Intrepid Fiber Wizard

Hurrah for new sock books

Charlene Schurch has done it again! A glorious new "book", co authored with Beth Parrott, called The Little Box of Socks.
Mine just arrived in the mail, and I ripped into it like a child on Christmas morning.
Is there anything more fun than new sock patterns? Well, perhaps a few things (like eating chocolate, and having good health..), yet this is wonderful indeed. There are 20 patterns contained within this small box - and each is on their own little portable card. Sweet.

I had the good fortune to take a class with Charlene several years ago when she taught at Madrona Fiber Arts in Tacoma. It was completely fun and hooked me on socks forever.

So shortly afterwards, when I was in the midst of creating Sock Hop Yarn, I sent off a couple skeins to her to test knit - you know, the old "whadda ya think?" kind of thing..... well, she loved it (huge grin)... and she designed a project using my old yarn for this little book! Woo hoo!

This is a sock knit with one of my old colors called "The Beat Goes On". And while it is a tad bittersweet, since I am no longer creating this yarn, I am still delighted with this great honor!

Thank you Charlene, for your encouragement back when this concept was just hiding out in the back of my brain. It is because of people like you, and your rah-rahs that so many fun new things happen in our knitting world.

May all you creative folks out there have someone like Charlene cheering for you :-)

On the non-knitting front, thank you once again for all the supportive, loving thoughts and prayers for my dear Kate. She is doing well - AND, she made it to prom last saturday!  Doesn't she look fabulous! You'd never know that she'd spent a few days in the hospital less than a week ago, hovering at that dangerous place of unwell.

12 of her girlfriends and she rode in a limo, and made a grand night of it. She's the one in the lovely black and white evening gown. I could not be happier for her.  Her indomitable spirit will prevail, even through all the difficulties she faces with her health. May her strong spirit guide her well through her whole life.

A bit of this and that

This may be a first here with the wizard: a photo-free post. Alas, yes, the wonderful digital camera is on the fritz and will be making a visit to the camera shop today. Thanks for bearing with me.

As many of you know, since my hand injury at the end of August, I am no longer working with Crown Mountain Farms. Not to worry though, Klaus has taken up the baton and come up with an entire line of new colors which he is hand dyeing. Check out his pencil roving and superwash fiber. He will soon be creating an entirely new line of sock hop yarn.

Speaking of Sock Hop...... tomorrow is the final sale day for my old colors. Klaus will be selling all that remains, beginning at 7:30 am PST, October 30th (*yup tomorrow bright and early*) All quantities of these colors are very limited, due to the spinners working on the last of the stock I had dyed in August. Happy shopping to all.

The weekend began a bit early for me, and not in a good way. The mother-of-all stomach flu hit me thursday night and all I can say is that it was a doozey. I'd recommend putting by a stock of airborne and charcoal (just sayin') - it felt almost as bad as food poisoning (which I know that it wasn't). I was out of commission from thursday night til sunday night, with the majority of the weekend spent sipping weak tea and knitting a bit between naps. The good news is that I finally seamed Hervor, and there was a bit of knitting on Bertha.
That's all the news that's fit to print from here. I wish you all a wonderful flu-free week.

A perfect sunday

Sometimes life gives a perfect day - and our job is just to ease into it and be aware with gratitude.
I was fortunate, I had two of them recently (grin) and I am most definitely grateful times two.
Saturday - I attended a local garlic festival with friends (forgot the camera) and then we went to shoot a game of pool - relaxed delight. There was strong garlic fries, hot sausage, lemonade, raw garlic tasting (heh heh) and finally, to top it off, a raspberry beer with the games of pool. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed shooting pool until these two girlfriends enticed me away. gentle laughter and kind humor - sweet day. thanks M & J.

Sunday - I awoke before dawn, made a large pot of coffee, dressed in a sweatshirt, jeans and socks (yes - it was only about 50 degrees then) and meandered down the hill, about 1 mile from my home, to the waterfront in Olympia.
Have I mentioned how beautiful it is here in our state's capitol? I'll let you see for yourself.

It was "Sand in the City" event last weekend. The local officials bring in piles of sand, dump it on the boardwalk and various sculpture artists come and create. I snapped some photos of a few of them, the photos tell it all:

Imagine a time such as this; we are alone on the boardwalk, the seagulls are singing their morning song, seals are diving for fish, the air is just cool enough that I wish I had brought an extra jacket, yet not so cold as to be troublesome;   

my friend (a professional photographer) allows me to tag along on her photo shoot, the water is calm on the sound -

slowly as the sun rises, we get warm enough.

 

Breakfast is calling. Coffee smells divine, and tastes even better. We walk a few miles, chat softly, shoot photos as we are inspired - and just enjoy each other's company. It was perfect. thanks T :-) Let's do it again soon.

Sunday afternoon I finished up plying the Ebony and Ivory (yippee) It was one of those projects that I was totally "iffy" about. I had no idea if it would end up as I had imagined.... I am pleased to say this time it was a YES!  Here's a photo of about 1375 yards of Sock Hop goodness!

I kept two for myself, since this is a brand new color. The final "test" is how it knits up; yet from all indications, it appears to be exactly what I was aiming for  - now that was the final fun topper of a perfect day. May you all have one soon too.

Dueling Wheels

I seem to thrive on having more than one project at once - ever the woman who loves to "putter" about, I continue... with not one wheel, but two..

I have a wheel at my office (Schacht Matchless) and a wheel at home (Susie Pro) and I love them both for different reasons.  My Schacht is my ever faithful, can-do-anything wheel  - my old friend; pretty much anything I put on the bobbins comes out as I hope. Perhaps this is the familiarity that blooms with age, since we have been spinning together for almost 7 years now; yet I think it has more to do with the fact that this is just the perfect wheel for me..... a blend of height, speed, versatility and beauty. I love this wheel.
My "at home" wheel, the Susie Pro (aka my Susie-Q) is a new addition, as many of you know. I am still getting introduced to all her charms and wiles... and it is a treat every evening when I greet her after my workday has ended. She is silent in her treddling, smooth and gliding like a swan.
Right now I am playing with two fibers that I dyed - superwash on the Schacht at work, and corriedale pencil roving at home on Susie Q.

I find it an interesting challenge to move from concept to form; from raw white fiber, to a completed yarn.  At times I am closer than others. With this particular colorway, I have no idea if it might turn out as I hope.  I move from image in my mind, to the dye pot, playing around with where the dye strikes the fiber, attempting to intuit how the fibers will cross one another as I ply...... it somehow seems easier when the colors are more complex.... this time, only two colors : black and white. Ebony and Ivory. My inspiration is Stevie Wonder's song by this name, from the 60's, of course (yes that era still speaks to me ) Here is what I see in my mind's eye:

I have spun half a pound thus far - of the singles; the second 8 ounces is on the wheel. The moment of truth fast approaches. I hope to ply it this weekend. And I will soon pronounce it success or disaster. We will see. Will the black be too heavy on the white? will the grey places bleed over into white, making the entire yarn too blah?  Will the dye adhere totally where it belongs (or mush into overall grey when washed?) the curiosity hangs heavy while I spin. And ultimately, I need to see how it will look when knit. Ahh, the suspense - like a great mystery novel...
When I am spinning just for myself, I love this part - the moment of truth, the grand unveiling of a completed yarn.... yet as I create a Sock Hop Yarn, that hundreds will see and play with, my heart thumps a bit harder - will it be pretty? Will anyone like it? A vague insecurity whispers in my ear as I spin and ply.
Ultimately, I know that if I do not like it, no one else will, and I pull it out of stock. There is reassurance in this.  It has been an interesting journey to send fiber and hand spun yarn out into the world (literally) and watch what everyone creates with my vision. There have been quite a few moments of "heart in my throat", yet it is also exhilarating. thanks to all of you for the encouragement over the past year :-)

I'll keep you posted as to how this color unfolds. We'll soon know either way (thumbs up or down!)

At home, I am creating a "for me" project. I dyed up my very own pound of pencil roving in the colorway "Grapejelly" and began spinning. This time it is laceweight. My little Susie Q loves to spin fine. This is the perfect soothing project for after work, settle the mind, calm and re-center.

I hope to ply it to itself and ultimately knit up one of Anne's amazing rectangle stoles - current choices are either the Bee Stole or the exciting new leaf pattern that she has been giving glimpses of in recent posts.

While I am spinning, I settle into the rhythm of the wheel and fiber - loving this (my favorite color) and knowing that there is no rush, no deadline, and no need for absolute 'perfection' (since it is for me).  - not that I am anal about my spinning for others, but rather with this particular spin, I suspect that I am less self conscious.

Since it has been a mild summer here, (and relatively bug-free), I've even taken to bringing my wheel out to the garden to greet the sunrise on a few mornings this week. (by the way, that huge ball of fiber is only about 6 ounces, and was recently attacked and shredded a bit by one of my cats) - I suspect this will be a nice long project - grin

relaxed. soothing. and I have all the time in the world.

Making Friends

Somewhere between Secret Agent Man, American Pie, Ebony and Ivory and Magic Carpet Ride, my fingers found the balance. The sweet romantic bliss of perfect twist, no coils, no kinks, nor corkscrews anywhere to be seen....
I made friends with my "Susie Q"..... my Suzie Pro.. my at home wheel. Here, I am finishing up some Magic Carpet Ride...one of my absolute fav's.

My Schacht now lives at my office most of the time - no worries, I see her a lot and still love her a bunch. She's been a dear companion on this spinning journey for 6 years now, and she's loyal and true.

There is something so marvelously sweet about finally finding the perfect balance in the rhythm of fingers and feet, of tension and freedom, of twist and spin - a perfect yarn grows out of nothing.

Bless you Susie Q - I'm so glad we've made a partnership - may we sing sweet duets for years.

There's nothing as soothing as a sock

Sometimes when all the knitting turns to disaster, a wise knitter turns to her socks.

Finished here, and already gifted to my daughter, I present
Glad All Over   (Sock Hop Yarn - Handspun, hand knit by yours truly)

they were a big hit with the recipient. Somehow it makes the tragedy of "Violet" (see earlier posts) all just fine with me! (big grins)
Project specs... Embossed Leaves (from Interweave Knits) Size 2 needles. They fit perfectly. (bless those little socks!)
Ahh... nice completions make for inspirations to tackle a reknit with a non-compliant yarn.

Taking A break

The enormous mass of  boxes was beginning to get to me, (it felt like "cardboard box fever" was about to strike)  so I took a break now and then and did some spinning. I figured that my wonderful blog friends might also enjoy a break from all the 'moving news'.
And so, we now interrupt the saga of the boxes, to return to our normally scheduled blog... and talk of spinning (grin)

I have made friends with the Majacraft Suzie Pro - and I pronounce it wonderful. (smile) I was able to squeeze a full 8 ounces on one bobbin, which makes it much easier for me when creating the Sock Hop Yarn. I still have to work on getting the tension exactly right when creating my singles. This speedy wheel treddles so easily and quickly that it was difficult to have my fingers keep up.
But by the end of the second bobbin, I just about had it balanced correctly for my speed. (another smile) - that is, as long as I  remind myself to slow my feet down - hah!

I had been spinning all week during packing and then also during unpacking. It was a lovely way to settle my heart and mind back into the gentle rhythm that I was aiming for. I find that I get so much more accomplished if I keep my pace slow and steady.
I was finishing up spinning the singles of Secret Agent Man  - and also got them plyed. They are all washed now, and drying as we speak. (yay)

Many of you have asked about the unusual way I dye this fiber - curious as to whether or not it was intentional - the answer is yes!
And so, I thought I might share a few more tips about how we create the Sock Hop Yarn from our CMF superwash. You all do know that you can spin your own sock yarn, don't you? Yes, of course, most of you do (grin)

First of all, here is a photo of 8 ounces  of Magic Carpet Ride opened up from it's package.

As you can see, one half of the roving has less dye penetration than the other half. The purpose for this is to easily create the "barberpole" effect in our yarn that I am aiming for.

When I first begin, I break the roving into lengths of about 2 feet each, and make two piles - one dark, the other light. I do not "split" the roving lengthwise (although you could). Splitting the roving changes the length of the color runs. This roving has been triple prepared at our local mill, so it is very soft, and spins easily out of the fat section of roving. After I have made my two color piles, I begin my first bobbin with a section that is the darkest dyed. After finishing this piece, I then spin a piece of the lighter dyed roving. I continue to alternate this way (dark, light, dark etc) until the entire 8 ounces is spun.

I then begin the second 8 ounces, on a new bobbin. This second bobbin, starts with a lightly dyed section, then alternates to the dark. When the two bobbins are plyed together, you will end up with about 95% barberpoled yarn (yippee !) One more option that an individual might have is to spin the dark half of the roving separately from the lighter sections - and then you would have two entirely different yarns to knit socks with from just one 8 ounce package of roving.

My singles are spun at a ratio of approximately 10:1,at a thinness of about 24 wpi. and then plyed very snuggly (creating about an 18wpi yarn). The yarn is not "balanced" when it first comes off the bobbin. A vigorous dunking in cool water will correct the balance, and the yarn will hang very straight. The superwash blooms up beautifully - so it really needs to be spun much thinner than you might expect when creating your singles. You can check out earlier posts on spinning to view my washing instructions, if you'd like.

On my lap, my every trusty companion, Miss Emily, gets very comfortable as I spin. Isn't she a cutie.  Lady Di (her sister) tends to hide whenever I bring out the camera... unlike her namesake, she is very shy.

I hope this was a helpful post, and that all of you are enjoying spinning this fun fiber as much as I am.

I am hoping that next week, I can return to chatting with all of you on your blogs. thanks for understanding my transition time (smile)

Brown Eyed Girl

So I finished one of the Sock Hop "Brown Eyed Girl" Socks.
I am totally gaa gaa in love with this color.
The browns change so softly, and it is just yummy.

I knit this up in the pattern "merino lace" from Favorite Socks book. This pattern is fabulous.
I used size 1 needles, and knit it as written.
I love how the lace design continues down the back of the heel.

Changes I would make:
next time, I would continue the purl stitches on the foot (you'll see what I mean if you own the book) I tend to think that this was an oversight from the pattern designers, as the sample in their photo has the purl stitches in it.

Life here continues to be quite hectic - we are spinning Sock Hop Yarn as fast as we can, and hope to have some up the first of next week (ssshhh.. don't tell - grin - there's not very much right now) We have several spinners who have taken the summer off for various reasons, BUT, we have added three or four new spinners, and a couple who are sending me samples. Things should pick up quickly in the very near future. Our hope is to be able to sell 4-5 colors at a time, and have plenty of stock for all of you.
I have spent hours and hours dyeing up stock to supply all our spinners, and also restock our shelves for regular monthly sales.
There is much to tell, but not enough hours in the day during these hectic times. Apologies to all my buddies whose blogs I have not commented on - please know that I care, and it'll all make sense eventually.

I will write again very soon. thanks so much for tuning in  (smile) I appreciate all of you. (and your patience for Sock Hop Yarn)

What a weekend !

Were you there? Did we chat?  Did we spin together?? did we match / coordinate fiber colors for you ? ah that was so fun! (I really love that part) Did I teach you how to use a drop spindle? Way to go!  (there were at least 40 of you that were brand new spinners this weekend !) We're all proud of you! (I love that part too... new spinners!!) All of you who stopped by to chat and tell stories are the reason that I do all of this work; and I send you a great big smile! There were several thousand of you that we chatted with (and unfortunately I'm not quite as quick with my camera as some knitting wizards that we know.. ahem)

Truly... thanks so much :-) It was good to see you - really!! It's just that this very moment, the past 6 days are a blur - it was a wonderful weekend at Black Sheep Gathering. I saw so many people that I know - and laughed with them so much. It was wonderful. (did I say that already?) We arrived home last night around 1:30 am, and we're still waking up (smile).. but I couldn't wait to share!

One friend said that she couldn't walk 2 feet without bumping into someone she knows (heh heh.. yeah that was you Cynthia ! (I know you're out there lurking!) hop on over to her site - she grows grapes and makes awesome wine, has a great sense of humor... and she made me a CD of all the Sock Hop tunes - She's a wonderful pal - and one of the many that we enjoy playing with over the weekend.. but I digress..

Indulge me while we go back a few days (though it seems like it was a year ago) - Klaus was loading up to go, and he spied the resident 'thief' of Braveheart's food (oh.. if you're just tuning in,  Braveheart's our outside kitty, mouser & mole catcher-extrodinaire).

Go ahead, zoom in a bit, you'll see the tail  wagging under the feeder and get the idea. no, he's not our cat.....  He settled for birdfood, since Klaus had closed the screen door on the porch this time between fiber loads to the RV... In the past few weeks, he's just walked right up to the front door, as though he's expecting to be given his dinner. Hopefully he got a little bored while we were away, and is looking elsewhere for a handout. silly rah-rah-coon. (he's just a little one, thus I named him)

So we began our epic weekend. Here's where I was last thursday morning around six a.m........

We set off and drove about 5-6 hours south of our house, and landed in Eugene, Oregon at about noon... and began setting up for our sixth Black Sheep Gathering. It was awesome. (did I say that already?)

We unloaded all the boxes, and Klaus began building cubbies (this takes quite a long time)

Fortunately this year, the weather was awesome (read that cold... good for fiber fondling)

We actually wore sweatshirts and long pants and socks.. amazing given that last year it was 103 degrees.

The booth looked pretty full as we began - I snapped photos as fast as I can, but the crowds began to descend as soon as the doors opened... and they continued the entire 3 days. Essentially, I didn't sit down all weekend - it was fun.

Here's some shots of the booth: We did our normal setup in 5 hours flat that's a recent record! (woo hoo)

 

 

 

 

 

I taught about 40 people to spin on Turkish Drop Spindles who had never spun before (I hope that they all now go and buy Judith's new book) I caught the first two on camera - they look quite happy, don't they! They should! They learned a totally new art in about 20 minutes - way to go!

I stepped outside the booth for a minute or two, held the camera high and snapped some photos.

There are three buildings that are connected here at the fairgrounds in Eugene - vendors as far as the eye could see.... and lots of people.

My guess is that they topped way over previous years' attendance. It was lots of fun. Please plan on joining us next year - there are loads of classes as well (tho' I didn't get to take any this time)

I did catch a photo of one of our buddies - Tina ! (Yes, she not only rocks with her socks, she laughs with friends as well! - you go girl!) She stopped by at about 8:30 sunday morning, and I had my camera in my hand (just back from snagging photos of the animals) So glad you were there with us - gratitude abounds for big blessings in small packages!. (you know what I mean sweetie!)

 

Every evening, we hung out by the RV - we made a circle of tents and RV's, and did a major potluck every night.

there was laughter and perhaps a bit of vodka or wine involved.... mostly we laughed and enjoyed each other.

We've been playing with this crowd of people for six years, and I count myself fortunate to call them friends.  When the year gets long and lonely, I have only to think of them and I smile.. many blessings to you all.
Although I see them only 5-6 times each year, the friendship bonds are deep and true.

I even snapped a photo of the ever tolerant "mother" of the crowd.. Jean. Isn't she a sweetie?! She puts up with all our silliness, and bakes Klaus a cake for every event. I think we'll keep her! (She evens puts up with us being rowdy and laughing until midnight * (or maybe just a little later than that!)

Most of these lovely folks don't have blogs, but they secretly look at mine (heh heh.. yes, you've been caught!) Please know that I love you all, and look forward to every moment that we share together. I'll be seeing you in Oregon soon again!

So, there aren't many more photos of the weekend, since I was pretty much chained to our booth, but I did manage to find a few cute sheep and goats on sunday morning before the fair opened; This is not only a fiber "show" but also a sheep and goat judging event - complete with shearing demonstrations, talks on healthy pasture control, fleece sales etc. This is a group who appreciates where those lovely spinning fibers come from ! These are the real stars of this show:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I talked to so many people who were concerned about "spinning a fiber wrong"...... and after about the 100th person,

I finally began to remind them that the sheep will grow more fleece, and that this is an art that they can dive into, since we're not in any danger of running out of animals or fleeces anytime soon. We all laughed at even the thought of this! It's not possible! (how cool is that!)

The motto of the weekend: Have fun - try everything - there's always more! It's an art, and we are meant to experiment! Isn't that wonderful!! (did I mention this already? - grin)

thanks so much for everyone who stopped by to chat or share or buy a bit of fiber from us - I loved every minute of it! We can't wait to see you at the next show!

too soon to tell

I just began some new socks.... how could I resist?
I had finished up spinning a pound or so of "Brown Eyed Girl" Sock Hop Yarn to complete orders from last month, and I had not made any socks for myself yet of this color.... how can that be!?!

I cast on for some socks that I had seen over at  Carole's site (you rock grrl) - the pattern is Merino Lace from Favorite Socks. Carole made up a spectacular pair for the last Bloomin' Feet Swap.

it is too soon to tell if this pattern will work with the yarn colors.... I've knit a bit further, and most likely I'll keep on going..I keep wanting to see which color of the yarn will come next (hah!)
I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, we are getting ready for BLACK SHEEP GATHERING - woo hoo.... down in Eugene Oregon.
Come on down and play, if you are anywhere within shoutin' distance. The weather is supposed to be perfect this year (not sweltering hot like last year)
We'd love to meet you!

Our guest bedroom looks like a fiber stockroom right now - .. it'll all be gone (bye-bye) within a week. photos to come soon from the fair.

I'll leave you with some little beauties who are blooming over here at my house - I'm so delighted that they decided to open up before we left on our trip