tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91268839810410514842024-02-19T07:52:41.564-08:00Pure InspirationThis is a weekly record of the fun fibre happenings in my chaotic life. Pictures of projects, finished articles and chats about weaving, knitting, spinning, dyeing and fibre, did I mention fibre!Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-90557262171834010982013-09-30T02:19:00.002-07:002013-09-30T02:19:38.988-07:00My New Wheel and Other Things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My spinning wheel arrived last Tuesday afternoon, to be honest I think I nearly ripped the delivery driver's hand off when he passed over my parcel. Im not sure the sight of a 51 year old woman jumping up and down in the hallway with excitement was what he really needed to see at that point in his life but heyho!<br />
<br />
Wheel assembled and tested thoroughly and its goes like a dream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPPWXeIlp57AugjSwy1V6hTRU7CTJ2f40gSxUyNBMEJGPmQfZHTpov1e-FuiDv98-uKT7JLHpmAAr8G118sPIyklAd3h9Vt1OxzV0ikf1OrKlwx-m3xbeG8QA3xdAfaKmaxbtYPttU28/s1600/20130924_154739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPPWXeIlp57AugjSwy1V6hTRU7CTJ2f40gSxUyNBMEJGPmQfZHTpov1e-FuiDv98-uKT7JLHpmAAr8G118sPIyklAd3h9Vt1OxzV0ikf1OrKlwx-m3xbeG8QA3xdAfaKmaxbtYPttU28/s320/20130924_154739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcpYZYOVzSIe5Om-r4fg9ZLFa0wOIijWQQYwLmc7-FMQvaBgVYzIcjJ07UqvuBxGL8FXcRYBRX_vgMED6HlF3EqBJpgbQlGxRFldiYm1o9B1WCsQVYZIsBhvA8g56MgLAp17NgQfGBSs/s1600/20130924_162353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcpYZYOVzSIe5Om-r4fg9ZLFa0wOIijWQQYwLmc7-FMQvaBgVYzIcjJ07UqvuBxGL8FXcRYBRX_vgMED6HlF3EqBJpgbQlGxRFldiYm1o9B1WCsQVYZIsBhvA8g56MgLAp17NgQfGBSs/s320/20130924_162353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course the dogs and cats had to join in whilst I was assembling the wheel and it was more by luck that no tails or whiskers were harmed in the making of this wheel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thus far I have spun up a hank of Gotland yarn</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRj8kYuIzU71AoPCDqdEhPG5AeMI7eM6xM6zCT_tlrtGF0mtpIUP0Ns9vBhCQX93ZogCvMwsWXD7rCJmJZebzL-ChrLjDJDGyoGyC1CCB1A557KReFIvNh2aFE-eJfeUZ7pc0x67qf-OQ/s1600/20130927_130305(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRj8kYuIzU71AoPCDqdEhPG5AeMI7eM6xM6zCT_tlrtGF0mtpIUP0Ns9vBhCQX93ZogCvMwsWXD7rCJmJZebzL-ChrLjDJDGyoGyC1CCB1A557KReFIvNh2aFE-eJfeUZ7pc0x67qf-OQ/s320/20130927_130305(0).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And am now spinning up some beautifully soft, hand dyed in shades of pale blue, Alpaca fibre. I am hoping this will be used to knit up a lace shawl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am busy knitting fingerless gloves and headwarmers to go on the Wits End Fibres page and am happy to take orders for Christmas if there is something you would like, any colour and most yarns can be used.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't forget I also have drop spindles and knitting needles for sale on my page these would make good Christmas presents too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So whatever fibery fun you are up to today, enjoy and I am now off to my workroom to catch up on my day job which is the jewellery making.</div>
</div>
Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-22855944776568253902013-09-20T10:51:00.003-07:002013-09-20T10:51:42.839-07:00The Excitement is Mounting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, its been a long while since I last posted on this blog regarding my fibre. For the last year I have been without a spinning wheel as my beloved Kromski Minstrel was sold to help fund my now 14 year old daughter on a school trip to Germany last November. She thoroughly enjoyed the visit and obviously it was a great asset for her to travel to another country. I have, however, really missed my wheel and despite being lucky enough to have several gorgeous drop spindles its not quite the same. So today I have contacted the lovely Anne of Spinwise at <a href="http://www.spinwise.co.uk/">www.spinwise.co.uk</a> and I shall be sending payment on Monday morning for a brand new Kromski Prelude wheel. The customer service I have received from this lady was excellent. I will definitely be using her shop again. Okay so there is no online ordering but to be able to phone and talk to someone about the wheels, and to have the time taken to listen and answer your questions is a rarity these days, well in the UK it seems to be and I haven't found this with another Kromski stockist. <br />
<br />
So, all being well my new wheel will be with me on Tuesday, Wheeeeeeee!!! I shall be posting pictures. In the meantime here is a photograph of the carding I have been doing this afternoon, piles of gorgeous soft and fluffy Gotland fibre.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gvlIzJY_dcfQZZGyIAa8VWAocgKDNCwx6LJPZdFCU-jT0hwQ877cDIx-ROdC0Qin_rSk6Iy-Ui31RhCwWCzK4TVBaaO00DmimlHVGdPdUWzLtFZZgt4BpgISXAcLO206W1ekDdWUNlM/s1600/20130920_151705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gvlIzJY_dcfQZZGyIAa8VWAocgKDNCwx6LJPZdFCU-jT0hwQ877cDIx-ROdC0Qin_rSk6Iy-Ui31RhCwWCzK4TVBaaO00DmimlHVGdPdUWzLtFZZgt4BpgISXAcLO206W1ekDdWUNlM/s320/20130920_151705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I can see that I am going to be busy on Tuesday, building my wheel and then spinning. I don't think I shall be getting much jewellery making done for a while. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course I don't know if you will recall that I am no longer selling spinning fibres and have switched over to selling my handmade jewellery instead. It is doing very well and you can see my items for sale at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Englishjewels">https://www.facebook.com/Englishjewels</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, spinning, weaving and knitting have now become my hobby. I still have a good fibre stash and am going to slowly work my way through it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In order to fund this hobby I am also selling handknitted items and handwovens at my other page on facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Wendfibres">https://www.facebook.com/Wendfibres</a> better known as Wits End Fibres and why Wits End you may ask, well because Im often there folks!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-27238783786637842452012-07-17T12:55:00.001-07:002012-07-17T12:55:26.757-07:00Tuesday 17th July 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The last four months have been absolutely manic. I am now the proud grandmother of a new baby boy as my daughter gave birth by c section on 5th July. Reuban Bai has joined our ever growing family and we are so pleased to welcome him. My daughter reports that he is very boring and just sleeps between feeds. I am sure that wont last long!!!<br />
<br />
On the fibre front its been an interesting time, I have been doing a lot of hand dyeing and the results are in the online shop, see link to the right. I am also busy spinning up lots of west country fleece which has been hand dyed in different colours to start making some small rugs to be put up for sale. I am also weaving silk scarves to use up my stash of silk yarn. <br />
<br />
Knitting is currently small baby jackets and we are taking a holiday next week so that will be going along for the evenings. <br />
<br />
The girls finish for the summer holidays on Friday and then we have six weeks of fun, I'm looking forward to relaxing and taking things a bit easier on the work front.</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-72516020354707627422012-03-15T06:15:00.000-07:002012-03-15T06:15:16.870-07:00Thursday 15th March 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, the inspiration didnt get to come out for very long thanks to small children who have insisted on sharing their germs with mum! I am currently staggering around trying to shake off a horrible cold and sore throat that requires superhuman effort just to get from one point in the house to the next. The mad dogs are giving me reproachful looks because I am not taking them out for their daily charge along the beach but to be honest I dont think I could summon up the energy at the moment. I am managing to drive children to school, of course they are fully recovered through having endless tlc when they were poorly but something that us single parents have to do without when the dreaded lurgy strikes. <br />
<br />
I keep looking longingly at my weaving loom where sits 4 skeins of hand dyed wool to create a scarf in graduated colours and sighing and just shuffling back to the sofa or the computer. Lets hope that this time next week the germs will have taken the hint and left to infect the next unsuspecting person. <br />
<br />
I am managing to do about seven rows of knitting of an evening before the urge to become horizontal takes over and I depart to bed with my hotwater bottle and book.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone else is having more luck with their knitting, spinning and weaving and will try and post more next week when hopefully I shall have that warp on the loom!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-39852730224932996732012-03-06T06:53:00.000-08:002012-03-06T06:53:51.709-08:00Tuesday 6th March 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The warmer weather is inspiring me to create. It must be something to do with the fact that everything is bursting into life after the winter months. The light is definitely more intense this time of year. Even the mad dogs are livlier, if that is possible. I shall be dyeing up lots more fibre to put into the online shop so keep checking back for new listings. <br />
<br />
My daughter, who is already mum to one adorable 17 month old daughter is expecting her second baby in early July so I shall soon be busy knitting and weaving for the impending arrival. I am currently knitting a small fairisle jacket for my grand daughter. The pattern featured in Simply Knitting a couple of months ago and is pefect for the summer months. This is the back up to the armhole shaping<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_OXOtS9FY7CkkLfOcomP4SCSkkFgmQk34x8kxbNI6iOtL4WCdZLDihadaTZ21I5LzxjN_PwNlQTx9jIUpJt4z-_Q2QO9_gM3VBwlbMxLZ2FV1rxxYlwfIK9Sc58mDVCele8htrpQeH0/s1600/CAM_2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_OXOtS9FY7CkkLfOcomP4SCSkkFgmQk34x8kxbNI6iOtL4WCdZLDihadaTZ21I5LzxjN_PwNlQTx9jIUpJt4z-_Q2QO9_gM3VBwlbMxLZ2FV1rxxYlwfIK9Sc58mDVCele8htrpQeH0/s320/CAM_2364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
. The recommended yarn is Rowan but I am using a 4 ply yarn instead. I am very pleased at how the pattern is working out. It is different in that you have to join the shoulder seams using a three needle cast off and then pick up the stitches across the shoulder seam and knit downwards to create the sleeves. Less sewing up which is fine by me. Anyone else out there hate sewing?<br />
<br />
The spinning is currently alpaca fibre in shades of brown, I'm just randomly pulling it out of the bag and spinning so not sure what effect I am going to achieve when its plied. Then I am intending to weave some scarves and wraps with it to sell. I have several good drafts lined up that I want to experiment with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSa5m905hb6x9oUZuncAJUSlBpXEGVb5oqkwepAjWrMIS5ULo7A51FkhlRqwUjRxAaXXlul2pHyjWaAZCmp894pQefLYkAckK3VZ5cOAJP7vZ63yaAVE_EmM0D_9dXVPQs3BAUHfLjus/s1600/CAM_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSa5m905hb6x9oUZuncAJUSlBpXEGVb5oqkwepAjWrMIS5ULo7A51FkhlRqwUjRxAaXXlul2pHyjWaAZCmp894pQefLYkAckK3VZ5cOAJP7vZ63yaAVE_EmM0D_9dXVPQs3BAUHfLjus/s320/CAM_2365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thats it for now so happy spinning.</div>
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-38404204359652126122012-02-15T11:55:00.001-08:002012-02-15T11:56:24.970-08:00Wednesday 15th February 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Finally the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. The hens are laying again and arent huddled in cold, soggy groups around the garden. I have been very busy over the last couple of weeks getting ready for the craft fair mentioned in the previous posting. I had a great time, meeting the other crafters and seeing both regular and new customers. I took along my spinning wheel so that I could demonstrate and recieved a great deal of interest from children and adults alike. Here are two photographs, one of my stall and one of me spinning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59254134@N02/6882487427/" title="Photo0064 by lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="Photo0064" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6882487427_919425263a.jpg" width="500" /></a><a <="" href="http://www.blogger.com/" p=""> </a><br />
<br />
lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="100_0267 (450 x 600)" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6882486409_7cba00db1e.jpg" width="375" /><br />
<br />
There are also some photographs on <a href="http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/">http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/</a> of the fayre. <br />
<br />
Its half term here at Pure Inspiration so the dyes have been put away out of reach of helpful fingers and my working is limited to a little weaving and spinning to fit around visits from friends and outings to the cinema. I am hoping to begin some experimental gradient dyeing soon so watch this space. I am also looking forward to the warmer days so the house isnt full of damp fibre!!<br />
<br />
Wishing you all lots of fibery fun.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-63230886050182672622012-01-31T06:41:00.000-08:002012-01-31T06:41:12.130-08:00Tuesday 31st January 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Firstly a very very belated Happy New Year to everyone. I was just looking at my last post only to realise it was at the start of October last year! That will give you some idea of just how busy I have been here.<br />
<br />
On 10th, 11th and 12th of February next, there will be a craft fair at Sanders Garden World at Brent Knoll in Somerset, five minutes from Junction 22 M5 motorway. This will once again be in aid of Freewheelers motorcycle charity.<br />
<br />
I have been and still am hard at making items to take and hopefully sell at this event. I have so far made an assortment of jewellery and hand knitted and hand woven items which will be on sale over that weekend. I shall be there on the Saturday and Sunday only as I am unable to make the Friday. Come and grab yourselves an unique gift for that someone special on valentines day. There will be lots of colourful stalls selling home made jams and pickles, cakes, cards, jewllery, pottery, artwork and woodwork as well as my own stall with drop spindle kits, fibres, yarns and jewellery alongside the handmade accessories.<br />
<br />
I am glad that the days are lengthening a little and I think our hens are too, the egg laying has increased again. We have two new hens here now, a Black Rhode and a Cou Cou Moran. the Black Rhode has just come into lay and proudly informs us each time she has produced an egg with a session of loud clucking. <br />
<br />
You can tell the weather is turning colder at the moment by the fact that our cats have migrated indoors and are not venturing out very much<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhquFimdY3KBE2WqNnVGkAlhvgoORYQTwaLFE1EaBzJLtMNQR2sSZmK1ymPdCZxLoDOF170E9bf8RCM6IY-3SgZw-5XXGrjXUxrTd0Iscwhuz_ZqUBbiiW15adp3wePTET9OXDmj1E-xU/s1600/CAM_2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhquFimdY3KBE2WqNnVGkAlhvgoORYQTwaLFE1EaBzJLtMNQR2sSZmK1ymPdCZxLoDOF170E9bf8RCM6IY-3SgZw-5XXGrjXUxrTd0Iscwhuz_ZqUBbiiW15adp3wePTET9OXDmj1E-xU/s320/CAM_2332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH0xhlOBd9hzSZn-0iX-f_oogZwTBcO1opqklTlrZz_rYBprsMT-JLCxH-9STe9XBx6Z5tylKZ_1OSni4VvPVaTdAK2-dE3aBc_dJFoHUz5ggdkm2KX8-Z1sK8jdTYG0YmxmXXW2T0k0/s1600/CAM_2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH0xhlOBd9hzSZn-0iX-f_oogZwTBcO1opqklTlrZz_rYBprsMT-JLCxH-9STe9XBx6Z5tylKZ_1OSni4VvPVaTdAK2-dE3aBc_dJFoHUz5ggdkm2KX8-Z1sK8jdTYG0YmxmXXW2T0k0/s320/CAM_2333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xpMOtHaQkVxhYTkOV1l7Uukt3ZSudHKN6eSzhkduEEdu4ppF5hmt03DHMAK-Wp0AukVU3vKI0TNf_iTng7gwRU1U1dZhwoWW9YXH4QFkYBMN5lHcuVHMWr_iAYBb5TRHkc-oSkUv4Qs/s1600/CAM_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xpMOtHaQkVxhYTkOV1l7Uukt3ZSudHKN6eSzhkduEEdu4ppF5hmt03DHMAK-Wp0AukVU3vKI0TNf_iTng7gwRU1U1dZhwoWW9YXH4QFkYBMN5lHcuVHMWr_iAYBb5TRHkc-oSkUv4Qs/s320/CAM_2331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and you know its really cold when the cats and dogs start cuddling up together!!<br />
<br />
I am currently spinning up some hand dyed wensleydale roving that I fell over on Etsy the other day. I really should be getting on with spinning up some hand dyed alpaca that I want to weave a shawl with but I just couldnt resist the gorgeous colours in this one<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPCPBizK7zaDkU2m4ammtDLmrMmJVUUXRDZTf4o4jdRBooa8Aux6YvypUerzp4MFhd7xj486bYgDc-fDHhpQw7Y3J5YkQOnicWiR12FYvRhzcGhhRxrHEtcSn8O4Rw48q4uHkRaLbgo0/s1600/CAM_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPCPBizK7zaDkU2m4ammtDLmrMmJVUUXRDZTf4o4jdRBooa8Aux6YvypUerzp4MFhd7xj486bYgDc-fDHhpQw7Y3J5YkQOnicWiR12FYvRhzcGhhRxrHEtcSn8O4Rw48q4uHkRaLbgo0/s320/CAM_2334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujO5reGghXe3H-QYNcI9QVHXCiKa7pvNF4lzUoxoeAxWAvLLLK6sgoYLm4C5XWuVd6Oh1US0QOexq76A9-V7mR70r85QPBgeH3sJDfxbYKEckkH07hn3dRQ-RmqLux-WD81-6Zxo3R7Y/s1600/CAM_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujO5reGghXe3H-QYNcI9QVHXCiKa7pvNF4lzUoxoeAxWAvLLLK6sgoYLm4C5XWuVd6Oh1US0QOexq76A9-V7mR70r85QPBgeH3sJDfxbYKEckkH07hn3dRQ-RmqLux-WD81-6Zxo3R7Y/s320/CAM_2335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am just hoping that when I ply the finished bobbins the colours will line up quite well. I think socks might be the end result for this yarn!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgV4_W_35vtS8upZo4QUA87Yrc5p_gysyc0IAJaDJYONuZCeK2zUpqA8_ZtRG1UcqTfAlXy8hxg_lyu1QEgCUU0QEDl_sNoURrNFgXWEtwBG574vdvUoPORNQ89zWoXQhFHVBaKNKae4/s1600/CAM_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgV4_W_35vtS8upZo4QUA87Yrc5p_gysyc0IAJaDJYONuZCeK2zUpqA8_ZtRG1UcqTfAlXy8hxg_lyu1QEgCUU0QEDl_sNoURrNFgXWEtwBG574vdvUoPORNQ89zWoXQhFHVBaKNKae4/s320/CAM_2336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqBhafAiVqohIZJs_sS3_XWBiL3LtM7cggPWRBtS3Y1nmIhBUdq5iOgiawRBFMP3em9EiHO6NdBKSDK458VQkn_ZtVwFu_9g9mN7Wl727tJjE1gq-cjZ7e-oXbZn3F97lQ_muHIeSXaY/s1600/CAM_2337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqBhafAiVqohIZJs_sS3_XWBiL3LtM7cggPWRBtS3Y1nmIhBUdq5iOgiawRBFMP3em9EiHO6NdBKSDK458VQkn_ZtVwFu_9g9mN7Wl727tJjE1gq-cjZ7e-oXbZn3F97lQ_muHIeSXaY/s320/CAM_2337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET7-emOMZhyphenhyphenQuPmbQncMsi36tGYmTlRi8kRwkTUKRxrMYrgMPUpWQbuEMk-qLXfkgKG5Hlb016vCDK_iYd1fqS0H4O4kAijokMrmt8bwbTSN4FTuIyxtxA_TR9vEIt97CYDVPoXYjdbw/s1600/CAM_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET7-emOMZhyphenhyphenQuPmbQncMsi36tGYmTlRi8kRwkTUKRxrMYrgMPUpWQbuEMk-qLXfkgKG5Hlb016vCDK_iYd1fqS0H4O4kAijokMrmt8bwbTSN4FTuIyxtxA_TR9vEIt97CYDVPoXYjdbw/s320/CAM_2338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am weaving some more tea towels to put on the stall at the craft fair. I was very pleased with how the last ones came out and have been quite pleased so far with these. The draft comes from Top Ten Towels on Four Shafts which is an e-book that I downloaded from Interweave press. Its called the Rosepath draft and I like the effect of the yellow and red plaid that looks like rows of little flowers.<br />
<br />
In the online shop are a lovely selection of hand dyed fibres and wool rovings together with an assortment of jewellery. Have a look using the link to the right of this posting.<br />
<br />
One of my new years resolutions is to spend a little more time sharing on my blog, so hopefully this will happen.<br />
<br />
Happy spinning!!<br />
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-16975383430702582212011-10-06T06:06:00.000-07:002011-10-06T06:06:00.781-07:006th October 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone, wow hasnt the weather been changeable. It was a good opportunity to get some lovely Wensleydale fleece washed and dyed though and this is now for sale in the online shop, (link to the right). <br />
<br />
I love Wensleydale fibre, I think the sheep have to be one of the most amazing of their kind and it is so sad that the flocks are getting harder to find in the UK. I find the fibre so versatile. A lot of my customers purchase the curls to use for detail in needlefelted projects and others to spin into art yarn, the results of which are quite something to see. Imagine, if you will, a lovely chunky yarn with little ringlets of colour hanging down throughout, a bag or other accessory made from this yarn would be a very unique item, a piece of art in itself.<br />
<br />
Aside from these uses the curls can be carded and spun, the long, lustrious fibres make for a gorgeous knitting or weaving yarn, again some texture can be left in if desired. <br />
<br />
I have been busy here with hand knitting and trying to bust some of my stash. I have been making lots of pairs of fingerless mittens. I am selling these alongside the discounted knitting yarns I have started to retail at a local car boot sale at Sanders Garden world, near Brent Knoll in Somerset. These car boot sales are held on a Friday morning and are in aid of the Freewheelers Motorcycle charity that transfers blood, x rays and other much needed things between hospitals free of charge. See <a href="http://www.freewheelers.org.uk/">http://www.freewheelers.org.uk/</a> for more information.<br />
<br />
The discounted yarns are also available in my online shop. If you are UK based then do contact me for prices for postage in the UK and also for pound sterling prices as everything is listed in US dollars as this is a worldwide site that the shop is on.<br />
<br />
The next thing that came to mind is does anyone belong to a local knitting group? I would be interested to know how many are out there as not all of them are widely advertised and I do feel that it would be good to perhaps create a list of them available as links on my website. If anyone is interested in setting up a link swap then please do get in touch at <a href="mailto:lizziemasters@btinternet.com">lizziemasters@btinternet.com</a> so that I can start to compile a list of various fibre related groups and organisations. <br />
<br />
These can be worldwide, they dont have to just be based in the UK. Spinners, weavers and felters would be welcome too also if you do anything unusual with fibre then again I would be very interested to hear from you.<br />
<br />
So, thats all for now, I will hope to get some more blogging done again very soon.<br />
<br />
Have fibre fun everyone!!<br />
<br />
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-16333841259475786532011-09-03T13:16:00.000-07:002011-09-03T13:16:58.333-07:00Saturday 3rd September<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div closure_uid_imapdj="110">
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
The girls have now gone back to school, it was very quiet last Friday with both of them out of the house. Personally I think it was silly for them to have gone back only for one day but I suppose those in charge of education have their reasons?!</div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
<br /></div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
With life returning to its usual routine I need to knuckle down and get some more things photographed and put into the Etsy shop in time for the Christmas season which will soon be upon us. Also the end of year accounts need to be prepared and handed over to the accountant. In addition I have dyeing to do, silk rovings need to be dyed for customers in the US. </div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
<br /></div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
I have just finished spinning up approximately 120g of hand dyed Corriedale roving which has come out in a double knit thickness and I am hoping to use it to weave a scarf on my knitters loom.</div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
<br /></div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
I have finally finished the handwoven cotton tea towels that were the first serious project on my table loom. Below are some photographs of the warp on the loom and the finished towels. They were made with 8/2 cotton that was a bargain last year on ebay. I used some of it to make the cotton scarf on the knitters loom that was shown in my last post. </div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
<br /></div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
The following pictures show the warp on the loom, the work in progress and one of the finished towels. Further details of this project can be found on my projects page at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">http://www.ravelry.com/</a> where my user name is </div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
Lizziejane. I belong to several groups on Ravelry and find it a great way to meet like minded people and swap information and show off our finished projects.</div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtSdp3yvDBMCLhIIFElQ3Ct6iGwlAoE9soGoK1fxW-EJd3DM4S27T7j4NcHaCLgppmqan_sgssMKGTgoi1Oxg1JMrUi42O6go9eY316Nz9V1Di8zvug5ilGlsbo7r246KHWQpvXoQlIk/s1600/CAM_2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtSdp3yvDBMCLhIIFElQ3Ct6iGwlAoE9soGoK1fxW-EJd3DM4S27T7j4NcHaCLgppmqan_sgssMKGTgoi1Oxg1JMrUi42O6go9eY316Nz9V1Di8zvug5ilGlsbo7r246KHWQpvXoQlIk/s320/CAM_2001.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4a4vSNoSR8oTbCBHTLHzPhYD6U-bpzmZN052gAaT5IJPjoN8_6zcFfe6TDd65wF1cQoDdlKikwrHPISmLAgDuw41dU5GE63wQmkq4fAWzhIQebAht8rXeiQ5OCm6uP1-5mkkK38uK1A/s1600/CAM_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4a4vSNoSR8oTbCBHTLHzPhYD6U-bpzmZN052gAaT5IJPjoN8_6zcFfe6TDd65wF1cQoDdlKikwrHPISmLAgDuw41dU5GE63wQmkq4fAWzhIQebAht8rXeiQ5OCm6uP1-5mkkK38uK1A/s320/CAM_2002.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfYMSqGL3XWH8IuqQNGoZy7QmEU1WsC9eFRKx8Vqlp6U-im8IpMxzJWZjNJrwCGjlJVw9y1eElbFi8358YQPZnV5kXsJ4mWk4e20xXhoJGFodb6tDHKVZzAhmsCgdFgmSgly0beal6DI/s1600/CAM_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfYMSqGL3XWH8IuqQNGoZy7QmEU1WsC9eFRKx8Vqlp6U-im8IpMxzJWZjNJrwCGjlJVw9y1eElbFi8358YQPZnV5kXsJ4mWk4e20xXhoJGFodb6tDHKVZzAhmsCgdFgmSgly0beal6DI/s320/CAM_2003.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T9UfiSzl0ar2hppsTE1ib-81Ql56hkABE2NepkVEPf3c_wJtV7MF0dlYBhIrtT0CC52czCwSaMVgPaU6m6b7pTKgbEQGf2XhX0Qhcn-tioS2bjCi6Ho_noHXNoTBA9JQm1C-4PXgt40/s1600/CAM_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T9UfiSzl0ar2hppsTE1ib-81Ql56hkABE2NepkVEPf3c_wJtV7MF0dlYBhIrtT0CC52czCwSaMVgPaU6m6b7pTKgbEQGf2XhX0Qhcn-tioS2bjCi6Ho_noHXNoTBA9JQm1C-4PXgt40/s320/CAM_2004.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc75X8TcoXkgwuV7mmnsOx8wu4sKwwk4RpRaxVKI3UpZ4axQGMoZwe3H0GC0cpb6vIHWsZwmf3q5GDRjtE_ZfZv-FRcBagsV2G7GaYdQ7t8GRx8Uu8pnSBnTVGObgvmjvC2PN-chTroo/s1600/CAM_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc75X8TcoXkgwuV7mmnsOx8wu4sKwwk4RpRaxVKI3UpZ4axQGMoZwe3H0GC0cpb6vIHWsZwmf3q5GDRjtE_ZfZv-FRcBagsV2G7GaYdQ7t8GRx8Uu8pnSBnTVGObgvmjvC2PN-chTroo/s320/CAM_2005.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the knitting front I am making an aran weight hooded jacket for my daughter's friends baby son for Christmas, using Hayfield Bonus Aran. I shall probably make one similar for my grand daughter in Sirdar click aran. </div>
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I purchased a ball of Rico yarn recently, the one that makes the frilly scarves. I got two long scarves and one shorter scarf out of the one ball. I felt this was extremely good value and purchased another ball last week to make some more, again for presents at Christmas. </div>
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With the evenings drawing in again it means there are more hours for knitting and spinning and also weaving since the purchase of a daylight lamp, then of course there is that cross stitch picture that needs finishing....................</div>
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" closure_uid_kd5fe0="180" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div closure_uid_kd5fe0="104">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-42703791951302400822011-07-20T03:51:00.000-07:002011-07-20T03:51:55.734-07:00Wednesday 20th JulyTwo posts in a week, must be something in the air.<br />
<br />
I wanted to share with you the photographs of the finished cashmere scarf. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4fH5WUGK52_wxopLHK_hH7ZnOapho1VmZhZYh6sDGkrAOrAFyIMCd72nYCprVNfsnR9WIn9jmcrMbMiKlR7o-j2P4KT-Jvdh8mKJW6Q2oBJPxLKLxfpYzW6oOil_vWiXld2OGlItENY/s1600/CAM_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4fH5WUGK52_wxopLHK_hH7ZnOapho1VmZhZYh6sDGkrAOrAFyIMCd72nYCprVNfsnR9WIn9jmcrMbMiKlR7o-j2P4KT-Jvdh8mKJW6Q2oBJPxLKLxfpYzW6oOil_vWiXld2OGlItENY/s320/CAM_1603.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXxq8toXKR6woUeNN9-uzviYLn1FHcC-cMQCv2xXrxQWEHK4xjX1nS1S8P4548PJaCD2_rmh1TGQRRR435H-AbkMPxNp2HDf2ks3IHfODXfEGQkXbvtgX_FZDSlu8tvIb7KI2bQlTiHA/s1600/CAM_1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXxq8toXKR6woUeNN9-uzviYLn1FHcC-cMQCv2xXrxQWEHK4xjX1nS1S8P4548PJaCD2_rmh1TGQRRR435H-AbkMPxNp2HDf2ks3IHfODXfEGQkXbvtgX_FZDSlu8tvIb7KI2bQlTiHA/s320/CAM_1604.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
the first picture shows the completed fringe, I twisted this using four strands of the warp yarn at a time, it fulled up quite nicely when washed. <br />
<br />
The second picture is of the main body of the scarf showing how the Bronson Lace pattern has fulled and is not quite so lacey as when on the loom. I was a little disappointed because I thought it would have been the same but I will be trying this pattern again using a fine silk yarn and see how the pattern reacts after washing. I will keep you posted.<br />
<br />
In the meantime the loom is now warped with Sirdar Baby Bamboo yarn and Twilleys Freedom cotton in cream and pale blue to make fabric for a small bag. Pictures to follow in the next post.<br />
<br />
Happy weaving!<br />Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-17535578096278379572011-07-18T08:10:00.000-07:002011-07-18T08:10:32.943-07:00Monday 18th JulyI thought I would share with you some pictures of my latest two weaving projects using the 12 inch Ashford Knitters Loom. I am quite enjoying going back to basics with this loom and have been also enjoying meeting up with some new faces in two Ravelry groups that I have joined. For those of you not familiar with Ravelry, its an online knitting, weaving and spinning community where like minded fibre enthusiasts can meet to share pictures of their latest projects, swap advice and support each other through those tricky moments. If like me, you are unable to get to a local group for your hobby(ies) then its a wonderful way to meet new friends and gain experience.<br />
<br />
I have joined the Ashford Loomies group and also the Rigid Heddle group. <br />
<br />
Here is the first project below, showing the loom warped up using some swedish weaving cotton that I purchased earlier this year from ebay. This was originally to make placemats but in the end I decided to use the resulting cloth as a scarf as I didnt want to cut into it, I was so pleased with the result.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59254134@N02/5938113514/" title="CAM_1591 by lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="CAM_1591" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5938113514_4c8699fddf.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59254134@N02/5950609340/" title="CAM_1595 by lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="CAM_1595" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5950609340_f90ccb530c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59254134@N02/5950609944/" title="CAM_1596 by lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="CAM_1596" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5950609944_e02c761628.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
The following two pictures are of the Knitters loom warped up with 100 percent Cashmere yarn that I purchased from Devon Fine Fibres a few years ago. It has been mill spun and is very soft. I wish I had made it a little wider but I was not sure I would have enough yarn. I am using a pattern from the May/June 2009 issue of Handwoven and the technique is known as Bronson Lace. This requires the use of a pick up stick to make a third shed. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59254134@N02/5950048919/" title="CAM_1592 by lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="CAM_1592" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5950048919_0e9b1b417e.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59254134@N02/5950050057/" title="CAM_1594 by lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="CAM_1594" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5950050057_44038340fb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Rigid Heddle looms are suprisingly versatile and with the availability of different sized reeds and a second heddle kit for any of Ashford's rigid heddle looms now available the possiblities really are endless. <br />
<br />
I recently hand dyed some mohair curls and I am now spinning them up into quite a fine yarn on my Kromski Minstrel wheel. The first part bobbin and the curls are shown below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59254134@N02/5950331441/" title="CAM_1599 by lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="CAM_1599" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5950331441_cebfe6894a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59254134@N02/5950332181/" title="CAM_1600 by lizziejane2, on Flickr"><img alt="CAM_1600" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5950332181_0798338951.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy these pictures and that they will give you some inspiration for your projects. If anyone has any questions, please dont hesitate to ask.<br />
<br />Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-63259872370035587352011-07-13T14:17:00.000-07:002011-07-14T10:19:48.145-07:00Wednesday 13th July 2011Here we are halfway through July and I cant believe that the summer holidays are nearly here. The girls are looking forward to a nice long lazy six weeks and to be honest so am I. Getting up at six every morning to ensure everything gets taken care of before heading off on the school run can be a bit wearing.<br />
<br />
First the chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs need feeding, then the dogs and cats and finally us. After breakfast its chivvying sleepy children into doing their hair, teeth and retrieving their shoes from the last place they were thrown when they came home the previous evening. It will be nice to have a slower pace of life for a while. <br />
<br />
Finally after getting them into their schools its time to walk the mad dogs on the beach. After that down to work.<br />
<br />
I have a three day craft fair to attend in August, it will be the 5th, 6th and 7th of August and takes place at Sanders Garden World at Brent Knoll in Somerset. The proceeds of the fair go to the FreeWheelers charity, which is a group of people who transport blood, x rays and similar free of charge between the local hospitals. It can help to save lives and is constantly needing funds. <br />
<br />
I shall be taking my fibre shop, with drop spindle kits, hand dyed fibres and yarns and some of my jewellery. <br />
<br />
I have been taking advantage of the hotter weather to get lots of dyeing and washing of fleece done. I now have 5 lovely Jacob fleeces that were purchased in Somerset through a contact from the craft fair I attended in February this year. I have also discovered two Bowmont fleeces lurking in my store cupboard and this is now listed for sale in the online shop. I have assorted hand dyed rovings for sale, last summers stock is currently at half price and the new fibres are being listed as they are dyed and dried. I am waiting on some gorgeous Wensleydale fleece which should be with me by mid August. This will then be dyed and listed in the shop.<br />
<br />
I am currently spinning up some hand dyed mohair curls which I have dyed in shades of lilac and purple and these are coming out very fine and I will hopefully be making a shawl out of the resulting yarn. <br />
<br />
I have warped up the knitters loom using a 12 dpi reed and am making some place mats using some Swedish weaving cotton that I got as a job lot on ebay. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgTMXo5RW5X77_83Fq5TxcKGbp3-qLwewU3kO6ZfV-om9LMscAkotkuD4pr80OAJPIK_DQafErxWxXRp6ow1iHLF8bJkrH4VZW26TBpgdOPEOYmEnZAVYWIwgIX0WxiYzDMl7Z48pslU/s1600/CAM_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgTMXo5RW5X77_83Fq5TxcKGbp3-qLwewU3kO6ZfV-om9LMscAkotkuD4pr80OAJPIK_DQafErxWxXRp6ow1iHLF8bJkrH4VZW26TBpgdOPEOYmEnZAVYWIwgIX0WxiYzDMl7Z48pslU/s320/CAM_1591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The weaving bug is still biting and despite selling the beloved floor loom I am strongly considering investing in a small table loom to satisfy my urge to keep weaving. The jewellery making means that I can just weave for pleasure and not for income so the strain on the back wont be so bad.<br />
<br />
I should love to hear from anyone regarding their spinning or weaving projects, its always good to talk fibre.<br />
<br />Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-22573267718712381852011-05-24T14:02:00.000-07:002011-05-24T14:02:11.482-07:00Tuesday 24th May<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Loads to talk about this month. I have had a very busy time recently as I made the sad decision to sell my Glimakra Julia floor loom at the end of April. I have been suffering with osteoarthritis for some years and it is present in my upper spine and I had found that sitting at the loom was causing me a lot of discomfort. I regretfully put it up for sale and achieved a very good price for it and it has gone to a good home. I have now only got an Ashford knitters loom, 12 inch with two different sized reeds to make scarves with. This will be enough to satisfy the desire to weave my handspun yarns from time to time.<br />
<br />
I shall continue to spin and dye my own yarns and fibres but to replace the weaving I invested the money from the loom in jewellery making items and stock. A total difference from fibre fun, I agree but something I can do sitting down and in comfort. I am hoping to sell the items I make alongside my yarns and fibres. Wish me luck with my new venture.<br />
<br />
I shall continue to post here however and keep everyone updated on my spinning and knitting. I am currently spinning up a baby alpaca fleece which is a lovely golden brown and white. I have decided to separate the brown and white and spin into two different yarns rather than ply the two colours together. I was so lucky to be given this fleece along with another baby alpaca fleece in black and an adult fleece in cream which I think is a suri cross. <br />
<br />
Knitting is currently fingerless mittens to use up the endless supply of sock yarn I seem to have accumulated. I am making a pair out of Opal Sock Yarn, Harry Potter,"" Tonks which is a pink, red, yellow and grey yarn. I also have a ball of yarn in the same series (not sure if this is the correct word here) in the shade "Ron"<br />
<br />
On a lighter note we have adopted three ex battery hens that the girls have named, Florence, Doris and Princess Peach. They have been with us for just over a week and are settling in nicely. Our pet angora rabbit, Rock,y loves them and thinks its wonderful to share their corn. So far we have had four eggs! Very tasty.<br />
<br />
Along with our newly planted vegetables we are hoping to be quite self sufficient this year. Bring on the Good Life!!<br />
<br />
Happy spinning everyone.<br />
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-58307588430694971942011-04-07T14:01:00.000-07:002011-04-07T14:01:14.984-07:00THURSDAY 7TH APRIL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I went to the Stitch and Creative craft show at the Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. It was a good show this year with some lovely stands. There was a stand with the Lucet company. I dont know if you are all familiar with a Lucet but it is a tool that was used in mediavel times to make cords to decorate clothing and to lace up clothing before buttons were used. The man demonstrating the lucet was very fast at making the cord and there were lucets of different sizes there, some large wooden ones that were used to make strong cords out of hemp or thick string. These cords could then be plaited to make thicker ropes for use such as dog leads or tie backs for curtains. You can add beads and different colours. Fascinating.<br />
<br />
I also fell foul of some lovely discounted knitting yarn with the Black Sheep and a skein of sock yarn. A good day out and well worth a visit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-90803631233471086562011-04-05T13:00:00.000-07:002011-04-05T13:00:59.467-07:00TUESDAY 5TH APRIL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi, the lovely spring weather didnt seem to last long but I am hopeful it will return soon. In the meantime its a good excuse to stay indoors doing the things I love best, spinning, knitting and weaving. I have to confess that the hour change last week made me feel very hung over for a week, does it have this effect on anyone else. I seemed to spend the week chasing my tail!<br />
<br />
This week I have on the Julia loom a warp using my handspun yarn. The yarn is a Bluefaced Leicester/Suffolk cross fibre which was handspun with extra twist to make it strong. I have to say I am very pleased with it, no broken threads. I have wound quite a long warp using a four shaft tie up in an M's and O's pattern draft. I am using Gotland yarn for the weft and making cloth to turn into bags for an upcoming craft show.<br />
<br />
The weave looks quite open when you look at the first picture, but in the second picture you can see a sample that has been washed and fulled after weaving and there is quite a difference. None of the tension problems here that were experienced beforehand. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPcF1rfQ9W1J4rJkstix5s6njD6toWZe_hJ6UB1imdCqb6vvS-zGKisnHKEDoNgD0Au7pESDWSD0kJNcEXgexBmmLYTMR0upEyxev1lUUJ8FoHDehUD9BHfNf8i58RlhtWpLTEk9v35E/s1600/CAM_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPcF1rfQ9W1J4rJkstix5s6njD6toWZe_hJ6UB1imdCqb6vvS-zGKisnHKEDoNgD0Au7pESDWSD0kJNcEXgexBmmLYTMR0upEyxev1lUUJ8FoHDehUD9BHfNf8i58RlhtWpLTEk9v35E/s320/CAM_0825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBcbsUph_nmjQ3KrT6qpCB-PczdqD0DiZWQnDqNv736pNA3abQn_YK-oC-II8i1HffEZJWRCBU4nQ8y49rsmsT4JZJEbZlEBgKoKfsqWij-E5XVWix_lvspgh0-Vvi01VezNolD8VcCY/s1600/CAM_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBcbsUph_nmjQ3KrT6qpCB-PczdqD0DiZWQnDqNv736pNA3abQn_YK-oC-II8i1HffEZJWRCBU4nQ8y49rsmsT4JZJEbZlEBgKoKfsqWij-E5XVWix_lvspgh0-Vvi01VezNolD8VcCY/s320/CAM_0826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I dont have any spinning this week as I have been concentrating on the knitting and weaving. A few more days and the children will be off for their Easter holidays. I am hoping the weather will be good so that I can get some dyeing done, the fleece does smell so lovely when dried in the sunshine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last Friday I visited a lovely lady near Weston Super Mare who owns Alpacas and Shetland sheep. She approached me at the craft fair I attended in February and asked if I would be interested in buying some of her fibre this year. It was lovely to meet her animals and she is obviously very passionate about them and very caring. The Shetland sheep have been bred for their fleece as their owner is a handspinner and weaver so understands about the need for good quality. They were very friendly and came up to be hugged and scratched, although I think the large bag of hay might have had something to do with their eagerness to say hello.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The fibre is very fine on both the Alpacas and the sheep and I shall be purchasing some later in the year when shearing takes place. Also we have been promised a phone call when the baby Alpacas or Cria are born so that I can take the girls to see them. I am looking forward to that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will ask her permission to take some photographs when we go and post them here for you all to see. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shearing season is nearly here and I have to admit its one of my favourite times of year. Once again I shall be visiting the fleece tent at the Bath and West and no doubt will have to be dragged out by the children, loudly proclaiming "Mum!! You dont need anymore fleece". But there is always room for just one more?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Spinning.</div>
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-19954859455808369182011-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:002011-03-26T08:00:12.296-07:00RE A LITTLE TENSION PROBLEM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The lovely scarf that I was so proud of crashed and burned off the loom last Thursday when I took it off and realised it had gaps in amongst the weft, sob sob. I have thrown this problem into the UK Weavers group forum on Ravelry and received some very good advice. It would seem that the problem was poor tension. This occurred during warping. Warping alone can be very complicated in that it is difficult to maintain correct tension when winding on and trying to hold the warp in one hand and wind on with the other.<br />
<br />
Now I have been advised that to maintain good tension when warping alone I can tie some weights onto the warp and that will maintain the tension whilst I am winding on. Now collecting milk bottles for the next project. <br />
<br />
If you are stuck on tips for weaving, the books are good but there is nothing like receiving help from people who have been there and made the same mistakes. Weaving lessons are not an option for me as I dont have the money to spare to pay for them at this time in my life. But free advice is brilliant on this group.</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-67437896942106205522011-03-22T06:33:00.000-07:002011-03-22T06:33:01.467-07:00TUESDAY 22ND MARCH 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Feeling rather ashamed here of not having posted for ages. No excuses other than life taking over as usual. I cant believe its nearly a year since I started this blog. The days seem to merge one into another. <br />
<br />
I am glad to see Spring is coming to Berrow again, the lovely flowers throughout the village are testimony to that and my beautiful Magnolia tree is out in blossom once again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLjdS8jQnjfTs_LBfSHLVrSD54umiR9GD5cob560ypIDGIb_9M6UqeTMcdbnX1sxlSKN382MXnaycF6BZQFjqXJsMn_q5AZSmbamkly1L2V3eDW492hpQ2fIOpCu7aUk9dWib4_TYKpk/s1600/CAM_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLjdS8jQnjfTs_LBfSHLVrSD54umiR9GD5cob560ypIDGIb_9M6UqeTMcdbnX1sxlSKN382MXnaycF6BZQFjqXJsMn_q5AZSmbamkly1L2V3eDW492hpQ2fIOpCu7aUk9dWib4_TYKpk/s320/CAM_0815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am currently weaving a scarf on the Julia loom, using a four shaft, straight twill threading, with a hand dyed tencel warp and a hand dyed tencel and merino weft. The merino yarn is laceweight and was produced at Coldharbour Mill in Devon although I understand that they no longer have their mill shop on site due to flooding, it is being moved to Lynton on Exmoor, which is a shame as that is rather far for me to drive so hopefully they will post yarn if I wish to purchase any.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8wlZAfLCmmTCji2fl1cPY-9Wa9boC_lcYipE29560cOxmShTU4hk8gwklDAJH2xLqBvtEEL6c-0HciVLrtGI39JxwtnamvGgrbDe7UF4jnFWThSu6EePAOU1Rofo2AYM4vuoGMgN0kk/s1600/CAM_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8wlZAfLCmmTCji2fl1cPY-9Wa9boC_lcYipE29560cOxmShTU4hk8gwklDAJH2xLqBvtEEL6c-0HciVLrtGI39JxwtnamvGgrbDe7UF4jnFWThSu6EePAOU1Rofo2AYM4vuoGMgN0kk/s320/CAM_0816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzs6Rgqcu5OyyY1wDB-CO90a5iDiuXbfc9GV0lPCKz-G9oySoslw2QpsTb-fwYsD1pHzu35zaWDfXTRdo3Eo17VDmMjGYuy6UkxYL-_Uz9hcoZKGbEZxF9hGBur8Uqx2LE3PlNNn3lWBE/s1600/CAM_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzs6Rgqcu5OyyY1wDB-CO90a5iDiuXbfc9GV0lPCKz-G9oySoslw2QpsTb-fwYsD1pHzu35zaWDfXTRdo3Eo17VDmMjGYuy6UkxYL-_Uz9hcoZKGbEZxF9hGBur8Uqx2LE3PlNNn3lWBE/s320/CAM_0818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The hand dyed tencel came from Yarnstopia on Etsy and is gorgeous. I have to admit that the tencel yarn does tend to wear as a warp yarn, perhaps rayon or silk would have been better. I am using four picks of hand dyed tencel, and four picks of hand dyed merino. It seems to be working quite well and I am fairly pleased with the results so far. Once its off the loom and washed then I can see how successful it has been.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftocu4DjXerR5VjBd8o-SZr_JJtyf2taA_wn_IrBbRgQFC_iL9K3-oaB02xMJrTFDUTv-R1IzzHMcfp6yYmCEvLCnFqFQHV3BsI7QuS1hS9Wn2Vth7ZRXpB-SWQ9OOBiyJ40_zDOIRjM/s1600/CAM_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftocu4DjXerR5VjBd8o-SZr_JJtyf2taA_wn_IrBbRgQFC_iL9K3-oaB02xMJrTFDUTv-R1IzzHMcfp6yYmCEvLCnFqFQHV3BsI7QuS1hS9Wn2Vth7ZRXpB-SWQ9OOBiyJ40_zDOIRjM/s320/CAM_0817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzs6Rgqcu5OyyY1wDB-CO90a5iDiuXbfc9GV0lPCKz-G9oySoslw2QpsTb-fwYsD1pHzu35zaWDfXTRdo3Eo17VDmMjGYuy6UkxYL-_Uz9hcoZKGbEZxF9hGBur8Uqx2LE3PlNNn3lWBE/s1600/CAM_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzs6Rgqcu5OyyY1wDB-CO90a5iDiuXbfc9GV0lPCKz-G9oySoslw2QpsTb-fwYsD1pHzu35zaWDfXTRdo3Eo17VDmMjGYuy6UkxYL-_Uz9hcoZKGbEZxF9hGBur8Uqx2LE3PlNNn3lWBE/s320/CAM_0818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I warped this up at 12 epi using a 12 dent reed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the Minstrel wheel is some fairly coarse wool fleece that is a Border Leicester/Suffolk cross and was purchased locally. I do seem to have quite a bit of this lurking in the garage, but I'm not confessing to anyone else about this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg6edVrnQWtEKHXxGm84g3cQVbGRZYHWxEDKma6alxLxLNNcQF79RF32Y-PKzyr3tfSuEtt7wlY8jeRTgXcFj1SF5OIAyNjl_-okATGHKsznyUPITPaCF1U5sw2_fVgXtxhLNt4qBV3Q/s1600/CAM_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg6edVrnQWtEKHXxGm84g3cQVbGRZYHWxEDKma6alxLxLNNcQF79RF32Y-PKzyr3tfSuEtt7wlY8jeRTgXcFj1SF5OIAyNjl_-okATGHKsznyUPITPaCF1U5sw2_fVgXtxhLNt4qBV3Q/s320/CAM_0819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This will be spun up for warp yarn and I am putting some extra twist into this to give it the strength it will need for warp. I shall thread this up at 8epi using an 8 dent reed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is one of the completed hanks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2DVb99Irpa2WFaB8NLrty1dwiEKzThtquuPBIewDHoaE7X1DUZvvYRFxIGfR1-5UoplqNqcKUfTTl6aamllet2GAq_zFRTPkxEeQhYQzP396OmoXQZqq4Woh9i0jXq-6fQyJUu7oh4Q/s1600/CAM_0820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2DVb99Irpa2WFaB8NLrty1dwiEKzThtquuPBIewDHoaE7X1DUZvvYRFxIGfR1-5UoplqNqcKUfTTl6aamllet2GAq_zFRTPkxEeQhYQzP396OmoXQZqq4Woh9i0jXq-6fQyJUu7oh4Q/s320/CAM_0820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I will spin up some more with less twist for the weft. I hope to hand dye some of the yarn to make cushion covers. I am going to experiment with some drafts found on Handweaving.net and see how these come out. If the wool is successful for warp yarn then I may spin up some more and have another go at doublewidth weaving. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little while ago I purchased Jennifer Moore's book on doubleweave. Its a fascinating read and I did have one attempt at weaving a doublewidth throw in aran weight yarns. It was amazing to watch the cloth grow and to see it bind together at one side but unfortunatley I did have quite a few skipped threads which meant that it didnt turn out to be very attractive. I think a finer yarn may work better next time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So thats all for today, and a final thought there are some great groups on Ravelry and some of the members of the UK weavers group have been amazingly patient with some odd questions I have put to them lately so dont be downhearted if your weaving goes astray or even if you just want to ask questions about it, free to join and good company, who could ask for more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-58895837161373464072011-02-15T06:52:00.000-08:002011-02-15T06:52:46.246-08:00TUESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Its been a hectic time since my last posting. After getting over the 'flu and nursing sick children I decided to re-enter the world of craft fairs.<br />
<br />
The girls are getting older now and are much better at staying with a sitter for the weekend whilst Mum takes her shop on the road.<br />
<br />
I have just spent the weekend at a local garden centre taking part in a craft fair in aid of FreeWheelers motorbike charity. Free Wheelers carry blood, x rays, breast milk etc for the NHS, free of charge between hospitals in emergency situations. Obviously this takes a lot of money to run and so much fundraising has to be undertaken. <br />
<br />
The charity takes its funds from the prices paid for the stall space by the craft workers. <br />
<br />
It was well attended and I felt very pleased and surprised that many people were so interested in my items. I took along a selection of my hand dyed fibres, yarns and handwoven and handknitted accessories. <br />
<br />
I also made some useful contacts including a wood turner who is going to be producing drop spindles for me so that they can be handpainted and sold in my shop. <br />
<br />
The next fair is due to be held in August and I am hoping also to do another one in December this year.<br />
<br />
I will post dates and locations nearer the time.<br />
<br />
Below is a selection of pictures of items from my online shop, there is a link to the right of the blog.<br />
<br />
Have fibery fun people, its almost time for small people to return from school.<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><script type="text/javascript">
new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5540149, 'shop','thumbnail',4,1).renderIframe();
</script><br />
<br />
</div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-80177065506531532962011-01-09T13:49:00.000-08:002011-01-09T13:52:01.867-08:00Sunday 9th January 2011Firstly I would like to wish all fibre fanatics everywhere a very belated Happy New Year. The Christmas season overtook me and the bad weather too has meant very limited time for posting.<br />
<br />
As I write I am looking forward to trying out some new weaving patterns this year and have been wandering through my pile of Handwoven magazines for inspiration. I should very much like to add a larger floor loom to my workroom this year, but must first work out the logistics here, especially with number one daughter using the sofa bed when she comes to stay, at present the Julia loom pushes easily aside but another loom may present problems. I love the Julia loom but would like something with more width, currently being limited to 26 inches is a bit fustrating when wanting to weave larger items. Many visits to the Loom Exchange anticipated here.<br />
<br />
My spinning consists of working through my stash of alpaca fibre and then using the yarn in my weaving and knitting. I find that washing the fibre first works best for me as the dust from the unwashed fibre gets into my throat.<br />
<br />
I am about to warp up my loom to weave a frilled scarf. By using yarns that react differently to fulling, I am using merino and rayon in alternating stripes in the warp and merino and a small amount of rayon in the weft, when washed the scarf will "frill" up as the merino will full or shrink more than the rayon. I shall try and remember to post photographs here.<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to the evenings getting longer and lighter and the days becoming warmer so I can get some fibre dyed up to create some different colourways in my weaving.<br />
<br />Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-88700879241920640412010-11-06T04:29:00.000-07:002010-11-06T04:29:49.867-07:00Saturday 6th NovemberFinally the carpet has been laid in the workroom and the long dreaded clearout is finished. My table, storage unit, sofa and loom have been moved into a better place which gives me more space to work.<br />
<br />
I am now able to see, thanks to my new, clear storage boxes, my entire stash of yarns, equipment, books, patterns etc, all those essential items for creating. I am now a very happy fibre bunny as there is even room for my spinning wheel so I can spin in peace away from the mad dogs.<br />
<br />
So much of my time over the last two weeks has been taken up with sorting, and putting away my equipment and yarns. Am I alone in the fact that I just didnt realise how much yarn I had?<br />
<br />
As Christmas looms ever closer I am spending most of my (limited) spare time in making presents for family and friends but at least it means the stash will go down as I have promised myself that one of my New Year resolutions will be to buy less wool this year - do I hear laughter? How many times do we all say that only to fall in love with the latest addition at the yarn store?<br />
<br />
The clock change has meant that those longer, darker evenings are more encouraging to sit by the fire and knit, I dont find the t.v.all that inspiring most of the time.<br />
<br />
My latest projects are using up some of my stash in designing some children's knitwear to sell online and as the new Alice Starmore Aran book has just come out I am attempting to knit myself one of the cardigans in there using 5ply Guernsey yarn.<br />
<br />
Frangipangi yarns in Cornwall are a great supplier of this type of yarn and I do believe that Wingham wool used to supply it but am not sure if they still do.<br />
<br />
I have just completed knitting the men's fingerless gloves from a recent issue of the Knitter magazine which was a very easy project to complete and will make another present.<br />
<br />
Do get in touch with pictures of your projects and comments, its good talk fibre!!<br />
<br />Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-613005826611748822010-10-19T01:38:00.000-07:002010-10-19T01:38:41.822-07:00TUESDAY 19TH OCTOBERThe Autumn chill has descended in Berrow and despite the sunny days the wind off the sea has definitely lost its balmy feel.<br />
<br />
My thoughts have turned to Christmas this week and the making of gifts for friends and family. I have constructed a list and last weekend I cast on for two pairs of socks and some fingerless mittens as well as knitting the camouflage type hat for my fishing cousin, using the handspun falkland roving that I was spinning up last week. It helped that Film 4 were running a Star Trek weekend so I was able to settle in front the t.v. with an endless supply of yarn, my favourite way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Autumn!<br />
<br />
Our thoughts also turn to thick, cozy jumpers and accessories as well this time of year and I am pleased to see that cables are making a comeback in fashion at the moment as well as the colour grey. I do happen to have a large stash of Gotland yarn in double knit thickness and am hoping to use that up with handknits for the online shop. <br />
<br />
If, like me, you enjoy getting something for nothing then take a look at <a href="http://www.elann.com/">http://www.elann.com/</a> where you will find a whole pile of free knitting patterns in some pretty amazing designs. All you have to do is register your email address and details and the patterns are accessible as pdf downloads. Also this week I came across Patons website, <a href="http://www.patonsyarns.com/">http://www.patonsyarns.com/</a> where again you can access a whole lot of free knitting patterns and they have some wonderful afghan patterns or throws to knit. You can save these to your "hive" on the site and download or print them when you are ready, saving on ink of course. If anyone else has links to free pattern websites then please feel free to list them here so everyone can benefit. If any of the links above dont work, let me know and I will check the web addresses. <br />
<br />
The loom is silent this week as I am concentrating on knitting items for the shop and spinning up some gorgeous Bluefaced Leicester and Tussah silk roving hand dyed in lemons, blues and pinks and mauves that was a purchase on etsy.<br />
<br />
Have a good week whatever you are doing and happy knitting.Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-2849490472574054482010-10-12T04:59:00.000-07:002010-10-12T04:59:41.148-07:00TUESDAY 12TH OCTOBERForgive the long delay, again, life seems to have overtaken me. My beautiful grand daughter was born on 5th October and all are well so now I can relax and enjoy being a grandmother.<br />
<br />
Obviously a lot of my spare time has been taken up over the last months in making clothes for the new baby. I am going to make a few more things for Christmas but now in bigger sizes as my daughter has been given so many clothes there will be no need to buy anything new for a long time to come. <br />
<br />
Consequently I have a lot of baby wool left over and began to think how I could use this up and decided to weave up some baby blankets using this. I dont normally consider using acrylic fibres when weaving, I'm not sure if anyone out there does, do let me know. However, I have warped up the loom using a four shaft, six treadle tie up which I found on the All Fiber Arts website, <a href="http://www.allfiberarts.com/">http://www.allfiberarts.com/</a> for a baby blanket. I am using Sirdar Snuggly baby 4 ply yarn in a soft blue and the weft is a double knit acrylic yarn which graduates in colour throughout the ball. The weaving is quick to grow and fast to warp up. See pictures below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAlAHGourONxKrLb5ah-kmjDZ0m0zhH1It2hjM4jyej3P6cQpPvewvKOibpIgCsXBwRKwAYutUiFRQ-Pn9dieyPYPcrpz0xgYjTmmTI6_JlyF9Ryk7VW8PzeHh2wSEGT39R6gd3unvmo/s1600/CAM_0660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAlAHGourONxKrLb5ah-kmjDZ0m0zhH1It2hjM4jyej3P6cQpPvewvKOibpIgCsXBwRKwAYutUiFRQ-Pn9dieyPYPcrpz0xgYjTmmTI6_JlyF9Ryk7VW8PzeHh2wSEGT39R6gd3unvmo/s320/CAM_0660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMBRrN_xFD85CfgicKW5bDtPrNQv_mMYsfkDbbQ3LyowqjbAJh6ScyvkUFMVcZ1l3YaHag4Alk3Su3YVJkTquL32uIjoloOf9ZNHyTYkGIxomNmQx3GGtK84dqyFMs20f9HFAptWo0MY/s1600/CAM_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMBRrN_xFD85CfgicKW5bDtPrNQv_mMYsfkDbbQ3LyowqjbAJh6ScyvkUFMVcZ1l3YaHag4Alk3Su3YVJkTquL32uIjoloOf9ZNHyTYkGIxomNmQx3GGtK84dqyFMs20f9HFAptWo0MY/s320/CAM_0661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It has made me realise that I have had rather a blinkered view of weaving todate. I have always used silks, and natural fibres for my items, forgetting the vast range of man made fibres that are available to use. And what if, like my son in law, you are allergic to wool? It makes buying handmade items very difficult. Also there is the question of cost. In our current climate it is difficult to price up garments made from expensive materials. One is caught between the two ends of wanting to make a profit out of ones hard work but at the same time wanting to sell items regularly. So either the profit margin is very narrow or the time spent making the item is not taken into consideration in the final price. So to use cheaper yarns doesnt necessarily mean that the finished item will not be just as lovely as if you had used the finest and most expensive of the natural yarns available.<br />
<br />
This week I am spinning up some hand dyed Falkland wool tops from Mandacrafts called Autumn to make a knitted hat for my cousin who is a keen fisherman and wants something to blend in with the background! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSNo4LX8dTp18pTmhKLK0FP2pnWdSTdMuksGpHCzDb0lNSsk2cDLWnwY8MDYrBAOWGNkiKk0Jx-IMCnOiFCZZIani1zaMlzyZFrflY7DTzjQ-nEX6hQ7qOPpDQrBuRT54tn4vnqumVrU/s1600/CAM_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSNo4LX8dTp18pTmhKLK0FP2pnWdSTdMuksGpHCzDb0lNSsk2cDLWnwY8MDYrBAOWGNkiKk0Jx-IMCnOiFCZZIani1zaMlzyZFrflY7DTzjQ-nEX6hQ7qOPpDQrBuRT54tn4vnqumVrU/s320/CAM_0664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I purchased a turkish spindle recently from the Etsy site, it is handmade in beautiful woods and the two cross pieces are similar in colour to the Knitpicks wooden needles, those lovely multi coloured ones. See picture below. It is a dream to spin with and solves the problem of not being able to take my spinning wheel with me when I travel. This is small enough to tuck inside my handbag. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeSJ5SfWw7qBPeAQuEtHSv9DZPvNn1UilTu1Mphu0NDIK2aMA0WexsGlS3xcpScRsQQBG_kcLyutuMygJfqeWSEoVuTT2zBx_w5R_T3NLAmqD8HIH750aS2tCckqkGCe9fySVy5SrWMg/s1600/CAM_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeSJ5SfWw7qBPeAQuEtHSv9DZPvNn1UilTu1Mphu0NDIK2aMA0WexsGlS3xcpScRsQQBG_kcLyutuMygJfqeWSEoVuTT2zBx_w5R_T3NLAmqD8HIH750aS2tCckqkGCe9fySVy5SrWMg/s320/CAM_0665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6921mvZDyFddQ_NqDXeAgz9YwW67Tlr6A3V89uRVc8eTKEjXKeHUJc30BWvK8qHMB5WQ1PlDxEuDZ0lqKfX9ro5bVuKDuUYsjhpEK7Rl7wDeZo-SICQU5mOwnTKkwe2jLYyM7TUV21qQ/s1600/CAM_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6921mvZDyFddQ_NqDXeAgz9YwW67Tlr6A3V89uRVc8eTKEjXKeHUJc30BWvK8qHMB5WQ1PlDxEuDZ0lqKfX9ro5bVuKDuUYsjhpEK7Rl7wDeZo-SICQU5mOwnTKkwe2jLYyM7TUV21qQ/s320/CAM_0666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am also using my Ashford Knitters loom to make some handwoven scarves and bag lengths for Christmas stock in my online shop. Keep a look out for these as they will be fairly reasonably priced and I am hoping they wont be around for too long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aoS2fouitMBFQpmKZSfJ7jBpZ7Hqcubm3MkQl6l2P9ErtiWGuvKmS7pOgfAGRKaq3PBdxS-Ou-u3tB2tuJ0LqRNrohTniu_B4oNm1RH2OEgSNB_lLyQxFeUQh24AegkcQrx-9jkWkHk/s1600/CAM_0662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aoS2fouitMBFQpmKZSfJ7jBpZ7Hqcubm3MkQl6l2P9ErtiWGuvKmS7pOgfAGRKaq3PBdxS-Ou-u3tB2tuJ0LqRNrohTniu_B4oNm1RH2OEgSNB_lLyQxFeUQh24AegkcQrx-9jkWkHk/s320/CAM_0662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw67DEIA9CvLFihNO6HwKzEXxfE4Q1uJ6sjitBTcH57Yp3VLfEk-zylTvNStqUfXi0IV2x2YBwBbYP-l00TOtdPyzXkbx_vhdabF8hpdcMheN-Jrjidx3wic0peuGlBx3fUdIWK3DFsY8/s1600/CAM_0663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw67DEIA9CvLFihNO6HwKzEXxfE4Q1uJ6sjitBTcH57Yp3VLfEk-zylTvNStqUfXi0IV2x2YBwBbYP-l00TOtdPyzXkbx_vhdabF8hpdcMheN-Jrjidx3wic0peuGlBx3fUdIWK3DFsY8/s320/CAM_0663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So lots going on here and I hope you all have a very good week whatever you are doing.<br />
<br />Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-28740150038956689532010-09-10T08:30:00.000-07:002010-09-10T08:30:52.444-07:00Friday 10th SeptemberHello I hope everyone has had a good week. Its been a hectic one here as it was the first full week back at school, its been hard work getting used to the new routine but now we are settled and looking forward to the weekend.<br />
<br />
Its been a busy week on the fibre front as well. I have started to organise the winter weaving and knitting for the online shop and had a dye run in the week as well. Aside from dyeing up samples for a customer in the US of silk roving there are new hand dyed wool rovings for sale in the Etsy shop, do have a look, I am going to have a hard time letting these go!<br />
<br />
On the loom this week is the lambswool and silk scarf I mentioned in last week's posting, pictures below,<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacc1I8fSSwENhRvzUx0Vn5kBlmu3FDD7BEOX-1jPbGwcWKqias-Cr8xPWJfu1eVLAjt-fpw9d0WpjslJVASRRL30QGifwJm2qsc58exB0dSebqGf0jKoha8h-OlQmLGSZFuzrm51XfsE/s1600/CAM_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacc1I8fSSwENhRvzUx0Vn5kBlmu3FDD7BEOX-1jPbGwcWKqias-Cr8xPWJfu1eVLAjt-fpw9d0WpjslJVASRRL30QGifwJm2qsc58exB0dSebqGf0jKoha8h-OlQmLGSZFuzrm51XfsE/s320/CAM_0624.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This shows the work in progress, the ten outer threads on each side are just lambswool and the rest of the dents are threaded with one lambswool and one gold silk thread.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFb6CTz3h_lCTnnHAcP8H-ha5-dVH8OyJjcoqdkIpuRrlo4QUz9tnDP_RHINeS0uzqyr1sgiPUK7CiZo6QxsWOJ2i8dd-krHxCjl0Gv_h1_uoXeH6PfG46YU_v_JGw5PWhDB5NVNposQ/s1600/CAM_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFb6CTz3h_lCTnnHAcP8H-ha5-dVH8OyJjcoqdkIpuRrlo4QUz9tnDP_RHINeS0uzqyr1sgiPUK7CiZo6QxsWOJ2i8dd-krHxCjl0Gv_h1_uoXeH6PfG46YU_v_JGw5PWhDB5NVNposQ/s320/CAM_0625.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is a closeup of the pattern showing the "ridges" running the length of the scarf, these are made by threading 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4,4, so a double half twill.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga597wEDPw-eShTtYH0EMMbZ-6HejDY8KI2gXLNnuYdTEM_WyI-_tU95NgdRECst2Z2ckq2QsHrUsXosqJp71qCO-3J4icy9lvZRJ_zRmRbLUCWgbJ4CpLW9voU7Kb6iQ3WEz-jjjuPPw/s1600/CAM_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga597wEDPw-eShTtYH0EMMbZ-6HejDY8KI2gXLNnuYdTEM_WyI-_tU95NgdRECst2Z2ckq2QsHrUsXosqJp71qCO-3J4icy9lvZRJ_zRmRbLUCWgbJ4CpLW9voU7Kb6iQ3WEz-jjjuPPw/s320/CAM_0626.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This shows a closeup of the warp threads so you can see the gold silk thread alongside the lambswool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also I am spinning up some Shetland Rovings that were purchased from Jamieson and Smith on the Shetland Isles. I bought 500g of Black (which is actually dark brown), 500g of fawn and 500g of white. Once these are spun up I am hoping to make a double weave shetland throw in a tartan style pattern and also knit some fairisle cushion covers. Hopefully these will go into the online shop. Unless they are snaffled by older daughters for their homes!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaA9YcKNn3D5O0eaA5FDR6iuynGKGUlgueTDeGlRPSackjhLCkTkFysstpptVGylUxxh-IE8ZhfOkMR1VhM6xbN_ogu95-p08gLsLDdE9u7RWybQUaTVvMAcsCypT2npiSibdhhK-LUc/s1600/CAM_0622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaA9YcKNn3D5O0eaA5FDR6iuynGKGUlgueTDeGlRPSackjhLCkTkFysstpptVGylUxxh-IE8ZhfOkMR1VhM6xbN_ogu95-p08gLsLDdE9u7RWybQUaTVvMAcsCypT2npiSibdhhK-LUc/s320/CAM_0622.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is the first of the white being spun up and below</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfVkGNUoxDeRZ86Sh5ifY3dWZIv1umTMQWgGKyoRhi_OysoVH7xah-rF2EUBEpNvO49bTCfHOv06KldQrWs46vyuf-s5uHV99758_XpN18OekYip87h98ZH83tbWSFqhagIP4zirDiww/s1600/CAM_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfVkGNUoxDeRZ86Sh5ifY3dWZIv1umTMQWgGKyoRhi_OysoVH7xah-rF2EUBEpNvO49bTCfHOv06KldQrWs46vyuf-s5uHV99758_XpN18OekYip87h98ZH83tbWSFqhagIP4zirDiww/s320/CAM_0623.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
is the second hank of black before it was washed to set the twist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So a busy week allround and I am looking forward to a little R and R this weekend. Eldest daughter has come to stay so lots of fibery chat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have fun with your fibre, whatever you are doing and it would be lovely to hear from anyone with pictures of their projects and favourite looms/wheels.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-36285004286145794082010-09-03T02:06:00.000-07:002010-09-03T02:06:40.467-07:00Friday 3rd September 2010Well, the summer holidays are over and the children are settled back into school. Apologies for not having posted anything since the beginning of July but it has been an incredibly busy time.<br />
<br />
During the break I have been busy sorting out my yarn stash, I am sure it keeps growing behind my back, I really dont remember buying some of it!! Anyone else have that problem?<br />
<br />
I shall be having a carpet fitted in my workroom soon so have got to get down to a major clearout of fibres and yarns, I may just have a sale on my etsy shop and clear some of it out the way for good. <br />
<br />
I shall be dyeing up lots more fibre and roving soon and putting that up for sale in my online shop so keep checking back for progress. <br />
<br />
Spinning up at the moment is 500g of brown wensleydale roving and hand dyed silk roving which together look very nice. This is being spun very fine using the higher ratio smaller whorl on the Minstrel wheel.<br />
<br />
I have a warp of lambswool and gold thread waiting to be put on the Glimakra julia loom and shall be threading up a four shaft pattern from the latest edition of Handwoven magazine.<br />
<br />
My older daughter is now eight months pregnant and we are excitedly waiting for the arrival of baby and lots of knitting is still being done plus a floor quilt that I am making. Hoping desperately to get it all finished in time.<br />
<br />
I would always be interested to hear from anyone who has any questions about spinning or weaving or just wants to chat fibre in general.<br />
<br />
Signing off for now fibre fans, more soon.<br />
<br />Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9126883981041051484.post-16187255311310480872010-07-02T04:05:00.000-07:002010-07-02T04:05:26.582-07:00Friday 2nd JulyPersonally I am glad the heat of the sun has abated a little. I was beginning to feel like a roast chicken, I dont think I have ever had such a good tan just from being outside in the garden, sorting fleece and walking the mad dogs on the beach.<br />
<br />
I have managed to find a little time this week to progress with the weaving, a silk and merino scarf is almost finished on the Glimakra Julia loom, with a fine gold coloured silk warp and a hand dyed gold laceweight merino weft. Done in a geometric pattern, its looking quite good.<br />
<br />
The summer holidays are looming, if you will pardon the pun, and I am trying hard to get as much fibre sorted and dyed and in the shop before they start. Not that the girls are too much trouble but I really do like to choose my own colours for dyeing, my eight year old's idea of colour is not quite the same as mine!!<br />
<br />
Colour plays a big part in my life as I am sure it does in yours,especially with regard to the atmosphere in our homes. The colours we choose to decorate our rooms for instance, have a big effect on whether a room is relaxing or energising. Blue is cool and dreamy, red or orange vibrant and energetic. So too with the clothes we wear so next time you are choosing some fibre for spinning or felting or some yarn for knitting or weaving or simply designing a project, give consideration to the colours you will be using and how this will affect your moods when wearing the finished article or if it is to be soft furnishings, where in the house it will be placed. If you choose a lovely calming blue or green then will those gloves or mittens or even socks be a warm choice for the winter months or would you rather wrap your fingers and toes in some warm colours, deep browns, reds, oranges.<br />
<br />
Again if you are making a shawl, will this be a lightweight shawl for the summer evenings and need to be a calming colour, pastel shades perhaps to go with the balmy mood of a summers night or if it is a winter shawl and to be in thicker yarn, then some deeper shades will be better.<br />
<br />
There is such a lot to consider and if you manage to get all these things into place at the time of design then the finished article will give you so much more pleasure.<br />
<br />
Right, more later fibre fans, the mad dogs are now demanding their daily exercise.Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13909394309130096578noreply@blogger.com0