Wednesday, August 30

A big company producing better products!

Could it be that Patons is finally coming out with a few more natural fibre products? This makes me happy. I avoid synthetics if I can (unless making charity baby projects) and I love the Patons Classic Merino. Has anyone out there tried the Patons SWS? I live in a fairly small town in Canada, where the best we have going for yarn shopping is Walmart, or Michael's if Patons creates more natural fibre products, I'm sure they will carry them. There shelves are already bursting with all of their acrylics.
In knitting news, I'm busy with a cashmere lace scarf( my design) that I hope will be a good gift for my ISE swap. I've also designed some delicious fair isle mittens, which I will post a free pattern for in the next few days. I'm quite pleased with the pattern.
As usual, I have 2 pairs of socks OTN and I'm finishing up my mystery stole. Just one side of edging to go. Have any of you out there tried KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud? My SP sent me 2 skeins in the tide pool colourway(sorry pal I still need to post pics of your awesome gift) and I think I'm in love. If this were the last yarn on earth, I'd be a happy girl. This stuff is just soooo soft and silky. I casted on the Mystery Shawl 2 with it. (I know that knitalong was last year) I joined, and then flaked on the group cause I was busy giving birth and trying to get through a month of sleepless nights. No excuse I know, but shit happens. So I printed the clues out for a rainy day. I'm not sure I like the needle size I'm using, but time will tell. Off to grab some java and spin some. Have a great Wednesday . Is it just me or does the word Wednesday look weird? Spell checker says it's so, and it's too early to worry. Whatever....

Saturday, August 26

Since I don't have anything on my plate

I thought I'd join a couple of really fun swaps. One is the Spinning Roving Swap, and the other is the International scarf exchange. I'm a virgin to both of these swaps, so I cannot wait to see how things turn out! I do also have to post about a super fantastic Secret pal package that I recived on Thursday, and once the camera fairies return with my photo taking tool, I'll post pics of the awesome stuff my pal sent me.
First I need to take care of some questionnaire business:
For my spinning swap partner......

How long have you been spinning? hmmm...about 9 months, and I'm totally hooked!

Are you a beginner, novice, or experienced spinner? I'd say beginner/novice.

Do you spin on a spindle or wheel, or both? I first caught the bug with a spindle, but the wheel is my best friend now.

What types and weights of spindles (or what type of spinning wheel(s) ) do you currently own?
I currently own a Louet S15, but I'd love to buy an Ashford Traditional one day when the kids aren't around to break it.

What type of fibers have you spun with before? Alpaca( my fave) Llama, merino, romney, mohair and cashmere.

What fibers do you prefer to spin with? Alpaca is my hands down favorite, but I love good ole wool for alot of things. I'd love to try silk or cotton, although I've heard they are much more difficult to spin.

What fibers do you dislike? Dislike? that's tough since I haven't tried them all yet, but I'd have to say the feeling of cotton might turn me off, I hate picking up cotton balls, it makes my teeth hurt. If spinning cotton is anything like that then I might not like it.

Do you prefer natural colored fibers, or handpainted/dyed fiber? I adore handpainted fibres. I am learning how to dye fibre with natural plants and such though. Tons of fun.

Would you prefer all one type of roving or smaller amounts of different types to sample? I'd prbably prefer one type, so I'd have enough to make into something beautiful.

What are you favorite colors? Green is my favorite, but I love blues, reds , rainbows, purples. Ah heck I don't have a colour I really hate at all.

What colors do you dislike? See above, although peach is one I'm not totally crazy about now that I think about it.

What would you like to do with your handspun yarn, or what do you plan to do with it?
Stare at it day and night, take it to bed with me, ....Knit something silly!

What are your other favorite hobbies? Knitting, quilting, cross stitch, reading, running after my 4 kids.
Do you have any allergies (pet, smoke, food, fiber,etc...)? Nope!