I have to be happy. I spun more than I had pre-drafted, so that means I had to have done more than I thought I might. I also learned to spin from the fold and to love the fluffiness of woolen spun yarn. I'd call that a success. The only trouble? I learned a bit too much how to spin woolen, and my white wool, third of three skeins, seems to be a lot more woolen-ish and fluffy than worstedish and smooth. am I going o have to spin a whole 'nother skein to match the first two?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FsSns03keE0/UmyACJ1xnwI/AAAAAAAAGvc/FP08-CrMUKY/s640/blogger-image--133224152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FsSns03keE0/UmyACJ1xnwI/AAAAAAAAGvc/FP08-CrMUKY/s640/blogger-image--133224152.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-76315219662392344392013-10-12T21:42:00.000-07:002013-10-12T21:45:04.067-07:00Spinzilla Day 6When I signed up to participate in Spinzilla, I knew it would be hard to find time to spin for a contest. But I also relished the challenge. Today was one of those days when spinning didn't get it's turn. <br />
<br />
I got up this morning and immediately started sewing halloween costumes for a party at our church tonight. I don't know why I still, after fifteen years of having children, think that I have until October 31st to finish costumes. I ALWAYS have to finish them early for some event or another. This one was particularly early though, and since we'd planned to be gone on a camping trip, I hadn't planned to go. <br />
<br />
With the spirit of last minute panic egging me on, we finished costumes just in time to be 15 minutes late. We had a great time, and I think the kids looked great! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehW69COm7us/UlogjE4vj3I/AAAAAAAAGuc/tzIdsZiM2Dg/s1600/IMG_4178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehW69COm7us/UlogjE4vj3I/AAAAAAAAGuc/tzIdsZiM2Dg/s640/IMG_4178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bo Peep, The Black Knight, Tasselhof Burrfoot (from the Dragonlance Books), and Merida (from Brave)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the party, we went grocery shopping for the camping trip, made meals to freeze, cleaned up a bit, and then I finally sat down to spin for a couple of minutes before bed. We had to change our camping plans because our first choice plan was full, so we're going to strap on the canoe and go to the James River. That means car camping, not backpacking, so I'm back to hoping my wheel will fit in the car for the last day of Spinzilla tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Here's my little bit of spinning: Its merino/silk purchase at the Shenandoah fiber festival. The picture is bad because it's midnight, and I have no good light. I dyed the roving last week, and have been surprised and pleased by the variation in color. I expected the silk and merino to take the dye differently, but there's much more variation that I can't explain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkuuLTwgZfU/UlogFDJE6yI/AAAAAAAAGuU/zWuboIyIy5I/s1600/IMG_4209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkuuLTwgZfU/UlogFDJE6yI/AAAAAAAAGuU/zWuboIyIy5I/s640/IMG_4209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
[#spinzilla, #teamspinoff]Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-16923139861716794762013-10-11T21:29:00.000-07:002013-10-12T08:25:16.499-07:00Spinzilla Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The fifth day of Spinzilla already! I've spun almost as much as I have in my whole spinning "career" up until now. This morning I plied up the "Granite" merino from Unique Ewe. I LOVE this yarn! It is squishy, soft, light, and makes you want to squeeze it all day. My favorite part of spinning is plying. I love how fast it is, and I love seeing the product of the labor.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENhcz69pRAw/UllnlCKDfLI/AAAAAAAAGuA/6M22hRse4a4/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENhcz69pRAw/UllnlCKDfLI/AAAAAAAAGuA/6M22hRse4a4/s640/IMG_4163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also barely managed to get 80 g of wool/silk spun up to finish up my Color Affection shawl. I had to quit spinning because we're going to a halloween party tomorrow, and I had to pull out the sewing machine to work on costumes. Here's hoping I finish the sewing in time!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjNlNp1J5bw/UllnlgTb_RI/AAAAAAAAGuE/v2_7VQOU-jw/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjNlNp1J5bw/UllnlgTb_RI/AAAAAAAAGuE/v2_7VQOU-jw/s640/IMG_4174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
[#teamspinoff, #spinzilla]Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-5759155409475637752013-10-10T20:28:00.001-07:002013-10-11T10:06:09.803-07:00Spinzilla Day 4... already?!As they always do, the days are flying by. I thought the week of Spinzilla would last so long! I've been feeling frustrated all day, because I barely got to touch my wheel. The truth is, the past red days when I did get to use it were the unusual ones. <br />
<br />
It's a good thing I did spin a bit this evening, or I might have torn someone's head off. My husband keeps telling me that C-SPAN radio and driving in traffic don't mix, but I'm too dumb to listen to his wise counsel! Traffic is bad enough without listening to politicians all day. If I hear one more person say, "The American People want..." I think I'll scream. If all the American people wanted the same thing, this wouldn't be complicated. Hmpf. Spinning...calm...yes....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gcbyob_V-c/UlcjiTnbDbI/AAAAAAAAGtk/kR_M9ffskiw/s1600/IMG_4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6gcbyob_V-c/UlcjiTnbDbI/AAAAAAAAGtk/kR_M9ffskiw/s640/IMG_4156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So today I finished the bobbin full of merino (4 oz) in Colorway "Granite". I had kind of a problem, because I'd decided to spin the two colorways separately, then ply them with each other as a marled yarn. But when I spun up the denim, it was as one of my Spin Off teammates suggested; you don't know which the characteristics of the singles you'll love will be until you see them. I loved the Denim as it was, so I had to figure out how to split the bobbin in two to ply it. I transferred what looked like half to another bobbin (same type, so I assumed their weight was the same), then kept weighing until they were the same. Now I have to do the same again with the Granite so that I can free up the bobbins for the rest of my white wool for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/color-affection">Color Affection</a> Shawl. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If I'm really fast with the white wool I'm spinning up for a color affection shawl, I'm hoping to get to this merino/silk I dyed last week:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ADC639VrOc/UlcjirxiFlI/AAAAAAAAGts/Azw8XUeHO6s/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ADC639VrOc/UlcjirxiFlI/AAAAAAAAGts/Azw8XUeHO6s/s400/IMG_4160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope I have more to show for tomorrow, because we just decided to go camping this weekend, and that's going to cramp my spinning style. It's looking like a short backpacking hike, so I guess I'll have to revert to a spindle!<br />
<br />
[#spinzilla, #teamspinoff]Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-75846823645830258202013-10-09T19:30:00.000-07:002013-10-09T19:30:02.226-07:00Spinzilla Day 3, and I'm beat.Well, I'm so tired tonight I was feeling discouraged about my spinning, but I'm really actually quite happy with it! I finished all the red Wool of the Andes, plied the "Denim" merino, which is my favorite part, and got about half of the "Granite" merino spun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXf6us6Uqss/UlYMgOyqEOI/AAAAAAAAGtE/vBcP6gDl95E/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXf6us6Uqss/UlYMgOyqEOI/AAAAAAAAGtE/vBcP6gDl95E/s400/IMG_4151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm getting better at spinning from the fold, but switching back and forth with short forward draw has my hands all confused! I finally started folding all the locks in advance so that I can pick them up and join them faster. I love this colorway.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLXRm1tgmSE/UlYMhburtUI/AAAAAAAAGtU/7MCBKBzbBjc/s1600/IMG_4154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OLXRm1tgmSE/UlYMhburtUI/AAAAAAAAGtU/7MCBKBzbBjc/s400/IMG_4154.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pictures are all lousy because it's night, but I really love the soft squishiness of the merino now that it's plied. Can't wait to see it in the skein!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FX1k62T2ioU/UlYMg5zMAtI/AAAAAAAAGtM/_xZIDtu_MfQ/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FX1k62T2ioU/UlYMg5zMAtI/AAAAAAAAGtM/_xZIDtu_MfQ/s400/IMG_4152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have one great story for the night. The family knelt down tonight to say a family prayed. My hubby asked my older son to say the prayer, but apparently he didn't hear. We everyone bowed their heads waiting for a prayed and finally my youngest son said, "Hello?" Somehow it sounded just like he'd picked up a phone to his Heavenly Father and was trying to start a conversation. I laughed til tears came. What a cute kid!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
[#spinzilla, #teamspinoff]</div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-5451327116793582872013-10-08T20:05:00.000-07:002013-10-08T20:09:59.772-07:00Spinzilla Day 2I wonder how many posts in the blogosphere are titled that? I think I'll do a search tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Spinzilla Day 2 had been really fun, but I truly do have sore hands and treadle leg. Wow! Still, with soreness and all, and thinking that I've done a lot of spinning, some people on my Spin Off team have spun four times as much fiber as me! Holy smokes people! You're amazing! Check 'em out on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/spinzilla/2639175/201-225#202">Ravelry</a>. <br />
<br />
I've managed between babysitting and my own four kids to fit in finishing my denim blue merino and starting the last bobbin full of red Wool of the Andes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-guNYIEa5L28/UlRztDC35XI/AAAAAAAAGsY/sdYfDkQ70nA/s1600/IMG_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-guNYIEa5L28/UlRztDC35XI/AAAAAAAAGsY/sdYfDkQ70nA/s400/IMG_4139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The merino is from Unique Ewe of <a href="http://www.knituniquelogan.com/">Knit Unique</a>, in Logan, Utah. It is 4 oz, spun from the fold, my first time ever. Spinning from the fold is great; I should have tried it before. I've learned most of what I do spinning from The little book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Start-Spinning-Maggie-Casey/dp/1596680652">Start Spinning</a>" by Maggie Casey. It's truly a great book. I'm hoping the finished yarn will turn out lofty and soft. This is the closest to woolen spinning I've ever done. By the end I could long draw off the fold with no stress. I felt like I was spinning pretty bulky, but it's around 17 wpi. <br />
<br />
The red I'm back to working on is more of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarn-fiber/wool-of-the-andes-roving.html">Knit Picks</a> Wool of the Andes Roving in Hot Rod Heather. It's a really pretty red, with shades of black for depth. I got 400 g for Christmas, and I'm spinning it up to make a three ply yarn. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ke7VLt2ojKE/UlRzt1nOumI/AAAAAAAAGsk/hcHFYqw7vXo/s1600/IMG_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ke7VLt2ojKE/UlRzt1nOumI/AAAAAAAAGsk/hcHFYqw7vXo/s400/IMG_4148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I decided to put each ply on storage bobbins that I bought especially for Spinzilla, but that turns out to be more time consuming than I thought. The first time I broke the yarn once, and the bobbin holder snapped. Luckily, the four bobbins came with four holders that fit into a drill. Today when I wound the second one on, I used my husbands nicer clutched drill, set a slower speed and minimum torque strength. I don't think it really helped, because I broke another holder. Bummer. Each bobbin took me 20 minutes to wind with all the complication. I think it would take about 10 minutes at a medium speed if all went smoothly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkYUctAyT90/UlS0WakVR-I/AAAAAAAAGs0/V8S3McthBsM/s1600/IMG_4149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkYUctAyT90/UlS0WakVR-I/AAAAAAAAGs0/V8S3McthBsM/s400/IMG_4149.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now I've parked my wheel for the night, and I'm hoping to get some sleep. May everyone have wooly dreams tonight!<br />
<br />
[#teamspinoff, #spinzilla]Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-30992476486781244942013-10-07T17:59:00.003-07:002013-10-07T17:59:25.250-07:00Spinzilla Day 1!Today was the first glorious day of Spinzilla, the week that is my excuse to spin everywhere and everywhen I can.<br />
<br />
I've been trying to post progress photos on Ravelry and Pinterest, but all technology seems to be failing me today. Here's hoping that the trusty blog will work!<br />
<br />
I'm starting Spinzilla off with some Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Roving in Hot Rod Red. I spun up one ply of three planned ones a few months ago. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJwoJ62uevM/UlNWcUjKwxI/AAAAAAAAGrU/_sqAPuPi5C8/s1600/IMG_4116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJwoJ62uevM/UlNWcUjKwxI/AAAAAAAAGrU/_sqAPuPi5C8/s400/IMG_4116.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I pre-drafted it on Saturday, and I LOVE how gorgeous the fiber gets as you draft. Look:<br />
<br />
Before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcCSDBOKx4E/UlNWXwtqaFI/AAAAAAAAGqE/ue78dTifztw/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UcCSDBOKx4E/UlNWXwtqaFI/AAAAAAAAGqE/ue78dTifztw/s400/IMG_4097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzwTbS7bYHk/UlNWXj30weI/AAAAAAAAGp4/TfTLcEQP4tc/s1600/IMG_4096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzwTbS7bYHk/UlNWXj30weI/AAAAAAAAGp4/TfTLcEQP4tc/s400/IMG_4096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
When I went to bed last night, I realized it was after midnight, so I made a token start:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y67SEymX9Hs/UlNYpclIj4I/AAAAAAAAGr0/vnJUWl7QDkk/s1600/IMG_4125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y67SEymX9Hs/UlNYpclIj4I/AAAAAAAAGr0/vnJUWl7QDkk/s400/IMG_4125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and tonight, I've finished my next bobbin of 133 g, spun to about 21 wpi.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbHOTc7Ztho/UlNV96QDEZI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/kbI0n32cK2Y/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbHOTc7Ztho/UlNV96QDEZI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/kbI0n32cK2Y/s400/IMG_4130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm supposed to use hashtags, but don't really have a clue about them, so here you go: #spinzilla, #teamspinoff. Go team Spin Off!! Those ladies are putting out some beautiful stuff!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-45236696467372426552013-10-01T11:54:00.000-07:002014-03-19T18:57:28.467-07:00Shenandoah Valley Fiber FestivalThis weekend I got to go to my first ever sheep and wool <a href="http://www.shenandoahvalleyfiberfestival.com/">festival</a>! And I can't believe I live close enough to Shenandoah the the festival is named after it. I've been planning to go since shortly after moving. I ran into a woman in the Apple Store when we both pulled out our knitting (isn't that where everyone goes to knit?), and of course we talked, and she let me know about the festival.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqKRv6vofh8/UkrKJbGp8fI/AAAAAAAAGmo/8SSkvs8oVwY/s1600/IMG_4071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqKRv6vofh8/UkrKJbGp8fI/AAAAAAAAGmo/8SSkvs8oVwY/s400/IMG_4071.JPG" height="338" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple of weeks ago, a new friend told me she is starting a business selling yarn display shelves, and asked if I could help out at her booth. It was really interesting to be able to see a fair from behind the table instead of in front. I got a fantastic parade of hand knits passing by all day. Beautiful! And as I've heard many others say, knitters are just so nice!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy9d87Ja9R0/UkhnFboHYNI/AAAAAAAAGmI/pqlzv90x16I/s1600/IMG_1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy9d87Ja9R0/UkhnFboHYNI/AAAAAAAAGmI/pqlzv90x16I/s400/IMG_1257.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We got quite a bit of attention from several husbands who happened to be woodworkers too. They checked out the beautiful woods and dovetailing of <a href="http://www.diamondcubes.com/">Diamond Yarn Cubes</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PW82WzpypyQ/UkrJgh_M8-I/AAAAAAAAGmg/eK0aOhYVVRU/s1600/IMG_4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PW82WzpypyQ/UkrJgh_M8-I/AAAAAAAAGmg/eK0aOhYVVRU/s400/IMG_4073.JPG" height="372" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v07QPawybJA/UkhnEBCMkvI/AAAAAAAAGl8/_d0D-PfJ2TQ/s1600/IMG_1255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v07QPawybJA/UkhnEBCMkvI/AAAAAAAAGl8/_d0D-PfJ2TQ/s320/IMG_1255.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
I loved seeing the animals too. Angora goats or angora bunnies, take your pick! The bunnies were the cutest balls of fluff I've ever seen!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4SuQ9aUnNE/UkrQaZi01BI/AAAAAAAAGn4/DcIQp9fFkyw/s1600/IMG_4078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4SuQ9aUnNE/UkrQaZi01BI/AAAAAAAAGn4/DcIQp9fFkyw/s320/IMG_4078.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN8dZwa8BPM/UkrQZ0cKZhI/AAAAAAAAGnw/UQf7v_l0n5U/s1600/IMG_4077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN8dZwa8BPM/UkrQZ0cKZhI/AAAAAAAAGnw/UQf7v_l0n5U/s320/IMG_4077.jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MahqnOgbcc/UkrQZYavjjI/AAAAAAAAGno/g3ebRKcu9jQ/s1600/IMG_4075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MahqnOgbcc/UkrQZYavjjI/AAAAAAAAGno/g3ebRKcu9jQ/s400/IMG_4075.JPG" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With <a href="http://www.tnna.org/page/SpinzillaHome/?">Spinzilla</a> coming up, I couldn't help but buy spinning fiber instead of yarn. I got my first batch of Bluefaced Leicester. BFL for those in the know. It took me a while to figure out what BFL meant, but I knew I loved the softness of the stuff! I also bought some Silk/Merino, and some silk cocoons to try out. And some stitch markers that look just like some the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a> mentioned as favorites once. All this was from a lovely little shop call Lizard Toes, right across the way booth-wise from where I was helping. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4FfHcNpLpc/UkrQa1qts_I/AAAAAAAAGoA/U-yN2iBIDq4/s1600/IMG_4080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4FfHcNpLpc/UkrQa1qts_I/AAAAAAAAGoA/U-yN2iBIDq4/s400/IMG_4080.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also couldn't go to a festival that had actual sheep and not buy some raw fleece. I kind of fell in love with some Cormo and brought it home. Look at the crimp and the sheen. It was from Lavender Hills Farm, in Maryland. I couldn't remember anything about how to select a fleece, so I just grabbed a chunk, and I'll find out later how well I did. Now for washing and dying!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-32309429897117330642013-09-19T08:48:00.004-07:002013-09-19T08:48:53.602-07:00SpinzillaI signed up last last week to participate in <a href="http://www.tnna.org/page/SpinzillaHome/?">Spinzilla</a>. I'm unreasonably excited about this event! The <a href="http://www.tnna.org/">TNNA</a> sponsored event is ostensibly to raise awareness of spinning. I think it's really an excuse for all of us spinners to spend an irresponsible amount of time knitting and tell our families that it's for a good cause! The goal is for a team of up to 25 to spin as much fiber (measured by length of singles) in a week as they can. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bM_zcGy2AMs/UjsU9YyKxVI/AAAAAAAAGcI/QLxr1A33Pnk/s1600/IMG_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bM_zcGy2AMs/UjsU9YyKxVI/AAAAAAAAGcI/QLxr1A33Pnk/s400/IMG_0449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I signed up with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/spinzilla">Team Spin-Off</a>, and can't wait to get started! I've already discovered storage bobbins (why didn't I know about these before?!) and ordered some from <a href="http://www.artuwear.net/bobbinsup.html">Bobbins Up</a>. I have always wanted to buy more bobbins so I could make multiple ply yarns, but the cost is so prohibitive! Now I can spin all the singles with the same bobbin, put them on storage bobbins, then ply them back off onto the original bobbin. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzHqfLr77lw/UjsY-FQtfCI/AAAAAAAAGlM/uCUrCft_Xjk/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzHqfLr77lw/UjsY-FQtfCI/AAAAAAAAGlM/uCUrCft_Xjk/s400/IMG_1241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because I payed with PayPal, I accidentally got them sent to Utah. Surprisingly, the Post Office forwarded the package to me here in Virginia! Thanks Post Office! Even with the detour, the package came amazingly quickly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loBLnA35kwo/UjsY_d2RAiI/AAAAAAAAGlU/rQdnDzDlmLE/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loBLnA35kwo/UjsY_d2RAiI/AAAAAAAAGlU/rQdnDzDlmLE/s400/IMG_1242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, I'm planning to get all my random fiber in order to be ready for the second week of October. <br />
<br />
And last but not least, the latest edition of Knitty has a pattern for <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf13/PATTnymphalidea.php">Nymphalidea</a>. I am totally in love. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf13/images/nymphalideaBIG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf13/images/nymphalideaBIG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-725040363980862232013-09-18T11:30:00.001-07:002013-09-18T11:30:15.068-07:00Finished GoodsI finished up William's yellow purse just in time. I decided to put some arabic script in the patterning, but it turned out to be difficult to get the chart to fit on such a small piece. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sg-9FmPgqBc/UjO_s7tnq-I/AAAAAAAAGMk/zaUCBr_EEds/s1600/IMG_4012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sg-9FmPgqBc/UjO_s7tnq-I/AAAAAAAAGMk/zaUCBr_EEds/s400/IMG_4012.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">After much time spend drawing on graph paper, I finally have a finished product. Unfortunately, I don't know what it says in arabic! Hope it's something good!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNXhxSI1kM0/UjPA5vLY5iI/AAAAAAAAGNg/ZZBFuStDCW0/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNXhxSI1kM0/UjPA5vLY5iI/AAAAAAAAGNg/ZZBFuStDCW0/s400/IMG_4045.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I also finished a batch of hats and gunnister purses just in time to send them off to William for his Pirate Fair as well. It was a surreal event, according to William! Fun, but not really a historic reenactor's type of event. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChfsyCl22fk/UjPA6Xo-voI/AAAAAAAAGNo/0kgtzk48EyA/s1600/IMG_4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChfsyCl22fk/UjPA6Xo-voI/AAAAAAAAGNo/0kgtzk48EyA/s640/IMG_4046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-23105179149926281692013-09-04T10:09:00.000-07:002013-09-04T10:15:06.767-07:00Dyeing to get back to my projectsBoy has it been a crazy half year. I knew it had been a long time since I last posted here, but had no idea it had been since Christmas. I've been spending that time in absolute crisis busyness. Since then, my whole life has changed. Our family moved from here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRSdAA5B3rg/UidkfQii3YI/AAAAAAAAGKg/zNI-AFT-nvU/s1600/IMG_0425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WRSdAA5B3rg/UidkfQii3YI/AAAAAAAAGKg/zNI-AFT-nvU/s400/IMG_0425.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
To here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekeaa2mikmM/Uidkl97ipcI/AAAAAAAAGL4/F31bEBOEwrI/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekeaa2mikmM/Uidkl97ipcI/AAAAAAAAGL4/F31bEBOEwrI/s400/IMG_1226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While packing, painting, and repairing before the move, I actually got so busy I couldn't knit for 2 months. This made me crazy. I'm so glad to be have my therapy back. My current project is to finish up some knits for my friend William to take to his next pirate festival. He is the reenactor who has helped me find the great people who want to buy my historic knits. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/knitkriket">My Etsy shop</a> has also been very neglected during this move, so as soon as I finish knitting for William, I'm going to get my shop more like I want it.<br />
<br />
Anyway, William asked for another <a href="http://www.shetland-museum.org.uk/downloads/data/GunnisterMan_Leaflet.pdf">Gunnister Purse</a>. This is the first one I made for him:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOCAQi4EBCg/UidneDPUgXI/AAAAAAAAGMA/XxQOqxhe2m8/s1600/Gunnister02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOCAQi4EBCg/UidneDPUgXI/AAAAAAAAGMA/XxQOqxhe2m8/s640/Gunnister02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I made several others, but they sold so quickly I forgot to get pictures. William wants a purse in yellow this time. I didn't have the right yellow on hand, so I decided to use a turmeric dye bath. Turmeric does a great job dying (or staining) wool with no mordent. Perhaps more importantly, it fits William's pirate character, William Brand of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/188341371215125/">the Mercury Crew</a>, who spent some time in Jerusalem. I believe the spice would have been sufficiently common there to use for its color. <br />
<br />
I did a little research before beginning. The simplest tutorial on turmeric dying is from <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/pg.fcgi?page=turmeric.html">Lyon Brand Yarns</a>. Some other people suggest using vinegar in the dye bath, as you would with acid dyes, and I wondered if I should try. The owner of <a href="http://sweetfernstudio.wordpress.com/">Sweetfern Studio</a> luckily did the experimenting for me. She tried turmeric alone, with acid, and with a base. You should check out <a href="http://sweetfernstudio.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/dyeing-experiment-with-turmeric/">the results</a>, which are very interesting! It was clear from her experiment that I didn't want to use anything but the turmeric for my desired yellow on wool yarn.<br />
<br />
I didn't measure my water or the turmeric. I put about a couple of teaspoons of turmeric in a pot of water (maybe a quart and a half) and set it boiling. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G01rnXoJCpg/UidkgEwoAkI/AAAAAAAAGKs/bSvlcFPBLzY/s1600/IMG_3955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G01rnXoJCpg/UidkgEwoAkI/AAAAAAAAGKs/bSvlcFPBLzY/s320/IMG_3955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Next, I walked away and forgot about it until the entire pot of water had boiled off, and I started smelling the truly lovely smell of toasting turmeric. I'd skip this step if I were you! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBuz92ABRXU/Uidkgut_svI/AAAAAAAAGKw/knhCA1TXwfk/s1600/IMG_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBuz92ABRXU/Uidkgut_svI/AAAAAAAAGKw/knhCA1TXwfk/s320/IMG_3959.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then I scrubbed out the pot, was grateful turmeric isn't too expensive, and got another pot boiling. This time I let it boil for about half an hour, stirring occasionally. Near the end of the boiling, I started skimming the foam off the top of the pot, in hopes of keeping the yarn cleaner. I think this was worth it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvTolyy5zG0/UidkhRKemmI/AAAAAAAAGK4/rBF3qTdjkN8/s1600/IMG_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvTolyy5zG0/UidkhRKemmI/AAAAAAAAGK4/rBF3qTdjkN8/s320/IMG_3961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, I put my mini-skein of yarn (only 10 grams) in the pot for 30 minutes, turning the heat down to a simmer. I gently turned and stirred the yarn several times. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIZ802T_yq0/Uidkh92rO8I/AAAAAAAAGLA/fw9HuNGxXmI/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIZ802T_yq0/Uidkh92rO8I/AAAAAAAAGLA/fw9HuNGxXmI/s320/IMG_3965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I should have soaked the skein first, but I was very distracted that day and forgot. No worries, though, because the yarn came out a beautifully even marigold yellow:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsOtGNyzCzg/Uidkj2ba_SI/AAAAAAAAGLg/47l4jr-wHSI/s1600/IMG_3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dsOtGNyzCzg/Uidkj2ba_SI/AAAAAAAAGLg/47l4jr-wHSI/s400/IMG_3974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuGCDdUlkP8/UidkjUS4UeI/AAAAAAAAGLY/09pm7JweqXI/s1600/IMG_3971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nuGCDdUlkP8/UidkjUS4UeI/AAAAAAAAGLY/09pm7JweqXI/s320/IMG_3971.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now the question was, to go darker or not? With William's input, I decided to give the yarn another bath. This time, I soaked the yarn first, then let it simmer for 20 minutes. After rinsing and drying, it was obvious that the yarn hadn't dyed evenly. I think this was because I forgot to turn the yarn. See how great I am at this?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2iOHOZ6EEI/Uidkkl8JiDI/AAAAAAAAGLo/BOwuApA6WEg/s1600/IMG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2iOHOZ6EEI/Uidkkl8JiDI/AAAAAAAAGLo/BOwuApA6WEg/s400/IMG_3978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can barely tell in the picture, but the unevenness was obvious in person. The yellow also got more muted and mustardy with the second bath, but not darker. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
After a bit more debate, I decided to dye a bit more to even out the color. Note that every time I do this, I have to reheat the dye bath to boiling, adding a bit more water so that it doesn't boil off! This time, I soaked the yarn again, and put it back in the bath for 10 minutes, turning it often. I was starting to get worried about felting it from so much handling, but I was gentle and it turned out well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fReCEeP7OFY/UidklASRDWI/AAAAAAAAGLw/aZocth-9tJk/s1600/IMG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fReCEeP7OFY/UidklASRDWI/AAAAAAAAGLw/aZocth-9tJk/s640/IMG_3980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The finished skein is waiting to be knit up as soon as I'm finished with the gunnister purse currently on the needles!<br />
<br />
The kids started school again yesterday. My mother's heart ached to see them go, but I will hopefully have my hands more free to catch up a little...and unpack a few more boxes!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-40332947076517766022012-12-26T16:20:00.002-08:002012-12-26T16:20:28.963-08:00Merry ChristmasIn Germany, they call this second Christmas Day. It really was for me. We've all been just hanging around the house enjoying the privilege of doing whatever we want and enjoying our new presents. The weather outside has been perfect for Christmas. This is the view out my window:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhhA67sCJEI/UNuSV-nQncI/AAAAAAAAEGc/VPL0tbmK2ng/s1600/IMG_0640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhhA67sCJEI/UNuSV-nQncI/AAAAAAAAEGc/VPL0tbmK2ng/s640/IMG_0640.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And I got the most awesome presents from my wonderful family. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0shAHjsyTOc/UNuSWTswm7I/AAAAAAAAEGk/SYviz24XUsY/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0shAHjsyTOc/UNuSWTswm7I/AAAAAAAAEGk/SYviz24XUsY/s640/IMG_0688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have no idea where my husband found me a copy of the History of Hand Knitting, but he's amazing, and he did. I've wanted it for so long. Thanks Mark!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-35837950748524469022012-12-21T15:25:00.002-08:002012-12-21T15:25:33.044-08:00Christmas KnittingWho has time to blog (or to knit for that matter) during the Christmas season? I've decided that in the future, I need to finish all necessary knitted gifts by the end of November.<br />
<br />
But of course, it's the knitting that's my therapy during this season. I've finished two fabulous hats. They're both made of KnitPicks Biggo. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LkZY_kxtRII/UNTogUGPwRI/AAAAAAAAD8w/p5v-oSyXB4U/s1600/IMG_0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LkZY_kxtRII/UNTogUGPwRI/AAAAAAAAD8w/p5v-oSyXB4U/s320/IMG_0369.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They gave me one skein free, and I liked it so much I bought the second. It's soft, squishy, bouncy, and washable. It acts like it will pill easily, so I guess we'll wait and see on that. My only complaint was that it was easy to split the yarn with my super pointy KnitPicks needles.<br />
<br />
The first pattern I did was the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zombie-killer-slouch">Zombie Killer Slouch</a>. I knit loosely, so after swatching, I cast on with size 8 needles for the beginning ribbing. I switched to 9s for the body of the hat. I decided to knit it inside out so that I could k2, p1, which is faster for me, so when I got to the increase row, I did k1fb, p1, all the way around. It looks really nice from the right side.<br />
<br />
After getting 2/3 of it done, I realized there was no possible way I’d have enough yarn, and that even on size 8s, the hat was huge for my niece’s head. I ripped it all out.
<br />
<br />
Started again, CO 64 with size 7s. Switched to 9s for the body. Went till I was almost out of yarn and then did an inside-out modification of the less yarn cast off. (k3tog, p1, etc)
<br />
<br />
It’s a cute hat, but not as slouchy as the pattern. I blocked it by hanging it over a large pan lid sitting on a tall glass. As long as it stays on her head, it will be great!
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_dIs8RSOkA/UNTiTv16XdI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/N24EKh2vZ2A/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_dIs8RSOkA/UNTiTv16XdI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/N24EKh2vZ2A/s400/IMG_0354.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiThntkq3Qg/UNTiUVcD4mI/AAAAAAAAD7g/Hvarh16o_sw/s1600/IMG_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiThntkq3Qg/UNTiUVcD4mI/AAAAAAAAD7g/Hvarh16o_sw/s400/IMG_0355.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I knew after knitting the Killer Zombie Slouch with this yarn that I would barely have enough for the next hat, <a href="http://.ravelry.com/patterns/library/giftie-slouchie-beanie">Giftie Slouchie Beanie</a>. I cast on with size 7 needles for the ribbing. Switched to 9s for the lace pattern.
I charted the pattern to make it easier to read while knitting. They I lost my chart and mostly did if from memory. Once you set up the first row correctly, it goes smoothly from there.
I had to knit the crown three times to have enough yarn to finish. In the end, I started modifying things on row 27 (7th row of the lace). I did the k2togs and ssks, but left out the yos. This started the decreases. I did the same on row 29, but knit 28 and 30 even.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQP_l4g0F7M/UNTiV9IWV8I/AAAAAAAAD7w/ZNQY0UPwyjI/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQP_l4g0F7M/UNTiV9IWV8I/AAAAAAAAD7w/ZNQY0UPwyjI/s400/IMG_0357.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6XsIFWD7MU/UNTiX1L7ayI/AAAAAAAAD8A/xLcZ1GYaySU/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6XsIFWD7MU/UNTiX1L7ayI/AAAAAAAAD8A/xLcZ1GYaySU/s400/IMG_0360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn’t like the way the pattern decreased to end the hat. I wanted something that matched the established pattern better. I did this: p1, knit to 2 before next purl column, k2tog, p, ssk, knit to next p column, repeat. I did this till there were only 16 stitches left. Then I did k2 tog all the way around, then pulled the tail through the last 8 stitches. I love the way the crown turned out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JO82IRG_Ls/UNTiWYQ_ttI/AAAAAAAAD74/_ToE5nw3wgA/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JO82IRG_Ls/UNTiWYQ_ttI/AAAAAAAAD74/_ToE5nw3wgA/s400/IMG_0359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I debated about whether or not to block it, because it was so squishy and fun, but I decided to block it to show off the lace pattern better.
The beautiful model is my eldest daughter. She is a joy to have around, and very patient!
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-22414652175838157952012-11-16T19:23:00.000-08:002012-11-16T19:27:11.671-08:00Judith's Studio and Hurricane SandyI assume many people who read this blog are active enough in the fiber arts world to have heard of the loss of Judith MacKenzie's studio to fire. It seems like such an irony while worrying about crisis on the east coast to have this little tragedy on the west coast. I say little not to diminish the loss to her and many who stored their wheels and looms in her studio, but because compared to loss of homes and life, we have to maintain perspective, even though I might not always feel that way.<br />
<br />
It's a bit ironic, because as I've been listening to those trying to while away they hours and days without electricity in the east, I try not to be jealous. Idealistically, I picture myself knitting and spinning to my heart's content in a chilly, boring apartment. I think of so many hours to play with my fiber. Assuming I still had fiber, of course. The truth is, Hurricane (or Super Storm) Sandy was not that nice. It didn't gift people with extra hours. Instead, it was devastating in destroying all that many people owned. It's hard to imagine what that would really feel like. Surrounded by too much stuff, and unable to part with it, I know that I would be devastated and blessed by such an event. I hope that most are able to rebuild. I was moved by <a href="http://vimeo.com/53357089">this video</a> of the Mormon Helping Hands doing a bit of good on one day in one community in New York.<br />
<br />
And meanwhile, the warm hearts of knitters have come together to <a href="http://www.rebuildjudithsstudio.com/">rebuild Judith's studio</a> as much as is possible. They are 73% of the way to the needed donation. I hope that many more good people join in helping all those in need wherever they can help.<br />
<br />
And there's one more good turn in the knitting world I'd like to mention today. <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/">Craftsy</a> is sponsoring a <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/cat/craftsy-cares/keep-out-the-cold?ext=NL20121111K3">Keep Out the Cold</a> drive to provide warmer winter clothing to homeless children in the U.S. You can donate handmade items or money. Their goal is 10,000 donations! I'm going to make a kid's sized Monmouth cap out of a fun color. They're the warmest hats I make, so I hope one can bless someone else.<br />
<br />
What are you donating time or money to this season?<br />
<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-49740627025130120602012-10-29T14:07:00.000-07:002012-10-29T14:07:22.262-07:00Learning SocksI am currently knitting actively on 3 projects. And spinning for another. I have the TV project (<a href="http://knitkriket.blogspot.com/2012/10/christmas-in-progress.html">Radiating Star Blanket</a>), the complicated project (It's a stole that's been on the needles forever--I keep making it longer), and a portable project, which is currently my daughter's leg warmers. <br />
<br />
The leg warmers are the portable project that replaced the sock's I just finished while up at Bear Lake. I wasn't sure I was going to like them, but I've been wearing them constantly since. The pattern is just from a simple sock recipe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTtPtFyHiIw/UI7r2WTLJyI/AAAAAAAAC58/1eH86j4qj2w/s1600/IMG_9462_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTtPtFyHiIw/UI7r2WTLJyI/AAAAAAAAC58/1eH86j4qj2w/s640/IMG_9462_2.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I’m calling these learning sock, as in learning a lesson. I got this sock yarn from my wonderful friend <a href="http://shoelessval.blogspot.com/">Valerie</a> when I was in distress. She showed up at my house with two types of sock yarn, and offered me my pick. Is that not friendship? Trouble was, I had trouble picking. I loved the one yarn more, but this yarn would match a favorite pair of shoes perfectly. I waffled, and generous Valerie gave me both. I’ve felt guilty about that for a few years now, and I’m finally finishing these socks just as those shoes wear out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Cw5k9WkSiY/UI7sDR3-tgI/AAAAAAAAC6E/Ow6Mk-w2lwQ/s1600/IMG_9504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Cw5k9WkSiY/UI7sDR3-tgI/AAAAAAAAC6E/Ow6Mk-w2lwQ/s400/IMG_9504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lesson for self: just love what you love and admit it. Don’t try to optimize every equation.
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741050057513067199.post-61467434909290148022012-10-23T20:04:00.000-07:002012-10-26T22:18:28.311-07:00Plugging away in chaosIf I could only ever finish a coherent thought, let alone a task...<br />
<br />
I'm supposed to be putting up my pears (I decided to dry them, right?), making plum jam, and doing something with all those impossible almonds from my almond tree. Instead, I dream of more knitting while driving the kids everywhere, trying to decide how often to cross the cable on those leg warmers...<br />
<br />
Speaking of leg warmers, I can't even get knitting out of my mind while exercising. I've got plans for a series of ballet knitting patterns. Mostly the classics, not something crazy and new. But today in ballet I stared at the teacher's sweater trying to decide if I'd rather do a provisional cast-on with a folded hem, or a tiny bit of ribbing on the bottom edge when I designed the sweater. I completely missed the combination she was teaching...<br />
<br />
Last night I made some progress on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/radiating-star-blanket">Radiating Star Blanket</a> while watching the <a href="http://factcheck.org/2012/10/false-claims-in-final-debate/">Presidential debates</a>. There is no better description of how I feel about it than this <a href="http://www.gocomics.com/nonsequitur/2012/10/22">Non Sequitur</a> comic by Wiley Miller. If only...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4jeAh_mkBs/UIdakho-N1I/AAAAAAAAC0I/AI94XgfjVpQ/s1600/IMG_20121021_160942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4jeAh_mkBs/UIdakho-N1I/AAAAAAAAC0I/AI94XgfjVpQ/s400/IMG_20121021_160942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But all in all it was still a good day. The fall leaves have been amazing, and it snowed last night! I got to dance, have lunch with my 3rd grader, have dinner with my sister and her kids, and now listen to my children chattering while they're supposed to be asleep. And my hubby will be home from his trip tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01359562311053594433noreply@blogger.com0