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August 31, 2008

Bitten - Handspun SW Merino yarn

I've just added my newest handspun yarn to my Etsy shop. The colors remind me equally of a venomous snake bite and the plum tree in my yard that is heavy with ripe purple plums.

"Bitten" is 266 yards of squishy SW Merino.

The roving was purchased from Allie of Dyingtoknit on Etsy. This was apparently one of her first dye jobs - she's a pretty talented young lady! And she's only 15 years old! Someone has a promising career in the fiber world ahead of her.

August 27, 2008

Enchanted - Handspun Merino Alpaca Yarn

I've been away for about a week - camping in beautiful Tofino and Bamfield, BC. I will have pictures to post soon! I had an amazing time, but I sure missed my spinning wheel - I spent more quality time with Goliath than any other member of my multi-species family the first night I got home! Here's my latest handspun, once again a scrumptious SW Merino/Alpaca blend dyed by Kristin of AllSpunUp.

"Enchanted" 182 yards, 3.8 oz

The colors kind of remind me of the ones in "Neptune's Dream" - rich blues, greens and gold. But this time they are over-dyed on heathered grey Alpaca, creating a warm, subdued pallet that I just love.

August 12, 2008

Castle in the Clouds - BFL Handspun yarn

Well, my newest handspun yarn sold in my Etsy shop in record time. Thanks to a lovely repeat customer, it was snapped up within about 10 minutes! Still, I couldn't resist posting a few pictures of it because I was really pleased with how the shots turned out, as well as with the yarn itself.

"Castle in the Clouds" is 160 yards of the softest BFL around.

I love BFL, and this really was some amazing fiber. The previous rovings I've bought have been smooth and lustrous, but not really fuzzy soft. This one was all that - check out that gorgeous halo. So soft! As soon as I first squished the roving in my hands, I knew it was going to be amazing.

The roving was purchased from Squoosh on Etsy. I was surprised how pale the colors turned out. I wasn't expecting that, but I really love the way it ended up. One of the funnest parts of spinning for me has been seeing the transformation from roving to yarn. Quite often it's a pleasant surprise! Here's the roving:

I've got another one of her rovings on the way. It's Alpaca/Merino/Silk in earth tones. I cannot wait to see it!

August 4, 2008

Spin-A-Long fun!

I have finished spinning my yarn for the AllSpunUp spin-a-long! How it worked is that a number of people signed up to purchase fiber dyed in the same colorway and then we'll all spin them up and share the pictures. It will be very interesting to see how the same fiber in the same colors will undoubtedly produce different effects with each spinner.

Here's mine - "Neptune's Dream" 80% Merino, 20% Silk, 100% gorgeous! Kristin really out-did herself with these colors.

This blend is heavenly to spin and the yarn is so soft, with a bit of shine from the silk. I am so happy with the way it turned out. It should create a striped effect when it's knitted up, with fairly prominent solid aqua and navy stripes separated by the blended yellow/orange/brown bits. It was very interesting to spin it, and I hope someone will find it just as fun to knit with. That's right, it's for sale in my Etsy shop!


This is what the original roving looked like. Isn't it lovely? I can't wait to see all the other yarns, and I sure hope she does another one of these soon!

August 2, 2008

Earth Child - Merino Alpaca handspun yarn

Well, it's been a while. Pemberton was an interesting experience - after getting caught in the Airport snag on the Thursday night, I decided to defect and head home early on Friday. I caught a Greyhound bus and got home by about 9pm. I just didn't relish the idea of spending another 3 days in chaos. I know, I know. The music was amazing. But you know what? Having gotten swept up in all the hype of the festival, I never really stopped to ask myself if any of these bands were all that high on my list of favorites. It's too bad it was a lesson that cost me over $300, but I think I made the right decision. The rest of the weekend I experienced a lot of cool coincidences, connections with great people, etc. that lead me to think I way wise to head home when I did.

Anyway, I'm back to my spinning, after having hurt my wrist fairly bad and having to hold off for a couple weeks. Man, did I miss it! The fiber I chose to get back into it was perfect! It's 70% SW Merino, 30% Alpaca, dyed by the incredible Kristin of AllSpunUp on Etsy.

"Earth Child" 224 yards, 4oz - available in my Etsy shop now!

I am so happy with how this yarn turned out! Besides the fact that these are "my colors", this fiber blend spins up soooo soft and squishy.

Here's a picture of the roving (borrowed from the listing). Any spinners out there - I suggest you check out Kristin's shop asap. She really is amazing with color.