Category: spinning

Year of Projects: Week 4/52

Posted on Posted in dyeing, knitting, spinning, Year of ProjectsTagged 15 Comments

Knitting

I finished my Pumqueen Cardi this week! I hope to have finished my Halloween Livie shawl by next week.

Dyeing

I spent most of my week dyeing this gorgeous kit for an up and coming knitting pattern designer. We’re both pleased with how it came out. I’m particularly happy with the black. This is nonsuperwash merino and silk fingering weight yarn.

I had a black dye bath to exhaust, so decided to try my hand at dyeing fiber for spinning. This is some merino sliver from my stash. Of course I went for Halloween colors. I’ve dyed wool fiber for felting but not for spinning, so we’ll see how this spins up.

Spinning

I finished spinning and plying this Blue Faced Leicester (BFL) fiber from a local farm, and I love it. I think my spinning is getting more even. I enjoyed working with this fiber so much, I’m going to try dyeing it and then offering it in the shop for spinners.

This has been a Year of Projects (YOP) update. You can read my updated list here, and my original list at this link. You can find out more about the group on Ravelry or Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list.

Halloween in July: Wednesday WIPs

Posted on Posted in knitting, spinning, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged , , , , , , 11 Comments

Kathy is hosting Christmas in July (or whatever holiday you like) and I am low-key participating with Halloween in July.

My Livie shawl is growing, and I’ve cast on my 2 Spooky Hat kit which I purchased last October. I don’t have a Halloween hat, and I’m on a mission to remedy that by October 1! I finished my Pumqueen Cardigan, which I’ll post about on Friday.

I’m still spinning (almost) daily for Tour de Fleece. I’m 3/4 of the way through this farm BFL braid. Tomorrow I’ll finish spinning it. On Friday I’ll ply. Then comes my favorite part: dyeing! What colors should I dye it? I’m thinking of experimenting with winter holiday colors.

What are you working on this week?

Wednesday WIPs

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, spinning, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged , , 13 Comments

I finished one button band on my Pumqueen Cardi and sewed ribbon to the facing. Once I’ve blocked it, I’ll hand stitch that down to the inside. I’ll start knitting the other button band today, but I’ll need to wait until I get the buttons to finish it with the buttonholes and everything.

I also cut out a Clyde Jumpsuit in indigo midweight linen. I barely squeaked it out of my three yards. Good thing I needed the short size!

I also started spinning some farm BFL roving today. I think BFL may be my new favorite fiber.

2022-2023 Year of Projects Week 2

Posted on Posted in dyeing, knitting, sewing, spinning, Year of ProjectsTagged 11 Comments

Completed Knitting

  1. Pumqueen Cardigan in Cascade BFL
  2. Halloween Livie

Knitting To Do List

  1. Arrowhead Cardigan in Lettlopi
  2. Powdermill
  3. Knitter’s Dude in Comfy for Bob
  4. That Old Christmas Moon Shawl
  5. Auchnaha in Schiehallion in Mooring
  6. Cozy Autumn Socks
  7. Peaceful Lodge Sweater
  8. Taxus Mitts in Tukuwool Fingering
  9. Holiday Doodle Cowl
  10. Christmas Pudding Socks
  11. Willow in Moonstone Arcadia
  12. Super Simple Summer Sweater in Cestari Ash Lawn
  13. Seavaiger
  14. Hansel Hap in Ramsay Farms fawn katmoget Shetland with Jamieson and Smiths for trim colors
  15. Summer Solstice Wrap
  16. Stash Aurealis
  17. Glenan in Tarheelbilly Farm Tunis (I may dye this)
  18. Skipwith in black Rauma Finullgarn
  19. Undulation Shawl in Shilasdair Tansy
  20. Straw Cardigan in Tukuwool DK
  21. ‘Onipa’a Shawl in Mindful Folk yarn
  22. Peerie Flooers. I have the J&S Shetland yarn for the original version of this that you can see in the show Shetland.
  23. Celtic Tree Handwarmers
  24. Long sleeve Treit in Foxglove
  25. Sunset Slouch
  26. Strom Cardigan
  27. Peace Fleece Ronan in Siberian Midnight
  28. Brown Felt Cowgirl Hat
  29. Vintersol in Wing and a Prayer Farm yarn

Completed Sewing

  1. Free Range Slacks in Black Linen
  2. Free Range Slacks in Olive Linen
  3. Clyde Jumpsuit in Indigo Linen
  4. Marvel-ous Shirt for Bob
  5. Zero Waste Gather Dress
  6. Tekura Tees

Sewing To Do List

  1. Mocha Tunic in yellow linen
  2. Florence Top in cream floral linen
  3. Ophelia Overall shorts in red linen
  4. Ottobre blouse in Liberty blue paisley lawn
  5. Lauren Boyfriend Shirt in aqua and apricot linens
  6. Two A-line Tees in batiked cottons
  7. Audrey Pants in black brushed cotton twill and gray cotton twill
  8. Ophelia Overalls in teal corduroy
  9. A Logan Shacket in navy wool flannel
  10. Ottobre Coat in black wool floral embossed coating

Completed Dyeing

  1. I dyed my handspun with some leftover acid dyes.
  2. Gourd Party colorway for the shop
  3. I custom dyed this kit for a knitting pattern designer.

Completed Spinning

  1. Tour de Fleece is going well. I spun and plied this Targhee from Allegheny Fiber Arts. I really enjoyed spinning Targhee. It’s one of my favorite fibers. I still need to set this hank with a good soak.
  2. I spun and plied 4 ounces of farm BFL.

This is my running list for a Year of Projects 2022-2023. You can read my starting list here. You can find out more about the group on Ravelry or Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list.

Music for a Found YOPmonium

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, spinning, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged , , , , 15 Comments

This week I was listening to a Celtic music playlist — because Celtic music is my happy music — and in the middle of this playlist (at 29:25 to be exact) along came a song I recognized… from Napoleon Dynamite! If you are curious, the scene is at this link. Our family loves Napoleon Dynamite, and it is probably one of the most quote worthy films in our house, after A Christmas Story, and Raising Arizona.

Knitting

I am still planning a gansey, knitting one row per day on Arrowhead, and stimming in stockinette on Freya’s Musselburgh. I’m angry about my Vertices Unite, probably because the indigo dyed yarn rubs off on my hands. And I had my nails done this week, which match my gansey swatch!

Since apparently I’m bored with my current knitting, I am going to knit a swatch for another project: Auchnaha. It’s a cardigan that is currently only available through Kate Davies’ Argyll’s Secret Coast Club, which I am really enjoying. On the left, you see Tukuwool DK in Rohto, which I have in stash. On the right is Kate Davies’ Schiehallion in Mooring, which I would have to order. I get a club discount though, and I like that this yarn is smoother than the Tukuwool. But the Tuku may knit up just fine, and smooth out during blocking, so I’m going to give it a try. Both yarns are a blue-green color that I thought would be nice for spring.

Sewing

I have cut out the wool melton for my royal blue Clare coat, as well as the Thinsulate. I’m waiting on some interfacing before I do any more. I’ve also added a couple of new pieces to my spring wardrobe sewing: a Melba Dress in black cotton jersey and a Norman Jumpsuit in eggplant linen. I have the fabric, but I did buy the patterns — although one was a free bonus pattern with a discount code, which I felt good about.

Spinning

My spinning continues to improve. I should do more of it.

This has been a Year Of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.

S is for Sunday, Socks, Spinning, and Sewing

Posted on Posted in finished objects, knitting, sewing, socks, spinning, Year of ProjectsTagged , , , , 20 Comments

Knitting

I finished my Gourd Party socks! I love them.

Spinning

I made yarn! Okay, it’s thick and thin novelty yarn. It’s fine. I think I may dye it and knit a hat with it. It’s “wool top” that came with the wheel. I’m not ready to practice on my Coopworth fleece or pretty dyed roving. But I might try Shetland next.

Plying by Firelight

Our power went out today so I made use of the time by finishing up spinning a bobbin, and then plying my two full bobbins. By firelight. Because I have all the power that is necessary. Also I assembled my lazy kate.

Sewing

Before our power went out, I was sewing on my shacket. The inside of this fabric is almost as pretty as the outside. So much so, I debated which side to use for a minute. All I have left is the collar, the hemming, and to sew the snaps on!

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.

YOP Lang Syne

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, spinning, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged 20 Comments

And with that, I will cease inserting “YOP” into the titles of carols.

Knitting

I started the Vertices Unite KAL that Sarah is hosting. It’s a super fun knit!

Sewing

I’ve cut out my first Logan Shacket in this gorgeous plaid heavy flannel from deep stash. I didn’t have enough for the pockets, so I may see if I can find a solid cotton flannel that will suit.

Spinning

I took my spinning wheel class, and I’m improving. I’m going to practice for 15 minutes every evening.

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.

Wovember Year of Projects Update: All The Wool

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, spinning, Year of ProjectsTagged , 22 Comments

Knitting

I finished something and frogged something and updated my list. In the meantime I’ve been looking for something shiny to bring my knitting twinkle back. Something new, in Christmas Red.

I have some gorgeous Fibre Company Arranmore that’s been languishing in my stash. The color is a beautiful red named Ruari. I think I’m going to make a Ranunculus. I looked at other projects for this pattern, and some have been made in Aran weight. It looks just the thing: top down, festive lace at the yoke for holiday cheer, and then loads of stockinette.

Sewing

Me wearing my wool Plateau Joggers

I’m really on a roll with my sewing. I have a bushel basket on my sewing table that I keep my current WIPS in, and it’s empty! I think I will pull out that plaid flannel that want to make into a wrap skirt. Having projects out inspires me to work on them. However, I am having trouble finding a pattern. It looks like I will have to take measurements and make my own pattern. This is a good exercise for me, as I haven’t done it in over a decade.

Spinning

My first attempt. I’m going to keep practicing on the merino top they sent until I get something usable. Progress not perfection!

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.

It’s Beginning to YOP a Lot Like Christmas

Posted on Posted in knitting, life, scarves and cowls, sewing, spinning, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged , , , 21 Comments

I haven’t posted for Year of Projects (YOP) in a few weeks. I haven’t really been focused on crafting. But I did update my list today.

Knitting

I added this cowl, which is the Marled Alaska Cowl (Ravelry link) in Moondrake’s Soft Shawl, colorways Driftwood and Zombie held together. I should be able to finish this up this week.

I had to frog my Stash Aurealis. After I got through the short rows and increases for the yoke, my stitch count was wrong. At first I was going to fudge it, then I realized that would be silly as it is a very small bit of knitting that I can certainly reknit quickly once my head is in the right place. So that project will be disappeared back into the yarn tubs for now.

I removed some projects from my list that I can’t see myself making anytime soon.

Sewing

I added my Plateau Joggers, which are now cut out and ready to sew.

Today I will make some Canada, Eh? flannel PJ pants for Bob. He has requested pockets, so I hope the pocket pattern from one of my dresses will do as a template.

Spinning

M’lady
M’lady Bug

I added spinning to my list. My goals this year are modest. 1. Relearn to spin 2. Improve my spinning.

Listening to Music Intentionally

I removed this from my list. I’ve been enjoying indie folk playlists on YouTube that are themed by season or mood. It’s like hygge Muzak and is really the opposite of listening to music intentionally. But it’s nice background music and helps calm my nervous system.

We had snow flurries yesterday and the holidays are right around the corner! I’ve finished my shopping. It was easy as everyone is getting a Fair Trade Subscription. It feels good going into the season without many have-to-dos. I’m going to bake Rosemary Shortbread Stars today.

This has been a Year of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.

Thursday Three: New for Me

Posted on Posted in art, reading, spinning, The Just CraftTagged , , , 12 Comments

Reading

I have borrowed and purchased many books this year, but reading them has been a struggle. Recently, Liz recommended “Making a Life: Working by Hand and Discovering the Life You Are Meant to Live” by Melanie Falick.

My heart needed this book. It answers my questions about why humans need to make things by hand, and it feeds my soul. It’s a beautiful, large, hardback, coffee table book. But it’s not sitting on my coffee table. It’s on my nightstand, waiting for me to read a chapter every night before bed. I feel like I’m opening a family bible or an old dictionary, the way I used to when I was a child — in wonder and awe and reverence.

Polymer Clay

I decided to try something new! This is my first attempt at polymer clay. I had an “idea” (pumpkin pie with a yarn ball of whipped cream) so I bought a book, some clay, and some tools. I would say that, as a first attempt, it’s okay, and I’m happy with that. It’s a lot harder than it looks, and I probably won’t be doing much of it. It makes my hands messy and I don’t like the way it feels on my skin.

Coopworth Fleece Roving – I wish you could smell it. It smells delicious!

Spinning

I purchased a spinning wheel! I had a spinning wheel way back in the day. It was one of the many things that I had to sell off during the migration of 2010 (aka The Great Upheaval). I was never a very good spinner, but I enjoyed it. I think with practice I could become a mediocre spinner, and I would feel good about that. I have a Coopworth fleece that is ready to spin into a sweater quantity of yarn, although I will probably practice on some Shetland first.

Letting Go

I’ve also decided to let go of some things. I’ve decided to let the podcast go. I realized it would take more time, money, and energy than I have to really make it work. I’m letting go of art shows. If I want to make art I will, but I don’t want anymore deadlines. Art shows also require an investment of money, time, and energy that I don’t have at the moment. I’m letting go of some subscriptions that are no longer bringing me joy.

What about you? Have you tried anything new lately? Or are you letting anything go?