Category Archives: sustainability

New Year’s Resolution: No Superwash

It’s ubiquitous, superwash wool. Superwash refers to wool that can be machine washed (and possibly dried) without fear of it shrinking and felting to Lilliputian sizes, thanks to one of a couple chemical processes. The first is a chlorinated bath … Continue reading

Posted in Knitting, sustainability, wool | 4 Comments

Indigo

              Several months back I bought this braid of merino/yak blend fiber from A Verb for Keeping Warm. The faint blue tinge is a light indigo overdye, and while the fiber has sat pretty … Continue reading

Posted in Feature, Spinning, sustainability, writing | Leave a comment

McCall’s 3341 – A-line skirt

                              For my first non-bag/not-made-in-a-class sewing project, I picked McCall’s 3341, View C, a simple knee-length A-line skirt. At first I wanted to take a class … Continue reading

Posted in sewing, sustainability | 2 Comments

Russian supported spindle

As a little holiday present to myself, I ordered this: That’s a Russian-style supported spindle, superbly made by hand by Lisa Chan of Gripping Yarn. Supported spindles, unlike drop spindles, rest on a hard surface while spinning. This makes them … Continue reading

Posted in russian spindle, spindle, Spinning, sustainability | 10 Comments

A new option for Ottawa locavores: Manotick Village Butcher

One of the biggest adjustments in moving from a good-sized US city to Ottawa was the lack of choices when it came to food, especially animal products. I used to be able to buy all local, free-range (and I mean … Continue reading

Posted in sustainability | 2 Comments

Don’t thank me, really

Every year my alma mater, Wellesley College, hits me up for money in their annual giving drive. And every year since my Wellesley degree has led to a decent income, I’ve given a (very) small donation. It’s something I’m happy … Continue reading

Posted in sustainability | 1 Comment

Grab bags from Darrell Thomas

Ottawa’s not a great place to buy fabric. Last time I asked someone where the best place to buy fabric was, the answer I received was, “Montreal.” If you’ve got a little money to burn, however, there is one great … Continue reading

Posted in embroidery, sewing, sustainability | 2 Comments