The Knotty Sheep Shop

Monday, December 20, 2004

OK ... I know it has been 100 years since I have posted! The Christmas Frenzy has been alive & well. As usual, THIS was the year that everything was supposed to be done. THIS was the year that cards were out in a timely manner! THIS was the year the individual presents were bought/made with the receiver in mind! Yes ... THIS was the year that MARTHA would be proud. Well, she is in jail and so goes my theories of THIS Christmas!

I *did* manage to finish 10 novelty scarves and one poncho. The poncho is for my niece. I used tidbits of left over novelty yarn to compliment the plain stockinette stitch. While you can't really see the crocheted flowers - they do add a nice touch! Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

YiKes! I can not believe that ThanksG is less than 2 days away. I am pretty prepared - we are hosting - and DH cooks the meal. So, my job is basically cleaning & grocery shopping. I feel like I have been doing THAT since Saturday. C'est la vie! Now that I am following FlyLady , there will be no more CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) for me!! Do try it!

I also came across this petiton to help save the Wolves . A noble undertaking to be sure.

This week, I bought this really nifty Mannikin!! I would like one of those fancy 'dress forms' one day ... preferably a nice antique. I thought it to be an interesting concept to treat my finished knits like the ARTwork they are!! Well, I haven't really found a form that suits my tastes or fits my budget - but finding this funky soul on eBay is pretty cool! Isn't it a hoot?? The sweater - in the spirit of ThanksG - will be given to MoM this Holiday. Hope you have a GREAT celebration where ever you are! Comments, please!


Monday, November 15, 2004

Today was a *good* mail day! I received my Llapaca order!! Yes ... this is fiber from a llama/alpaca x. And - to be even more specific ... it is from "Pearl"! She is a favorite furbaby of mine.

I might just have enough stashed away for a little lace goodie for me. The problem is time ... I do NOT have enough of it!! Ah well ... maybe in my next life!

If you would like to try some wonderful fiber - and if you are feeling shoppie ... visit

Fiber Jewels from Missouri. My friend Nancie raises STUNNING fiber, furbabies! TAG Me ... You are it!

Thursday, October 28, 2004

I am just TICKLED that the Red Sox have won the World Series! How cool!! No more late nights .... for that I am both happy and sad!! The good news is - I can finally wash my BoSox sweatshirt. (Superstition does play into these types of events, you know!)

But, even with all the time in front of the tube - I managed to complete my Halloween 2004, "I FELT That" needle felted sculptures!! Yes - the lunar eclipse last night *did* have a tinge of RED and since the Universe was in phenomenal alignment - these sculptures quickly were a sell out! Woo-WHOO!!

Now, back to the Aran .... winter *is* coming! Tag ME ... You are it!

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

GO RED SOX !! Good luck in tonight's game # 7!!

Friday, October 08, 2004

Recently, while on holiday - I completed a needlefelted pumpkin. Yes - I know it was in the current issue of "Spin-Off" - but that really didn't have anything to do with my desire to make one. It *is* Halloween this month. Thought you might like to see my latest creation! TAG ME ... You are it!

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

YiPpEE! First FROST last night! I am just tickled about it! I wore a handmade sweater to work today - and it felt wonderful! There is something about being wrapped up in something that was handmade that makes my spirit soar!

Playing with wool this time of year is magically delicious! The trees are turning, the air is crisp & the woolens are out of their closets. A decadent slice of heaven.
My surroundings inspire ... Who can resist Punk Rock Pumpkins??

Hopefully, you are playing too. I have been working on the Aran. I have about 16" done (out of 26") on the back. Now that I have mastered the pattern - it is just flying by. Although life is ALWAYS busy - I try to do at least 8 rows a day. Keeps the pattern & symbols fresh in my mind. This is what it looks like, as of today ....



TAG Me ... You are it!

Friday, September 24, 2004

Well, for the next several days - I will be off line ... time to charge the BATT-eries!! Sometimes the recharging does better without high tech toys!

BIG news!! At this time, The Knotty Sheep has raised over $328 for Heifer International . Keep Shopping or scroll down, on the left, under the Tag Board, there is a clickable Paypal link!!

Keep Kreating!! And I will be back before you know it! TAG ME ... You are it!

Friday, September 17, 2004

After frogging the Aran 9 times (!) - you would think that frustration has set in and I would be done with it. Well, truth be told, it has set in - but I refuse to let 2 needles & some yarn crush me like a bug. Sure - it still mocks me, but day by day - row by row - it is becoming a pattern. Challenge can be a 'good thing' ... Just ask Martha.

I want to complete a few more rows - then I will post a picture. In all honesty, after working a lace shawl - I thought this would be EZ PZ! (I can hear it still mocking me from afar!)

My spinning has taken a back seat to all of this ... Hopefully, I will get some done this weekend, as well as some dyEing. I haven't been overly productive in those departments either.

Don't you hate it when one project consumes your very soul?? TAG Me ... You are it!

Thursday, September 02, 2004

Well, after frogging the Aran 6 times, I thought I was good to go ... I had 8" done and was *this* close to posting a picture of my work here. Good thing I didn't ... I had done it wrong! So ... back to the Frog Pond it went. I have casted on and this weekend, I hope to start it anew.

Yesterday, I got the most incredible fiber from my friend Nancie (she of soon to be Prairie Point Llama & Alpaca fame!). Take a look, and meet my new friends!



Left to Right: "Pearl", "Bonnie", "Pumpkin" and "Anta".
Look what Anta got himself into!

I love this fiber ... great work Nancie! TAG ME ... you are it!

Thursday, August 19, 2004

When are the Olympics over? Not that I am wishing for them to end - but, with all the 'one hundredth of a point' differences between medal winners and non-medal winners - I can't concentrate on my knitting. Truly, what was I thinking when I tried to start my Irish Aran last night whilst Paul Hamm was crashing into the Judge's table before his METEORIC rise to the Gold?? What was I thinking??

Actually 5, "not so bad" rows, were completed before the Frog Monster came. It wasn't Paul Hamm's fault ... it was DH's! I mean, with all the heart stopping events in the world - he has to pick a Coke commercial to make a ruckus over. The commercial showed a person giving 'a stranger' a Coke. I am assuming said stranger 'drank' it ... DH's philosophy ... "Would YOU drink Coke given to YOU by a stranger"? I see & can even appreciate his point ... but - to make a SUCH big deal of it when I am laboring over this pattern??? What was HE thinking? "Rip IT"!

Congrats to all the Olympians - obviously their concentration is better than mine!! Tag ME ... You are it!


Thursday, August 05, 2004

Hip Hip HOORAY!! The humidity is finally GONE! There are many reasons why I dislike the humidity: flatter hair than normal, no AC in the studio, and especially - my wool doesn't dry.

I have had a beast of time working on wool this week - but 'they' say it will feel almost 'fall-like' this weekend ... another Hip Hip HOORAY!! I am keeping my sockless toes crossed ... I don't put to much stock into "Live Doppler Radar".

I did subscribe to a neat magazine today. Wild Fibers is based in Maine and seems to go where other fiber mags don't. How could I resist 'The Seaweed Sheep', as featured in the current issue?? Do join me in a subscription .... tell *Linda* Kary sent you!

As you know, I love incorporating doggie fur into woolen batts for spinning. I am currently working on a commission project for a lovely lady who is planning something special for her grandaughter. As you can see, the collie's fur is on the left - my batts, which include wool from "Abigail" & "Guy", some silk & angelina sparkle - are on the right. I still have a long way to go ... see the first paragraph ... doggie fur doesn't dry in the humidity either! TAG ME ... you are it!

Monday, August 02, 2004

Well, I changed the name of my BloG. "Sheep At The Beach" - is more *me* sounding. I love the whimsy it brings to mind: sheep surfing; sheep sunning; sheep drinking umbrella drinks. Now, I guess *I* will need to be more creative. :)

I just finished reading The Shop on Blossom Street . What a fabulous summer read. I recommend it highly - and hey, just because it is set around a knitting shop ... that didn't hurt it one little bit!

AND - while I have been melting here due to the high humidity (and no AC!) - I have been thinking about Fall. Now, I don't need another sweater to knit. I REALLY don't! I have 2 in the queue as I type but I love The Rogue Sweater. It seems it went around BloGdom earlier this year. Who knew?? We will see ... it reminds me of the Elsebeth Lavold designs.

Last night I finished carding some batts with Curly Horse! She Dances With Wools - was an inspiration gleened from Evelyn, my Adopted Native Elder . It is a very worthy charity - especially as some of the elders continue to weave traditional rugs!
What a great way for those of us in the fiber community to support others who are too! TAG ME ... You are IT!

Friday, July 30, 2004

I am always on the look out for good fleeces! I dare not think how many pounds of wool I actually purchased this year. But, I feel it is my Patriotic duty not only to keep the economy going - but also to support the small shepherd!

Yesterday, I found a wonderful finn/leicester x as well as a Barbados fleece! I love finn and the Barbados - well, that was a 'must have' purchase as I have never seen one before! But, if you are in the need for fleece - check out CHRISTEN's sheepies . I can't wait for both Ethel & Jason to arrive.

I have also tallied my list of "Reserved" fleeces for the year 2005 - as of this date - I am up to 5. Gee, I wonder how many more I will acquire??

Why the indulgence? Besides the patriotic duty, supporting the small shepherd, I just love fleece! Love creating with it! Love touching it! Love looking at it!! WhEEEE ... I am in fleece heaven! TAG ME ... You are it!

Friday, July 16, 2004

Gee - just when I said that I would post more .... sigh! My life will be taking a new direction as I strive to find a balance in my work, home life & health.  It will be a journey of twists & turns - but I am thinking it will be one of great adventure!    
  
The Knotty Sheep (please click on the  "Buy Me" link of the  left for my latest creations ... for some reason, I can't insert HTML in this post today!!)  has been growing by leaps & bounds!  YiPpEE!!  And due to my wonderful customers - so far over $182 has been pledged to buy sheep for a deserving family thru Heifer International!!  (Scroll down on this blog, left column for exact figure).   I think giving back is so important  ... The Universe needs to be balanced too.
 
This summer - I have fallen in love with my local library.  It isn't the most up to date or eye appealing edifice in the world - but the service it provides overwhelms me!   Please support your local library too .... One way I do is donate all my magazines to them instead of putting them in the recycle bin.  They still get recycled (to another reader - hopefully, they will still make it to 'the bin' one day!) and the library earns 25 cents!  Small things do add up!
 
I have 2 pair of sox on the needles ... hmmmm.... Maybe they are good project for the weekend!
 
Tag ME ... You are it!









Monday, June 07, 2004

In my email today, I received this 'story/obit' from my mother in law. It says to pass it along ... I chose this BloG as my forum as I talk about "Common Sense" quite a bit & I feel that more people should honor its existence ... or respect its passing. I do not know the original author - if you do, please say "Well Done" from me. TAG ME ... after you read!

"Last week we mourned the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago
lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing
when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that
life isn't always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more
than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in
charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a
classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his
condition.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became
contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better
treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his
wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you
still know him pass this on, if not join the majority and do nothing."

Thursday, May 27, 2004

Once again, I have fallen behind in posts! Could it be because I am trying to keep up with outside adventures?? OR maybe it is due to my current 'Featured Vendor' status on Spindler's List! Maybe it is because the socks I am knitting are actually 2 different sizes ... NOT on by choice! Could be so many different things!

So, here I am - posting today! I would like to pass on some interesting tidbits ... all on eBay!

First, I placed a bid on this wool! Not that I need it - but, to read the snippet of info re: this wayward sheepie - any 77 year old who can shear a sheepie with an attitude deserves a bid! Feel free to out
BID me.

Second, visit my friend Marcia's
cyber-shelves!! Aren't those the coolest bags ever??

Third, it is my unabashed plug for my own stuff! Yes - I have been working REALLY hard carding these last 2 weeks and I would love for you to take a peek at some of my Kitchen Sink Batts
- of course I would like you to bid too - but, I think you know that!

Lastly - my hats off to all veterans who help make & those who continue to keep this country free. During this Memorial Day - may you remember those you have gone but should not be forgotten! TAG ME ... you are it!

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Wednesday, May 05, 2004

I found an interesting link recently that I would like to share! At the North Shore Animal League - you can SPONSOR a
dog or cat in need. These are animals which, due to circumstances beyond their control, may never find a loving home. Therefore, individuals outside of the League may assist in their care! How cool is that?

And, since I am on the subject of animal friends ... I am determined more than ever to keep those shephards who care for their flocks, humanely & with love, in business more than ever! If you are looking for some wonderful, raw wool, visit Sandy at Homestead Wool & Gift Farm. She does love her sheepies!

What are you up to?? TAG ME .... You are it!

Thursday, April 29, 2004

Spring is here ... the RED SOX are in first place in their division ... life is pretty sweet!

As always - I have been busy dyEing, carding & spinning. But, now I must add gardening & lawn chores to my daily repetoire. I LOVE being outside and since my husband & I try to live as organically as possible ... I feel my efforts help the Earth. I don't mind being busy - I just have a problem with wasting time.

Part of my time wasting has to do with photographing fiber. I NEVER knew how hard it was until I tried capturing the correct colors of skeins & batts in a digital format. Since I sell the stuff, it is VERY important to capture the colors as best I can! Sure, listing colors is helpful, but my idea of 'celery' is totally different than someone elses!

So, I have a tip! Photograph your work using its complimentary color as a background. White or black backgrounds are nice - but they may distort the exact color you are trying to capture. Using a simple color wheel - often available at craft stores and a staple in art stores ... you can decipher complimentary colors. If all else fails this CYBER COLOR WHEEL shows the complimentary colors if you scroll down a bit.

Hope this tidbit of info helps someone! TAG ME ... You are it!

Monday, April 19, 2004

See? I told you I would post more .... wheeeee! Today, I was able to complete a hat that I had made for Prudence Mapstone's Cyber-Gallery . I call it "Head Chick"!

Suffice to say - it came out 'large doll head' size. Maybe a child could wear it, but alas, not jumbo headed me. I suppose this might be a 'good thing'. TAG ME ... You are it!


Friday, April 16, 2004

NBC's "THE APPRENTICE" is over for the season. Sigh ... This was a 'Must See TV' show - one of the few reality shows I have ever watched and suffice to say - I was hooked.

I think what separates this 'reality' show from others is that you can actually pick up tidbits of business advice from 'The Donald'. Knowledge is a powerful tool and whether or not you are in high stakes real estate or a small, independent fiber biz - tidbits of information from a rather successful individual should not be taken for granted. I was slightly 'WOW'ed with Trump's lifestyle - and pleasingly voyeuristic when those snippets of his life appeared. Not to say that I would want to live that lavishly ... but I would like to try it for a month (or 2)!

Me?? I am glad that Bill won - although Kwame is no slouch. I would hire both in an instant if I were a mogul. Can't see either of them carding wool ... let alone washing it - but, heck! I don't wash it either!!!

I have decided to update my BloG more often. If you scroll down - on the left, I have a list of books that I have finished. This is HUGE for me as I am not a big reader. I figure if I document them - it would encourage me to read more. Notice - I have even read one of Mr. Trump's books! Weeeeee! TAG ME .... you are it!

I am PSYCHED!!

I am like Bill -- "I'm a trained killer - in business."



Bill was the Project Manager for the Celebrity Auction Challenge, the Pedicab Challenge, was in Interview Round for the Final Four and the final Golf Tournament Charity Event Challenge.



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Monday, April 05, 2004

OK - I know I haven't posted in a REALLY long time. Once again - life is getting in the way of BloGGing! C'est la vie .... I will try to do better!


I have been busy spinning and carding for THE KNOTTY SHEEP . I am delighted that the response to my products has been SO favorable. YiPpEE and Thank EWE!! I am still in the stages of finding a balance between making sure everything I need to do gets done. One thing I know for sure - the whole fiber process takes time! Thankfully, it is time well spent!


I also purchased the best earrings from my friend EVE! I purchased a pair for myself and a pair for a (belated) birthday for a friend. Notice the art work at "Spinning Karma"? I did that!!


Well, in short - that is my life! Boring as it is - it makes me happy! My only current WIP is a pair of Joslyn socks. I have about 3" to go on the first sock. I am in 'sock phase' right now ... don't know why - but it is fun! Tag me ... You are it!


Monday, March 22, 2004

Spring is finally here - although you would not know from the temperatures outside. I had actually turned the heat in the house down a few weeks ago ... today, I turned it back up. Weather in New England!! Got to love it!

I have been busy dyEing, carding and spinning. This past week - I received my 2 beautiful shetland fleeces from Lael at Maplewood North. Check out the site & look for Daisy & Simba ... they both came to live with me. Isn't Simba's fleece GORGEOUS?? I honestly don't want to let it out of my sight ... but off to the processor it must go. Yes ... I am THAT bad at washing fleece.

My other 2 fleeces should be coming back from Wooly Knob any day now! I can't wait to see them and I am itching to play with them!

All in all - I have kept myself out of trouble being fibery! Oh - I should mention ... the dubblmossa never even got started this winter ... let's see how long it takes for me to get the socks I have on the needles completed!! TAG ME ... You are it!

Thursday, March 11, 2004

Where OH! Where is the time flying??? I have made some fine progress in completing tasks - but no where near where I would like to be! My knitting sits in it's basket - unloved & untouched! My spinning wheels have had some exercise - but not enough. My carder .... Ah! Now my carder has been busy!

I truly enjoy blending the expected with the unexpected! Pushing the creative envelope always does one's muse good! I think this is how we grow artistically ... When we do the unexpected. Such happy accidents can occur not only in our creations - but life in general! When we break free of our confines - that is when we truly become who we were meant to be!

Off to go create ... I am working on a pastel landscape ... Something of a different genre for me! AND - more carding! Do you need to exercise YOUR wheels & needles more ... Well BUY ME !!! TAG ME ... You are it!

Wednesday, March 03, 2004

Well, while I have been patiently awaiting ALL my fleeces - one did manage to pop in to make my acquaintance ... a beautiful California Red Fleece. It's stay was short - it rested here only for a few days before it was out the door again - on its way to the processor.

Truth be told - I haven't been idle while waiting for shearing day (s). No siree Bob! eBay is a great friend (or foe depending on available fiber dollars!). I received 2 boxes today - one containing the most exquisite silvery white WASHED romney! The second, washed suffolk. I am re-washing as the ends were a bit gnarly - but check out this staple length! MOMMA MIA! TAG Me ... You are it!!

Monday, March 01, 2004

I have been tremendously busy spinning & carding of late. I enjoy the process and I love to watch what 'blends' actually develop on the carder. Even though I spend most of the time frolicking amongst natural colored fibers and adding color ... I am also trying my hand at dYeing. It is a calculated science to say the least! I don't know how far I will progress and I am quite limited by space - but the journey is fun! The batts I created last week - I just put in MY STORE ! If you are feeling shoppie ... Don't let me stop you ... I have 7 (yes! You read right!) SEVEN fleeces coming ... gulp! How can one resist these tantalizing morsels??? Sigh ....

DH & I watched a program about Grizzlies on PBS last night. (Nope - no Academy awards here - like, I really care who is wearing what! I have all I can do to match DH's socks!) CHARLIE RUSSELL is truly amazing. He will be getting some charity dollars from us! To live amongst the grizzlies and to see how these animals commune with him & his wife is AMAZing. Hats off to you, Charlie! I salute your hard work!

What have you been up to?? TAG ME .... You are it!

Thursday, February 19, 2004

No news flash here: I HATE washing fleece. I am no good at it and I never want to do it again! PHEEWW! That feels better. Feels like a weight has been lifted as it seems everyone I know in the fibery world has no qualms about washing fleece. Truly - I am NO GOOD at it! AND with 4 fleeces coming as soon as their respective shear dates are over .... Look out!

Since today is Thursday - it is my ARTIST DAY! This is time that is set aside that I go in studio and play with pastels. I finally finished "Marcus" (side note here - I began in November 2003!) . Marcus lived on Redbud Wool Farm and Linnet ... His person, was kind enough to let me draw some of her sheepies. This is for her ... and Marcus! TAG ME ... You are it!

Thursday, February 12, 2004

Things have been busy in my studio since the new carder arrived! I have been having a ball creating lovely batts of wool. Of course they are FOR SALE! Feel free to place a bid ... My husband would be delighted if you did! :)

With the new carder came my INSANE desire to purchase raw fleeces! WHY???? I HATE preparing my own fleeces - but things change as we grow! To ease into the process, I am starting with 2 pounds of raw Suffolk. I ordered it from Abi at High Prairie Fibers ! Got to love a shepherdess who also does parrot rescues. Hats off to you, Abi!

Then, there are 2 coming from Linnet at Redbud Wool Farm , and 1 from Bonnie at Sheepy Thyme and then today - I found out that I am getting a hogget fleece from my friend Alicia who named a churro after me! Woo-WHOO! I am so excited .... REALLY SCARED .... But excited!

So as I said .... Feel free to buy or bid at The Knotty Sheep - I need the room! TAG me ... You are it!

Thursday, February 05, 2004

The Superbowl has come and gone and I will not be complaining as the New England Patriots won!! For those of you who love QB Tom Brady, his popularity increased a MILLION fold. To bad I am married or I am sure he would be banging down my door! C'est la vie!

I recently ordered a Fricke Petite drum carder! The time will tick slowly by until it reaches me. I hope to create some really interesting blends - but as with any new tool , test drives will be important. Hope I don't hurt myself - those things look sharp!

But, what is a girl to do during the recent colds spells? (I would say - long, dark days - but it *IS* getting brighter out there daily!) The answer of course is to SPIN and draw!! TAG ME ... You are it!



Sunday, February 01, 2004

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! It is here! Can YOU believe it?? I am just so excited - that I think I will burst! I am planning on bringing my Ship's Slippers to knit upon while at a friend's house. I am not one to care that corporate America is spending 2.3 million on a 30 second ad (don't really know if that is an accurate figure, but I know it is close!) - so I will sneak a row in here & there. The mailing period is this week - so they MUST be completed!

My creative juices were flowing ... I have been pushing that proverbial 'creative envelope' and LOVE BUGS
was the result!! I had a ball (HA! no pun intended) doing this skein and I look forward to expanding my 'novelty' yarn inventory. I really like the fact that the sky is the limit when it comes to imagination!

GO PATRIOTS!! Tag ME ... YOU are it!

Saturday, January 24, 2004

Still more than a week to go for the Superbowl! Can YOU stand it?? I can't! My husband would have us flying to Houston in a heart beat - just one small problem ... game tickets! Realistically, how can one spend several mortgage payments on one game?? But, we will be cheering the The New Engalnd PATRIOTS on to victory! No foam fingers for me ... how could I spin or knit??

Drum carders have been weighing on my mind of late. I don't really know if I need one - but I am thinking it would be fun to create 'interesting' batts of 'GOD knows what'. The one decision I did make is that I must sell enough stuff to purchase one! So - if you are feeling shoppie - stop by The Knotty Sheep ! Yarn collectors can revel in the unique inventory! (Interesting side note: 10% of my sales will be going to Heifer International to buy sheepies!! Scroll down to see the totals on the left side bar!)

I have managed to finish a handspun cashmere & silk scarf! Came out quite nice and oh, so soft. Now - it is time to sit & spin as well as knit a pair of Ship's Slippers! There is still 8 days to the Superbowl! TAG ME ... You are it!


Friday, January 16, 2004

It has been SO cold here these last few days! I mean - temps, with wind chill, that surpass the 20 degree BELOW mark! BELOW 0 that is! Now, I am pretty hardy - being of Lithuanian descent & living in New England all my life - but this is just plain cold! Perfect weather to play with wool! AND I have indulged this passion quite intensely this last week.

I have been attempting to spin funky yarns of late. Yarns that would make fun trims & embellishments. Miss Robin isn't really up to the task as the orifice is rather small and the hooks are a tad tiny & close together.

BUT - experimentation is good. While playing one night with some extra fiber I had on 2 bobbins - I created the below squiggle yarn. First I S'd, then Z'd, then S'd again as it was REALLY over spun. I set the twist and hung the small skein with a weight ... something I don't usually do. (I feel the weight of a wet skein is sufficient.)

What do you think of my squiggles?? TAG ME ... You are it!


Thursday, January 08, 2004

I have been having these last few days - making room for the new things that a "New Year" brings. With every new year, promises of organization, weight loss and de-cluttering are renewed. I decided it was time to sell off some of my 'children' ... Not literally as I don't have children - but skeins of yarn that have been spun with love & patience. Good karma abounds with these babies!!

Some are harder to 'let go' than others. Seaweed is such a skein. So - if you are in the market for a wonderful, handspun skein of corridale - that reminds this soul of long walks on the beach, salty breezes in your hair and sand tickling your toes ... Then please bring this baby home to live with you. TAG ME.... You are it!

Tuesday, January 06, 2004

2004 is here! YiPpEE!! This year is going to be great - I can truly feel it. I have done much spinning ... And while I am still knitting away on a handspun cashmere & silk scarf - I have thoughts of other projects swimming in my head. Needle felting is on the top of my list . I am seriously trying to spend at least 4 hours per day being creative. It is a challenge, but I find if I make time in my life for the creativity to flow ... It 'creates' more inspirations! How cool is that??

Today, I posted my first Klaudette design of 2004. The NFL football playoffs have commenced and shall we say that I found my inspiration?? Klaudette has joined 'The NFL'!! TAG ME ... You are it!