Category — Business Updates

I’ve been slowly plugging away at my multiple craft projects.

I’ve made progress on my Wrapped in Hope quilt:

Progress on my 3-ply handspun sock yarn (I’m finishing the third bobbin of singles now):

And progress on my happy accident socks:

In other news, almost all of the February 2010 sock club is out the door. it should start arriving late this week. The colorway name is Pele’s Fire. I love it!

Something hit our house hard last week. My son brought it home from high school, then my youngest son (who had just gotten over something else) got it, then my husband succumbed. Just as they were all starting to feel better I got it, and it knocked me off my feet for two and a half days. Yesterday was the first day that I have felt even remotely stable on my feet. Hubs and I haven’t had coffee in over a week and now that the withdrawal is most certainly over, we’re thinking of not starting again. In fact, we had herbal tea this morning.

Now that we’re all better and the house is disinfected, I’m back to work. I already have the dyepots steaming and I’m printing invoices from Thursday’s update. It feels great to get back to normal!

One good thing about being knocked on your butt by a germ is that you get plenty of guilt-free fiber play time. I had just received my copy of Abby Franquemont’s new spinning DVD, and I spent a leisurely afternoon watching and learning how to do supported long-draw, a spinning technique that has intimidated me to this point.

I finally had to learn because this year I’ve decided to make my husband a handspun Cobblestone. I ordered 32 ounces of beautiful dark brown merino cross lamb roving from natchwoolie on etsy, and the way the fiber is processed really necessitates a woolen method. So, being unable to do much else, I finally decided that it was time to learn.

As it turns out, the technique feels pretty natural to me now that I’ve gotten the hang of it, and I was able to spin two full bobbins in not much time at all. The first skein is drying now, and it looks like it’s going to be a very, very warm and cozy yarn. I can’t wait to make my test swatch!

I also managed to finish my Multnomah shawl but not without a small amount of drama. I got to the middle of the last repeat when I ran out of yarn.  It makes a lot of sense because I had 400 yds of yarn to start but apparently I didn’t pay close enough attention to the yarn requirements. Bad knitter! I had to rifle through my personal stash and managed to come up with some merino/nylon sock in the same colorway. I was worried that it would be painfully obvious that the end of the shawl was done in a different base, but it’s upstairs blocking and I can hardly tell. Whew!

Photos of both coming soon!

I know, I’ve been quiet. But I’ve got a good reason. Remember that big pile of yarn I was digging out of? Well, I’ve been busy building another.

Here’s what Fiberphile Central looked like around 3pm today:

And then around 7pm:

And then at 7:15:

That last photo is the new Super Squish Worsted base, and those two batches are just the beginning. I’m loving this stuff and I’m trying to talk myself out of keeping a few skeins for a sweater of my own.

I’m planning an update for early next week, so stay tuned!

Where have I been? Digging out from under this pile:

preparing for this week's update

Today, I’m packing up the last of the orders from Monday’s update. Tomorrow, I’ll be working on dyeing the next shipment to The Loopy Ewe, as well as some MCN for the next shop update. I was hoping to have some sweater amount batches of Super Squish Worsted for the next update, but hold-ups with the mill have pushed things back yet again. As soon as the yarn becomes available, I’ll be dyeing up sweater-sized batches in all of my Glimmer colorways. I can’t wait!!

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!

the first finished skein from my new matchless

The first-ever completed skein of yarn from my matchless is done, and I’m very pleased. The colors have blended nicely, it’s super-soft, shiny, and has wonderful drape. It will soon become the weft of my third-ever weaving project.

I’m enjoying my wheel so much, in fact, that I already have a new bobbin full of some superfine superwash merino top that I dyed earlier this spring. There’s 8 ounces, enough to use as the multi-colored yoke of a faux fair-isle yoke sweater. I really love the way the colors are blending up on the bobbin. I think I may even make it a cardigan and try steeking just for the fun of it!

I’m still hammering out the details of the sock club, but at this point it’s looking like it will be set up by yarn base and there will be one colorway for all clubs each month, at least for the first round. I love the idea of doing clubs but I don’t want to burn myself out the first try!

The clubs will have a limited number of slots so if you want to sign up, make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter. I’ll be announcing sign-ups there first, and I expect the slots to go fast!

Okay, I’m going to have to make one of those dreaded business-only posts. Please bear with me. We’ll return to our scheduled programming next post, I promise.

I did a shop update yesterday. It was a large update, the largest ever, but everything disappeared faster than ever. I am totally overwhelmed at this. Thank you all so much!

I had posted that the update would happen after noon my time. Because I run my business around my family, I ended up doing the update around 4:30 pm. It has come to my attention that posting a large window for updates is inconvenient for many, and we have been discussing possible alternatives in the Ravelry Group. A smaller window (7-8 PM eastern, for example) has been suggested, and I am open to this. However, I will take one liberty– This is a home-based business and my children come first. If an update is delayed due to family reasons, we will all have to live with it. As someone in the Rav group said, it’s just yarn! If there is a delay and I’m able to post a notice, I absolutely will. But if I can’t, I can’t. I hope everyone understands.

Because we are all not in the same time zone, I will rotate update times. This will sometimes exclude those of you on the other side of the globe, and sometimes exclude those of you on the other side of the country. Unfortunately, there’s no one time that will work for everyone.

I’m not sure what to do about reserves- as many have pointed out, it really just amounts to a smaller update. Maybe it does make sense to just stick to rotating updates. Again, I’m open to feedback.

Also, there’s been a conversation about the growing demand, and how it’s getting harder and harder for those of you who have been with fiberphile from the beginning to get the yarns you want. Please know that I do take these concerns very seriously- I know that fiberphile would be nothing without all of your beautiful projects you’ve posted in Ravelry and spreading the word about my yarns. The trick is to find a way to honor all of you without being unfair to those who have been equally supportive since they have become my customers. I’m working on setting up something similar to the Loopy Ewe’s “Loopy Groupies” benefits program for loyal customers and I’m completely open to suggestions!

Whew! Okay. Many thanks to all of you for your patience, your support, and your friendship. I know that it can be frustrating when a small business grows faster than it can handle, but I’m trying really hard to keep up :)

There will be a shop update today after 12 noon EDT. There will be lots of MCN and a small selection of lace weight, including a yummy alpaca/silk/cashmere blend. If they get a good response, they’ll become regulars!

my fiddle: a 7/8 size german stradavarius copy

I had my third Irish fiddle lesson today, and although I cringed at every squeak and squawk, my instructor again assured me that I was doing very well. “It’s supposed to be harder than this.” Really? Then how the heck does anyone stick with it?

Actually, I think I know how– because when you’re in love with what an instrument *can* sound like, it makes it worth all of the hours of practice and sounding awful. It does for me, anyway. I can’t speak for my family!

Speaking of fiddles, Jenna has organized a group of wanna be old-time fiddlers who will learn together– Fiddler’s Summer. It promises to be fun, and squeaking and squawking isn’t so bad when you’re not the only one!

You may have noticed I haven’t been around much. The kids are still sick- I think we’ve had three fever-free days in the last three weeks. School is still in session and there’s this little business I have to run! This is going to be one of those flow-of-consciousness blog pots, please don’t hold it against me! I just wanted to check in with you all even if I don’t have time for a terribly well thought-out post.

one down! love it!

First thing- the fun stuff! I did manage to finish the first twilight sock and start on the next. I’ve stalled just beyond the ribbing but hope to pick it up soon.

I sent also barely managed to send off samples to the phatfiber box in time for the March box. I actually did it last month too but with everything going on I haven’t even had a chance to blog about it or play with the wonderful goodies I received! I plan (hope, pray!) to make time to write a proper gushing post about the March box!

I’ve been working on getting the site ready to go. I have the needle cases and project bags designed, but I haven’t actually made any yet! I’m getting the yarn categories set up too- this requires lots of photo editing and such. Very tedious, but worth it when I’m finished, I’m sure! I’m really excited about this- it feels like everything is falling into place just as it should be.

new cashmere/merino blend - yum!

I’ve been dyeing as much as I can, including an incredibly luscious cashmere/merino blend and a new, super-squooshy superwash merino sock yarn. I am truly in love with these yarns. They’re beautiful, soft, and all-around delicious!

I’m hoping for things to settle down a bit here soon- in the mean time, I’m just going to hang on and (try to) enjoy the ride!

It’s supposed to be -10 F tonight. March is supposed to be warmer than February, not colder!!

I’ve been keeping busy with homework, filling orders and getting the website set for the switch.

What switch? As of some time this month, August Lately will no longer be offering custom handbags. Instead, I’ll be sewing knitting bags, project bags and needle cases. Fiberphile yarns will also be available on the site. I’m excited to come to this next chapter in my business. Stay tuned!

In other news, I received some new bases today- a lovely merino/cashmere/nylon blend as well as a merino/seacell blend. They are absolutely gorgeous right now so I can only imagine how nice they’ll be all dyed up!

twilight socks

I’ve also gotten some knitting done. I re-started Liam’s tanker socks and am about halfway up the feet now. I’m sure they’ll be finished by the end of the week. I also cast on a pair of socks with a new base I’m testing. It’s not as soft as my regular base but it’s a nice yarn. I’m just not sure if I want to carry another merino/nylon blend. Decisions, decisions…