Twister's Yarns

President's Message for April

2006-04-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

As I traveled the back roads, on my way to Fibrefest last Friday morning, I was amazed and delighted by all the daffodils that grow along Bradner Road. The weather was not very inspiring – it was drizzling, grey and chilly. But nothing was going to dampen my spirits. I was off to teach a couple of workshops and to hang out with other fibre junkies for the day – so I only noticed the lovely things along my way.

Life’s like that. When I am in a good mood, my house is lovely, cozy and artistically busy. When I am in a sour mood, I notice the cracked paint, the dust bunnies, and the endless piles of clutter. So, keep me in a good mood – keep me busy with fibre. Last weekend was just the way to do that. Imagine two days devoted to just about every aspect of the fibre arts you can think of, with a specialization in spinning, weaving, knitting and felting. That’s what Fibrefest was all about. For those of you who didn’t make it there, I encourage you to go next year. After all, how often does an international gathering of fibre enthusiasts happen in your own backyard?

As the Langley Weavers and Spinners Guild, we have an important role to play at such a gathering. We had an information, selling and demonstration booth looked after by Barbara , Heleen, and Liz . Others put their items in for sale and checked in from time to time. Our booth was quite impressive. We had a variety of items for sale ranging from finely woven scarves and blankets, carefully crafted jackets, carded batts, shawl kits, felted purses and of course, Shari’s “Wild Wacky Women”. I hung around on Saturday demonstrating and visiting with folks.

Fibrefest is a bit like Old Homecoming Week. What amazed me this year was the number of young women, the twenty-somethings who were interested in learning how to spin, having recently caught the knitting bug. We often worry about who is going to carry on the craft and who is going to keep these arts alive. Despite what the media report about that group being a “consumer” generation – I saw something quite different in the young people I spoke with. They have an appreciation for things made by hand, they also have an excitement and pride about creating something for themselves or others. They come to the craft with their own sense of style, and colour and ideas of how to use handspun yarn. As I looked at some of the items they were proudly wearing I happily thought to myself, “—we are in good hands.”

Keep spinning,
Diana

President's Message for March

2006-03-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

Last month our guild accomplished something truly inspiring. We made a total of 85 hats for cancer survivors. Using our skills and creativity we gave people the chance to feel beautiful and loved despite being in the throes of one of the worst diseases we can imagine. The February meeting is usually the time where we show each other the finery we have made for one another from the “Fibres from the Heart” activity. But this time we really stretched what “from the Heart” can mean and created an abundance of hats for many to enjoy. Representatives from the Canadian Cancer Society were mightily impressed and touched by our generosity, and so was I. Thank you.

On a whole other note, we have a great deal of things coming up really soon and I am going to need lots of people to step up to the plate and help out:

First, we have information/selling tables at Fibrefest International – March 31 and April 1. We will be setting up a display on one of the tables and the other table (and spaces in between) is available for those who are interested in selling their fibre fare. Please contact me if you are interested in working the table, or selling your items. So far Liz Scrimes and Barbara Braaten have expressed an interest in participating. There is room for others.

Secondly, on the following weekend, we will have a guild display table at the Bradner Flower Show. We have a lovely central table at which you will be able to display and sell your goods, as long as you bring along something to demonstrate. If you are interested, please contact me, I will find someone to coordinate the event and get times organized.

Third, the Surrey Museum is hosting a Sheep-to-Shawl in May (don’t have the concrete details) but if you are interested in being part of the team or coordinating the event please contact me.

And finally – whew, almost over, thanks to Denise Parks, we have the use of a display case at the Guilford library in October and the Fleetwood Library in September. Anyone interested in coordinating the display please see me.

Well, that ought to keep us busy. Wait to read about all the workshops and other events. Now go outside and enjoy those daffodils.
Keep spinning,

Diana

President's Message for February

2006-03-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

Today the sun was shining and I believed for the first time in a long while that the cosmic joke of our winter was actually over. Who could imagine so much rain, every single day, over and over and over again? I had forgotten what the mountains surrounding us looked like, but today, there they were.

This is my second year as President of the Guild. It’s been a good run and I have enjoyed it. My work life is changing and for that reason I can’t take on a third term as President. I will still be involved in the Guild, I just can’t take on the extra responsibility of being President next year. I wanted to let you know as soon as I decided this so we could think about who we want next and more importantly, what we want in a President. Our Guild is large. We have over 100 members involved in weaving, spinning, knitting, felting, beading, basketry, dyeing and I’m sure I’m leaving something out. We are a dynamic teaching Guild and word on the street has it that we are "hot and happening." So take a look around at your fellow Guild members and see who we want as our next President, or maybe that person is you. Well, are you up for it? You have until May to think about it and decide.

We will talk more about this at the meeting. The meeting where we will hopefully meet our challenge of making ONE HUNDRED HATS for Cancer survivors. We have decided that members will be able to purchase a hat for someone dear to them struggling with cancer. All money collected and remaining hats will be donated to a well respected Cancer agency. Please look into this and have some ideas for us to discuss at the meeting.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Yarn Harlot’s 2006 Knitting Olympics
On the other side of the planet athletes from all over the world have gathered to test their strength, skills and expertise at their winter sport. And, thanks to our dear cyber friend, the Yarn Harlot, (the woman who’s blog I introduced you to in the last newsletter) we fibre artists won’t be left out. For she has called all knitters to participate in the Knitting Olympics. (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/olympics2006.html
Eligibility: Any knitter who, embracing the "Citius, Alitius Fortius" ideal, would like to challenge themselves while embracing the Olympic spirit, and is just whacked enough to play along with me.
Concept: You must cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics (Feb 10)- and finish before the Olympic flame goes out (Feb 26). That's 16 days.
Rules:
1. The project must be a challenge for you to complete in 16 days.
2. There are no rules about what a challenge would be. Like the real Olympics, there are many areas to compete in. If you are a new knitter, then a garter stitch baby sweater might do...If you are experienced, well. I've already considered Torino. Use your own conscience.
3. While this is intended to be somewhat difficult (like the Olympics) it is not intended to ruin your life. Don't set yourself up for failure. (Olympic athletes may cry, but they do not whine pitifully, sob and threaten members of their family with pointed sticks because they haven't slept in five days.) This is intended to (like the Olympics) require some measure of sacrifice, and be difficult, but it should be possible to attain.
4. No casting on before the flame is lit.
5. Finish before the flame goes out.
6. You may swatch before the games. (I consider this "training.")
I know, by the time you read this message, the Opening Ceremonies will be over. But don’t be discouraged. Just grab a challenging pattern, or an unfinished item that has had you stumped and get knitting. See how far you can get before the flame is out and anytime you want to just give up. . . take a hard look at those speed skaters going round and round the ice. Talk about dedication and persistence. So have some fun, set yourself up for a good challenge and don’t take yourself (or your knitting) too seriously.

President's Message for January

2006-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is over and we can finally relax and get back to our most decent obsession, FIBRE! With the recent weather system (rain, rain, and more rain with a bit of wind thrown in) it is indeed a great time to be inside the house carding, spinning, weaving, knitting and playing with fibre in general. And while I am doing a lot of that and have several projects on the go, I also have another wee obsession, reading Knitting Blogs. Let me explain.

My full time job involves working on a computer receiving and sending numerous emails throughout the day. Believe it or not, to take a break from my work related tasks, I check out Knitting Blogs on the Internet. I don’t know the official definition of a blog, but it is public, web-based journal of sorts. On a blog you can talk about your interests, post photos, identify links and engage your readers in the form of comments/responses to your postings. Individual people like you and me can create and maintain a blog and there are dozens, hundreds out there. Of course, there are only about a handful worth reading, but there are many that can take up your time. If you are so inclined, and computer savy, check out some knitting/fibre arts blogs. Here are a couple of my favourites:

Sweet Georgia (http://sweetgeorgia.planetfishdesign.com) This wonderful gal is an absolutely compulsive, (she makes me look like a sloth) spinner, knitter and dyer. And, to top it all off, she works full time!

Another fun one is The Yarn Harlot (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog) in the title she states: Where Stephanie Pearl-McPhee goes on (and on) about knitting. Both of these blogs have wonderful photos accompanying their stories and adventures in the fibre arts. The Yarn Harlot has a list of links to other knitting/fibre blogs so you can read for hours. . . . but you won’t do that because you will become so inspired by her creations that you’ll want to get back to yours in a hurry.

So that rounds it out. We are in for a good year. We’ve got some good workshops planned for you and of course there is the annual gathering Fibrefest International, right in our own backyard to take advantage of. Visit www.fibrefestinternational.com and check out the workshops planned there, or contact Maureen to get information about it. See you at the meeting, and happy spinning!

Diana

President's November Message

2005-11-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

Yet again I am in an awkward moment while writing my President’s Message. As I write this, the final plans are being made to ensure that our annual Artisan’s Sale will be a sensation, but by the time you read this, it will all be over.

So I am only going to say this about it – the sale will be an outstanding success. It will be that way because of the dedication, persistence, creativity and attention to detail that Shari Taylor has put towards the task. It will also be a success because of the large group of people who have helped in a variety of ways to ensure that this huge showcase event gets off the ground. There are too many to thank. Thank you for all of your work. Not only does the guild benefit from this event, but also individual members of our guild stand to make some money and get their names and work out for public display.

There are a lot of educational activities going on in the guild these days. The Beginning Class met on October 26 for our first introductory meeting. Nine members showed up full of enthusiasm to learn the art and craft of spinning. Our next class is November 9th and we hope to have the other two classes completed by the beginning of December. There are going to be many more spinners swirling around the guild in the very near future. There is also a beginning weaving class with several registrants and a knitting class that will be starting shortly after Christmas. If you have not yet signed up for a class but would like to do so, please contact any member of the workshop committee.

On another note, in February we are going to have a program called “Hats from the Heart”. For this event, guild members are all encouraged to knit, crochet, weave, felt a hat (of any size) that would be comfortable on a bald head. We are planning to donate these hats to the Cancer Society in memory of several of our guild sisters who have succumbed to this hateful disease. Our goal is to ensure that those who are struggling through the recovery period and have lost their hair in the process can do so in comfort and grace.

We have approximately 100 members in our guild so here’s a challenge: At the February meeting let’s collect ONE HUNDRED HATS. One hundred hats to give to cancer survivors so they can feel warm, loved and most importantly, beautiful in a new hat. While we encourage you to use your softest homespun yarns, for this project we are opening the fibre options to acrylic and other commercially created yarns. If you have any questions about “Hats for the Heart” or would like to donate some yarn please contact me.

Over and out -- Diana

Langley Weavers and Spinners Guild -- President's Message: October 2005

2005-10-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

Several members of our guild helped the community celebrate the Cranberry Festival by participating in a demonstration Sheep-to-Shawl event at the Fort Wine Company in Glen Valley. It was a fantastic event. Dian Grant was our weaver; Ann Embra was the interpreter, who also did a full day of spinning; Shari Taylor plied, carded and wound bobbins; Krista Graham, Liz Scrimes and I were the spinners. We arrived at 9 to set-up for an event to begin at 10. No sooner had we completed the set-up than drops of rain started to fall, and fall, and fall. The tent was crowded to begin with, but once the rain started we noticed that we were all getting wet at the edges, so we had to move in another foot or so. It was cozy spinning and then Krista showed up. Thankfully, the rain didn’t last for long, and by the mid-point of the day, splashes of sun had started to appear.
The shawl we created that day is beautiful. The colours, design and craftsman’s ship are all superb. As usual, the best part of the day was sitting in the company of fibre gals, chatting, laughing, and sharing ideas and interests. And, oh, how the public loves us. Kids run up to us to ask questions about the wool, sheep, making yarn and "can I try it please?" It was a good day and I was reminded yet again why I do this. I do this because I love to make beautiful things. Beautiful things can, at times, take a lot of work and effort, but the beauty of it helps us to remember the day(s) when we made it.
Happy Thanksgiving. I know it will be well over by the time you receive this, but I do want to share my thoughts of thankfulness with you all.

Keep spinning!

Diana

Standards and Jurying -- A Few Thoughts on the Subject

2005-09-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

In our Guild, the Langley Weavers and Spinners, whenever we talk about Standards and Jurying, we couch it in the gentlest terms, continually making reference to the fact that many are nervous about or uncomfortable with the notion of having their work “judged”.

Our guild standards are a set of carefully constructed guidelines for all aspects of our craft, developed to ensure that the products created and made available to the public are of top quality.

Jurying for our annual Artisan’s Sale is a straightforward process. There’s the paperwork piece that is first checked. We make sure that each item is correctly labeled and recorded on the master sheet so the fibre artist will get credit (and hopefully remuneration) for her piece. Then we carefully look at each item and assess the quality.

Here’s what that looks like – if it’s a pair of mittens, are they the same size? Are the ends woven in? If it’s a hat, will it fit on a head, if a sweater, do the buttons line up with the buttonholes; are the sleeves the same length? Will a head fit through a pullover? If it’s a woven item, are there treadling errors? You see where I’m going with this – the things we are looking at are sensible things with regard to the design and creation of an item. Are there noticeable errors in the design or patterning?

In the event that there are problems with an item, often times it can be repaired. Suggestions are made and the fibre artist has the option to do so and still get her item into the sale.

The long and short of it is this. Jurying to ensure guild standards are adhered to is not rocket science or one of the great mysteries of the universe. We aren’t looking for perfection, that is ridiculous. We are looking to ensure that items have a finished, high quality look to them. This may run contrary to some people’s idea of “homespun” and “handmade” and I think that is where some of the tension around jurying comes from. And “jurying” is not an arbitrary affair. When an item is selected as a possible rejection, the entire Jurying committee discusses the issue, to make sure that all agree.

So please, if fear of having your work judged is what is preventing you from adding your pieces to the Artisan’s Sale, rest assured. You are among friends.

Langley Weavers and Spinners Guild -- President's Message for September

2005-09-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Here it is, another new year. As a mother and a teacher I think of September and the return to school as a New Year. And our Guild is the same way. We take a break for the summer months and in the fall, gather again and share our ideas, learning and creations. So it feels brand new, like we can start all over again.

We have got some great things planned for you this year. Our Workshop/Education committee is taking a “Back to Basics” approach to fibre arts this year. We have several workshops planned: beginning felting, spinning, knitting, weaving, basketry, paper making and drum carding. Because we know that you will want to take several, if not all of the workshops, we are striving to find ways to make them affordable. So roll up your sleeves and get going on what you’ve always wanted to do. . . have many more reasons to play with fibre.

Our annual Artisan’s Sale is shaping up to be an amazing day. Shari Taylor, with her usual ingenuity, fantastic energy, and unstoppable enthusiasm has transformed our annual sale into a celebration of the season and creativity. “Falling into Fibre” is our theme. At the September meeting we will be helping each member find ways to help us make this annual event a success. Not only is it a major fundraiser for the guild, but it is also our biggest chance to showcase the work of our members and our craft in general. So, welcome back. I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting and making plans for our New Year.

Diana -- President of the group where “spinning your wheels” is actually a productive activity.

Shawl-mania

2005-07-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of knitting projects, both in progress and to be completed by the end of the summer:

Sweater for David: have the body done, and one sleeve. Need to make another sleeve, then join them all together, do the yoke, cut the steek (eek), trim the edges, make buttonholes, add buttons and done. May need to spin up another ball of triple ply chocolate perendale.

Socks for John: One sock is made up to the heel. All the yarn in made. Everything I need is efficiently located in one bag.

Shawl for Shari: simple summer shawl made on size 10 mm needles with lovely varigated silk and wool yarn. Yarn already to go, wound up into nice balls. Pattern in my head. Cast on 4, knit one, yarn over, knit to the end. Do this until you either run outta yarn or it is the width you want. Block it. Add artsy fringe on three points with beads to give weight to it.

Green shawl using Liz's yarn: Lovely yarn, amazing colour of green with ply of delicately varigated silk. Again a simple summer shawl using size 10mm needles. The increases happen down the middle of the shawl allowing it to drape elegantly over the shoulders.
Here's the pattern:
Cast on three stitches.
Row one: Knit one, put stitch marker in, yarn over, knit one, yarn over, knit one.
Row two: Knit to the end.
In all the following odd rows, increase by two stitches each time by doing a yarn over on either side of the central knit. So row three will be, knit 2, yarn over, knit one, yarn over, knit 2.
Knit all even rows.
Unlike the pattern above, this one is knit from the top edge (the part that hand around your shoulders) down. The other one you knit from the bottom point up to the top part that hangs around your shoulders.

Varigated blues silk/mohair/wool shawl: I am halfway through this shawl using the pattern I listed in Down to Earth Elegance. The yarn is a double ply I made from a blend of mohair, silk and wool. One single was the warm blues, and the other is purples with hits of bright pink from the silk that really caught the dye.

Last one is a shawl for my friend Dawna. I grew up with Dawna and want to make her a handspun, hand dyed, hand knit shawl. I am combing some Ramboullet X Romney lambs wool and spinning a lace weight single. I have one bobbin made and have started bobbin #2. I hope to have the yarn made by tomorrow so I can dye it and have this to knit on the plane. I don't know which shawl pattern I will use, it will depend on what the yarn looks like in the end.

Clearing the clutter, phase I

2005-07-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

So I needed a Rubbermaid Tote. Like any self respecting fibre artist, I have several at my disposal. Unfortunately they are full of items, but that doesn't deter the determined.

I found the one that had the least sentimental items in it. It was a box from my teaching days down at a drop in centre for sex-trade workers. In it were several lovely craft items, lots of odds and ends and lots of junk. Easy pickin.

Made a box for WISH, one for the give-away and one for the garbage. Now I have the box. After emptying that box and making those "decisions" about where to put the stuff, I was on a roll.

So I entered my bedroom. Yes. I entered my bedroom, pulled the curtain back from my closet and looked inside. Yes, I thought. I am up to this.

One by one I removed the items that I soooooo love, yet haven't worn in ages. I even tempted myself by trying them on. Guess what? Not only were they ugly and horribly out of style, but they didn't fit me anymore.

The reasons for that will be a later posting.

Since they were ugly (and didn't fit me, but we won't talk about that right now) they easily went into the "give-away" pile. Once I got started it was easy. Then I hit my chest of drawers. Man, I have lot's of tops. Remember the grade 6 -7 obsession with "tops"?

"Mom, I need a new top."

"Did you see Dawna? She has a new top."

Wow. What a waste of time. I have more tops to satisfy a village in Africa. It's embarassing. After I sifted through my top drawer I hit the trouser drawer. This is getting easier as I go along. I love this. The give-away pile grew and grew. I had fewer and fewer clothes, but I felt lighter . Less to deal with, less to move around, more to give away.

Now back to the original task, the Rubbermaid box and packing up my studio. . . .

Studio in a box

2005-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter and I are heading to Ottawa in a couple of weeks. My eldest daughter lives there with my mother, my youngest sister lives a few minutes away from her and my brother and his family live a mere 1 1/2 hours away. After being away from family for several years, this trip is a rare treat.

My sister wants to learn how to spin. She's a fibre artist herself, coming at it from the textile industry. It's great how we have grown in similar directions and share the same interests despite not having lived in the same area for the last 14 years.

So I have this studio (dining room) that I need to pack up and bring with me on the plane. Is that possible?

Tricks of the trade needed to instruct spinning:

Spinning wheel -- hopefully she can borrow one in Ottawa, or else I will have to dismantle mine and bring it along -- I'm terrified I won't be able to put it back together and will have killed my best friend.

Drop spindles: Have a terrific one by Ashford and a cute smaller one that I made.

Hand carders: I'd love to bring the drum carder along, . . . . but apparently there are weight restrictions, so we'll have to settle on the elbow grease method.

Mini combs -- I have come to terms with the fact that they won't let me carry them on the plane, so they'd better be safe below. These puppies are expensive!

Fibre: There is so much to choose from, I think I will bring an assortment of romney, ramboullet, dyed romney, dyed perendale rovings, silk, mohair, llama, alpaca and flax. That should keep us busy and give her a wide view of spinning options.

I'd love to do some dyeing while I'm there, but that will have to wait for her visit west. Can't possibly pack up all that stuff.

Now there are all the other bits that I have to decide whether or not to bring along.

Bobbins?? depends on what kind of wheel we will be using.

Niddy noddy? Will it fit?

Ball winder. . .umbrella swift?

Arrrgh.

Think I can just make it simple?. . . drop spindle and a bag of wool.

I think not.

How do the professional fibre arts instructors do it?

Maybe I can bring a rubbermaid tote on the plane. There, I think we are onto something.

Gonna go see if it will all fit. Keep ya posted.

Langley Weavers and Spinners Guild -President's Message for July 2005

2005-07-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

There is a feeling in the air -- and it certainly isn’t summer, yet -- but it is one of optimism. It is optimism because I have time, space and mental energy to devote to my craft. Now I know that I am speaking entirely from my own experience as a full-time college employee, wife, mother of three, former gardener, and passionate fibre artist, but these President’s messages are from my experience, so indulge me.

During the school year I cram my artistic energies into whatever spare time I can find. Breaks at work, meetings, telephone conferences and of course, later in the day, at the arena watching my kids, or in the gym, or even later, in front of my own television. It’s all “found” time. But now it is summertime. And with this amount of time on my hands, what can I accomplish? There is so much open space; I hardly know where to walk.

To make things easier for myself, I can think about it in other terms. When I write my annual “How I spent my Summer Holidays” essay, what do I want to be able to say?

I want to find a way to keep doing it. I know that sounds corny for some of you who have been weaving, spinning, and doing it for years, but for me, I have been cramming it into my life. And something has to give. It is what gives me the greatest pleasure, so why don’t I do it full time? You and I both know the answer. Cause it doesn’t yet pay the bills. Will it ever? One can only hope and, we are back to this season of optimism. So I will carry on and do what gives me great pleasure; teach spinning, wash fleeces, dye fibre, plan events, make lovely and charming garments to wear and give away.

So please, all of you, keep doing what you love. Give the world the opportunity to enjoy your lovely homespun, hand knit, woven and felted objects. We all know the world needs them, it is your talent and therefore your gift. See you in September.

Keep spinning,

Diana

My Bathroom's a Health Hazard

2005-07-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Call the Public Health Authorities, my bathroom hasn't been cleaned since June 7th. Now this is really embarassing. I can actually remember that date because I cleaned it for the Guild Executive meeting that was held at my house that evening. After I cleaned it I admired it for several minutes and made a mental note of how good I felt about myself at that moment. Obviously, it didn't have a deep impact or I would have repeated the event a few more times over the month.

I need to clean it again because I have a friend coming over for a spinning lesson on Tuesday and later in the day am hosting a Guild Spin-in. My friend is definitely not a white glove lady, but I don't know her all that well and want to at least make a decent impression. And the Guild ladies, well they don't need to know the truth about me, at least not yet.

Why have I waited so long to clean it and how could I possibly let it get that bad? I can hear the collective gasps. Like many of you I work fulltime. When I am not working outside the house, I would much rather knit, spin, card, play with kids, talk to husband, drink wine, eat road salt, than clean my bathroom.

The bathroom is located in a small room just off the laundry room which is off the kitchen. It's not like it's a room that is continually within your sight range. And those times that I do have to go into it, I can take careful note of how much more of the mirror is being covered with toothpaste splaters, exactly when the garbage will overflow, and just where that funny odor is coming from. I am part scientist I guess.

When I take the time to do hateful housework, I need a feeling of satisfaction. And let me tell you, after this bathroom is cleaned, I FEEL like WONDER WOMAN. So here's the plan, Tuesday morning I clean the bathroom. During the day wash and dry the bathroom rug and keep the kids out of it -- yes for the day, what are backyards for? Just before guests arrive, double check bathroom, give sink last wipe, restock toilet paper, put out one and only set of matching towels, spritz with lavendar perfume and voila. Hope it holds for another month.

The Clutter must go!

2005-07-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have exactly 30 days before I leave town for a month. In that short time before I leave I must organize (hide) my fibre gear or DH has threatened to organize it (throw-away) for me. I know he is half-joking, but it's the other half that has me worried. There would be hell to pay if I found a single thing missing, but the truth of the situation is -- I am being weighed down with my own clutter. There I've admitted it.

I've tried all kinds of things, I have shelves, rubber totes, cupboards, boxes, toolkits, baskets to keep stuff in. But when I am doing a project (or several at a time) it all gets pulled out into the open. And then when I put it away, it goes into what I think is a more logical place.

So much for "a place for everything, and everything in it's place."

The sad thing is, when I am looking for something, the place that I last found it in is the one that is imprinted in my mind, not the more logical "newer" place. Whatever logic I was using at that time is usually faded, or sobered up.

So what's the trick to keeping track of knitting, crocheting, quilting, spinning, weaving and felting gear?

I could just follow Macom's sister from The Accidental Tourist and alphabetize everything. I could go over to Flylady and see what advice she has. NO! She'll have me doing the 27 Fling Boogie and then I'll really hate my life.

Or I could just rely on my fibre arts sisters (all two of you who read this regularly) and see what magic advice you have for me.

Don't count your chickens. . .

2005-07-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am just about finished the poncho for my favourite Dr.'s lovely wife. I have the last row of the scallop pattern to complete and then the collar.

I will wrap it in mauve tissue paper tied with raffia. And then with money in my pocket and a smile on my face I plan to purchase some wool combs. I played with some the other day at my friend's place. What a dream! It is sooooo delicious to spin from combed tops. I have about 17 lbs of hogget fleece that is just crying out to be combed.

While it's good to dream, I shouldn't get ahead of myself.

Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.

First the poncho. Then the combs.

Down to Earth Elegance

2005-06-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a pattern for a simple, yet lovely introduction to lace knitting. My darling friend made one on size 8mm needles, using her homespun chocolate double ply wool. It was an amazing combination of down-to-earth elegance and country charm. I can't recall where I originally found this pattern, but I have made some modifications since. [This is in case the copyright police are reading this blog]

________________________________________________________________
Note: To keep it simple, all of the increases are made in the first and last stitch of every right side row. To help keep track of increase rows (or the "right side") attach an original beaded stichmarker (for the sake of beauty) or plain safety pin to the right side of the piece after you have worked a few rows.

K1f&b: Knit through the front loop, and then through the back loop of a stitch (increases one stitch).
_________________________________________________________________
The Rules of the Game:

Cast on 4 sts. Knit one row.

Rows 1 and 3: (RS) K1 f&b, knit to last st, k1 f&b – 2 sts inc’d.

Rows 2 and 4: Knit

Rows 5, 7 and 9: K1 f&b, k1, *yo, k2tog: rep from * to last 2 sts, k1, k1 f&b – 2 sts inc’d.

Rows 6, 8 and 10: K3, *yo, p2tog: rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Rep Rows 1 –10 to desired length, ending with Row 4. Bind off all sts loosely to maintain elasticity.

You can finish the piece with a narrow knitted on border that you can find in Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge.

Make it in a rich homespun yarn and you will feel hugged everytime you wear it.

No rest for the wicked

2005-06-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in the waiting room at the Fort Integrated Health Clinic, and my favourite male doctor approached me admiring my poncho.

[I was wearing my Martha Stewart Coming Home poncho (sans scallops) done in a multitude of Lion's Brand Homespun earthy tones.]

"I love your poncho. Where did you get it?"

"I made it."

"Oh wow, can you make one for XX?" [my favourite female doctor, who happens to be his wife.]

So in short time we agreed that I would make his lovely funky wife a similar poncho, but would use wonderful fibres instead of pilly, silly acrylic.

Before I even had a chance to let the dust settle and figure out what I want to do next, I have this delightful "contract/project" to complete.

Who says the arts don't pay?

As long as they pay for themselves and leave a little extra for a nice bottle of brandy, well, life is indeed good.

I got the People's Choice Award!!

2005-06-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, call me competitive.

Call me obsessive even.

But last night I won the People's Choice Award for my Mananita Poncho in the Handspun category. Okay, so there were only two entries in that category, but it had to be good or no one would have voted for it.

There's nothing like a deadline to make me solve the knitting problems that continually emerge when I am creating something.

Yeah, I can't wait to get started on the next project. A crocheted poncho using Peruvian Cotton. Will keep you posted.

Life is Good

2005-06-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

The Basil is finally planted.

The Mananita Poncho is complete, blocked and hanging in the dining room.

Dogs #1, #2, and #3 are sleeping on the back porch.

The kids are in school and I am at home.

Got 7 lbs of Romney lamb wool washed and waiting to be carded.

Got another seven or so lbs. waiting to be washed.

There are two more weeks of work and then HOLIDAYS.

Life is good.

Knitting Injury

2005-06-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, you can injure yourself knitting. My neck has been making a clicking sound for the last few days and it's been driving me nuts. I finally hauled my sorry arse to the chiropractor and had her "fix me up". For the longest time she couldn't figure why my neck muscles were so tight and I had no tense muscles symptoms anywhere else. Until I told her I was a compulsive knitter.. . . . Then it made sense to her.

I am desperately trying to finish this wonderful poncho for June 21. I had to stop knitting on the weekend and spend time spinning cause I ran outta yarn. So the long and short of it is this. . . . .if you are knitting and or spinning for an extended period of time, stop every FIVE mintues and stretch. When I have more time I will describe the stretching exercises. Just get the blood flowing to those muscles and give those tensed up ones a bit of a break. And you don't need to stop for long, just thirty seconds or so is enough to keep you limber. After half an hour or so, then get up, pour yourself another glass of wine or scotch and carry on.

I will find a way to post a picture of my completed poncho.

Mananita Magic

2005-06-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am making a poncho for our guild's Shawl/Poncho Challenge. The deadline is June 21st. I am on row 47 out of 65 rows and then there is the border. I had to stop and make more yarn. Spinning as close to a laceweight as I can manage and am in that hateful place of "I don't think I have enough yarn to finish this thing!" Usually that stops me. But this time, I can't. I NEED to complete this poncho. It was my idea to have a shawl/poncho challenge, I can't very well appear at the meeting empty handed. And I'm the President of the guild so I should at least have something for the challenge, whether it was my silly idea or not.

So here's the plan. I am going to make as much yarn as I can manage. Knit until it's all gone and then just use a different coloured yarn. I won't do the I-cord neck edge until I figure out what other yarn I need to use and then use that in neckline. The yarn I am working with is a deep burgundy merino, so I may finish with a black merino.

Remember, always turn your mistakes/distasters into design features.

Mananita Magic is the name of the pattern. Can be found on page 58 of The Best of Knitter's Magazine Shawls and Scarves. Great book. Worth every penny.

Spinning lessons anyone?

2005-06-08T16:42:00.001-07:00

So, at yesterdays' meeting we talked about offering some basic spinning and dyeing lessons for new members in our guild. We were looking for someone who would offer a series of classes on these two parts of the fibre world. Some folks are just plain shy and no one was making any offers so I stepped forward.

"I know I couldn't teach the dyeing part, cause I just play around, but I'd be happy to think about the spinning piece of it."

They jumped at it. Judy offered to do the dyeing piece and I agreed to do the introduction to spinning.

Okay, so now I'm in. What to do now? I never took spinning lessons. I learned from several books, phone calls and attending a couple of spin-ins. The reason for that is part logistics, I work fulltime and couldn't carve out any more "out of the house" time. Also, I couldn't figure paying someone (no matter how amazing they are) $80+ for lessons. Finally, and probably, the truest reason, I'm stubborn. I like to figure things out. So with this in mind, what am I doing offering basic spinning lessons? I learn as much as anyone else when I teach. And that's the thing about spinning, there is so much to learn, more than a full-time college employee, mother of three can find time for. I'm doing it for the fun of it, and for what I can gain in return.

So help me out. This is what I have in mind. Four lessons. Two to three hours each, a week apart. Homework in between. I will supply all the fibre, and if necessary the wheel and other equipment necessary. May be a small materials fee if we go above and beyond, but I will try to keep it to a miminum.

Lesson #1: Fibre Preparation: how to select a fleece, wash it, and use the hand cards. We will make drop spindles for use in lesson #3. Introduction to your wheel, what the parts are called and how they work. We will also start spinning using buffalo wool to get the sense of treddling and drafting.
Homework: Read 2 copies of Spin-Off and select two items/ articles to share with group.

Lesson #2: More fibre preparation, Drum carding and flick carding. Drafting techniques, making rovings from bats and spinning up those rovings. Share articles from Spin-Off with group. Learn how to make balls of yarn using toilet paper rolls.
Homework: Make two balls of yarn and knit a 4" X 4" sample of each, stocking stich.

Lesson #3: Using coloured rovings (supplied) spin up an ounce of coloured roving and an ounce of white. Learn double plying techinques -- two bobbin & andean plying technique. Learn how to drop spindle, feel the twist and other tricks of the drop spindle trade.
Homework: make a swatch with with energized singles, and two other examples of your spinning. Wash swatches #2 and #3. Report on observations.

Lesson #4: Learn fibre blending on drum carder, spin up, knit a swatch. Will make 2 meter samples of each of the following, Singles: overspun, loosely spun, finely spun, chunky. Double ply: overspun singles, underspun singles. Triple ply, navajo ply and all the wonders in between.

What do you think? Feedback please.

The Mentored Become Mentors

2005-06-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last night we had our final guild executive meeting of the year, here at my place. It took me all day to tidy up the house and hide my stash and unfinished projects in more discreet locations, just so we could have a clear space to accommodate up to 12 women. I’ve been chairing those meetings for a full year now, and last night was the first time I really relaxed into the job. And I’ve been wondering about that. I don’t think it was because I was in my own house, although that may be a wee part of the comfort. I think it was because I felt a strong sense of cohesion amongst group members.

As we went around the table discussing the budget, sharing ideas for workshops and programs, I had this amazing sense that we are all on the same page. Don’t get me wrong, there is lot’s of room for dissension, but what I mean by being on the same page, is that we seem to have the same ideas in mind for the guild. We have this interest in getting back to basics, to thinking about the learning needs of our new members, to provide a series of classes on the basics of spinning, dyeing, and weaving. Yes, of course our guild has many advanced spinners, dyers and weavers, and their needs will certainly be met as well, but after, and only after we take our skills and share them with new members. That’s how we became the artisans we are. Last night when we were discussing and then planning this, many people came forward as those who would like to teach these classes. These are exciting times, as the mentored become mentors and the learning goes on and on and on.

2 bags of fleece and a new wheel.. . .

2005-06-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

At our last guild meeting I purchased two bags of fleece. They are large bags. About 10 lbs each of Romney lamb fleece. Wonderful stuff. Ann, the woman who raises these sheep takes amazing care of them, thus the fibre is strong, lusterous and incredibly long! The average staple is 8 inches. I am not even worrying about cleaning the tips, I'm just cutting them off.

I have already washed one bag of fleece and am considering sending the other one out to be professionally washed and carded into rovings. I will card the first one myself, at least that's the current plan, but there are only so many hours in a day. I want to dye, knit, spin and plan something for my loom. Oh, and there is the lace poncho that I have to finish knitting for the Shawl/poncho challenge for the June Langley Weavers and Spinners Guild meeting. And then there are those socks for John that he has been waiting an entire year for. . . . .

I also purchased a beautiful Nilus Leclerc Spinning Wheel. It looks a lot like my Ashford Traditional, but the wood is Quebec Maple, and its is lovely and warm. The ony problem is that I only have one bobbin. Leclerc stopped making wheels 25 years ago so I have to a) either track someone down who wants to part with their rare bobbins or b) get a wood turner to make me some new ones. I am moving towards b) mostly because I want to support other artisans and it's great when their skills help out other artisans. Maybe I can trade for a pair of socks or mitts for each bobbin? As if, when am I going to have time to do that?

Gotta do something. . . .

2005-05-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I've been a blogger slug. I still haven't figured out the picture thing and I haven't posted any stories or other ideas in ages. Don't give up on me.

I'm tired. The work year is winding down. I have six weeks until my summer holidays and about three months worth of work to do before that. Thus, I am tired.

I have several stories in my head, several fibre arts projects in my sketchbook, and dozens of half finished projects around the house. They all get done eventually, in their own good time.

On May 28th I am going to the Lower Mainland Sheep Growers Association annual Fleece Sale. I will buy three fleeces, two white and one grey. That will keep me in fibre for the year.

Talk to you soon,