So we met the blues and now it’s the browns.

I like this one and think it would be totally acceptable. It’s just a basic Romney.

I also did this Corriedale, but it’s so bumpy and lumpy.

I carded it up, but it seems just to come off in blobs when I’m spinning. Although, I could see that it could possibly give some interesting texture next to the very smooth in the shawl. I know the dark color would give some needed depth and a spot to rest the eye.

I have found it’s hard to judge a yarn in skein form. Sometimes you only know by knitting a sample. Onto the sampling…

So these are the first dishcloths I’ve ever done.  No really.  Ever.  I don’t know why I haven’t done them before, as they are a super quick knit.  I did one in each sitting.  Size 7 needle, with Knitpicks Shine Worsted, the Ballband Dishcloth pattern, which is free and can be found here.

I’m creating a little package for Mom and these are going in as one of the items.

We’re having a bit of Internet connectivity problem right now, so I’m up and down.  Hopefully to be fixed soon.

So I finished spinning all the blues and then got sidetracked - Mother’s Day Knitting.  I have to sort through my stash today and look for some browns to go with these for the Danish Tie Shawl.

Here’s a close-up of the latests.

So if you buy stuff to mix in with other stuff, does that really count as stash enhancement? Probably. I would assume if the total content goes up then yes, you have had a stash enhancement exercise or the letters, which I won’t list out. Really, don’t need spam.

So while I have been drooling over a fine fleece, I decided I really need some nylon to mix in with my rovings. Did you see those cormo/nylon blended socks? <singingly> Sign me up, sign me up. Anyway… I realized that there was a hole in my mountainous stash and it was nylon. I have mohair sure, nature’s nylon, but nylon… hmmm… this synthetic thing is a whole new ball of wax. Well, well… a hole must be plugged. Going to give a pound a go and see what happens. At a 20% ratio that should blend up to 5 pounds. Check. Did I mention you get a discount on quantity?

Also, went by the lovely new wool mill today…which, brace yourself, is on my way to work. Yes… on my way there and on my way home. Twice a day one mile over up the road there it is and it is wonderful. A lovely building, a little shop for wears, and lovely, lovely equipment. We looked at samples and I dropped off that Coopworth fleece I bought on Saturday. I’m currently working on the Shetland.

She had some little sampler bags of alpaca roving… I dove in. Now be kind… it’s only 4 ounces. What’s 4 ounces, really? Not that much and it was a very good price. It’s the bits at the end and begs to be spun very fine when I did my test… but I’ve been itching to do some kitchen sink batts and may add a bit of this stuff in. I thought I might use it for the Danish Tie Shawl. I have all the blues spun - about a pound worth, but I’m going to opt out of the alpaca top - will pill badly according to my last item made with it, if I remember correctly, and will sub in something roving wise. I’m thinking one light and one dark brown. It needs a bit of balance to tone the blues I think… and I like to use odd numbers. My mother, the florist, always says use odd numbers in arrangements, it’s more pleasing to the eye.

Technically this is not a mishap in my book, but we’re going to categorize it as one for today. Poor DH, he’s been after me for eons to knit this basic raglan top down sweater. Well, I spun the yarn… lots of yarn. A beautiful light gray Corriedale. It’s gorgeous and soft. At least to me it’s super soft. This is from a fine sheep from a super fine establishment that always sells out of fleeces. I was actually thinking of getting another one as it’s been fun to spin.

Well wouldn’t you know it too itchy for him - poor thing. He can’t help his sensitive skin. At least I found out in the collar. We tested cormo on him - too itchy. Say it ain’t so… he’s so, so sensitive on especially in the neck area,  he’s telling me it has to be cashmerino, which is fine, but there is a boat load of wool in the basement destined to be sweaters. Oh well. Right? Cheer me up folks.

Yesterday was the Stephenson County Fiber Art Fair and what a nice event.  I hadn’t been before, so I didn’t quite know what to expect, but they had an awesome selection of vendors and lots of choices to spend money on.  I circled around and picked out a couple of fleeces.  I don’t know what is about fresh fleece, but it draws me like bees to honey.

 

I picked out a beautiful black Shetland, which I swear could be the softest sheltland I’ve ever felt.  It has a bit of veggie matter in it, but I think that it will all work out in the wash.

Then I got this gorgeous Coopworth.  I’m still drooling over the projects in a Fine Fleece and keep thinking about my Romney’s in the basement.  I picked this one especially because it has definite variations in the fleece.  From very light silver to very dark gray.

So after rooting through my stash, I picked out some colors that I think may work for this Danish tie-shawl. I’m still deciding on the Alpaca as I’m not sure that will work for the singles.

I started spinning at group last night and then continued when I got home.

Not as straight as I would like but I think it will work for this pattern since it’s garter stitch. I did do a little hand felting when I set the twist in the hopes it won’t pill as much.

After reading the latest Spin-Off, I had to try the coils that were featured on the cover.

This was a lot of fun. It took longer to make them then I thought, but wasn’t intensive at all.

Here’s the close up shot.

Now what to knit. I’m thinking something simple to show off the yarn.

This was merino/tencel wool - 2 ounces from the sheep shed.  Coiled on crochet yarn.  I think it’s about 3o yards.

Phew! Check this one off the list. Done. Done. Done.

This is a Plymouth Yarn Design Studio project P-263 called Small Mitered Square Baby Coverlet.

The yarn is Decor.

Today was the big reveal of our Silly Sock Swap for our group of friends.

Thanks Crystal, I love everything.  I have to go search my pattern library for a beautiful pattern to go with this lace.

My socks fit perfectly.

Here is the link to the rest of the group photo’s and to Carrie’s blog.