Posts from — September 2009

Between being up to my elbows in wet yarn, I have managed a fair amount of progress on my Ishbel:

So far, I’m absolutely loving it- and it’s not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. I already have plans to make a lace weight version when this one is done- that’s how much I love it!

Back to the dyepots… an update announcement is imminent!

I’ve been dyeing like crazy for three very good reasons:

1. I haven’t done a proper update for almost a month and my junkies customers are getting antsy.

2. I was accepted to be a participating vendor at Craftland.

3. Any of you who receive The Loopy Ewe newsletter already know that very soon, Fiberphile will be available there! I’m so honored to be asked to sell at TLE, and am hoping that this new arrangement will make it easier for all of you to get the Fiberphile yarn you want with the added benefits that Sheri so generously extends to her customers.

Anyone familiar with the dye process knows that dumping yarn and dye in the pot is only part of the dye process. The yarn needs to simmer at a temperature just below boiling for at least half an hour to properly set the dye. During these waiting periods, I’ve managed to get a fair amount of fiber-related project time in.

knit with fiberphile MCN worsted- available soon!

The first was a hat made from a brand-new pattern, Ripple by Wendy Bernard of Knit and Tonic.

I love this hat, even though it’s huge on my head. I will go down a needle size the next time I knit this pattern, and there will most definitely be a next time.

The yarn is Fiberphile MCN worsted, just as buttery soft and luxurious as my MCN fingering weight. This yarn is set to become available in October, so stay tuned!

handspun from alpaca/merino/silk roving

Another hat, this time from the pattern Robin’s Egg Blue. I was looking for a simple hat with a bit of interest, that would effectively show off the uniqueness of handspun wool. I think this pattern fits all requirements perfectly.

The fiber is Fiberphile Alpaca/Merino/Silk in an experimental colorway. I overdid it just a tad with the fuchsia dye, and it refused to set or wash out enough for me to sell. So, it’s mine. I can’t say that I’m terribly disappointed about that.

The button is one that came in a giant jar of vintage buttons that my mom got for me at a thrift store last year. She knows me so well!

three rows in

Finally, I have taken the plunge and started my very first shawl. After looking at lots of beautiful patterns, I decided on Ishbel by Ysolda Teague.

I chose this pattern because the bulk of it is simple stockinette and yarn-overs. The chart for the lace edging looks pretty intimidating, but there are written instructions included, so I will be able to follow the written instructions and mark my progress on the chart rows.

I’m currently 3/5 of the way through the plain part, so will soon be venturing into the lace portion. Stay tuned!

I do, I really do. I had resigned myself to staying with plain weave on my rigid heddle looms until I could afford a floor loom, but then this little lovely came into my life:

The label says it’s a Dick Blick Artcraft, but it’s really an older version of the Leclerc Dorothy, private labeled for Dick Blick. It’s a 4 shaft table loom on its own stand. It’s PERFECT for a beginner who didn’t want to invest thousands into a loom but wanted to experiment with textures and patterns that weren’t easily done on a rigid heddle. And, I think it’s charming. I’ve ordered some 6/2 cotton mill ends and hope that by the time I’ve woven the warp off into a set of dish towels, I will have a much better understanding of the amazing process of weaving. And of course, because I’m me, I’m already day-dreaming about the full-sized, 8-shaft floor loom that I will own in the future…

My kids are away at the second day of school and it’s just me here. As much as they may drive me insane at times, I miss them. Incredibly.

I’m spending the time dyeing of course, and catching up on all of the household chores that never seem to stay done very long when the kids are home for the summer.

Autumn is my favorite time, and I can smell it in the air. It’s well on its way to this little valley of New England. I can’t wait to visit the local orchard to pick apples!