April 23, 2008

Spinning Saturday

These are the chairs on my deck. They are quite obviously empty in this photo. However, last Saturday they were full of spinners and knitters as I had a small gathering at my house. I was thrilled to have Cheryl, Judy, Kathy, Manise, Martha, Maryse, and Sharon over for a terrific afternoon and evening.

The weather was wonderful. Warm and sunny with just a hint of a breeze. The lunch was terrific. We had macaroni and cheese, homemade salads and sandwiches along with brownies, fruit tarts and strawberries for dessert. Some wine and beer was consumed, too. Oh, and fresh brewed iced tea. The spinning was prolific. Merino and BFL and silk fibers were furiously spun into yarn. The conversation was stimulating. We covered politics, recipes, ravelry, husbands, gardening - you name it, we talked about it.

At the end of the afternoon we took a walk down back to the river. It was really great to go on this walk with everyone. I got to show them the flag pole that nearly killed Dale and the campsite we have in the woods. Its a terrific spot and I'm so lucky to have it right in my backyard and even luckier to have shared it with my friends.

It was a perfect day and I wish we could do it every Saturday. Sigh.

Posted by Carole at 6:30 AM | Comments (30)

March 6, 2008

On Spinning

When I was at SPA a couple of weeks ago I met Kelly. She is a friend of Julia's and now, by extension and familiarity, a friend of mine. And she offered up one of my favorite quotes of the weekend.

You see, someone watching me spinning said, "What are you going to make with that?" (They meant what was I going to knit with the yarn I was spinning.) And I said, "I dunno." (I'm a wonder with words, aren't I?) It was then that Kelly said to me, "just say what I always say: I made yarn. Isn't that enough?"

I love it. Because, while I do love knitting with my handspun, sometimes it's just enough to have made yarn. Of course, you have to say it with a bit of a snarky attitude to get the right effect. I'm pretty good at the snark thing, you know. And so . . .

I made singles.

Cross Patch Creations Totally Tubular

And I made barber-poley plied yarn.

Spunky Eclectic Corriedale Party Dress

And I made silk blend yarn.

Cross Patch Creations Signature Blend, Tears of Fire

I made yarn. Isn't that enough?

Posted by Carole at 6:45 AM | Comments (63)

January 14, 2008

Spinning the Weekend Away

I know that many of you look forward to my Monday posts because I often have stories about exciting stuff I did over the weekend. Well, I hate to disappoint, but if you're here for one of those type of posts, you're in the wrong place. My weekend was very pleasant but it was far from exciting.

There was plenty of time for hanging around the house, grocery shopping, visiting friends and, of course, knitting and spinning. I suppose it could be considered dull but after the whirlwind of the holidays it was actually very nice to have a commitment free weekend. Doesn't make for a lot of blog fodder, though, you know?

To redeem myself and entertain you I took some pictures of the spinning I've been doing for NaSpiMoMo.

It may not be all that exciting but at least it's pretty.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (44)

January 2, 2008

Public Service Announcement

The holiday merry making is over and now it's back to work. Ugh. I do have two things to tell you about that might help you start your new year off right, though. They are fun things that you and I can do together.

First there is NaSpiMoMo. This is the brain child of Margene, although I did make the button and I'm helping her administer the Ravelry group. (Speaking of the button, I used a photo that Maryse took of my wheel as the background. I want to take photos just like Maryse when I grow up.) Anyway, the idea behind NaSpiMoMo is to spin as much as you can in January. That's it. No rules, no contests, no give aways, just spinning. You can't go wrong with that! I hope you'll join us.

Second there is the ABC Along 2008. It's back and it's all thanks to Vicki. If you missed this in 2006 now is your chance to join up. To quote directly from the Ravelry group, "Members in this year-long group . . . post a photo to their blog and/or the Flickr group every two weeks to correspond with a letter of the alphabet. Photos can be related to fiber, but do not have to be; they should reflect the personality of the photographer, and something of importance or meaning to them. Post at least one photo in each 2-week period to match the corresponding letter of the alphabet."

Don't those two groups sound like fun? And we could all use a little fun to get us through the bleak midwinter!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (26)

October 10, 2007

Spinning Wheel Got To Go Round

Julia posted first and she got the best title, so I won't repeat it. But you may want to go take a look at her post because her photos are better than mine, too.

As you have now surmised, on Saturday I gathered with several other spinners at Laurie's house. We were ostensibly celebrating Cheryl's purchase of a Reeve's Norwegian from Teyani but I think Lorrie's wheel got a bit more attention than any of the other wheels. That Lendrum Saxony is a beauty. Just saying.

You won't be surprised to hear that we had a fabulous time. We ate (and ate!) and spun and talked and laughed and had a wonderful afternoon. There were babies to be held and yarn to be purchased and we even held a mini fiber swap.

Thank you, Laurie, for organizing and hosting this gathering. I am blessed with truly genuine friends. And they have excellent taste in spinning wheels, too.

Posted by Carole at 6:15 AM | Comments (24)

August 30, 2007

That Other Weekend Thing

Some of you are pretty clever. You saw my ad selling my Hitchhiker Wheel on the Spin Sales list a day after you saw Adrian's ad selling her Kromski Polonaise and you put two-and-two-together and came up with four. And your math was correct. Bye-bye Hot Lips and Hello Pollyanna.

For those of you who like the details, you can read about her particulars here.

Isn't she lovely? The finish is walnut and she came with a matching stool, too.

She spins like a dream and, while I can't imagine loving any wheel more than I love my Reeves, I think Pollyanna is going to give Rosie a run for her money.

Of course, I didn't need another wheel, but I just couldn't resist this one. And, let's just say that Adrian made me an offer I couldn't refuse. She'd make a good godfather, that Adrian.

Posted by Carole at 6:17 AM | Comments (44)

July 30, 2007

Tour de Fleece - Results!

The Tour de Fleece was so much fun for me! I spun every day, sometimes a lot and sometimes only a little, but I spun every single day of the tour. Now granted, I spin most days anyway, even if it's for a few minutes, but thoughts of the Tour really motivated me to fit in more spinning time every day.

So, you're anxious to know how much I spun, right? Because today is the day we all find out who won the Tour de Fleece contest.

First up:

3.7 oz BFL Vesper Roving from Knitterly Things

Next:

2.1 oz merino/tussah from Chasing Rainbows Dyeworks

And then:

8 oz merino from someone at NHSW

After that:

5.7 oz good ole wool from Pippi Knee Socks

Next:

3.9 oz CVM from Spirit Trail Fiberworks

Finally:

1.0 oz BFL & Angelina Fiber from Foxfire Fiber

Did you do the math in your head? It comes to 24.4 oz and that means our winner is Kat because she guessed 24.2 oz and that was the closest guess without going over. Congratulations, Kat and let's hear it for all the losers, too!

Thanks to all of you for playing along with this. I spun my little heart out and had a great time doing it. And I made a serious dent in my fiber drawer which is a really good thing since the fall fiber season is right around the corner. And now, I have a lot of plying to do!

Posted by Carole at 7:01 AM | Comments (37)

July 9, 2007

Tour de Fleece

The Tour de Fleece started Saturday and like any good athlete, I did some training in preparation. Spinning training sure is more fun than other types of training. Just saying.

This is Nightshade, the Spunky Eclectic Fiber Club selection for the month of May.

And this is Tulips, the Spunky Eclectic Fiber Club selection for the month of June.

Finally, remember the vacation spinning I did? Well, I finished spinning the roving from Spinner's Hill and plyed it up and got about 600+ yards. That's enough for a Shetland Triangle, which is going to be my Spun Stitches knitting.

I started off Saturday morning with empty bobbins and a plan to spin every day until July 29th. I'm hoping to make a significant dent in my fiber stash. Anyone want to play a game and guess how many ounces I will spin by the time the Tour de Fleece is over? There will be a fibery prize for the one who comes closest without going over.

Here is some information to aid you in your guessing:
~I'm not a particularly fast spinner. It usually takes me 2-3 sessions to spin up 4 oz.
~Anything I spin will count towards the total. In other words, it doesn't have to be plyed and finished yarn.
~I'm working the next two weeks and my weekends will be moderately busy

That's about all I can think of to give you for hints. To enter the contest just leave a comment on this post anytime until July 29th. Hopefully you'll have fun playing while I have fun spinning.

Posted by Carole at 7:19 AM | Comments (65)

June 18, 2007

Saturday Friends

I've been reading my DailyOm Horoscope since Margene first told me about it and that was ages ago. Sometimes I have a hard time applying what it says to what's going on in my life on a given day and then other times it's so accurate it's frightening. And that's what happened on Saturday.

Here's what I got in my inbox:
June 16, 2007
Lively Social Activities
Virgo Daily Horoscope
You may be feeling uplifted by the possibilities of all the social activities available to you today, which could make you feel lively and excited. As you gather your friends to share in the fun, you may feel that the world is one big party and that all in attendance are friends. This outgoing sense of connection puts you at ease in any surrounding and allows you to share your joy with anyone in the vicinity. In truth, your positive energy ripples out into the world, affecting everything and everyone and tipping the balance of the world’s energy toward the positive. It may be difficult to imagine that a party in our neighborhood for no particular higher purpose can have a positive effect on world peace, but it creates an atmosphere of acceptance and camaraderie that uplifts those involved. Their positive energy ripples and joins yours as they enter the atmosphere. By socializing and enjoying life today, you uplift others as you share your light.

Another positive outcome of social gatherings is the forging and strengthening of a sense of connection between strangers. When we are having fun, we are more likely to let down our walls and overlook arbitrary social divisions. As we melt into one group of people sharing a common desire for joy and peace, a vision is planted in our hearts and minds, making it easier for us to envision a world at peace. Being outgoing today is a joyful way to create unity in the world.

And here's what I had planned:
An afternoon of knitting and spinning with Blogless Sharon, Martha and Maryse.

Clearly the universe was working in our favor! We gathered in the early afternoon and sat in my kitchen and chatted and knitted for a while. Once the sun was over the yardarm we indulged in margaritas and various cheeses, breads and crackers. We eventually made our way to the deck and spent the early evening hours spinning. It was wonderful and relaxing and FUN. We made connections and solidified friendships and shared our common interest in all things fibery and it was just as good as my horoscope said it would be. I didn't take any photos, but Maryse took some beauties and you can see them here. Really, go look. It's worth it.

So, yeah, it was a really fabulous afternoon and evening. I just love it when the planets align.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (21)

June 6, 2007

One Spinner's Trash . . .

The Scene: The kitchen at Chez Carole Knits on the morning of Memorial Day. Carole is unloading the dishwasher. The phone rings.

Carole: Hello?
SIL Jen: Hi Carole, It's me, Jen and I'm at a yard sale. They have one of those things you use.
Carole: Things I use? Huh?
SIL Jen: You know - the thing with the wheel that goes around. You have a bunch of them at your house.
Carole: A spinning wheel?
SIL Jen: Yes! I couldn't remember what it was called. Anyway, they have one and it's $15. You want me to buy it for you?
Carole: Well, what does it look like? Is it huge? It could be a great wheel and I wouldn't want it if it is.
SIL Jen: Let me ask the lady what she knows about it. (muttering in the background) All she knows is that it's been in her family for a really long time and someone moved away and gave it to her.
Carole: Does it work?
SIL Jen: She says it does. I'm putting my foot on the pedal and the wheel is going around.
Carole: That's a good sign. And if there's a foot pedal then it's not a great wheel. Hmmm. How's the wood? Is it in good shape?
SIL Jen: Carole! It's wood for crying out loud. How do I know if it's in good shape? Do you want me to buy it or not?
Carole: Sure, go ahead and buy it. $15 isn't much to lose if it's crap.

Carole goes back to unloading the dishwasher and starts making potato salad. Fifteen minutes later SIL Jen pulls in the driveway and unloads this:

Carole: It's quite interesting. It's very primitive and the wood is rough and not finished well it all. It's really in need of cleaning. But it appears to work and there is probably quite a story behind this wheel. I think I'll go email Marcy.
SIL Jen: So did I do good? Are you happy with it?
Carole: I'm not sure yet. But I'm really curious. My blog friends will know more. Thanks Jen.

Marcy and I have drawn a few conclusions but most of this remains a mystery. What do you all think? Trash or treasure?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (73)

June 3, 2007

Where Have All the Good Times Gone?

The vacation is over and I'm back at work. Ugh. At least it's raining. Last week was a seriously wonderful week. Dale was at work, Hannah was at school and I was . . . at home. By myself. Let's take a look at my previously stated vacation goals and see how I did.

~weed garden
~plant annuals

Check. Hannah helped with the weeding and Dale helped with the flower selections and planting.

~get haircut & color
Check. It looks good, too but you'll just have to trust me on that one.

~spin every day

Check. I have a bobbin and a half full to prove it.

~practice spindle spinning
Check. I put that basket of spindles on the hutch in the dining room. Sitting right there it's so easy to grab one and spindle for a few moments a few times a day.

~go to YMCA 3 times
Whoops. I never even made it once.

~dye some yarn and/or roving

Check. I'll have more on this tomorrow.

~fix the everyday cardigan
Whoops. I thought about it and read about how to do it. But it was pretty warm last week and the idea of sitting with a wool sweater in my lap was less than appealing. I'll tackle this one soon, though, because I really want that sweater to be wearable.

~knit a pair of bootees

Check. They are my first pair of baby bootees ever and they were quick and fun to knit. The pattern is Herringbone Bootees from 50 Baby Bootees to Knit. Size 2 needles with Rowan 4 Ply Cotton. These are a gift for a friend and they're getting mailed off today.

I also did several other things that weren't on my list like have breakfast with a new friend and go shoe shopping and have lunch at Panera and watch my soap every day. It was a fabulous vacation. What a shame it had to end.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (55)

May 29, 2007

Spindling

You may have noticed that one of my vacation goals is to practice spindle spinning. I've actually been practicing with the spindle since I came home from New Hampshire Sheep & Wool.

Turns out, I don't hate spinning on a spindle, I just wasn't using the right spindle for me. See, I bought two spindles back in October 2005. One was a Bosworth and one was pretty. I can't remember who made the pretty one but I liked the wood so I bought it. And I tried to learn spinning on the pretty spindle and I couldn't do it. So I gave up spinning with the spindle. I never even tried the Bosworth. You know the rest of this story - the next day I went out and bought a wheel and I didn't touch the spindles again.

And all this time I thought I couldn't spin on a spindle. I felt kind of pathetic about that, frankly, and I came home from New Hampshire Sheep & Wool with a fresh spindling lesson from Marcy and a determination to really get some skills with the spindle. When I picked up those silk hankies I decided to give the Bosworth spindle a shot. And guess what? My spindling problems weren't all about me they were also about the spindle I was using. That pretty spindle? It spins like crap. The Bosworth, though? Now that's a spindle that you can learn to spin with. Can I get a woo? And also a hoo?

Of course, this story doesn't end here. Once I discovered that I could spin on a spindle, well, I wanted more spindles. I went to that wool thing in Rhode Island and I bought a very nice and rather light weight spindle that was made by Cathy. Cindy actually helped me pick it out. The stone is Jasper and the shaft is maple. It's very pretty and it spins pretty well.

Then I read a Kirsten's blog post about her search for the perfect spindle. The next thing I knew I had emailed Steve and he had emailed me and we had decided on a design and wood to be used and lo and behold, I have another spindle.

Isn't it gorgeous? Oh yeah, babe. Steve is fabulous to work with and really wants to have happy spinners spinning with his spindles. He had a couple of these square ones and I couldn't decide which one I liked best so he custom made this one for me. The whorl is Birds Eye Maple and the shaft is Purpleheart and it spins and spins and spins. I think I'm in love.

Too bad I didn't discover this love of spindles before I bought all those spinning wheels. I probably could have saved a lot money.

Or not.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (47)

May 24, 2007

Things That Make Me Go Hmmm

~Kristi is editing the next edition of Yarnival. She's looking for entries, particularly ones about fiber festivals, so go on and submit something for her to consider, won't you?

~I spun a few more silk hankies and then wound the singles into a center pull ball and then plyed them on the Lendrum. Is it cheating to ply spindle spun singles on a wheel? It's a very tiny skein but it's my first ever silk and I'm damned proud of it.

~Have you contributed to Claudia's Ride yet? There are some great yarn-y and fiber-y prizes to be had, not to mention the over all good feeling you get by supporting such a worthwhile cause. Go on, you know you've been meaning to get to it.

~Erin has two new colorways inspired by my Eye Candy Friday photos! One is Lilacs:

And the other is Daffodils:

I think they're gorgeous and I'm thrilled to have provided Erin with the inspiration for these yarns. Are you going to buy some? Tell her Carole sent you and you'll get a special discount.

~Remember the Mad Weave socks from Sock Madness that you all liked so much? The pattern is now available for free at Tina's blog. Speaking of Sock Madness, I won't be competing in Round Two. Instead, I'll be co-hosting with Hillary. Squee!

~Speaking of worthwhile causes, I knit four squares for the Rebuilding Greensburg project. Lois knit a square, too, and the five of them are winging their way to Laura as we speak. Err, write. Err, read. Whatever, I've mailed them. There's plenty of time for you to knit and mail a square, too. Just saying.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (44)

May 14, 2007

Enabled

I will have a full report on New Hampshire Sheep & Wool tomorrow but for now all I have time to tell you is a quick story.

Apparently, there was a transcontinental conspiracy to get me to purchase something other than wool on Saturday. So, for Sylvia:

Silk Hankies. Cate helped me pick them out.

Spun on a spindle - by ME. Marcy showed me how.

And all the while, Laurie nodded with approval.

Resistance was futile.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (42)

May 10, 2007

Spin, Spin, Spin

ETA: Cheryl and I, along with Helen, have made a command decision. We will have a blogger meet up at NH Sheep & Wool at Noon on Saturday outside the Roby Building, in the area facing the Goat Barn. Be there or be square.

There's nothing like the threat promise of an upcoming fiber festival to put me in the spinning mood. I'm not sure if it's thinking about the festival and all that good spinning mojo that gets me going or if it's needing to make room for incoming fiber - although I suspect it's the latter. In any case, New Hampshire Sheep & Wool is this weekend and I've been spinning down the stash like crazy for the past week or so. Wanna see?

Spunky Eclectic Monthly Fiber Club for March. Superwash Merino in the colorway Dandy Lion. Enough for very short socks, I think.

Spunky Eclectic Monthly Fiber Club for April. Corriedale in the colorway Strawberry Fields. Hannah has requested a hat and I'm thinking the teen version from the Hat Trifecta.

Grafton Fiber in the most stunning blue. I've got 500+ yards of this and I'm considering a shawl. Or perhaps a scarf. Or maybe even a hat and mittens. Anything but socks. Heh.

Black Lamb Merino & Silk. This was in my Yarn Aboard package from Cynthia. I Navajo plyed the singles to keep the colors separate. Aren't they just like a rainbow? There's only about 100 yards so I'll save this to put with something else.

There's a bit more room in the fiber drawer now. Time for shopping! So, who else is going to be in New Hampshire on Saturday? Blogger meet up, anyone?

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (53)

May 1, 2007

Abigail's Debut

As I'm sure you noticed from yesterday's photos, I brought Abigail - my Canadian Production Wheel - with me to our living history event. Now, I bought Abigail last summer and she came with one bobbin and a teeny tiny orifice opening - not really a set up conducive to lots of spinning.

So, I brought her flyer assembly to Dave at Rhinebeck and ordered 3 more bobbins from him. I got the extra bobbins at SPA and Dave also drilled that orifice opening to be a bit bigger. All of this went a long way towards making Abigail a more pleasurable wheel for spinning. And yet I still avoided her. I think it's partly because I'm so comfortable with the Reeves and the Lendrum and I just didn't want to take the time to really get to know a new wheel. However, Saturday's event forced me to do just that and I'm so glad I did!

I was spinning some Shetland lamb that I bought from Spirit Trail at last year's New Hampshire Sheep and Wool. I know I bought it there because the label was completely smudged and practically erased due to all the rain we had! This fiber was a perfect match for Abigail and I had no trouble spinning a pretty fine yarn. And boy is she fast. It seemed like I had one bobbin filled in no time at all.

The spectators really enjoyed seeing the spinning, too. I was surprised at how many people had never seen anyone spinning before. Most of them had no idea how the wheel works and quite a few thought that the fiber I was spinning was actually going around the drive wheel. It was fun to explain the process and tell people about the history of spinning. I passed on the information I have gleaned from Dave about the use of CPWs here in New England, including the fact that women weren't spinning much by the 1860s since textile mills were so widely present in the area. Nevertheless, I'm confident that women in rural areas would have still been spinning at home and I feel okay about offering this impression at a Civil War event.

I actually enjoyed it more than knitting at an event. It was much easier to stop and start with the wheel than pick up and put down knitting all day long. Dale was thrilled that I brought the wheel and I know he'll be encouraging me to do this more often. Who knows? Maybe the enticement of lots of spinning time will get me to give up more fiber festivals in favor of reenactments.

But I doubt it.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (56)

April 26, 2007

Let's Hang On!

Sometimes I have great success plying from a center pull ball and sometimes I wind up with a tangled mess. I've heard that letting the singles relax before winding them onto the ball winder can help but I'm usually not patient enough to wait at that point. So, I was thrilled when Laura shared a tip that she had read on Spinning Spider Jenny's blog.

Jenny's method, which comes from her good friend Rita Buchanan, involved a flower pot and a felted ball. Laura's recap of the technique was a little simpler. In her words, "You take the inner strand and the outer strand which you will ply together. Hold them together and make a ball of yarn with the entire bit so that you have a 2-strand ball of yarn, just not plied and twisted together. THEN, when you now have this new ball of yarn, which is in a ball like wound around a felt ball or something like that.... THEN you start from the outside, which is supposedly the center point of the original center pull ball and is just the loop/bent piece and should be on the outside of the new ball, that's what you start plying with. It's already all there held together, no kinks that can't be worked out as you go, no clumps."

I tried it Laura's way on Monday night and it worked like a charm. No kinks, no tangled mess, no waste! Woo and also Hoo. I did have one issue, though. Sometimes when I'm plying, my singles either break because they are over spun or fall apart because they are under spun. When I'm plying with regular ole wool I just spit splice the ends together. However, that doesn't work with super wash and I've had to tie the ends together. Is there a better way to handle this situation? Other than spinning singles that don't break or fall apart, that is? I'd appreciate any advice you have on this.

Joining problems aside, I wound up with two skeins (260 yards each) of this beautiful superwash from Crown Mountain Farms in the colorway "Let's Hang On."

I love it! The colors, the barber poley-ness of the whole thing makes me happy.

And happy is good.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (47)

March 27, 2007

The Interview

I read an interview over at Knitiot Savant yesterday and decided that looked like fun so I asked Susan to send me 5 questions to answer for ya'll. Really, it had nothing to do with the fact that I have nothing else to talk about today.

1. Has spinning enriched your knitting experience? If so, how?
Now that I am spinning yarn and actually knitting with it, I can say that spinning has definitely enriched my knitting experience. There's something truly satisfying about knitting with your own handspun yarn. It may not be as perfect as commercially spun yarn but it feels like a great accomplishment. I'm prouder of the things I've knit with my handspun than any other things I've knit.

2. What's your favorite quilt block pattern?
Oooh, a quilting question! My favorite quilt block pattern is Log Cabin. It's so versatile and looks great whether pieced with scraps or newly purchased fabrics. There are loads of different layouts and I just never get tired of making Log Cabin quilts.

3. What's a 'comfort food' for you?
My favorite comfort food is mashed potatoes and gravy. I'm also big on homemade mac 'n cheese. Bring on the carbs.

4. Why did you become a librarian?
I became a librarian because I like research. There's nothing so satisfying as answering a tough reference question. Of course, most of what I do on a daily basis has less to do with libraries and more to do with management, but that's okay because I like management, too. I wrote a post about my childhood librarian and the way she inspired me here.

5. What's your favorite book and why?
Now this is tough because it changes depending on my mood, my age, my experience and my surroundings. I will say that the book I've read more times than any other is Pride and Prejudice. Honestly, though, I think my favorite book ever is The Time Traveler's Wife. Heartbreaking but satisfying.

Thanks for the great questions, Susan, I had fun answering them. And I hope you all had fun reading my answers. If you want me to interview you, just let me know and I'll send you five questions.

And, finally, because a blog post without a photo is like a day without coffee - dull and lifeless - I give you a photo of Hannah taken while we were shopping a week or so ago. She just lurved this shirt.

No. I did not buy it for her.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (52)

March 22, 2007

Seraphim Shawl

I finished my Seraphim shawl in record time - only 2 weeks from start to finish! I had the perfect opportunity to wear it Tuesday night as Dale and I were going to give a talk on Civil War reenacting at a local library. I insisted that we squeeze in a photo session before we left the house.

Here's a smirk only a husband can appreciate.

While I don't intend for this shawl to be exclusively for reenacting, I do think it goes very well with my red day dress. And because I know someone will ask, no I did not make this dress myself. My dear friend Wendy made it for me. I did put on the trim, though.

The yarn, as you may recall, is my handspun from an Indigo Moon blend of merino, silk and alpaca. I knit one less pattern repeat than called for as I was worried that I would run out of yarn - and I would have. But the shawl is plenty big as it is so I'm not sorry about making it a wee bit smaller.

The stockinette portion went very quickly and the lace charts are easy to follow and make a really beautiful pattern all along the edge of the shawl. Miriam is an excellent designer and this shawl is just one of many gorgeous patterns available on her web site. Just sayin'.

I really love the way it comes together at the point in the back.

It's very warm and very soft and very cozy. I spun it myself and I knit it myself and I absolutely love it!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (135)

March 20, 2007

Spinning Decisions

With all the spinning wheels I have around here, you probably think I have all kinds of spinning projects going on. The truth of the matter is, I don't really like to be spinning more than one pile 'o fiber at a time. It's sort of like knitting projects - if you have too many going at once you never finish any projects. If you have too many wheels going at once (oh, if only!) you never finish any yarn.

That's my most recently finished yarn. It's 200 yards of Mama E's C*eye*ber Fiber in the Margene's Mountains colorway. I love the colors! It reminds me of Margene and it's perfect for Project Spectrum, too.

I shouldn't even show you this picture of the fiber drawer. How excessive.

When it was done, though, I was faced with a big decision -- what to spin next! That's when Project Spectrum really helps because I can use the color guidelines to narrow my choices. So when I came across two Grafton Fiber batts in this gorgeous shade of blue, well, the choice of what to spin next was pretty obvious.

I'm loving it! The blue is rich and deep and spinning these batts is always a pleasure.

And, as you can see, I'm not the only one who loves these fiber batts. Mason has obviously been talking to Miss Lulu about the comfort of a fibery bed.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (39)

February 28, 2007

Return of the Spinning Mojo

I should have told you first thing on Monday that the spinning mojo is back but here it is Wednesday and I'm just letting you know. Sorry. I got caught up in Oscar fever, what can I say? Anyway, both Rosie and Lucy were back in business by Thursday night. Dale took Lucy to the hardware store and they fixed her up with a 16¢ washer that did the trick. Big spender that he is, Dale bought a spare in case this happens again. Meanwhile, I procured some cotton rope at a different hardware store and Dale helped me install Rosie's new drive band.

With both wheels fully functional again I was able to finish some yarn.

This incredibly soft merino/alpaca/silk blend is something that I bought from Indigo Moon at SPA 2006. I've got about 975 yards and I'd like to make a shawl from this. I'm currently debating Seraphim or Icarus, I just can't decide. I'd love to hear from those of you who have knit either of these shawls.

I also finished the Spunky Eclectic superwash. I've got 350 yards there and it's probably sport weight. Any suggestions for what to knit with this? Because, you know, making yarn is nice but knitting with it is even nicer. Right, Margene?

And speaking of Margene, tomorrow is March 1st and, while I've done plenty of spinning, it's time to get the knitting done for Twisted Knitters. It's a tough job. Sigh. But someone's got to do it.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (48)

February 22, 2007

We're Experiencing Technical Difficulties

I think I'm under a mechanical black cloud. Right now, everything I touch breaks. Okay, not everything. Only spinning wheels. Sigh.

You remember how I mentioned that Rosie the Reeves needed a new drive band, right? Marcy thought she had some linen at home and she was going to bring that for us to use but she couldn't find it. I wasn't sure what was suitable for drive band material so I brought nothing. But then Marcy thought that the coopworth Laurie was spinning would work just fine if we triple plyed it. We tried that and I learned how to put on a new drive band. But it was stretchy and difficult and finally it broke. I searched high and low and asked every vendor in the fiber room at SPA if they had anything I could use for a drive band but no one did. Finally, though, another spinner came to my rescue with some mercerized cotton string. It was very very thin and we weren't sure it would work but it did and I was good to go. I finished spinning the singles I showed you yesterday and when I got home I finished spinning the Indigo Moon I bought at last year's SPA. Last night, while switching bobbins on Rosie, the drive band broke.

Snap.

The end.

There will be no spinning on Rosie until new drive band material is purchased.

Waaah.

This is when it's beneficial to have multiple wheels, though. And, since it was plying I was after, I was okay with Rosie being out of commission because I always ply on Lucy. She's got the Woolee Winder advantage, you know. So I sat down and started plying. Zipped right along and filled a whole bobbin. Switched bobbins and the tension string broke. I replaced that with some sugar 'n cream and started plying some more. It was then I noticed the wheel had a wobble. Hmmm. I wonder when that started, thinks me. Then I noticed the wheel wobble getting worse and finally the whole thing sort of, well, fell apart. Seems like somewhere along the line (no way of knowing when) the piece (washer? bolt? nut? anyone out there with a Lendrum even know what I'm talking about?) that holds the upright and the wheel together had fallen off.

Gone.

The end.

There will be no spinning on Lucy until a new piece has been purchased.

Waaah.

I've still got Hot Lips the Hitchhiker and Abigail the Canadian Production Wheel. But you know what? I'm sort of afraid to touch them.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (49)

February 21, 2007

SPA Fiber Enhancement

I'm so glad you all enjoyed the post about the Swingers. Let me just say to those of you who wish you had been there to see it in person: No. You don't. Let's move on, shall we? Let's talk about the normal aspects of spa weekend. You know, the spinning and the stash enhancing. For there was lots and lots of both.

I brought my Reeves wheel with me for a couple of reasons. One was purely sentimental. Since I had bought Rosie at SPA last year it just seemed right to bring her back. The other was purely practical. Rosie needed a new drive band and I wanted Marcy to help me put one on. I won't discuss the logistical difficulties of doing that without proper drive band material but I will say that I am very comfortable with replacing a drive band now because we did it about 3 times on Saturday. It was worth every moment, though, because I was able to spin this awesomely vibrant merino from Spunky Eclectic. Or, as Marcy called it, Funky Electric.

Four ounces of yummy singles, purchased on Friday night and spun on Saturday and Sunday. You gotta love instant gratification.

There was a bit of other fiber stash enhancing, too. I bought another hank of something gorgeous from Amy. What can I say except her color combinations are hard to resist.

You must remember the scarf I wore at Rhinebeck because I had it on in every photo taken of me that day. That scarf started out as an Indigo Moon brush stroke batt. And since I love that scarf so much, I decided another of those batts needed to come home with me.

Also irresistible was this orange merino/silk/alpaca blend. There's only 7 ounces but I grabbed it while I could because Indigo Moon is going out of business. Word on the street is that MaryLynn is going back to school. Good for her. Bad for spinners.

I also scooped up a bag of bunny crack fiber from Kim. This is some of the softest stuff I've ever touched. I may not even spin it, I may just fondle it forever.

I'm sure you're all sick of hearing about SPA by now so I'll stop. Except to say, once again, that it was a fabulous, relaxing and over-the-top-fun weekend. Bring it on for 2008!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (38)

January 22, 2007

The Drafting Zone

This just in: He's been found! Thanks to Chris for this link to the news article! Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming for his recovery.

ETA: I just got an email from my good friend, Kim. Her daughter's fiance went hiking this weekend in Franconia Notch and he is missing. She is asking for our prayers that he be found safe and sound. I know you'll all do what you can to honor her request. Thanks.

My love for spinning is constant but my actual spinning time comes in spurts. I'll go for weeks and hardly spin at all and then I'll spin like a mad woman for days and days. The longer I go without spinning, though, the more I yearn for it. So, Saturday afternoon when I found myself with some free time, I sat down to spin. However, I quickly ran out of pre-drafted fiber. Damn. I find drafting to be rather boring and I don't like having to stop and draft while I'm spinning because I feel like it interrupts my rhythm. What I like to do is pre-draft my fiber so that it's all ready to go when I have the desire and time to spin.

So, I parked myself on the couch and proceeded to draft a whole bunch of this alpaca/wool/silk blend from Indigo Moon Farm. I started by pulling off lengths of roving about 12-15 inches long. I piled these up in my lap and boy did they warm me up!

Then I took each piece of roving and pulled it apart so that it would be ready to spin. Once it was drafted evenly I wound it up into a nice little ball of fluff. These were piled in my basket, one by one.

The time passed quickly as I had my feet up and was watching a women's college basketball game at the same time.

Before I knew it, my fiber was drafted and my basket was full and I still had time to spin for a while. Even better, though, is that next time I want to spin, my fiber is ready.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (41)

January 9, 2007

Hitchin' A Ride

When I showed a picture of my newest wheel I sort of forgot that not everyone has access to the fabulous Dave. Therefore, some of you are not familiar with his reproductions of Canadian Production Wheels, his restoration of antique wheels, and his charming little HitchHiker Wheel. You can read all about it here.

I must admit it's taken me some time to adjust to this little wheel. First, I couldn't get her to treadle consistently in a clockwise direction. Then I couldn't get the tension adjusted right. Either the fiber wasn't getting enough twist and it was falling apart or it was getting sucked right out of my hand and winding on too quickly. I actually put the wheel in time out for a week because I was getting so frustrated. It was hard to resist her cute little thumb, but I managed.

Monday afternoon, though, I started to rally a bit from my cold and I could hear her calling me to spin again. I moved her over in front of the couch and started to spin. I was still having trouble so I finally did the first thing I should have done. I stopped spinning with the mystery fiber I had grabbed on Christmas and I started spinning with some BFL instead. Suddenly, everything clicked. The treadling was easy, the wheel spun in the right direction, and the twist was just right. I do believe that the BFL has magical qualities and I need to remember this when I'm adjusting to a new wheel.

See? It's not as thin as I usually get but I'm making yarn with my new wheel and that's a good, good thing.

Since I intended this wheel to be my travel wheel, I brought her to spinning at the library last night. She sure is easier to haul around than my Reeves Saxony or even the Lendrum. Luckily, the time I had spent with her in the afternoon paid off and allowed me to spin without embarrassment.

Now she needs a name. I generally take the "brand" name of the wheel and use the same first letter as inspiration for the personal name I choose. That's how I wound up with Alice the Ashford, Lucy the Lendrum, Rosie the Reeves and Tallulah the Toika. Abigail, my Canadian Production Wheel, is the exception to that rule. Her name was chosen because the woman I bought the wheel from is a docent at the Abigail Adams House and it seemed right to honor both women in naming the wheel.

So, what's it going to be? Right now I'm leaning towards Hazel but I'm open to suggestions.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (61)

November 1, 2006

Handspun, Handknit

Dale and I took a walk the other day and I promised Judy I'd write about it today in honor of Walk With Me Wednesdays. We tromped our way "down back" to the woods and it felt great to get outside and enjoy the fall air together. I had an ulterior motive, though. I wanted photos of our new scarves.

Dale's scarf is knit lengthwise in garter stitch. The yarn is all my handspun, except for the dark blue tweed which is some leftover Peace Fleece. This was a great way to use up all those odd skeins I made when I first started spinning. The length is perfect, the colors are all his favorites and he loves it, as you can see.

My scarf is the Chevron Scarf from Scarf Style and it's also knit with my handspun. This is a batt that I bought from Indigo Moon at Cummington last May. I separated out all the colors and then I just spun them randomly and Navajo plied the singles. I wore it at Rhinebeck so I know you've already seen several pictures of it. But you don't know about a really cool experience I had while wearing it there. I was in the Indigo Moon booth and the owner recognized my scarf as having come from one of her batts. She was very excited to see how it turned out and said how nice it was to see an actual finished project. I felt really good about it right then, let me tell you.

And my fingerless mitts are the Voodoo wristwarmers from Knitty. Also with my handspun. I believe this was some Ashland Bay merino that I bought at one of my first spinning lessons. They are soft and warm and perfect for the cool-ish days we are having right now.

I'm here to tell you: knitting with my handspun is fabulous! I may never buy yarn again.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (62)

October 9, 2006

One Year of Spinning

One year ago today I brought home Alice, my first spinning wheel. It's a funny thing about spinning and anniversaries of spinning. All the spinners I know can remember the exact date that they learned to spin. I don't think we have such vivid memories of when we learned to knit and I think that's interesting. But anyway, today is my spinversary.

If you recall, on this day last year I innocently suggested to Dale that we take a drive to Mind's Eye Yarn in Cambridge just to look at spinning wheels. Lucy sat me down in front of an Ashford Traditional wheel and had me treadle. Then she had me draft. Then she whispered in my ear, "you can take this wheel home with you today." She might as well have said, "your first hit is free," because I was completely addicted.

And you all know that I'm addicted because since the introduction of Alice there have been several other spinning wheel acquisitions. Of course you remember:

Lucy, January '06

Rosie, February '06

Tallulah, February '06

Abigail, July '06

One year and five spinning wheels. Whoops. But I don't regret any of these purchases. I'm the first to admit that good tools are essential to me and my wheels are all excellent tools, each one unique and each one with a purpose. Alice was my first and she will always be special because of that. Right now she's on loan to Kathy but I think she's going to be returned soon as Kathy takes the plunge and buys her own wheel. Lucy was bought for portabilility. I wanted a wheel to bring with me to fiber events and she fit the bill. And truly, Lucy is a workhorse. She also is the wheel I turn to for plying as she's the one with the Woolee Winder. Rosie is my special girl and I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. Unlike the other wheels, who were named with much consideration, Rosie's name was on my lips the minute I sat down and started to spin. She and I were meant to be together. Tallulah was a stow-away, just ask Cate. But she serves a purpose for historical reasons and, while she may be relegated to the upstairs guest room these days, she will be on tour with me next year, I'm sure. Finally, there's Abigail. This Canadian Production wheel just fell in my lap via an email to a spinning list I belong to. I knew some day I would buy a CPW but I didn't expect it to be so soon. When an opportunity comes your way, however, it's best to grab the chance. Or wheel, in this case.

Spinning has added a new dimension to my life. I have taken trips and made friends because of spinning. I have made loads of yarn, some of it okay and some of it crap, but I have enjoyed every spinning moment of this past year. Some of you have taught me and some of you have enabled me and all of you have encouraged me. My favorite memories from this past year have involved spinning and hanging out with my friends.

I have a feeling this is just the beginning.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (56)

September 18, 2006

Weekend Companions

I had a lot of time to myself this weekend since Dale was either at a reenactment or working for most of the time. However, while I may have been by on my own, I was not alone. I had companions of the fiber-y sort.

Moth, Toasty Toes Socks & Merino Spinning

You want details, don't you?

Moth: Row 25 of the Twin Leaf Pattern Completed

Toasty Toes: Sock 2 nearly complete

Blue Sky Merino: Singles Spun

Blue Sky Yarn: 2 skeins finished

Nothing completed but everything worked on a bit. All in all, not a bad weekend.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (39)

September 11, 2006

Alpacas, Baby

On Saturday Blogless Sharon and I headed to the Parker River Alpaca Farm for a spin in. I'm not sure that words can convey what a fabulous time we had! Picture this - a very large fenced in area of alpacas with spinners and their wheels within that enclosed area. Yup, we were amongst the alpacas and it was the grooviest thing ever.

I've been around alpacas before and I think they are pretty neat. They're cute and fuzzy and each one is unique both in looks and personality. But there's also something quietly spiritual about these animals. Maybe it's their connection to what we do (spinning and knitting, I mean) but I think there's more to it than that. Sheep are certainly connected to spinning and knitting but sheep don't feed my soul, if you will. Sheep are cool and all and they can be pretty freakin' cute, too, but not like alpacas. Maybe I'm just high on hay and fiber but there is something really special about hanging out and spinning among the alpacas.

The other terrific thing about Saturday was, of course, hanging out and spinning with friends. I got to see many dear friends and make some new ones, too. We gabbed and chatted and spun together. We shared our lunches and our ideas. We talked about Rhinebeck A LOT and it felt really good to be among my people!

Many, many heartfelt thanks go out to Kathy & Tick and Olivia & Dave. Thanks so much for hosting this first spin in at the farm. May there be many, many more!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (44)

August 1, 2006

Summer Spinning Update

I'm on vacation, did you know? It's great! This week I'm home, hanging around, knitting, spinning and relaxing. Next week we're off to Cape Cod for the week. Me, Dale, Hannah, Mason and Dixie. You've got to love a rental where you can bring the dog and cat!

So, I have some spinning to show you. Abigail is truly settling in now and we're getting along well. Dale cleaned up the bobbin and flyer a bit for me with some very fine sandpaper and she's spinning beautifully since then. Here's the first skein she and I have made together:

It's Coopworth, nothing special, just what I had brought with me when I went to try her out. I think there's about 140 yards there and it's probably the finest yarn I've spun yet. Here's a close up:

Truly, not bad. And if it was anyone's but my own, I'd say it was great.

I've also been spending some time with Rosie. After spinning that Romney for so long I decided she needed something colorful on her bobbin so I've been spinning the batt I bought from Indigo Moon.

The colors are gorgeous and this stuff practically spins by itself. And Rosie and I have a wonderful relationship so it's a real joy to spin with her.

My other goal for the summer was to knit with my own handspun and I finally am doing just that. It's just a simple scarf and the yarn is pretty thick/thin (which was actually what I was aiming for when I spun it) but I'm really enjoying the handspun! It's about time, eh?

Posted by Carole at 7:45 AM | Comments (34)

July 20, 2006

What's New?

So, ummm, what did you do last night?

I went shopping and bought an original Canadian Production Wheel. You just never know what you're going to find on sale, eh?
ETA: I didn't mean to be so cryptic! Here's what happened. Last week there was an email sent to the listserve of a local spinning guild on behalf of someone selling a Canadian Production Wheel. While I'm not an official member of this guild, I do belong to the listserve and I have some friends in the guild. The woman who sent the email actually owns the wheel that Dave Paul used as his prototype for his CPW reproductions. And this woman, who I know and trust, said that the wheel being sold was beautiful and in wonderful working condition. She also said that if she didn't already have the wheel she bought from Dave she would be buying this one.

To make a long story short, emails were exchanged and last night Dale and I went to look at the wheel. I checked it over and spun on it and found it to be exactly as described. The price was very fair and she came home with us. I have named her Abigail because the woman I bought her from is a docent at the Abigail Adams house. And I cannot wait to get home from work today and start spinning!

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (56)

July 10, 2006

Summer Spinning

A few weeks ago I signed up for Summer Spinning. Kristi started this program and I couldn't resist. After all, the only requirement was to set a spinning goal for the summer.
Being an over-achiever, I set 3 goals:
1. Spin twice a week
2. Finishing spinning the Romney that I bought last February at SPA.
3. Knit something with my handspun yarn

So far, so good. I've managed to spin at least twice a week since the start of Summer Spinning. Spinning more regularly has had some pleasant results.

I finished spinning the Foxfire batts and I Navajo plied the singles. I love the way this yarn came out!

Can you see the sparkles? And how it's mostly even? Honestly, it's the best I've done. I've got two skeins and it might just wind up as socks.

I also spun some purple for July's Project Spectrum. This was a gift from my Secret Pal, Cecily and I have a nice little skein of purple merino. Yummy.

AND, I finally finished spinning that Romney. This has been on the Reeves since the day I bought it and I was just plain sick of it. Really, two bags of the stuff was more than I should have purchased. Truth be told, it was all Juno's fault. She stuck my hand in a bag when I wasn't looking and next thing I knew I had bought two bags. Go big or go home indeed.

That's my Summer Spinning so far. Sitting down at the wheel twice a week has been a pleasure and I feel confident that I can keep at it. Finishing the Romney is a huge relief.

Knitting with my own handspun, though? That's going to be the real challenge since mostly I just stick my handspun on a shelf. And then when people visit I shove it in their face and say, "See this?!? I made this!!!" Most people aren't all that impressed. Maybe if I show someone a finished project and say, "See this?!? I spun this yarn and knit this scarf with it!!!" then they'll be impressed.

But I doubt it.

Posted by Carole at 7:00 AM | Comments (44)

April 26, 2006

Library Spinning

I finally figured out a way to get paid for my spinning! Have a spinning program at the library. Hee.

Okay, so technically I wasn't getting paid for spinning, but I have instituted monthly spinning get-togethers at the public library where I work. You see, there's a spinning guild that meets in the next town over and the president of the guild is none other than my friend Maggie. The guild has monthly meetings but they don't always have the space available to spin at their meetings. So, Maggie and I put our heads together and came up with the idea that the guild would sponsor a monthly spinning meeting at the library. It's open to anyone who wants to attend, not just guild members. And, because it's at the public library, it's free. Woot.

Monday night was our first meeting and there were 5 of us and I was thrilled. Of course Blogless Sharon was in attendance, plus two guild members, and my buddy Martha. I felt funny taking a picture with the other spinners there but after they left I took this one of Sharon and Martha.

We had a really great evening spinning and chatting. I always learn something when I watch other spinners and that's one of the real benefits of spinning groups. Plus, it's just so much fun to spin with friends!

We'll be meeting again in a month. If you're in the area and want to join us, just let me know and I'll email you the particulars. The more, the merrier, I always say!

I hate to be a pain in the ass and repost this but I just want to see if Bloglines (grrr) actually picks up this feed.

Posted by Carole at 7:15 AM | Comments (33)

April 6, 2006

Something You Should Know

I have a secret. It's not a dirty little secret, like my love for the television show Wife Swap, but there is something I haven't told you.

Remember back at SPA? When I bought the Reeves wheel? Well, another wheel followed me home that weekend. Now before you get all excited and start berating me and calling me a wheel slut, I can explain. It was an accident. See, it went sort of like this - I was bemoaning the fact that I didn't have a spinning wheel I could use at reenactments. I was whining commenting that reenacting would be so much fun if I could be spinning. I was saying that no one else in my area spins at events and I knew the spectators would just love it. And, yes, I know that spinning was not largely practiced in homes in Massachusetts by 1860, but it's still a great teaching tool and I can certainly explain the history of spinning to those that are interested. Hell, I'm a reenactor, this is what I do.

And there sat my dear friend, Mamacate. She was eavesdropping listening intently to my whines pleas and before I knew it she was whispering in my ear, "I have a wheel that would be perfect for you to use at reenactments. And it's in my car. And it's for sale."

How could I resist? Especially when, on Sunday morning, without even discussing it further with me, she stuck the wheel (which was disassembled and packed in a huge box) in the back of Blogless Sharon's car. I mean, really. With a dealer friend like that, who needs enemies. So, now do you see what I mean? It was an accident.

Turns out, though, it was a really happy accident. First of all, I had to learn to put the thing together. Thank goodness I had brought home the Reeves because I had it to use as a guide. The assembly actually wasn't bad and I learned a lot by doing it - including how to put on a double drive band. Then I ordered some beeswax polish and took it apart again (this time with Dale's help) and together we treated and polished the very dry wood and now she looks like this:

Meet Tallulah. She's a Finnish spinning wheel and she is made of birch. Isn't she lovely?

And, if you're wondering why I'm teling you this now, after so much time has passed, it's because Tallulah and I will be making beautiful music together this Saturday at our first living history of the season. We're both very excited!

Posted by Carole at 9:55 AM | Comments (40)

March 30, 2006

Tales from the Infirmary: Day 2

Thank you all for your well wishes for Hannah! She was feeling better yesterday but still not well enough to go to school. She slept until after 10 (which is quite late for her), got up and watched some tv, ate some jello and toast, and then napped on the couch for the afternoon. These stomach viruses can really take the wind out of a girl's sails. I'm happy to report that today she is back to her grumpy teenage self and has gone off to school. Whew.

So, what's a mother to do when she's home for the day but not needing to play nursemaid constantly?

She knits.

Socks for Jessica. The yarn is the perfect transition for Project Spectrum March into Project Spectrum April. It's red and orange and yellow.

And she spins.

This is still the Romney I bought at SPA. It's almost gone and I'm glad because I'm ready to spin something else but I'm sad because I love this stuff.

And then she remembers something she's been itching to do! (Okay, enough of the third person, it's annoying.)

I suddenly remembered the bag of fleece I bought at The Mannings last November. I dug it out of the fiber drawer and commenced washing. This is my first time washing a fleece but I've read about it on so many blogs that I felt like I knew what I was doing.

First I spread it out on the counter. Smelly, but not terribly smelly.

Then I put it in a sink full of warm water and Eucalan. The water turned dark brown within seconds. I rinsed and repeated 4 times until the water was mostly clear.

Then I spread it on the deck to dry.

Turned it over and spread it out some more until it got nice and fluffy.

Then I packed it up to bring to Blogless Sharon's to be carded on the drum carder, which is currently residing at her house.

Oooh. Fiber batts of my very own making. They look like big ole Tootsie Rolls, don't they? I probably should have rinsed more times or used hotter water because the fiber has still got a lot of lanolin in it. But it's soft and I think it's going to spin up very nicely. It will be perfect for spinning at a living history we're doing next weekend.

Now, do you want to know the truly sad part of this whole process? I've been thinking about how the fiber festival season is drawing very close and how I really need to start spinning more of my fiber so that I can make room for what I want to purchase. Makes sense, right? When I thought of this bag of fleece, I thought, yeah, get that washed and carded and out of the way. Out of the way? It took up a lot less room when it was dirty and smooshed into the bag.

Posted by Carole at 7:50 AM | Comments (33)

March 14, 2006

A Shocking Saturday Night

Are you ready for the big shock? Here are some spinning pictures from my house on Saturday night.

Okay, so that's just me spinning on the Reeves. No big deal there, right? (Notice how the wheel nicely camouflages my double chin. Thanks, Dale.)

But wait. What's that in the background? WHO is that spinning on the Lendrum? Let's get closer and see . . .

Do you recognize her yet?

It's Hannah! And she's spinning!

I told you it was a shocker.

Yes, indeedy, Saturday night Hannah asked me to show her how to spin. After I got up off the floor, I gladly obliged. Now, I'm a crappy teacher, just ask Wendy. Nevertheless, I managed to get my kid to make yarn.


This is Hannah's first handspun yarn. I'm thinking of putting it in her baby book, right next to her ultrasound picture.

I couldn't be prouder.

Posted by Carole at 10:55 AM | Comments (40)

January 6, 2006

I've Got Nothing To Hide

In the interest of full disclosure, meet Lucy, my new wheel.

I've been spinning for, what? 3 months? And, yes, I bought a second wheel. I feel a little guilty about Alice, but she and I had a talk and she agreed that riding in the back of the Jeep just isn't all that fun for her and she'd just as soon be the wheel that stays at home. And, since I really wanted something portable to take to spinning guilds and parties and such, I just had to buy the Lendrum. Cuz you just never know when a spinning guild or party or such might be on the horizon. I'm just saying.

The Woolery is having a special (buy the wheel, get the carrying bag for free) and Risa (she's so naughty) hooked me up. I decided to try the double treadle this time, and, while I think I'm still most comfortable with the single treadle, it's good to learn both. You know me, it's all about being flexible.

Clearly, I've been putting Lucy through her paces. And, she's doing just fine, as evidenced by this lovely BFL in Mardi Gras from Lisa Souza.

Good stuff, that. I'd recommend you give it a go.

Finally, on a political note, did you hear what Newt Gingrich said about the Abramoff scandal? He said, "You can't have a corrupt lobbyist without a corrupt member [of congress]." I can't believe I'm agreeing with Newt, but, ummm. Yeah.

Posted by Carole at 3:43 PM | Comments (22)

December 5, 2005

Fibery Goodness

I have been madly spinning the merino I bought at Dream Acres studio. I've got one full bobbin plus this and I still have a bit left to spin. But I've made wicked decent progress. See?

Why the haste to finish spinning this stuff? Because! Look what came in the mail on Saturday!

I wish you could feel this fiber! It's Rainbow Ribbon Fiber Batts from Foxfire Fiber & Designs in Shelburne MA. It's so incredibly soft and the colors are gorgeous and there's little bits of glitz running through it. When I pulled them out of the box, Dale said they look like little sleeping bags, and he's right. And oh my, wouldn't I love to crawl into a sleeping bag of this!

Can you say sensual? Sure you can.

Posted by Carole at 8:05 AM | Comments (16)

November 22, 2005

The Mannings

As I may have mentioned, our first stop on the way to Gettysburg was The Mannings. We had gone their last year and I was completely overwhelmed at the amount of yarn. The place just seemed to go on and on and on. Books and yarn and notions and needles and more yarn. Needless to say, I was anxious to go back. And, while recalling the place, I was wracking my brain to remember if they had spinning supplies. I remembered that there was a room that I didn't bother even entering last year, but I couldn't remember why not. I just recall that I wasn't interested at all. Things certainly have changed in a year, because, as it turns out, that was The Spinning Room.

The Spinning Room is full of spinning wheels. Full. There are Ashfords and Louets and Schacht and Schacht-Reeves and Kromskis and Lendrums. There are drum carders and hand carders and looms. And next to each wheel is a little basket of roving just waiting to be spun. Of course I just had to try out a couple but I liked this one the best.

That's the Schacht-Reeves Saxony 24" in Cherry Finish. It is amazing. Sigh. It is also $1,100.00. Sigh.

So, while I didn't buy a spinning wheel, I did buy some other stuff. There was roving, naturally.

And, since I'm dyeing to try dyeing, I bought 4 bags of plain white coopworth. I'll be playing mad scientist with this stuff very soon.

Of course I had to buy something that would have that lovely sheep-y smell. You all know the smell I'm talking about. Here's a beautiful bag of raw fleece.

I just love it and the color is awesome and the smell makes me swoon. I can say that to you guys because you won't think I'm crazy. Right? I'm not crazy for loving the smell of a sheep, am I?

They also have loads of sock yarn and I just couldn't pass up these.

Koigu and Mountain Colors Bearfoot and Opal Handpaint. Good stuff, that. And I needed more sock yarn, I really did.

Here's the kicker, though. We were in and out of The Mannings in 20 minutes. Yup, twenty minutes. I tried 3 spinning wheels, bought 5 bags of roving and 5 skeins of yarn in twenty minutes. This is what you do when you have a husband chomping at the bit to get to Gettysburg. I figured I was lucky that he agreed to stop there at all and I wasn't about to push my luck by dawdling. But, really? He could have left me there for the weekend in the room full of wheels and I'd have been a happy girl.

I know you all know what I'm talking about.

Posted by Carole at 9:18 AM | Comments (21)

November 17, 2005

For Everything Else, There's Mastercard

Spinning Wheel: $435
Roving: $12
Spinning lessons: $75
Making fingerless mitts for Dale with my own handspun yarn: priceless

Really, who else would be worthy of receiving my very first project knit with my very own handspun yarn? Only Dale. He has been so supportive of this new part of my life that I knew, as soon as I saw I had yarn I would actually be willing to knit with, that it had to be something for my man. Just so you know, I wasn't being lazy by knitting him mitts instead of mittens, Sandy. He insisted that he wanted mitts because it's easier to drive the bus and handle the paperwork with his fingers exposed. When it comes to Dale, I always do what he says. You guys believe that, right?

Knitting with my own handspun yarn was pretty cool, I have to tell you. I kept thinking, I made this. I made this. I made this. I can't wait to spin more so I can knit more with my own yarn. As Cate would say, Woo and also Hoo.

Finally, because it's Thursday and it's my turn, everybody go say hi to Ann, please!

Posted by Carole at 6:22 PM | Comments (31)

November 15, 2005

Homemade IS Better

Number 24 on my 100 things about me list says that I make my own pie crust. This is true, I do make my own pie crust. I've tried the store bought kind and, frankly, I think it sucks. So I make my own because I can and because it tastes better. And also because I might just feel a little smug about the whole thing. But, really, it's not rocket science, people, it's just a recipe to follow and anybody can do it.

I've discovered that making yarn is like making pie crust. I make it because I can and because homemade is better than store bought. Well, better at least in theory because my yarn ain't nearly as good as store bought yarn like, say, Koigu or Cherry Tree Hill or even Cascade 220. But it's homemade by me and that means that there's love and care and part of my life spun into every fiber of the stuff. Corny? Most definitely. But it makes me feel happy to think of it this way so shut up.

It also makes me feel happy to show you some pictures of my homespun yarn. It really doesn't look like crap anymore!

This is 3 skeins of Indigo Coopworth from Kendig Cottage hanging to dry in my bathroom. I had a pretty hard time spinning this at first. It needed a lot of twist to hold together and it took some adjustments to get the tension right. I thought I had spun it pretty fine but it really fluffed up a lot when I washed it and set the twist. I guess I have to remember that when I'm spinning and compensate for the fluff factor.

And, see that rack that it's drying on? There's a funny story about that. A few years ago, right after Dale lost his 32 year job with the evil empire supermarket chain, he started working for the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Shop in their warehouse. They offered a fantastic discount of 40% off to their employees and when they had their big warehouse sale employees were offered 50% off any purchases. So, they had this warehouse sale and I went to shop and fell in love with this rack. I pulled it off the shelf and exclaimed over it's beauty and remarked how great it would look in the bathroom. And, with the markdown at the sale and then Dale's discount, I think it was only about $45. Dale looked at me with incredulity and told me there was no way I could buy the rack. I told him he was nuts, of course I was buying the rack, it was totally cool and funky and perfect for the bathroom. And, since when did he care what I bought for decorating the house, anyway? He pulled me aside and, in a low voice, said I couldn't buy the rack because all the employees had been making fun of it and calling it over-priced and hideous and wondering who the hell would ever pay that kind of money for such an ugly piece of crap. He told me he'd never be able to hold his head up in the warehouse again. I told him to get over it and I bought the rack, which says a lot about the dynamics of our marriage, I suppose.

But ya know what? Not only is it perfect in the bathroom but now it's got a real purpose for drying skeins of yarn. I guess that means I was right about it all along. Hunh. Who'd have guessed?

Posted by Carole at 8:41 AM | Comments (23)

November 14, 2005

Bring On the Halycon

I didn't mean to leave you all with a cliffhanger for the weekend. I was going to post my Halycon order stuff on Friday but just never got to it. Don't you hate when life gets in the way of knitting, spinning and blogging? So, without further ado, may I present the mail order haul from Halycon.

We have Ashford Hand Carders. What's a spinner without some hand carders? I have those Wasabi dyed mohair locks to play with, don't forget.

We have a color card from Country Classic Dyes. I know there are Kool Aid dyers out there (Hi! Norma!) who think it's great and I'm sure it's wonderful. But I'm really looking forward to dyeing some stuff with these dyes. I just have to decide which colors to get! Any advice from all you dyeing maniacs?

Finally, we have 2, yes, count 'em 2 pounds of white roving. One pound of romney and one pound of coopworth. Ready for dyeing, once I get a handle on that.

For those of you worried that it's been all spinning, all the time over here, I assure you there has been plenty of knitting. I'm more than half way finished with Branching Out, the Jaywalker socks are moving along, and I've started another pair of mittens to go with my paletot that I'll be wearing this weekend in Gettysburg.

Coming soon . . . handspun yarn pictures!

Posted by Carole at 8:45 AM | Comments (12)

October 24, 2005

As My World Spins

So, I had my first real spinning lesson. Can I just show you?
This is before:

This is after:

By George, I think she's got it!

My lesson was with Cathy Martz at Dream Acres Studios in Westport. Sharon and I learned hand carding and drum carding and I have to tell you - I just loved loved loved the drum carder! Cathy had some roving all ready for us but the fleece in my bag was so yummy and fragrant with lanolin that I couldn't resist carding that and using it. I was spinning on a Louet and with just a few hints from Cathy about the semi-worsted method of spinning I was able to get much finer yarn than I had been getting on the Ashford at home. I realized that, in addition to the new technique I had learned, I also needed to adjust the tension on the traddy. So, Saturday morning I did some research, with the help of Alden Amos, and figured out what to do and, well, you can see the improvement above.

Cathy also happens to be a dealer for Ashland Bay so of course some stuff followed me home. In the basket is the fleece and roving and some glitz that Cathy included as part of our lesson. Next to the basket is a big ole ball of alpaca and some beautiful merino.

Yummm.
We go back this Friday to learn more spinning techniques along with plying and dying and I can't wait!

I leave you with this, a photo of our first fire of the season. What better way to end a lovely day of spinning than by curling up next to the fire and knitting?

Posted by Carole at 7:45 AM | Comments (15)

October 20, 2005

Thoughts for a Thursday

Describing the great time I had with other bloggers in my last post is a tough act to follow. Let's face it, sometimes it hard to come up with an exciting blog entry - particularly when you just posted a really special one. But, there's some business I've been meaning to attend to so, with apologies to Cate for shamelessly ripping her off, I present a rambling, random post of my thoughts on Thursday.

I may be addicted to spinning. Honestly, though, how's a girl to judge her own addiction when she's surrounded by people who are way more addicted? Spinning every day might be a clue. Spinning for a few minutes before work might be another clue. I just don't know how to gauge it. But here's my latest yarn on the bobbin.

Looks better, I think. This is coopworth roving and it's easier for me to spin than the BFL. It's much softer and drafts easier but I'm also noticing that my yarn is pulling apart more with this stuff. Should I be treadling more? Drafting slower? Drafting faster? Any advice from my fellow spinners?

I called the Double Tree Inn in Portland, Maine, to make reservations for Sharon and I to attend SPA. They're sold out but advised me to make reservations at The Hampton Inn, which is the overflow site and they are offering the same group rate on their rooms. I'm hoping there will be LOTS of overflow attendees at the Hampton and therefore we'll be hanging out and spinning and knitting all over the place. If you haven't called to make reservations yet I'd say, hop to it!

Have I mentioned how great Heather is? First of all, she sent me one of her very first bracelets as a gift. Since then she has continued to make more and more beautiful bracelets and last week I purchased a stunning lapis blue one that she named "Casual Friday." She packed it up and sent it along with this:

Merino roving for me to play with! Isn't she awesome? And generous? I'm not good enough to even touch this stuff yet but I'm going to have fun with it later. Love the colors and it's so soft! I must admit, I was really touched when I opened this package. I might have even shed a tear or two.

Speaking of being touched when opening packages, look what came from my Secret Pal!

Yummy yarn in shades of eggplant and forest green! Notecards! Stitch markers! A knitting and design journal! Thanks, Secret Pal! I love absolutely everything!

I finished the Eyelet Cardi a couple of weeks ago and I wear it constantly! I even wore it the day I bought my wheel. It's warm and cozy and the color is bright and I just love it. Here's me, in my office, which is generally freezing but I don't even notice when I'm wearing my Peace Fleece sweater.

Finally, I'll share with you a delicious recipe for roast pork in the crock pot. I made this on Monday night and we all loved it. It's very simple:
core and slice 6 apples and put in the bottom of the crock pot
put a pork roast on top
mix up some apple cider with a little brown sugar and ginger
pour this over the pork set
Set your crock pot on low for about 10 hours and go knit.
Come back to a delicious, tender, pork roast.

Tomorrow Sharon and I have our first spinning lesson here. That should provide some blog fodder. Woot!

Posted by Carole at 12:36 PM | Comments (16)

October 12, 2005

In The Spin Zone

Remember back in junior high school when you wanted whatever anyone else had? Your friend had gaucho pants and wedge heeled boots and you had to have them, too. Your other friend cut her hair and next thing ya know, you're Farrah Fawcett. Reading blogs is like being back in junior high school. You see something on someone's blog and BAM you want one for your own self. Before you know it you're knitting Birch or Clapotis or a One Skein Wonder. It's how we can celebrate Socktoberfest and have all those freakin' knitalongs. Hey, everybody else is doing it, I should do it, too.

One of the things that has intrigued me for quite some time is spinning. Everyone else is doing it and I've been wanting to TRY it. Just try it and see what it feels like to make yarn. Last week I bought a couple of spindles and some roving on ebay. I waited anxiously for them to arrive and when they did I gave them a whirl and I sucked. I sucked so bad that those two rather expensive spindles are at the bottom of a basketful of yarn. Of course, I wasn't all that disappointed to suck at spindle spinning because what I really want, irrational though it may seem, is a wheel. An Ashford Traditional, if you must know.

So Sunday? When Dale and I were looking for something to do? We took a drive to Cambridge to Mind's Eye Yarns, just to have a look. Because it's good to shop around and make an informed choice, right? I mean, I've been talking and talking to other bloggers and getting advice on what to look for and what I might need, but it would be good to actually see some wheels in person. Right? I wasn't going to buy a wheel, I was going to wait until SPA to purchase a wheel. Yup, wait until February. Because I'm so good at delayed gratification and all.

We were in the shop about five minutes and Lucy had me sitting in front of an Ashford Traditional drafting while she treadled. Then I was treadling while she drafted. Next thing I know she's got me drafting and treadling and I'm in the zone. Being in the zone makes me exempt from all responsibility because you know what she did next? She leaned over and whispered, oh so seductively, in my ear, "you could take this one home with you today." Can you guess what happened? Sure you can.

Next thing I know, she's strapped in the back of my Jeep and we're heading home.

So far, I suck, but not as badly as I did with the spindle. And - here's the most important part - I don't even really care that I suck because I love it so much. The whirr of the wheel is enchanting and the whole process (Hi, Margene!) is so what it's all about. And, I made yarn. I. Made. Yarn. Granted, it's sucky yarn, but I. Made. It.

It's a slippery slope, this blogging business. You start out wanting to keep a record of your knitting projects and put your thoughts out there for others to ponder. Next thing you know, you're knitting things you'd never dreamed of trying and then, lo and behold, you've got yourself a spinning wheel. I blame it all on blogging. Really. I do.

Posted by Carole at 7:28 AM | Comments (29)