This is the time of year when I like to rebuild my inventory at Wind Rose Fiber Studio. It's no small amount of work, but it's fun. I love to add a couple new fibers each year, and like other businesses, sometimes I let a couple go.
Yesterday was grey here in the Valley of the Sun, so I wasn't able to photograph any of the new fibers. I'm hoping I'll be able to get started with those today. In the meantime, I began packaging and listing some favorites back into the shop.
Silk Hankies are back. Just before Christmas, the last of my silk was swept away in the holiday rush, so it's nice to have these beautiful, delicate Silk Hankies back in the shop. I've also replenished my stock of Thick & Thin Highland Peruvian Wool Yarn. This is by far the most popular yarn I carry. It's perfect for making baby blankets or cocoons or any thick and quick project. It's so soft and dyes beautifully. I also replaced Deschutes Heavy Worsted Merino/Silk 60/40 yarn. I have to admit, I pillaged my own inventory in this case. I sent one skein to my mom along with a pretty snood pattern for her birthday. She remarked on how much she liked the yarn. I like it too and recently crocheted an entire lacey vest from just one skein. There's a lot you can do with a 500 yard hank!
Well that's all for now. I should be back tomorrow with more to share. The sun is shining and beckoning me to take nice photos of fiber!
I never used to make resolutions, not in earnest anyway. At present however, I have many. I thought I had recognized each one and paid it homage, but now I have one more. This is the year I let my past creations out of the closet!
My studio closet is stuffed full of things I have made, some dating back more than 6 years. They are scattered around the room too, like this fulled hat and scarf set nonchalantly adorning my mannequin. This year I resolve to photograph and list everything into my shop.
This feels awkward because some of the items are outdated. I still have a few ponchos from when they made their comeback in the early 2000's. I have things that no longer reflect my style or focus and therefore don't represent me in the present tense, but I'm going to put all this aside. It's all just ego anyway. I am going to list them and if they are a bit outdated, I'll just offer them at a great price.
I think this will be a good thing. Not only will it potentially free up space, but hopefully my mind as well. In with the new!
Happy Friday everyone! I hope the first week of 2013 is treating you well. It's been a busy one here at Wind Rose. I've been wearing my accountant hat and summarizing my numbers for 2012 while at the same time gearing up, or should I say fibering up, for 2013. I have a big shipment of beautiful fibers trucking their way to my shop including a couple new additions. I'll be sharing those with you as soon as they arrive. In the meantime, I had to take a little break from the numbers today, so I made up a few new Top Whorl Drop Spindle Kits. Did anyone resolve to learn to spin this year?
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| Leicester Longwool Locks |
I couldn't let the year come to a close without one last post. My blogging has waned over the last 12 months, but certainly not my devotion to fiber. The irony is, that after putting off starting a Facebook page, I now find myself going there more often than not. I can't help but feel that my blog asks a bit more of me when I write each new post. I feel I should have something interesting to offer whereas Facebook doesn't seem to mind if I just check in and say hello. It's silly isn't it?
Now, on the precipice of a new year, my mind seems to be devoted to resolutions. It's quite out of my control. I'm on autopilot and personal pledges appear like clouds drifting through my brain. One such cloud is circling, promising to linger until I devote myself once again the my Wind Rose Fiber Studio blog. I'm determined to do so, but I want to make a special space for Facebook as well. I'm setting a goal to blog once a week, more of course if the muse strikes. Facebook will take over as a more daily exchange of thoughts and ideas. I would love to have your company there as it seems a more interactive and intimate place. I like to share my works in progress and, not to be a tease, but it is also the place where I am more likely to give away a new pattern or post a special offer at the shop.
Speaking of the shop, I just listed some lovely Leicester Longwool locks. This fleece was my last splurge of the year. It was rather greasy, so it has taken some preparation, but I am pleased with the results. It's so bright and pretty with a long staple and gorgeous curl. I have more to make ready, so for now I have just 4oz listed. I can't wait to spin up a few ounces myself. I'm trying to decide what sort of yarn these locks would like to become.
Before I close, I want to thank everyone for a wonderful 2012, for the community you provide and the positive energy I feel flowing. Creativity is a sustaining force in my life and your company is a big part of that. I only hope that I also provide a good and useful spirit. It is my sincere wish that 2013 will bring you joy and prosperity. Happy New Year!
I decided to do a little spinning yesterday. It was too hot to sit outside and I didn't feel like being in my studio, so I started to look around my living room for a good spot. My living room is far from traditional. It's the cool room in our house. There's a pool table, flat screen, old school record player; it's more of hangout than a "living room". Our leather couch sits a little too high for treadling which left our club chairs as the only choice. The club chairs are modern, swiveling on pedestals and semicircle in shape. I don't typically spin in chairs with armrests, so I wasn't certain this would work out.
I selected a song and hit the genius button on my laptop and then plopped down. In addition to my spinning accoutrements, I had a green spray bottle of water next to me. Spinning out in the open means attracting the attention of our two cats, Costello and Elvis. They are trained well enough that the mere presence of the water bottle is enough to keep them at a respectable distance.
I usually use an antique wooden chair when I spin. I sit with my back straight and my hands fairly centered. I feel I can spin longer without tiring when I'm balanced. That's why yesterday was such a departure for me. I leaned back into the club chair which is actually a very comf seat. I pushed my wheel a little farther away than usual and stretched my legs out. I let my elbows rest on the arms of the chair. When I began to spin, I found myself drafting in a sideways motion. It was surprisingly pleasant. I always find spinning relaxing, but I've never felt quite this laid-back. It felt revolutionary.
I ended up spending most of the day, just spinnin' & chillin' with good music and the company of my teenage son. He hung out playing video games and we talked about our favorite tunes and stuff. I was enjoying myself so much that after finishing 150 yards of 2ply, I started in on a thick and thin just because. For all of you spinners who are way ahead of me and have been hangin' out in this style for ages, all I can say is, "You rule." If you haven't tried a more laid back posture, I highly recommend it!
My cousin is about to have her first baby this December and I couldn't be happier for her and her husband. This is turning out to be a year of babies for my friends and family which means I am revisiting some of my favorite old baby designs.
I first made this hat about 7 or 8 years ago for a friend and neighbor back when I lived in Virginia. She has a little boy and was trying to describe a hat shape that she liked. On a piece of paper she sketched what was basically a square and explained how the points would stick up when the hat was sitting on someone's head. It sounded like a cute idea, so after taking a few measurements, I set out to make my own version of this hat.
Well, I've been making these little hats ever since. They are just so cute and whimsical. For girls I scallop the brim and make loopy flowers at the points. for boys I make the brim straight and make loopy pom-poms instead of flowers. This one is a holiday version as you can see. I also like to make them with red and white stripes. I think this is a sweet first Christmas design.
This hat looks great in everything from pastels to primary colors. I've chosen a bouclé for this project, but other textures look great too. From furry to flat, the possibilities abound. I had to work this hat up my my own, ancient, chicken scratch. I was old school back then, walking around scribbling ideas in a journal. It's time I preserve this design with a proper pattern!
It was a nice lazy weekend around my house. My hands needed a break from crocheting, so my thoughts turned to spinning. I went into my studio and dug a huge bag of German milk sheep fiber out of a corner cupboard. It's coarse wool, good for rug making, and I need a new rug right now. The small rug I keep on the back porch is beginning to crumble and it will be nice to replace it with something homemade.
After spending a large part of the afternoon filling this spool, I have to say that I don't know how people attend long spinning events. My backside gets so tired of my spinning chair and my neck and upper back ache from being in one aspect for so long. I guess I don't spin often enough to build up stamina. This fact is in direct conflict with my determination to spin though my mountain of wool. Today my chair will receive the addition of a pillow and I'll have to stop and stretch more often.
What I'd like to do is to spin all of this fiber into a nice heavy 2ply. Then divide it into around 200 yard hanks to be dyed in a variety of colors. This would be a nice project to weave on my rigid heddle, but I don't know if I can get myself back into weaving. Crochet is just so quick and easy for me. I guess I'll have plenty of time to contemplate this while I'm spinning.
Here are a few more samples of the necklaces I've been making lately. I really love working with linen these days. It feels sturdy and strong and yet as you wear it, it becomes softer and softer. My favorite place to shop for linen lace is Yarn Mountain. There are so many gorgeous colorways.
Another favorite lace weight of mine is Shoppel Wolle Zauberball. I love the long striping effect and it looks great in projects like these. I first bought Shoppel Wolle in Germany, but it's readily available here in the states.
I'm feeling more than a little sheepish for having been away so long. Is if possible to develop attention deficit issues in midlife? I find myself spending more time on Wind Rose Fiber Studio's Facebook page than here and I think it's because it's so quick and easy. If you want to see what I've been working on lately, I would welcome your visit.
My latest design is the Linen and Lace Necklace and last week I even managed to write up the pattern. It's available for sale in my Etsy shop, but until Sept 15th, the pattern is available for free to people who follow my Facebook page. You'll find the simple details here.
Now that I've flexed my fingers, I hope to rekindle my attention span and return to more regular blogging. I've missed you and I know I have a handful of questions waiting for answers here as well. Please forgive my time away and I'll be getting to you with answers very soon.
The Cinnamon Log Tote
Materials:
•Two colors of yarn, same weight, will be referred to as Yarn A and Yarn B. In sample piece the brown is Yarn A and the ecru is Yarn B.
•Crochet hook that is an appropriate size for chosen yarn. Sample made with size H hook and worsted weight handspun
•large eye needle for sewing in loose ends
•scissors
•3 cinnamon sticks approximately 3.5” long
If you need a stitch guide or help with the abbreviations, Crochet 'N' More is a great resource for all of the basics.
Size
Finished piece measures 2.75” wide and 2.25” long folded in half or 4.5” laid flat. These measurements do not include the handles.
With Yarn A, Ch 18
Row 1: sc in second chain from hook, *skip next 3 chains, work 4 dc, ch 1, 4 dc in next st, skip next 3 chains, sc in next st* twice, (see image 1, arrows indicate upcoming stitch placement) working along the opposite side of the beginning chain, skip first 4 chains, work 4 dc, ch 1, 4 dc in next st, skip next 3 chains, sc in next st, skip next 3 chains, work 4 dc, ch 1, 4 dc in next st, skip next 3 chains, sl st in first sc, finish off (image 2)
Row 2: with Yarn B
We are going to work a 4bpdc dec (back post double crochet decrease) over the first four dc just left of the 1st sc of Row 1. Here’s how: Join Yarn B to hook with a standard slip knot, yarn over, insert hook around first dc from back to front (image 3), yo pull up a loop, yo pull through two loops, *insert hook around next dc from back to front, yo pull up a loop, yo pull through two loops* 3 times (image 4), yo pull through all five loops on hook (4bpdc dec complete, image 5), ch 4, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 4, 8bpdc dec, ch 4, sc in next ch 1 space, *ch 4, 4bpdc dec, ch 4, sc in next ch 1 space* twice, ch 4, 8bpdc dec, ch 4, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 4, 4bpdc dec, ch 4, sc in next ch 1 space, ch 4, sl st to top of beg 4bpdc dec (image 6)
Row 3: ch 1, work 3sc into same st as joining, 2 sc in next ch 4sp, 2 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next ch 4 space, 2 sc in top of 8bpdc dec, 2 sc in next ch 4 space, 2 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next ch 4 space, 3 sc in top of 4bpdc dec, continue around in this way being sure to work 3 sc in each corner (image 7), join with sl st to to first sc, do not finish off
Handles
sl st into next sc, ch 20, join with sl st in the adjacent corner, finish off. Make handle for the opposite side by joining with a slip st in one corner, ch 20, join with sl st in the adjacent corner, finish off (image 8) weave in all loose ends.
Now the Cinnamon Log Tote is ready to be folded in half and filled with cinnamon sticks. Just hang it on your tree and enjoy the spicy bouquet!
I guess the first thing I should say is that I realize it is no longer the month of May. In fact, June is well on its way, but my goal was one ornament pattern a month, and so late or not, I'm going for it. Hopefully, I'll be able to come up with one more design idea for this month and then I'll be back on track.
I was in a little creative slump, so I just started to think about my favorite tree decorations. One of my favorite years, was the first time I bought my very own tree for the holidays. I was living in a basement apartment across the street from an antique shop. They started selling Christmas trees and so I bought one.
It was all I could do to haul my tree down my basement steps leaving a reckless trail of pine needles. When I finally managed it, I realized that I had neither a stand nor any ornaments to my name. For a few minutes I stood with what I am sure was a "now what do I do" expression on my face when I came up with an idea. I had a big basket that I used for something (I can't remember what), so I dumped out the contents and in I plopped my tree . It looked like a giant version of those cone shaped rosemary plants they sell around the holidays. I was thrilled both by the fact that the basket was actually managing to hold my tree upright, and how whimsical it looked. Perfect!
The next step was to figure out some way to decorate my first tree. I started rummaging around and found a collection of little silk roses on wires. I've been buying spices in bulk for a long time, so I happened to have a bag of cinnamon sticks on hand as well. I used the roses to attach the cinnamon to my tree. It was pretty and the fragrant blend of evergreen and cinnamon was wonderful. I topped the tree off with ribbon tied into a bow and that was that.
I always get sentimental when I think about my cinnamon adorned tree. It was simple and sweet and now it's the inspiration for my next ornament design. For the month of May, the ornament is...
The Cinnamon Log Tote
I hope you like it. I've been wanting to make a two toned ornament, so this fulfills that wish as well. Of course you can make your ornament out of any yarn or any colors, but I have been using only handspun ecru. To add just a little color, I spun up some baby camel top. The camel and merino look very pretty and earthy together.
This ends my very verbose preview. I haven't blogged in a while, so I guess I'm feeling chatty. I'll be back in just a day or two with the free pattern. Once I've finished a design, it doesn't take long for me to write it up. See you soon!
I guess you know you've been MIA for too long when your own blog wants you to sign in. Between the end of the school year and an extreme case of spring fever, I feel like I've been in a constant state of distraction. I have a feeling that May does this to a lot of people and I am in good company.
In an effort to regain focus, I've decided to use a couple days of my summer holiday to revamp my studio. This seems to be an annual event for me. I think my subconscious is stuck on the notion that with a little reorg, there is more space to be had in my one room studio. My conscious however, knows that the only way to achieve space is to do some painful purging.
The closet seemed like the place to start. After pulling out a couple of big items, a six foot easel and a standing floor loom, I uncovered my felted fountain. I went through a period of making felted structures. I was obsessed with seeing how big a sculpture I could make, out of just wool yarn, that would maintain it's integrity without the assistance of any stiffeners or wire or anything else. To be accurate, I should say fulled structures since I was working from crocheted fabric. Everything was free-form, design on the fly, so I was always investing time without any guarantees of success. This fountain was one of my faves and I have to say that it's in pretty good shape despite being unceremoniously stuffed in a closet.
For anyone who's curious, the fountain stands 14 inches high with a base that's 15.5 inches in diameter. The center part is about 5 inches in diameter. Fountains became a theme because I found that I could make larger sculptures by bringing the shape up through the center. It lended balance and support to the overall piece. I also carried a running strand of yarn as I crocheted to add more stability and another dimension of color. I had a good time with these projects because of the element of risk and the fulling process was creatively satisfying. At times I felt more like a sculptor than a fiber artist.
My kids have a nautical themed bath, so what could be a more natural addition than a felted fountain filled with shells? Every loo has one of these, right? Mainly, I just couldn't stuff in back into the closet or some random box. I think my subconscious may be in the lead at this point. I have a whole box of Hefty bags sitting on the floor of my studio with the plan to give away as much as I can. So far, I haven't opened it. It's an internal battle of wills and I hope my practical side wins.
