tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87106321717176024412024-03-14T00:02:00.825-07:00Pioneer SpinsterRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-12959059428389654092011-07-02T07:18:00.000-07:002011-07-02T07:38:36.047-07:002011 Dye Exchange<div>I have been busy doing a lot of spinning and knitting the last few weeks. Remember the pile of fiber from my spinning guilds dye exchange? Well it is now all spun up and here are the pictures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ngXO58Tmtq4/Tg8prV8IvpI/AAAAAAAAAes/qyszJya5A2c/s1600/2010_07020007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624760284209528466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ngXO58Tmtq4/Tg8prV8IvpI/AAAAAAAAAes/qyszJya5A2c/s400/2010_07020007.JPG" /></a>If you remember the color for this year was blue, my favorite color. In these pictures I have finished setting the twist, and I'm letting the yarn dry. When I spun the yarn, I mixed up all the different rovings, and randomly pulled out pieces to spin.<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUBemyza1yA/Tg8pqnIKy1I/AAAAAAAAAek/oPQJoeMFs40/s1600/2010_07020006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624760271643528018" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUBemyza1yA/Tg8pqnIKy1I/AAAAAAAAAek/oPQJoeMFs40/s400/2010_07020006.JPG" /></a>Here is a close up of the color changes as it was spun. The yarn is now put up and is ready to work with.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ArA8tos0lcE/Tg8pqVQgX6I/AAAAAAAAAec/1uS9FzWj3ow/s1600/2010_07170005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624760266846658466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ArA8tos0lcE/Tg8pqVQgX6I/AAAAAAAAAec/1uS9FzWj3ow/s400/2010_07170005.JPG" /></a>The pattern that I choose to use for this yarn is "The Raglan Sleeve Topper" Its a free pattern from Lion Brand yarns. Here is the back. I really enjoy watching the colors change as I work through the pattern.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXRwL9N0r-4/Tg8pqDGOM5I/AAAAAAAAAeU/MG_TiR4Jf98/s1600/2010_07170007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624760261971686290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXRwL9N0r-4/Tg8pqDGOM5I/AAAAAAAAAeU/MG_TiR4Jf98/s400/2010_07170007.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2AfpiVIJSoA/Tg8pp5mPHJI/AAAAAAAAAeM/tcaXdLVWjv0/s1600/2010_07170008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624760259421609106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2AfpiVIJSoA/Tg8pp5mPHJI/AAAAAAAAAeM/tcaXdLVWjv0/s400/2010_07170008.JPG" /></a>I'll keep you updated on my progress.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-84520574072427492072011-07-01T19:54:00.001-07:002011-07-02T07:38:36.055-07:00Etsy Special<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep9Qvrq5pBc/Tg6Jho2W6DI/AAAAAAAAAeE/xlIjr4veX8g/s1600/2010_06110012.JPG"><font color="#000000"></font><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624584195626428466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep9Qvrq5pBc/Tg6Jho2W6DI/AAAAAAAAAeE/xlIjr4veX8g/s400/2010_06110012.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rB1qAzrwPiI/Tg6JhONvDcI/AAAAAAAAAd8/jcF5oB6eeAo/s1600/2010_06130006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624584188476722626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rB1qAzrwPiI/Tg6JhONvDcI/AAAAAAAAAd8/jcF5oB6eeAo/s400/2010_06130006.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOoHxKzeMWM/Tg6JgwjxgdI/AAAAAAAAAd0/5boqkojnNoc/s1600/2010_06130027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624584180516094418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOoHxKzeMWM/Tg6JgwjxgdI/AAAAAAAAAd0/5boqkojnNoc/s400/2010_06130027.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1pKgEuIYQY/Tg6JgmWTKuI/AAAAAAAAAds/0touHEqdAjM/s1600/2010_06130032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624584177775225570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1pKgEuIYQY/Tg6JgmWTKuI/AAAAAAAAAds/0touHEqdAjM/s400/2010_06130032.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS25OY1p-xI/Tg6JgNi0-QI/AAAAAAAAAdk/DlIKOUUJGxE/s1600/2010_06130016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624584171116886274" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zS25OY1p-xI/Tg6JgNi0-QI/AAAAAAAAAdk/DlIKOUUJGxE/s400/2010_06130016.JPG" /></a><br /><div>In honor of the "pioneer" spirit that is celebrated this month in Utah, I am having a free shipping special at my Etsy site. When you check out type in the coupon code "pioneer" to take advantage of the month long special. </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-49226059429772165862011-06-26T09:39:00.001-07:002011-06-26T09:47:54.751-07:00New Online Shop<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dju-cEnjPlA/Tgdg6f9-2gI/AAAAAAAAAdc/p39kzItAApM/s1600/etsy%2Bbanner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 53px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622569217925503490" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dju-cEnjPlA/Tgdg6f9-2gI/AAAAAAAAAdc/p39kzItAApM/s400/etsy%2Bbanner.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Hey everyone, just wanted to send out a quick shout out about my new Etsy shop. If you want to see what I have just look to the right in the side bar and click on the pictures. That will take to my shop where I have many more items listed than I could show on this little side bar. Tell your friends as well. Oh and watch for the "Pioneer Special" coming up in July.</div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-22164161869496552222011-04-17T07:36:00.001-07:002011-04-17T08:13:16.242-07:00Friend or FoeThis is my newest fiber tool. So far it doesn't look very threatening. This is a set of English combs, and they are used to comb wool into roving. In this picture they have a protective wood sleeve over the tines of the combs. The coverings are made of wood for a good reason . . . . <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64MshIRb_dg/Tar7qtDN8TI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/lSDTcVEMVBQ/s1600/2010_04300013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596562198027432242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64MshIRb_dg/Tar7qtDN8TI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/lSDTcVEMVBQ/s400/2010_04300013.JPG" /></a> This is what's under the covers. These metal tines are very sharp, and long. There are 4 rows of tines, and they range in length from 4 to 6 inches. These combs came with a mounting board, and you will see in a moment why it is needed. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxeBUpfRgnE/Tar7qa_9IwI/AAAAAAAAAdI/8NKt3mjvjaM/s1600/2010_04300014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596562193181909762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxeBUpfRgnE/Tar7qa_9IwI/AAAAAAAAAdI/8NKt3mjvjaM/s400/2010_04300014.JPG" /></a> After I remove the sleeve, and have the comb secure, I start loading the comb with fiber. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBGiRfuNTk0/Tar7qFYlyII/AAAAAAAAAdA/tP6auWC1A_Y/s1600/2010_04300015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596562187379656834" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBGiRfuNTk0/Tar7qFYlyII/AAAAAAAAAdA/tP6auWC1A_Y/s400/2010_04300015.JPG" /></a> I then turn the comb on it's side, and secure it in this possition. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKJEvKikNK8/Tar7p_F6BhI/AAAAAAAAAc4/mF3emrxwnNg/s1600/2010_04300016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596562185690678802" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKJEvKikNK8/Tar7p_F6BhI/AAAAAAAAAc4/mF3emrxwnNg/s400/2010_04300016.JPG" /></a> I remove the other comb from the holder, and begin combing in a downward motion, being careful to only comb the wool, and not catch the tines. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cv8KA6wd20/Tar7pqwKy4I/AAAAAAAAAcw/qe26zV4-H_A/s1600/2010_04300017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596562180230794114" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cv8KA6wd20/Tar7pqwKy4I/AAAAAAAAAcw/qe26zV4-H_A/s400/2010_04300017.JPG" /></a> I comb the wool until most of the wool has come off the stationary comb, and then using the comb in my hand I comb it back onto the stationary comb. I continue this until all the tangles have been combed out. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrTCefxrIao/Tar7XiiGJuI/AAAAAAAAAco/pSC0rKI0tis/s1600/2010_04300018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596561868786640610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrTCefxrIao/Tar7XiiGJuI/AAAAAAAAAco/pSC0rKI0tis/s400/2010_04300018.JPG" /></a> This is a "diz". It's made out of mother of pearl. I really like the design, but aside from being pretty, it is also functional. If you look closely you will see that there are different size holes in the design. This is not a mistake. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv1tv42Z6VM/Tar7XdeHXDI/AAAAAAAAAcg/wXQHxOBe148/s1600/2010_04300019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596561867427765298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv1tv42Z6VM/Tar7XdeHXDI/AAAAAAAAAcg/wXQHxOBe148/s400/2010_04300019.JPG" /></a> If I want a fine roving or sliver, I choose a small hole. If I want a thicker roving I choose a larger hole. When the wool has been combed out, I place half of the combed wool on to the stationary comb, and pull it into a beard. I take a small amount and gently pull it through the diz. <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JvAzDBRgrI/Tar7XPzzpYI/AAAAAAAAAcY/BlGMGEdBsZI/s1600/2010_04300020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596561863760651650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JvAzDBRgrI/Tar7XPzzpYI/AAAAAAAAAcY/BlGMGEdBsZI/s400/2010_04300020.JPG" /></a> Useing both hands in a leap frog motion, I gently pull about 2-3 inches of the fiber through the diz, and then slide the diz toward the combs. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaakyikRpZM/Tar7W5A2gaI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/zw9UcOUA7Cw/s1600/2010_04300021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596561857641349538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaakyikRpZM/Tar7W5A2gaI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/zw9UcOUA7Cw/s400/2010_04300021.JPG" /></a> When I have pulled all the long fibers through the diz all that's left in the combs is short nubby fiber. I then gently wind the roving around my hand to make a little nest, and throw what's left in the comb away. If I wanted to use the waste from the combs I could use it as a stuffing. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9N-dFkg8rjE/Tar7WjaHluI/AAAAAAAAAcI/FYuzADouD4M/s1600/2010_04300022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596561851841746658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9N-dFkg8rjE/Tar7WjaHluI/AAAAAAAAAcI/FYuzADouD4M/s400/2010_04300022.JPG" /></a> I am really pleased with how these combs prepare the wool for spinning. By having only the long fibers going in one direction like this, I can then spin this wool into a worsted yarn. What that means is that there are no air pockets in the yarn. This yarn when spun will be very smooth, so if I need a yarn that will show stitch definition this will be the type of yarn that I will use. <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-73952600789514979692011-04-16T09:56:00.000-07:002011-04-16T10:17:47.345-07:00Washing My LocksI thought I would try doing something different today. I had heard, and seen some other fiber artist wash their wool "in the locks". What this means, is that the wool is washed in a specific order with the butt of the wool and the top of the wool all in the same direction. In order to do this I need to keep the locks of wool stable during the washing process. In this shot I have some tulle laid out on my counter. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WP72snaM5Ks/TanLBNNyheI/AAAAAAAAAcA/m0CfdFyqHXc/s1600/2010_04300001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596227233572357602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WP72snaM5Ks/TanLBNNyheI/AAAAAAAAAcA/m0CfdFyqHXc/s400/2010_04300001.JPG" /></a> I then take some locks of wool, (by the way this is a grey fleece) and lay the locks out on the tulle side by side, with all the cut ends (or butt ends) pointing down, and the tops pointing up. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWyhFipWSEA/TanK7axNzpI/AAAAAAAAAb4/DUdyL1NAuxI/s1600/2010_04300006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596227134131392146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWyhFipWSEA/TanK7axNzpI/AAAAAAAAAb4/DUdyL1NAuxI/s400/2010_04300006.JPG" /></a> I then fold the tulle over the locks sort of like a burrito and secure with safety pins. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdO5PnlMDpA/TanK69104jI/AAAAAAAAAbw/-JuBYsKMnIY/s1600/2010_04300003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596227126366102066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdO5PnlMDpA/TanK69104jI/AAAAAAAAAbw/-JuBYsKMnIY/s400/2010_04300003.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LehScEdFwKo/TanK6RETrXI/AAAAAAAAAbo/JfDpTRCp2D0/s1600/2010_04300004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596227114347244914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LehScEdFwKo/TanK6RETrXI/AAAAAAAAAbo/JfDpTRCp2D0/s400/2010_04300004.JPG" /></a> I set up my wash water just like I would do for any fiber, using very hot water, and my favorite wool wash. I gentle lay the packets of fiber in the water and let them soak for about 20 minutes. After they have finished soaking, I carefully rinse the packets out. I then put them in my table spinner to spin out the excess water, and then lay the packets out flat to dry. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaVQccB7GV4/TanK55huiUI/AAAAAAAAAbg/wB0ZYo-jHyQ/s1600/2010_04300007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596227108028188994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaVQccB7GV4/TanK55huiUI/AAAAAAAAAbg/wB0ZYo-jHyQ/s400/2010_04300007.JPG" /></a> This what the locks look like after they have dried and I have removed the tulle. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7WXF_4qkns/TanK5sktGEI/AAAAAAAAAbY/8byorQxGHRE/s1600/2010_04300012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596227104551016514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7WXF_4qkns/TanK5sktGEI/AAAAAAAAAbY/8byorQxGHRE/s400/2010_04300012.JPG" /></a> These are now ready to use on my newest fiber tool that I recently bought. I'll show you what that is next time. <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-66365565990929000832011-03-23T15:09:00.001-07:002011-03-23T15:37:37.952-07:00Trickin' Out My RideI can sure tell that winter has been around way to long, so to bring some light heartedness into my day I decided to make this. . . .<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiLR8tRkvFE/TYpvzhEob9I/AAAAAAAAAbI/GEtla_k0xYY/s1600/2011_03230016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587401218548330450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiLR8tRkvFE/TYpvzhEob9I/AAAAAAAAAbI/GEtla_k0xYY/s400/2011_03230016.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That's right, it's a spare tire cozy. My co-workers and husband think that I have to much free time on my hands, and I would have to say that they are right. The pattern is really a knitted doily, but when you use bulky yarn, and size 10 knitting needles you too can make a stunning, eye catching, tire cozy. Some of you might recognize this pattern from Jared Flood. It's the Hemlock Ring Doily Throw. I made it just as the pattern instructed, but then added loops around the outer edge and wove in 1/2 inch elastic.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSwLmCDhiXM/TYpvzo_4_cI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/INMa6jSCdak/s1600/2011_03230015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587401220675927490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSwLmCDhiXM/TYpvzo_4_cI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/INMa6jSCdak/s400/2011_03230015.JPG" /></a><br />Also, last Wednesday was the fiber exchange at my spinning guild meeting. This is the eye candy that I brought home. Everyone was really intrigued with my sheepdog fiber and many came back and traded more of their fiber for another ounce or two of it.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSwLmCDhiXM/TYpvzo_4_cI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/INMa6jSCdak/s1600/2011_03230015.JPG"></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aJyg8hNS-s/TYpvzAlQLzI/AAAAAAAAAbA/YGUDPZKNZSc/s1600/2011_03230017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587401209826783026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aJyg8hNS-s/TYpvzAlQLzI/AAAAAAAAAbA/YGUDPZKNZSc/s400/2011_03230017.JPG" /></a> I just love the vibrant, blue, jewel tones of the these. I think I will be spinning it up very similar to what I did with last years exchange, but I do have a pattern in mind for this fiber. Hopefully with the full two pounds I will have enough to make it.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LFxH0_dBzk/TYpvytweWsI/AAAAAAAAAa4/84qQegKS0SQ/s1600/2011_03230018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587401204773575362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LFxH0_dBzk/TYpvytweWsI/AAAAAAAAAa4/84qQegKS0SQ/s400/2011_03230018.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-20679848918559854782011-03-08T09:03:00.000-08:002011-03-08T09:40:20.676-08:00New ToysHere are my two newest toys.<br /><br />This first little beauty is a box tape loom. I purchased it new, but it was made to replicate ones that would have been made in the 1800's. These were common in households to make narrow bands of woven fiber. If you ever needed something to tie up a bag or use as a strap you would simply go over to the box loom and cut off what you needed.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSw7QEMlLtU/TXZjDONXMBI/AAAAAAAAAaw/jpwlYKk7I6Q/s1600/2010_10130138.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757695177207826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSw7QEMlLtU/TXZjDONXMBI/AAAAAAAAAaw/jpwlYKk7I6Q/s400/2010_10130138.JPG" /></a> The body of the box is made from green popular, with maple trim. And the reed, is made from canary wood.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kjDNSd1GqE/TXZjCSt87nI/AAAAAAAAAao/w3yhjjFi3bA/s1600/2010_10130139.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757679207771762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kjDNSd1GqE/TXZjCSt87nI/AAAAAAAAAao/w3yhjjFi3bA/s400/2010_10130139.JPG" /></a> It is a very simple loom to set up, and you can weave when you have time, and then either wind the finished tape on the dowel behind the reed, or let it gather in a basket on the floor. I think it is going to be a fun little loom to have up at work this summer. I think I might even let guests try it out.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfgfZbv03sE/TXZjB-F7TCI/AAAAAAAAAag/zEZd7xZRUag/s1600/2010_10130140.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757673671183394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfgfZbv03sE/TXZjB-F7TCI/AAAAAAAAAag/zEZd7xZRUag/s400/2010_10130140.JPG" /></a> The maker of this loom put these cute inlaid hearts into the loom as well. This heart lets me know that this is the back of the reed.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GwS3wZyzVc/TXZjBjqK3MI/AAAAAAAAAaY/319611ZLlck/s1600/2010_10130142.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757666575441090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GwS3wZyzVc/TXZjBjqK3MI/AAAAAAAAAaY/319611ZLlck/s400/2010_10130142.JPG" /></a> And since it's going with me to work I needed to make sure that it had my mark on it as well.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frv7VFiTd3Y/TXZjBKZSGjI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/7nbEoXn4rPk/s1600/2010_10130141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757659793726002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frv7VFiTd3Y/TXZjBKZSGjI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/7nbEoXn4rPk/s400/2010_10130141.JPG" /></a> New toy number 2. </div><div> </div><div>I thought having a small table loom that would be easy to carry around and do demonstrations on would be a good thing to have. So I went on Ebay and found this little beauty. This one is not a replica, but I'm not sure how old it is. When I did some research on similar looms I found that these were made as children's looms to learn how to weave. The size is 12" high, 15 1/2" wide, and 14 1/2" long.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imWkaBzZ7FI/TXZijkujy4I/AAAAAAAAAaI/obwxlEkgfDo/s1600/2010_10130127.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757151466212226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imWkaBzZ7FI/TXZijkujy4I/AAAAAAAAAaI/obwxlEkgfDo/s400/2010_10130127.JPG" /></a> The wood was very dirty and needed to be cleaned and oiled, so that was the first step in the restoration. The string heddles were also in very bad shape, so I threw those away and made new ones. In the above picture you can see that it is missing the dowel to tie your warp to. That also was an easy cheap fix. The reed however was in very good shape. No rust at all. Many of the other little loom like this one had very rusty reeds, and the wood on them looked like cheap balsa wood.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4a2PhZ3jr8/TXZii4fUiYI/AAAAAAAAAaA/k54TtIYoZUc/s1600/2010_10130131.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757139591137666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4a2PhZ3jr8/TXZii4fUiYI/AAAAAAAAAaA/k54TtIYoZUc/s400/2010_10130131.JPG" /></a> Here is my new loom all clean, oiled, with parts replaced, and all warped up.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZtP6rNddm8/TXZiiTZlfjI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/qMb4Z7sPUCA/s1600/2010_10130134.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757129634971186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZtP6rNddm8/TXZiiTZlfjI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/qMb4Z7sPUCA/s400/2010_10130134.JPG" /></a> I also did some light sanding with a fine sand paper and steel wool. The wood is now smooth so as not to snag the fibers, and it works as good as it looks.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7T17WrToUWo/TXZih7J-iHI/AAAAAAAAAZw/My7hB2M8sL0/s1600/2010_10130135.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757123127052402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7T17WrToUWo/TXZih7J-iHI/AAAAAAAAAZw/My7hB2M8sL0/s400/2010_10130135.JPG" /></a> I already have two demonstrations to do this week, so I'm happy that I bought these looms.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrsmsTiM2Qo/TXZihP6IpUI/AAAAAAAAAZo/lhHObdK_KDY/s1600/2010_10130136.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581757111517881666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrsmsTiM2Qo/TXZihP6IpUI/AAAAAAAAAZo/lhHObdK_KDY/s400/2010_10130136.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-25437023566884311332011-03-07T16:10:00.000-08:002011-03-07T17:08:08.695-08:002011 Fiber ExchangeIt's that time of year when a splash of color gets added to a long grey winter. Next Wednesday is the Wasatch Woolpack fiber exchange, and this is what I did. First off as a reminder of the rules, the president of the guild decides on a color or technique. This year the color is "Hues of Blues." If you choose to participate, you dye 2 pounds of ready to spin fiber, and then divide it up into 1 ounce bundles. The bundles must have your name, type of fiber, and color of dye.<br /><br /><br />So this was what I started with, 3 colors of blue dye.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhRZi1p88l4/TXV3XAP0UBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/jsi6YgTOZWY/s1600/2010_10130121.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581498550282637330" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhRZi1p88l4/TXV3XAP0UBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/jsi6YgTOZWY/s400/2010_10130121.JPG" /></a> Two pounds of some unique fiber. I like to call it my "Sheepdog" fiber because it's 50% Malamute dog undercoat, and 50% Corriedale sheep wool. This has been in my stash for long enough, so I decided to use it for the exchange.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytrAVdZmRkM/TXV3WqNEojI/AAAAAAAAAY4/eeS5wWx4aEI/s1600/2010_10130117.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581498544365543986" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytrAVdZmRkM/TXV3WqNEojI/AAAAAAAAAY4/eeS5wWx4aEI/s400/2010_10130117.JPG" /></a> The fiber is soaking in a pot of water with some vinegar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkecaCOd6IU/TXV3WHthLHI/AAAAAAAAAYw/DqePNTugrFU/s1600/2010_10130118.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581498535106391154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkecaCOd6IU/TXV3WHthLHI/AAAAAAAAAYw/DqePNTugrFU/s400/2010_10130118.JPG" /></a> As the water and fiber begin to heat up, I sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of each dye onto the fiber. I don't stir or move the fiber in anyway at this point.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clo66prrgOQ/TXV3VyoDutI/AAAAAAAAAYo/8nOIiU9xmds/s1600/2010_10130119.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581498529446345426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clo66prrgOQ/TXV3VyoDutI/AAAAAAAAAYo/8nOIiU9xmds/s400/2010_10130119.JPG" /></a> As the temperature begins to heat up, the dye melts into the fiber. Still I don't stir or move the water in anyway.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUNwJTgNfdc/TXV3Vll_UMI/AAAAAAAAAYg/PUGBDSKdc0s/s1600/2010_10130120.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581498525948006594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUNwJTgNfdc/TXV3Vll_UMI/AAAAAAAAAYg/PUGBDSKdc0s/s400/2010_10130120.JPG" /></a><br />After the water starts to steam, I then cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes. After that time I carefully flip the fiber over in the pot to make sure all the fiber gets some dye on it.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FggUx8GBcu0/TXV35jX_e3I/AAAAAAAAAZg/WMgk7msQ2OM/s1600/2010_10130126.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581499143827716978" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FggUx8GBcu0/TXV35jX_e3I/AAAAAAAAAZg/WMgk7msQ2OM/s400/2010_10130126.JPG" /></a> After the fiber has cooled, I rinse it out and hang it up to dry. Then comes the long boring part. I then weigh the fiber into one ounce bundles, and put my tag on them.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRAUr3WEf4I/TXV34xOPl2I/AAAAAAAAAZY/BgZm28Ir_do/s1600/2010_10130151.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581499130365056866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRAUr3WEf4I/TXV34xOPl2I/AAAAAAAAAZY/BgZm28Ir_do/s400/2010_10130151.JPG" /></a> And here is the finished product. Two pounds of fiber ready to be exchanged.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEhuXC7Ajb0/TXV34BZIxTI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-IG0GjIMVKo/s1600/2010_10130150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581499117525845298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEhuXC7Ajb0/TXV34BZIxTI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-IG0GjIMVKo/s400/2010_10130150.JPG" /></a><br />And since I had a little more than two pounds, I decided to spin up the left-overs to see what the yarn would look like. Not bad, and did I mention that blue is my favorite color.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73y0dekm9WM/TXV33jjVuoI/AAAAAAAAAZI/xs8ru2Fh2Ac/s1600/2010_10130149.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581499109515573890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73y0dekm9WM/TXV33jjVuoI/AAAAAAAAAZI/xs8ru2Fh2Ac/s400/2010_10130149.JPG" /></a> I can't wait to see what everyone else has done because I already have a project in mind for this years fiber exchange roving.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-89275424299005475042011-02-18T14:36:00.000-08:002011-02-18T14:51:29.677-08:00Odds and EndsIt's almost that time of year again. That time when the fiber exchange at my spinning guild comes around. Knowing that I had to make some room for this years exchange, I looked at what was left from last years exchange. I had been spinning some of the fiber for smaller projects, but I still had quite a bit left unspun. This is it, a basket of odds and ends. So what I did was divide up the the one ounce strips into smaller sections, and placed them all in a basket.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edOVkXgJY98/TV71A8fpJ_I/AAAAAAAAAYY/Ha1_4EaAWBQ/s1600/2010_10130077.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575162785318905842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edOVkXgJY98/TV71A8fpJ_I/AAAAAAAAAYY/Ha1_4EaAWBQ/s400/2010_10130077.JPG" /></a> Then I turned on Netflix to watch movies, and randomly pulled out the small strips of roving and spun them up. It took me only a couple of nights of this to complete.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSodVvIzNG4/TV71AYV48zI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/4KgbwYaHX94/s1600/2010_10130078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575162775614321458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSodVvIzNG4/TV71AYV48zI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/4KgbwYaHX94/s400/2010_10130078.JPG" /></a> I then plied the bobbins together not trying to match anything, I just let the randomness of the threads come together. This is what I ended up with. About 1300 yards of beautiful yarn.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAYDbCxz3oY/TV71AA4vliI/AAAAAAAAAYI/pE24OGq1NXs/s1600/2010_10130080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575162769318057506" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAYDbCxz3oY/TV71AA4vliI/AAAAAAAAAYI/pE24OGq1NXs/s400/2010_10130080.JPG" /></a> I really like how this come out. I was going to knit a sweater out of it, but I'm afraid that I might come up just a tad bit short. So, the yarn is waiting for just the right project, or maybe I will make many small items out of it.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIfLfqqbROU/TV70_-x5G5I/AAAAAAAAAYA/M8Fg8ulblwI/s1600/2010_10130081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575162768752450450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIfLfqqbROU/TV70_-x5G5I/AAAAAAAAAYA/M8Fg8ulblwI/s400/2010_10130081.JPG" /></a> It does feel good to have that basket emptied, and next month it will be full of different hues of blue. I think I'll do the same thing this year, only this time I will have enough for that sweater.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-8183666849432948032011-02-12T07:31:00.001-08:002011-02-12T08:06:19.027-08:00Ready For SpringI have a bad case of cabin fever. I'm tired of the snow and cold. I am so looking forward to warm days, and green grass. So as I was looking through some of my pictures, I found some green grass along with my favorite sheep grazing.<br /><br />This handsome fellow is Sam. He is the most sociable sheep of my flock. He is very gentle, and took to halter training very quickly.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9Y2eX20RxI/TVapnQhWk6I/AAAAAAAAAX4/Flp28bMsBv0/s1600/2010_07310013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828080832418722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9Y2eX20RxI/TVapnQhWk6I/AAAAAAAAAX4/Flp28bMsBv0/s400/2010_07310013.JPG" /></a> This ewe is Bella. I love her wool. When all the sheep where sheared last year I sent their wool to be processed into yarn, and when it all came back hers was the softest.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5shc3PNoVw/TVapnIiybSI/AAAAAAAAAXw/XuYf-vtjbts/s1600/2010_07310010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828078690954530" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5shc3PNoVw/TVapnIiybSI/AAAAAAAAAXw/XuYf-vtjbts/s400/2010_07310010.JPG" /></a> This is Lottie. She doesn't like to be handled much. In fact when the vet came to give everyone some shots, she was the only one that had to be lassoed. I still like her though, and she is an important part of the flock.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHF-TqjvpHA/TVapm7s_XcI/AAAAAAAAAXo/l38eQsDZJJ8/s1600/2010_07310014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828075244084674" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YHF-TqjvpHA/TVapm7s_XcI/AAAAAAAAAXo/l38eQsDZJJ8/s400/2010_07310014.JPG" /></a> The last of the group is Annie. She is the mischief maker of the group . . . well next to Bella. She is a clown and has the cutest wiggle in her tail when a fly lands on her back. I don't use her wool because she really doesn't have wool. But she is a sweetie and she also likes to come with me on the halter, though she is a little more skittish.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BG9YWCBsio/TVapmRO-hUI/AAAAAAAAAXg/ihzKdWlA8wE/s1600/2010_07310012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828063843910978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BG9YWCBsio/TVapmRO-hUI/AAAAAAAAAXg/ihzKdWlA8wE/s400/2010_07310012.JPG" /></a> All in all the flock loves to be with me. To the point that they will come into the house if I'm out of their site. One day I let them out to graze in the yard and went into the house through the back door to get to the front of the house, and the next thing I knew here came the whole flock running through the house, out the front door, and onto the front porch. Those that saw it about fell over laughing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9maw_PWxfpQ/TVapmMaDHJI/AAAAAAAAAXY/kAJqagnBr_Y/s1600/2010_07310015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828062548171922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9maw_PWxfpQ/TVapmMaDHJI/AAAAAAAAAXY/kAJqagnBr_Y/s400/2010_07310015.JPG" /></a> Well, spring is only a couple of months away, and it won't be long before me and the flock are out playing in the sun and the grass again. Hope I can hang on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-74952527997306580692011-01-22T10:10:00.001-08:002011-01-22T12:13:02.137-08:00Here We Go AgainJust as I said, as soon as I wore my sweater again Gary was reminded of the sweater that he wanted. He changed his mind about the previous sweater because two other people in our neighborhood had the same sweater, so he chose another one.<br /><br />We placed the order and in just a view days this box arrived with all the goodies to make his new sweater.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TTsd1i8Q6LI/AAAAAAAAAXM/5yyfhQO-1zs/s1600/2010_10130066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565074570296223922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TTsd1i8Q6LI/AAAAAAAAAXM/5yyfhQO-1zs/s400/2010_10130066.JPG" /></a> This is a close up of the sweater. The color in real life is a navy blue and silvery cream. It is a much easier design pattern than the last one so, I don't for see any problems with this one. Another big difference is this one doesn't have a zipper. I simply need to sew two clasps at the neck. I think the most difficult thing about this sweater is the name. It's called "Eivindsplass". I can't even begin to sound it out. I will be starting it today. </p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TTsd1K3ETfI/AAAAAAAAAXE/kG_l9ywlGyw/s1600/daleeivindsplasslg.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565074563831975410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TTsd1K3ETfI/AAAAAAAAAXE/kG_l9ywlGyw/s400/daleeivindsplasslg.jpg" /></a> Stay tuned for updates and progress.<br /><br /></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-47715418338463685352011-01-02T07:45:00.000-08:002011-01-02T08:09:14.636-08:00Yes, These Can Be Used For KnittingI've been looking for a way to organize my circular knitting needles for quite some time, and I finally found the perfect organizer. I didn't find it in my local yarn shop, but in a sporting goods store in the fishing department. Can you guess what it is? Yep, its a worm binder. You know the kind that fishermen use to store those plastic worms and lures.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeMLX4yjI/AAAAAAAAAW8/J-DDGSMSNcE/s1600/2010_10130003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557615872223791666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeMLX4yjI/AAAAAAAAAW8/J-DDGSMSNcE/s400/2010_10130003.JPG" /></a> It has 12 plastic zip lock pages that are attached by 3 rings. They are strong, see through, and are easy to open and close. I printed labels with the size of needles that are in each page so it makes it very easy to find the needles that I need.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeLqffo0I/AAAAAAAAAW0/ARso7MIaBW0/s1600/2010_10130005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557615863397327682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeLqffo0I/AAAAAAAAAW0/ARso7MIaBW0/s400/2010_10130005.JPG" /></a> It has two mesh pockets. One in the front and one in the back so I can store all my other small accessories like cable needles, crochet hooks, measuring tapes, stitch holder etc... Did I say how much I love this new tool. It is small and I can keep it with my knitting. No more having to run upstairs for different size needles or other tools. Yep, this is my new favorite knitting tool and it came from a sporting goods store.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeLGpl3sI/AAAAAAAAAWs/SgCCjLi7nI0/s1600/2010_10130006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557615853776002754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeLGpl3sI/AAAAAAAAAWs/SgCCjLi7nI0/s400/2010_10130006.JPG" /></a>Next new tool that I just love. This is a laundry spinner, but what it really comes in handy for is, after I wash fleeces or other fibers I simply put the newly washed fiber in a small pillow case and spin out all the water. The fiber comes out mostly dry and it take almost no time for it to finish drying. No more rolling fiber up in a towel to squeeze out the water.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeKDY7KVI/AAAAAAAAAWk/ylcE3XJN5W4/s1600/2010_10130008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557615835720919378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeKDY7KVI/AAAAAAAAAWk/ylcE3XJN5W4/s400/2010_10130008.JPG" /></a> The drain just goes into the sink and all the water that is spun out of the fiber goes right down the drain. Now, I don't only spin out fiber I also use it to spin out water from my hand knits and other delicate fiber article. Because there is no agitation there is no felting and everything comes out just wonderfully.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeJoQP9KI/AAAAAAAAAWc/vCjTlXaO0TI/s1600/2010_10130007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557615828436776098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TSCeJoQP9KI/AAAAAAAAAWc/vCjTlXaO0TI/s400/2010_10130007.JPG" /></a> These two tools have really made things much quicker and easier, and that leaves me more time to do what I really enjoy doing with fiber.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-65603649966591390042010-12-28T17:13:00.000-08:002010-12-28T17:27:52.300-08:00Gary's Sweater??When Gary started looking at the Dale of Norway sweaters, this is one that he kept going back to. It's called the Lake Louise 2001. I told him that it wouldn't be any more difficult than the one that I made for me, but that he better make sure it was one that he liked because, 1) the kits are expensive. $195.00 to be exact, and 2) there are a lot of knitting hours in one of these sweaters. I'm guessing well over 100<br />He was all set to order the sweater, and then we went to a Christmas party and one of our neighbors had this exact sweater on.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRqLbGaUX9I/AAAAAAAAAWU/xX745KnpB6s/s1600/DG8501-1C-lg.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555906388008656850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRqLbGaUX9I/AAAAAAAAAWU/xX745KnpB6s/s400/DG8501-1C-lg.jpg" /></a> The sweater in really life was a bit of a disappointment because the white yarn was more of a cream and the black and red didn't pop like the picture.<br /><br /><div>I think he has lost interest in it now because I haven't heard him mention it, so until he sees my sweater again I think this project had been delayed until further notice. </div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-43355744907183170462010-12-26T08:13:00.001-08:002010-12-26T08:24:02.030-08:00Christmas MorningAfter the presents were opened, Gary and I walked outside to see the presents that Mother Nature had left us. The weather has been a little different this year. We would get a good snow storm, and then it would warm up and rain. After the last little warm up it got quite cold and we had some wind. As the drippy snow began to freeze in the wind this was what was left on the trees for us to admire.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqR0qs09I/AAAAAAAAAWM/MXtkyqnlL0Y/s1600/2010_10130024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555025519812858834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqR0qs09I/AAAAAAAAAWM/MXtkyqnlL0Y/s400/2010_10130024.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqRrt53aI/AAAAAAAAAWE/9AIKyZms4ps/s1600/2010_10130025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555025517410377122" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqRrt53aI/AAAAAAAAAWE/9AIKyZms4ps/s400/2010_10130025.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqRXvJriI/AAAAAAAAAV8/eQrlEiiSIOA/s1600/2010_10130023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555025512046898722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqRXvJriI/AAAAAAAAAV8/eQrlEiiSIOA/s400/2010_10130023.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqRIgK7II/AAAAAAAAAV0/-S8dGMzo2zI/s1600/2010_10130020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555025507957533826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqRIgK7II/AAAAAAAAAV0/-S8dGMzo2zI/s400/2010_10130020.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqQjFEG7I/AAAAAAAAAVs/LQA-CrenBrA/s1600/2010_10130019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555025497911729074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TRdqQjFEG7I/AAAAAAAAAVs/LQA-CrenBrA/s400/2010_10130019.JPG" /></a> I think this was my favorite Christmas present this year. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-36284313922045994302010-12-17T13:14:00.000-08:002010-12-17T13:49:40.892-08:00A Whole Summer In One PostOkay, after looking over the pictures that I took over the summer and didn't post, it might take 2 posts to get caught up.<br /><br />Here it goes.<br /><br />Do you remember the little oxen calves from last summer? Well it's almost been one year latter, and look how they've grown. Gibbs and Booth are in their yoke and are being run through their paces.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvYdYKdWyI/AAAAAAAAAVg/DysiwaOgGxU/s1600/2010_07310008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551768964878392098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvYdYKdWyI/AAAAAAAAAVg/DysiwaOgGxU/s400/2010_07310008.JPG" /></a> Becky is helping Troy with the boys today. I think that Troy was trying to train both the oxen and Becky on the ins and outs of oxen driving.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvYdKqxu_I/AAAAAAAAAVY/uh5mEhyli-s/s1600/2010_07310006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551768961255848946" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvYdKqxu_I/AAAAAAAAAVY/uh5mEhyli-s/s400/2010_07310006.JPG" /></a> Potty break. Hey everyone has to go sometime.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvYc4RTEQI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/TMk8F_ndikU/s1600/2010_07310005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551768956317143298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvYc4RTEQI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/TMk8F_ndikU/s400/2010_07310005.JPG" /></a> Now it's the other one's turn.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvYcfjBLmI/AAAAAAAAAVI/u7vH_B9XqZk/s1600/2010_07310007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551768949680582242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvYcfjBLmI/AAAAAAAAAVI/u7vH_B9XqZk/s400/2010_07310007.JPG" /></a> I really didn't mean to take the boys picture at such a private moment. In fact I didn't know they where "going" until I put the pictures in the blog. But they still look good, and so do Becky and Troy.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-48292810298736440902010-12-17T12:45:00.000-08:002010-12-17T13:13:13.072-08:00It's Finished!!!!I finished it!!!<br /><br />I finally pulled this sweater out of hibernation. I had finished knitting all the pieces last May, but by then I was so tired of the sweater that I had to bag it up and put it away. Besides, I knew that I won't be able to wear it for a few months anyway. My husband reminded me of it so, on Monday I pulled it out of time out and attached the sleeves and the zipper. Shazam, in two days I had a gorgeous sweater that fits great.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvPzHnwsZI/AAAAAAAAAVA/6qGYZq13j5c/s1600/2010_10130002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551759442790363538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvPzHnwsZI/AAAAAAAAAVA/6qGYZq13j5c/s400/2010_10130002.JPG" /></a> My husband was so struck with the sweater that he now wants one for himself. He has been studying the Allegro Yarn web site and I think he has made his decision.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvPyxxls3I/AAAAAAAAAU4/cfwMfUk-2JY/s1600/2010_10130001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551759436926006130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TQvPyxxls3I/AAAAAAAAAU4/cfwMfUk-2JY/s400/2010_10130001.JPG" /></a> Want a sneak peek????<br /><br />Check tomorrow<br /><br /><br /><div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-67242816456964864342010-08-07T10:31:00.001-07:002010-08-07T11:08:31.304-07:00Spinner's RetreatAhhhh retreat, this was just a wonderful week end up at Park City Utah. We meet in a small meadow with a grove of large trees, and just relax.<br />I am a member of the Wasatch Woolpack Hand Spinners Guild, and this is our once a year get away. As you can see we do a lot of spinning and visiting. It was heaven. The retreat started on Thursday, but I didn't get there until Friday night. There was about 50 women and a few husbands.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2ZM8g2ouI/AAAAAAAAAUo/qmJKyqyxmcQ/s1600/2010_07310016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502722767398019810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2ZM8g2ouI/AAAAAAAAAUo/qmJKyqyxmcQ/s400/2010_07310016.JPG" /></a> This is my bed, Cherly Stratton was kind enough to allow me to share her tent. It was a very roomy tent, I think she said it was a 10 man tent but for the two of us it was perfect. Yes I did bring an air mattress, and under the sleeping bag there are real sheets. I get to confined in a zipped up sleeping bag.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2ZMUeX0oI/AAAAAAAAAUg/azaoYef4IKg/s1600/2010_07310022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502722756650193538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2ZMUeX0oI/AAAAAAAAAUg/azaoYef4IKg/s400/2010_07310022.JPG" /></a> The outside of the tent.<br />It did rain on us a couple of times but we stayed dry inside our tent.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y3-J1OCI/AAAAAAAAAUY/d5N2R7KeRHk/s1600/2010_07310021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502722407061076002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y3-J1OCI/AAAAAAAAAUY/d5N2R7KeRHk/s400/2010_07310021.JPG" /></a> The restroom area. </div><div>Further back behind the potties in the trees is where everyone had their wheels and canopies set up.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y3fYl1bI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/kuUZEXvYZMM/s1600/2010_07310020.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502722398801483186" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y3fYl1bI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/kuUZEXvYZMM/s400/2010_07310020.JPG" /></a> The kitchen area. </div><div>What was really nice for me was that the meals were already planned out. I didn't have to pack any food except for some drinks. When I arrived at the meadow I was asked to sign up to help with one meal. That's it !! just help with one meal. After meals were finished everyone washed there own plate and utensils, placed them in a mesh bag, and hung it in the trees to dry. No stacks of dishes to wash. </div><div>When everyone had finished eating and cleaning up a bell rang, and that signaled "Prize Tent" time. Everyone lined up and as we walked by the prize tent we were handed a prize of some sort of fiber related gift. Of course we all contributed to the prize tent. I had many items that I had bought. It was a simple matter of cleaning out my stash. I had some things that I thought I would get right to but after 3 years if I hadn't spun it up then it needed to go. So into the prize tent they went.<br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y3B1ZNvI/AAAAAAAAAUI/2DX_g6aR-pA/s1600/2010_07310017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502722390869227250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y3B1ZNvI/AAAAAAAAAUI/2DX_g6aR-pA/s400/2010_07310017.JPG" /></a> A couple of our members dye roving and sell it. We always love it when they show up with new colors and fibers to spin. Yes I bought a lot to help support the cause.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y2uMU5fI/AAAAAAAAAUA/zcvYo4KnNoU/s1600/2010_07310019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502722385596704242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y2uMU5fI/AAAAAAAAAUA/zcvYo4KnNoU/s400/2010_07310019.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y2AtsyuI/AAAAAAAAAT4/MzVFGR5e-qA/s1600/2010_07310018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502722373388651234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TF2Y2AtsyuI/AAAAAAAAAT4/MzVFGR5e-qA/s400/2010_07310018.JPG" /></a> I had a wonderful time. The only regret is that I didn't go up earlier. That won't happen next year. I plan on taking time off work and going first thing Thursday morning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-31369217066757382112010-07-20T07:40:00.001-07:002010-07-20T17:52:38.121-07:00Busy SummerI thought I would give you an update on some of the projects that I've been working on.<br /><br />Here is the first one. I did a dye pot last week using Coriopsis flowers. The wool is even brighter than it looks in the picture. I was really surprised by how bright the color was just by using a natural dye plant and citric acid for a mordant.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW15qhEY-I/AAAAAAAAATw/-B2s_aVIMH4/s1600/2010_07200015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495998922545718242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW15qhEY-I/AAAAAAAAATw/-B2s_aVIMH4/s400/2010_07200015.JPG" /></a> I wanted to make a fabric that was a common home spun in the 1800's. This is what I came up with. It called Linsey Woolsey. The warp threads are 20/2 linen and the weft is my handspun wool. I dyed the wool as roving and there was variegation to the wool, so I decided to spin it as was and got a very pretty blue variegated thread. When this fabric is finished I hope to make a blouse out of it.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW144-bY-I/AAAAAAAAATo/udyVpFI0wXA/s1600/2010_07200001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495998909247087586" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW144-bY-I/AAAAAAAAATo/udyVpFI0wXA/s400/2010_07200001.JPG" /></a> On the other loom I decided to use up some of the handspun wool from last year. So I put on a cotton warp and chose a weft faced pattern to make a shawl. The colors are hard to see in this picture so I'll just tell you that there is grey and then greens dyed from yarrow and dock. I have some yellows that will be added to the fabric as well. So far it seems to be working up fine.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW14QgyRyI/AAAAAAAAATg/wcY5Jm5laTY/s1600/2010_07200004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495998898385340194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW14QgyRyI/AAAAAAAAATg/wcY5Jm5laTY/s400/2010_07200004.JPG" /></a> This project in on my loom at home. I wanted to make some more dish towels and see if I could use up some odds and ends of other threads. I remembered this pattern when I took my weaving class so this was how I used it. I really like the pattern, it's any easy treadling, and I can use up my small amounts of warp. I plan on making more of these.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW13g-lmXI/AAAAAAAAATY/IYavJSFPgsM/s1600/2010_07200017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495998885625436530" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW13g-lmXI/AAAAAAAAATY/IYavJSFPgsM/s400/2010_07200017.JPG" /></a> And now for the last of the big projects. About a month ago we had the sheep in the village sheared. I got a call from Lynn at Spinderella's and she let me know that my order was ready. This is Sam's wool all spun up and drying. (I needed to wash out the spinning oils) Bella and Lottie's wool looks much the same. I'm very happy with the results, and I can't wait to start knitting or weaving with these yarns.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW12vhKXJI/AAAAAAAAATQ/LzNdW1EpKFI/s1600/2010_07200016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495998872348679314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEW12vhKXJI/AAAAAAAAATQ/LzNdW1EpKFI/s400/2010_07200016.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-37131286591074337942010-07-17T14:11:00.000-07:002010-07-17T14:39:37.751-07:00My SheepOkay, so it's been a while since my last post but that doesn't mean that I have just been slacking off. I've been very busy. About a month ago a family donated 4 sheep to the village. There is a corral at the back of the my site so, since I deal with wool this is a perfect match. Let me introduce you to my flock.<br />This handsome 6 year old Columbia whether is Sam. He is very gentle. The baby in my arms is my granddaughter, and even though she is not to sure about Sam, he let her sit on his back.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdTUMUxJI/AAAAAAAAATI/qnWpMzTZsvg/s1600/32576_10150186257905790_705115789_12779597_3796809_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 325px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494986713020548242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdTUMUxJI/AAAAAAAAATI/qnWpMzTZsvg/s320/32576_10150186257905790_705115789_12779597_3796809_n.jpg" /></a> As you can see it didn't take long for her to warm up to him. Here they are looking for the best grasses in the lawn.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdS1VjO9I/AAAAAAAAATA/o0by36uXeME/s1600/Leticia+and+sam.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494986704737745874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdS1VjO9I/AAAAAAAAATA/o0by36uXeME/s320/Leticia+and+sam.bmp" /></a> The next sheep in the flock is Lottie. I think she is a Columbia - Suffolk cross. She was a little more skittish around strangers, but she has warmed up to me, especially if I have grain in my pockets.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdStKxAlI/AAAAAAAAAS4/8uPBnpKqzss/s1600/2010_06110004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494986702545027666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdStKxAlI/AAAAAAAAAS4/8uPBnpKqzss/s320/2010_06110004.JPG" /></a> When the sheep arrived they had not be sheared for the year, so we made arrangements for Mr. Will Cory to come up and take care of them.</div><br /><div>The sheep that he is working on here is the next ewe of the flock. This is Annie. She is a Dorper sheep. She was not bred to be a fiber animal, she is a meat variety of sheep. She has very course hair, and not much wool, but we still gave her a trim.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdSP02jVI/AAAAAAAAASw/GxF5OohjMOI/s1600/2010_06110010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494986694668488018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdSP02jVI/AAAAAAAAASw/GxF5OohjMOI/s320/2010_06110010.JPG" /></a> The last of the flock is Bella. She to is a Columbia - Suffolk cross like Lottie. She is also a gentle soul, but every once in a while she gets that look in her eye, and you just know that she is up to something. Usually that means she wants to get in my garden.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdRleNlyI/AAAAAAAAASo/QLupLPskp7I/s1600/2010_06110014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494986683299239714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TEIdRleNlyI/AAAAAAAAASo/QLupLPskp7I/s320/2010_06110014.JPG" /></a>When all the sheep were sheared I took the fleeces of Sam, Lottie, and Bella to a local fiber mill here in Salt Lake. The name of the mill is Spinderellas. Since there was so much wool to be done, I thought I would let her wash, card, and spin it up for me.<br />So that is my flock. So far I have had a great time working with these four and learning about their individual personalities. They have really brought new life to my site.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-3546482361127137582010-05-30T13:12:00.000-07:002010-05-30T13:49:27.016-07:00I Hope Summer Is Here To Stay!!Remember on the first day of spring season, I came to work and there was 4 inches of snow on the ground? Things are finally looking like spring has come. The apricot trees that where covered with snow now have small apricots, and lots of them.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHVztP4MI/AAAAAAAAASg/vAb15ryW2l0/s1600/2010_05230003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477159274307117250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHVztP4MI/AAAAAAAAASg/vAb15ryW2l0/s320/2010_05230003.JPG" /></a> My garden is looking very green as well. The plants all survived the winter except for one of my Hollyhocks, but the rest are coming up and growing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHVhHrgHI/AAAAAAAAASY/NI1T-VGsYpM/s1600/2010_05230005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477159269317705842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHVhHrgHI/AAAAAAAAASY/NI1T-VGsYpM/s320/2010_05230005.JPG" /></a> This is the first time that I've been able to see Coreopsis growing for two seasons in a row. Figured it out last spring when the rabbits kept eating this plant down to the ground. A little chicken wire and some stakes helped keep the plants safe, and this year I will have golden yellow dye from the flowers.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHUyP6q3I/AAAAAAAAASQ/u8mXGD9pzD4/s1600/2010_05230006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477159256735787890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHUyP6q3I/AAAAAAAAASQ/u8mXGD9pzD4/s320/2010_05230006.JPG" /></a> This is a Rose of Sharon. It has some lovely periwinkle blue flowers on it. I haven't had enough flowers to dye with before, but maybe this year I will get enough to see what color I can get from them.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHUtFZltI/AAAAAAAAASI/VAJDqfGjx-Y/s1600/2010_05230007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477159255349499602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHUtFZltI/AAAAAAAAASI/VAJDqfGjx-Y/s320/2010_05230007.JPG" /></a> This is Yarrow. It grows like crazy, and it is the most beautiful soft green right now. I've used this plant as a dye before, and when I use copper as a mordant I get a very pretty green.<br /><br /><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHUHnH2EI/AAAAAAAAASA/79iOzfke8rw/s1600/2010_05230008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477159245290395714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/TALHUHnH2EI/AAAAAAAAASA/79iOzfke8rw/s320/2010_05230008.JPG" /></a> This week I'll be planting my annual plants. I have two colors of Marigolds. I've already planted the Zenia's and Sun flowers. I'm also going to plant a tomato plant. Not for dyeing, but for fresh tomatoes to eat. I love BLT's with home grown tomatoes<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-82356855004909556092010-05-26T06:49:00.000-07:002010-05-27T17:53:55.346-07:00Looms Are Like Potato ChipsYep, like the title says, looms are like potato chips.<br />You can never have just one.<br />When I first started weaving I noticed that many of the weavers that I met had more than one loom. I couldn't understand why you would need more than one loom. A floor loom can do many things and other than not being portable you can do most any weaving project on one.<br /><br />Well that was a nice dream.<br /><br />Then just when you're not looking, wham it hits you, the bug for another loom. Well this is my latest purchase. It's a rigid heddle loom made by the Schacht Spindle Company. It's called the "Flip" and it's wonderful.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S_0nhF_c2AI/AAAAAAAAAR4/tBRcS1BqRQI/s1600/2010_05250001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475576171449866242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S_0nhF_c2AI/AAAAAAAAAR4/tBRcS1BqRQI/s320/2010_05250001.JPG" /></a> This little loom makes it so easy to play with my weaving. I can warp it up in about 30 minutes instead of hours. I can play with different yarn combinations. And best of all this little loom folds up even when it's warped, and goes into it's own travel bag.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S_0ngoz1AbI/AAAAAAAAARw/r6mEYArCWRg/s1600/2010_05250002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475576163616489906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S_0ngoz1AbI/AAAAAAAAARw/r6mEYArCWRg/s320/2010_05250002.JPG" /></a> This is the result of my latest play time. I was curious to see what would happen if I spun up some kettle dyed roving into long color sections. I then set the yarn without plying it in order to keep the color changes true. I then warped up my loom, and wove with the same hand spun yarn.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S_0ngAauW3I/AAAAAAAAARo/JBxRNnF4dmY/s1600/2010_05250004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475576152773778290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S_0ngAauW3I/AAAAAAAAARo/JBxRNnF4dmY/s320/2010_05250004.JPG" /></a> You know how something looks really good in your head, but then when you try it it doesn't work? Well that was what I was afraid would happen with this idea, but it didn't. The colors softly change thoughout and the scarf turned out beautiful. </div><div>This picture was taken before the fabric was washed. After washing the open weave of the fabric closed up, and made it even better. </div><div><br />Love my newest loom.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-32322637002745505002010-04-19T15:33:00.001-07:002010-04-19T16:11:57.816-07:00Faith, Hope, and CharityI've been busy inside this last week setting up looms. This takes a bit of time, especially if you're not really sure about a couple of really old looms.<br /><br />This first loom was donated to the village late in the season last fall. From what I could tell about the loom, it was built in the early 1900's. It had been in someones barn or shed for many years, and was in bad condition. The loom came with a warp still on it and rugs from the last person that wove on the loom. The old warp was very dirty, and you could see where mice had been all over it. Needless to say that had to come off. The reed was very rusty as were the headles.<br /><br />This spring I decided this would be my first task in the house. As I was working on this loom I thought how much faith I must have in this old loom. It did after all come with warp on it, so I knew at one time it worked, but would it work for me? I wouldn't know until I had put a new warp on it. So that is how this loom got it's new name, Faith.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbzsPRkMI/AAAAAAAAARg/EPrs-hItkDM/s1600/2010_04190012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461982129188606146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbzsPRkMI/AAAAAAAAARg/EPrs-hItkDM/s320/2010_04190012.JPG" /></a>I replaced the reed, and the headles, and warped it up with 5 yards of yarn, and holding my breath I slowly opened each shed. Yeaaaa, I had a clean shed on all 4 shafts. </p><p>One more hurdle to overcome was that this loom is a counter balance loom so now I had to attach the treadles and see if the balance was correct. If the shafts aren't balance you won't have very much luck weaving.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbzIb2gbI/AAAAAAAAARY/mt8jCZy-h2Q/s1600/2010_04190005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461982119577682354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbzIb2gbI/AAAAAAAAARY/mt8jCZy-h2Q/s320/2010_04190005.JPG" /></a> Again my faith was rewarded and I was able to weave on this old Cambridge Loom.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbyqcD3yI/AAAAAAAAARQ/ToARxEAU_yE/s1600/2010_04190004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461982111525494562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbyqcD3yI/AAAAAAAAARQ/ToARxEAU_yE/s320/2010_04190004.JPG" /></a> This is the other loom that is in my house. This loom was built in 1885, it too is a counter balance loom. We did a little weaving on this loom last year, but it wasn't set up correctly. So I am now working on this loom, and I hope that I can get it up and running again. So the name of this loom is Hope. I found several missing parts in the upstairs of the house, so instead of a two shaft, I hope to restore it back to it's original four shaft glory.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbyGyxZ5I/AAAAAAAAARI/l0RZtv4cKYQ/s1600/2010_04190011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461982101957076882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbyGyxZ5I/AAAAAAAAARI/l0RZtv4cKYQ/s320/2010_04190011.JPG" /></a> Now, I know what you're thinking, you can't have Faith, and Hope without Charity, so meet my dependable little spinning wheel Charity. She has never failed me. She is my go to wheel, and she has always spun up a mighty fine yarn every time I've sat in front of her. </p><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbxhQ9CJI/AAAAAAAAARA/LCL3GnLWcaQ/s1600/2010_04190014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461982091883120786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8zbxhQ9CJI/AAAAAAAAARA/LCL3GnLWcaQ/s320/2010_04190014.JPG" /></a> So there you have it. If you're ever in Salt Lake come up and visit Faith, Hope, and Charity.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-77709240109744392882010-04-14T17:28:00.000-07:002010-04-14T18:01:09.042-07:00I'm Back !!!!!Yea it's spring????? Can you believe this weather? It's April 13th and there is about 4 inches of snow on the ground. Spring season 2010 has begun here at This Is The Place, and that means that any type of weather can happen here in the Rocky Mountains.<br /><br />This is one of the apricot trees that is in my yard. It's really hard to see the apricot blossoms, (what with all the snow on them) they where just starting to bloom. I hope the snow wasn't enough to damage the blossoms. These trees produce some of the best apricots and this year is suppose to be a good year for the trees to produce.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8ZeY3RnQVI/AAAAAAAAAQM/litjZI-Vo4M/s1600/2010_04130001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460155379481002322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8ZeY3RnQVI/AAAAAAAAAQM/litjZI-Vo4M/s320/2010_04130001.JPG" /></a>I won't be sitting on the front porch today. The village looks more like it's getting ready for Candle Light Christmas than spring season. My neighbor, Sister Andrus won't be in her house for another month, but slowly the houses will all start to open up, and air out after a long winter. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8ZeYR2blKI/AAAAAAAAAQE/376leBfakKo/s1600/2010_04130005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460155369434879138" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8ZeYR2blKI/AAAAAAAAAQE/376leBfakKo/s320/2010_04130005.JPG" /></a> My dye garden will have to wait a few more days before I can begin the spring planting. Many of the plants in the garden are perennials, like Day Lilies, Sage, Lavender, Irises, Golden Rod, and Madder. But I do need to plant a few annuals such as Marigolds.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8ZeYBt2vEI/AAAAAAAAAP8/mGolnVWNapE/s1600/2010_04130003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460155365103942722" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8ZeYBt2vEI/AAAAAAAAAP8/mGolnVWNapE/s320/2010_04130003.JPG" /></a> The wild Canadian Geese like to come to the village as well and raise there goslings. If you listen carefully you can almost hear what they're saying.<br /></div><div>Dear, are sure you read that map correctly?<br /></div><br /><div>Do you think we went to far north?<br /></div><br /><div>I could have sworn that the GPS told me to take that last right.<br /></div><br /><div>I knew we should have asked for directions at that last pond, but nooooo, you said you knew the way. </div><br /><div>I hope you're happy now.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8ZeXoDxg4I/AAAAAAAAAP0/VE5d4n-h6Cs/s1600/2010_04130006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460155358216553346" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S8ZeXoDxg4I/AAAAAAAAAP0/VE5d4n-h6Cs/s320/2010_04130006.JPG" /></a> The good thing about getting snow this time of year, is that it melts quickly. By tomorrow it should all be gone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-9894783669938379612010-03-18T14:49:00.000-07:002010-03-18T15:20:53.164-07:00Yippee, Fiber ExchangeLast night was the most fun of all the guild meeting for the year. You guessed it, it was the annual fiber exchange meeting. Maybe I should change my description from Christmas to "Trick or Treating", that's what it felt like last night. No tricks just some fun, colorful, treats. When I emptied my bag out on the floor this is what I came home with.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S6Kgrx7uIbI/AAAAAAAAAPs/il8dEi1xOhU/s1600-h/2010_03180038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450095173070365106" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S6Kgrx7uIbI/AAAAAAAAAPs/il8dEi1xOhU/s320/2010_03180038.JPG" /></a> I think the challenge of natural dyes scared some people away, but for those of us that faced the challenge head on with courage, had a wonderful time. One of the ladies liked her wool so much she didn't even come to the meeting cause she didn't want to give any of her wool away, so said her partner. We all got a chuckle out of that. I really didn't see anything that wasn't interesting or beautiful. Some of the ladies made it very difficult to choose, because they tried several different dye stuffs. I learned some new things as well. For example, Judy made a dye bath using a gallon of vinegar and several steel wool pads. She poured the vinegar into a bucket, and crumbled the steel wool up in it, and then let it sit for several days. She saw this on the DIY network for making a wood stain, and thought that if it would stain wood it would for sure work on wool. You can see her wool at the top. It's in a plastic bag, light tan with a smidgen of rusty brown on the tip. (go figure) The wheels are turning on what I can make with these little beauties, but for now I like to just look at and pet them.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S6KgrYZyjLI/AAAAAAAAAPk/C09dtKwZ8Bs/s1600-h/2010_03180041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450095166217161906" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S6KgrYZyjLI/AAAAAAAAAPk/C09dtKwZ8Bs/s320/2010_03180041.JPG" /></a> If you're wondering how the sweater is coming along, here it is. I've almost finished the body. Only a couple inches, and then it's on to the sleeves. I've really loved working on this sweater. It's nice to have a big project, that is not on a time line to finish. I don't think I'll have it finished in time to wear before warm weather hits, but come next winter this sweater will keep me looking fashionable and warm. </p><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S6Kgq5DiGgI/AAAAAAAAAPc/FTjgy0J7tNo/s1600-h/2010_03180042.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450095157802310146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S6Kgq5DiGgI/AAAAAAAAAPc/FTjgy0J7tNo/s320/2010_03180042.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710632171717602441.post-54820849544784553852010-03-06T08:10:00.001-08:002010-03-06T08:33:27.513-08:00Happy or Sad?I received a package in the mail last month from The Griffin Dye Works and Fiber Arts company, and I've been having a ball with it. I purchased their American dye kit which contains dye materials that where used by Native Americans as well as early colonists and pioneers. One of the dyes that I used was fustic. Fustic which is also known as Dyer's Mulberry is a hardwood. The fustic came ready to soak as shavings. I made the dye pot, put in some wool and this is the color that came out. I didn't need to use a mordant, so the color that I got was a very sunny yellow. This picture really doesn't do it justice.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S5J-ueG2MMI/AAAAAAAAAPU/ONWaWo_X4N8/s1600-h/2010_03060005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445554236265214146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S5J-ueG2MMI/AAAAAAAAAPU/ONWaWo_X4N8/s320/2010_03060005.JPG" /></a>The kit also came with several different mordants. One of the mordants was Iron. Iron saddens the color of the dyes, so I thought I would see how sad I could make this happy yellow fiber. I used some more wool and mordanted it with the iron. I then added the mordanted wool to the same dye pot that the first wool came from, and this is the result. <br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S5J-trkr6MI/AAAAAAAAAPM/qbWzoPyHy4U/s1600-h/2010_03060004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445554222700161218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9OUJYbRAAX8/S5J-trkr6MI/AAAAAAAAAPM/qbWzoPyHy4U/s320/2010_03060004.JPG" /></a> The wool turned into a very pretty olive green. It's really fun to see what different colors I can get from the same dye pot by just changing the mordant. There are about 7 or 8 different dyes in this kit along with 3-4 different mordants. The kit has been well worth the cost, and it's been quite fun to learn about the plants and mordants.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13621497020301893645noreply@blogger.com0