A bit of fabric fun

Well, not quite yet.

A while ago I was given a big bag of yarns by a lovely lady. As it is mainly comprised orphan yarns I decided to split it into colour groups and create some cloth on my rigid heddle.

Using yarns at random I direct warped the loom. The picture shows the warp which still needs to be tied on. I can't wait to see how the cloth works out. Honestly, it could look ... well ... different.

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Alchemy

After a problematic start I am making progress on my sock. The top 3 patterns are now complete.

It is time to start the cross & diamond leg pattern. Once started I think it will progress quite quickly as the pattern is established. It is also the point where shaping starts so there will be less stitches per row.

I am loving this pattern and the zauberballs. Good job as I have a second sock to knit as well.

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Childhood memories

When out shopping the other day, I found these. I used to have these as a kid but you don't find them in the UK.

They taste just as I remember them tasting.
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A is for Alchemist

I have signed up to take part in an alphabetical sock knitting challenge in the UK sock knitters group on Ravelry. This was inspired by my lovely friend and podcaster Miss Elle giving me a sock pattern for Christmas.

It is a challenge where participants can knit as few or 26 pairs of socks in 12 months and I have lots of socks I want to knit and a rather large stash of sock yarn. So today I have cast on and started knitting my first A-Z KAL pair - A is for Alchemist.

I think they are looking mighty fine so far.

I think I might need more knitting needles ...
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The ending of 2010

So, after not blogging for ages I felt it was worthwhile just 'driving by'. I do have the urge to blog but then worry out sorting out photos and writing lots of text. This means I hardly ever blog.

So, as the year draws to a close, I thought I might just change my blogging style and see if that works.

I have had a great 2010, full of ups and downs. Through out I have been fully supported by my wonderful husband and my friends. I am so fortunate to have you all in my life.

For 2011 I have agreed to join a KAL concentrating on knitting socks from A-Z, a total of 26 pairs in 12 months. Luckily, I don't have to knit all pairs as it is possible just to dip in and out. I have plans to knit at least one pair of socks for Iain and one for my sister.

I have noticed is that my theme for 2011 also seems to be colourwork. I plan to knit a 'v' neck tank in fair isle in 2011 as well. I also would like to finish crocheting a blanket, crochet a cardigan, finish a shawl and continue dyeing, spinning and weaving.

I may need to organise my time as I also have to ensure I see lots of my friends in 2011 too.

I hope you all have a good 2011.
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I'm in love

A while ago I visited my good friend Puddytatpurr and got her started on her spindling journey. She is an accomplished spinner and always used a wheel. Needless to say, she had a play with my trindle and before I could say boo she was spindling away and had started a spindle collection. She has progressed to supported spindles and loves them.

We always manage to enable each other - go figure. I was intreged when she showed me her latest spindle from Gripping Yarn. It was a beautiful Russian. Well, I just couldn't resist and had to have one of my own.

Purchasing my custom spindle was a brilliant experience. I watched Lisa's videos and then emailed her. I stated I was interested in trying a Russian and a French hand held spindle and that I loved walnut wood but wanted something different. Lisa emailed back and suggested I purchase her Rose design as it can be used both ways and sent me a list of woods she uses together with a suggestion of based on my love of walnut.

Choosing the wood was difficult, to be honest I could take one of each and be a hugely happy bunny. I was seduced by the redness of Redheart but was worried by the fact it can fade in sunlight. I just love African Blackwood, Cocobolo and Ziricote to name a few but I finally settled on Bloodwood as it has a gorgeous glow and reddish tint.

Well, my Rose arrived today and it is even better than I hoped, it just feels so sweet in my hand and is a pleasure to twirl. It also spins well as a Russian although it is going to take me a while to get good at this lol.

It also came with a small chunky batt from Desert Garden Farms, which consists of Rambo, Silk Noil and Angora which is a total pleasure to spin with. Do look at their store, they have some lovely fluff.

I already have plans for ordering a Russian spindle in Lignam Vitae which is a wood that develops a green tinge and smells like roses. I just need to save the money lol.

Exhibition and Sale

I'm so excited! As you may know I am a member of the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers which I love. At the moment I am busy helping to prepare for our annual textile exhibition and sale.  What is more, I have a couple of pieces of weaving and some yarn in the show.

The exhibition is being held at the West Barn in Bradford-on-Avon. The exhibition runs from 11 to 15 August and will be open from 10.30-5 each day. The admission is 50p with children free when accompanied by an adult.

It promises to be a lovely exhibition and will showcase some of the beautiful work by Guild members. There will be plenty of woven articles to look at and purchase as well as yarns, jewellery and the most gorgeous fascinators. There is usually a spinning demonstration and this year there will be the opportunity to have a go yourself. There will also be a raffle, which will include a range of prizes including a 'start dyeing kit' containing acid dyes and some yarn so the lucky winner can experience the joy of dying their own yarn.

Bradford-on-Avon is a lovely town, well worth a visit in its own right. The West Barn is a beautiful building and is situated near the Tithe Barn, a gorgeous structure. There is also a lovely cafe down by the locks; it is always very busy.