spinning wheels

Posted on May 26, 2007 by Leslie

For the past several months I’ve been renting an Ashford Traditional spinning wheel from my guild. It’s the only wheel they have to rent out and given that most of the other guild members can afford their own fiber arts equipment, there hasn’t been any competition for it. Now, I don’t have my own wheel so I’m glad to have use of this wheel, but damn if I don’t get frustrated with it. I wouldn’t say it’s been mistreated, but probably not properly cared for: it’s a bit rickety, the maidens are wobbly, it’s difficult to adjust the tension high enough to use the smallest whorl, etc. And on top of that it has the typical Ashford problem of drinking oil like there’s no tomorrow. I’m used to it enough now that I can jury-rig it into usefulness, but it’s not easy to spin on. Someday, someday I will have my own wheel. A decent one.

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Monkey FO

Posted on May 26, 2007 by Leslie

I knit this monkey a while back for a friend’s daughter’s third birthday. She was born in the year of the monkey and has a lot of monkey-themed stuff, so it seemed like a good choice. The pattern was from Fiona McTague’s Knitted Toys, though I substituted Plymouth Encore for the recommended non-machine-washable yarn (seriously, a stuffed animal for a small child needs to be easily washed).

It was fun to knit and turned out well, despite my doubts about it being my first ever stuffed animal. The only thing I plan to change for next time (and there will be a next time, as James wants one in blue) is that I will convert as much of the flat-knit pieces to the round as I possibly can. What is it with knit toy designers and seaming? Even the skinny tail on this was flat-knit, and that makes no sense. But anyway, the G’s in the ears were my addition–the recipient’s name is GG. I wasn’t sure whether she’d like it; you never know with kids what they’re going to like, especially if it’s handmade. There is video documentation of me at my third birthday party looking utterly unimpressed at the handmade birdhouse I’d just been given and eagerly looking to the next gift (probably in hopes that it would be a My Little Pony). However, I’m told that GG loves the monkey and even sleeps with it.  I’d say it’s a success.

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Secret Pal 10 questionnaire

Posted on May 26, 2007 by Leslie

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I really love to knit with alpaca, though any animal fiber is great. Acrylic has its place, but I don’t care to knit with it, nor cotton which I find to be rather hard on the hands.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a nice needle case from Lantern Moon.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I learned to knit 7 years ago from my aunt, who was taking a knitting class at the time. I’d say I’m in the intermediate/advanced range.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yep, right here.

5. What’s your favorite scent?

I like natural scents, not perfume-y stuff. Lavender and citrus top my list.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Chocolate is my favorite!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I spin at an intermediate level, and would like to get back into quilting.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like most types of music, though currently I’m listening to a lot of indie/folk-type stuff. Yes, my computer can play mp3s.

9. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?

I love blue, green, and grey. Generally cool colors, but I’ve been getting into earthier tones like dark rusty reds.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I live with a couple of roommates (one of whom has two cats), and I have a horse.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to scarves, hats, and mittens, no to ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Mittens and lace. Though not in the same item ;)

13. What are you knitting right now?

The Estonian Lullaby Baby Blanket from FiberTrends, in yellow Dale Baby Ull yarn.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circs for sure, and bamboo and wood are my favorites. Plastic is alright too, but I don’t care for metal.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No to both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Two years or so.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving… food, family, friends, and more food.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Without intending to, I’ve amassed a decent collection of bumper stickers.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I’d love a copy of this book by Robin Hansen. I don’t have a subscription to any knitting magazines.

21. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?

I’d like to learn more about designing sweaters.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I am a sock knitter, yes. My feet are 9.5 inches long, and 9 inches around at the ball of the foot.

23. When is your birthday?

May 5.

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Sachet FO

Posted on May 26, 2007 by Leslie

This was the wee sachet cover I was working on, out of lace/fingering-weight alpaca spun on my drop spindle (cotton sachet bag on the left, sachet cover on the right):

And here it is in finished form:

The sachet was one of a few little presents, which needed a gift-y container. Soooooo I knitted up a basket (with a few modifications, as I didn’t have large enough needles… I should have modified more, as it was a bit shallow in the end):

And then I felted it. Stuffed with goodies, it looks a nice size/shape:

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Handspun sachet WIP

Posted on May 26, 2007 by Leslie

The sachet WIP:

The one on the left is the actual cotton sachet (filled with lavender and rose petals). I’ve knit the sachet holder (on the right), it just needs to be finished. Ugh I hate seaming so much! I should block it a bit as well, though I don’t think the curling will matter too much; I’ll be threading ribbon through the yarn overs and will be pulling the top tight anyway. I’ll get a picture of my spindle soon and put it up, it’s a Cougar Mountain from Cascade Spindles and I love it. Pricey little thing but well-balanced and lightweight enough to spin this alpaca lace-weight. I spun it worsted so it’s not as soft as it could be, but stronger than a woolen yarn. And I’m still just getting the hang of this stuff anyway!

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