tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-905567467134782242024-03-05T16:32:10.986-05:00Smoky Mountain FibersThis blog chronicles my work as a fiber artist: spinning, dyeing, knitting, designing, and felt making. I am also a gardener, contra dancer and caller, English Country Dancer and leader. I teach in a small college not too far from Asheville, North Carolina.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-78621036298900140302020-04-08T17:26:00.000-04:002020-04-08T17:26:03.462-04:00The Annie Walter Plan for a Happy Quarantine - Step OneThere are only a few elements. Staying home to stay safe makes your world small, but it can be deep. Maybe dense is a better word.<br />
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<b>Take a long walk every single day.</b> Spring has not been cancelled. It is beautiful outside, with trees and flowers coming into bloom, changing every day. Although we could certainly use some rain and there is some in the forecast, the gentle weather and blue sky has made my walking most enjoyable. <br />
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I live in an older working class neighborhood between 2 very lovely sections of town. I only have to walk a couple of blocks east or west to be in either a historic neighborhood or one with beautiful homes set on big well-landscaped lots. The houses there tend to look like French chateaux, or English cottages or Southern Gothic style - with pillars of course. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPwCYmttwcU3DwII8gYudSGd4XAuz8RFDW6itZNmtgOTtGnu-6SeghjmOCrgJJiHzjpF2TqVEadNMMgnK_SXZFjrdYzFEAgA7wFh0b8Ic-TDm2C_mGdFVO2PiQ2GqEh3jUQOw3chRSmCj/s1600/gpirst-omni-grove-park-inn-spa-roof-through-trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="768" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPwCYmttwcU3DwII8gYudSGd4XAuz8RFDW6itZNmtgOTtGnu-6SeghjmOCrgJJiHzjpF2TqVEadNMMgnK_SXZFjrdYzFEAgA7wFh0b8Ic-TDm2C_mGdFVO2PiQ2GqEh3jUQOw3chRSmCj/s320/gpirst-omni-grove-park-inn-spa-roof-through-trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't actually get this far. I am not a total scofflaw. </td></tr>
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The <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1527797376"></span>lo<span id="goog_1527797377"></span></a>op that I walk - ok it's really a trapezoid - includes neighborhoods, parks, greenways, a couple of streets that used to be busy. There are a lots of variations - Yesterday I walked up to the <a href="https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park#digex-photogallery" target="_blank">Grove Park Inn</a>, now closed. I never walked there before - seemed too far. In fact i was thinking, 'one of these days I should walk up there.' And with that, I turned where the sign tells the cars to turn. It was a lovely walk, a gentle up slope going, so a relaxed downhill walk home. <br />
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I really think that my daily walk is the most important thing that I'm doing for myself. The exercise value is significant, but just getting outside is really more important. I don't walk a dog. I do not have earbuds connecting me to cyberspace. I take a few pictures and post them to Instagram - mostly pretty flowers. For the first 2 weeks the Botanical Gardens was open, but there were just too many people, so although I miss it, closing it was the right thing to do.<br />
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I'll be back, because there are other things keeping me safe and sane. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-46138998734976361762020-03-28T13:45:00.000-04:002020-03-28T13:45:00.493-04:00I'm a lucky woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As part of my sanity program, I've been taking walks every day. I go out in the morning for about an hour. I've figured out a couple different loops that fit the criteria: pretty flowers, some hills, not too many people, which is why I go out in the morning. By 3 pm, people are getting a bit stir crazy. Since it's been warm in the afternoon already, morning is my time. There are a few dog walkers, some solitary runners and walkers, very few others.<br />
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It is Saturday, not that it makes much difference to me, but for those working and educating at home it's a day off. I came across 2 families. The first was 2 parents and 2 boys in the 9-11 range, on bikes. The boys were the kind of manic that is well suited to that age group. The other family was 2 your parents with 2 small girls - may 1 & 3. The girls were kind of weepy - not inconsolable crying, just clearly unhappy without the emotional maturity that (hopefully) comes later. I chatted with the mom for just a minute - confirming that her job is hard right now, but my heart went out to her and her family. <br />
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It again gave me a feeling of gratitude. I am healthy, happy and even in lockdown I have some control over my life. <br />
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Since we are in fact in 'Stay home; Stay Healthy' mode, It's been a good week in the garden and the studio. I'm enlarging one of the garden beds and setting up a worm composting bin. I'm also starting some plants from cuttings: buddliea and lavender. As I as in the back of the yard getting compost, sand and other amendments, I noticed some hostas coming up. I planted these when I first moved to this house nearly 20 years ago, but have't paid them much attention so they've gotten over run with vines. I cleared out a space, and sure enough there were 2 - each about a foot across. Nice surprise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8ud7DXD6XoD4pGbSLYOWG5lMHiG8DmXACfKb0wLtcNJfKcoP1HhdzRC9nKKmO24OafGSczFx6PsmTkdaj8BJHhAqNjCRqQ2yi7SUdFyRplYU-mBxhyphenhyphenKwIfssB8uEJIv4CBe4kf5D3Hee/s1600/uke+strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8ud7DXD6XoD4pGbSLYOWG5lMHiG8DmXACfKb0wLtcNJfKcoP1HhdzRC9nKKmO24OafGSczFx6PsmTkdaj8BJHhAqNjCRqQ2yi7SUdFyRplYU-mBxhyphenhyphenKwIfssB8uEJIv4CBe4kf5D3Hee/s320/uke+strap.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
One of the most engaging project this week was the strap for one of my ukuleles. 2 ukes + 1 strap = 1 problem. I thought of weaving one, then I remembered that I had a couple of bands woven on backstrap looms. I cannot recall their origin, but why not press one into service? So totally made from materials on hand (the strap, leather, belt hardware), and my 1949 Singer Featherweight sewing machine, I now have a strap that allows me to play either uke much more easily. More funky than elegant, but hey, it's ukulele!<br />
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I am nearly finished with the red sweater - I just need to kitchener the armpits. I am very pleased. It is exactly the 'farm sweater' I intended. I'm also about 1/2 way through my THIRD scarf on the cricket loom. I'm not a great weaver, but it has just the right amount of creativity and mindless physicality that I need right now. I've left it set up in the basement. So I can just pick up where I left off. Audio books and weaving are the bomb!<br />
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With finishing the red sweater, I'm deciding on my next project. I could knit a few hats and maybe a pair of socks while I decide. There are some interesting sweater patterns popping up on Ravelry of late.<br />
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As for now, it's time to see what item is next on the list. I think the chores so far today weren't actually on the list. How does that happen!?!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-38594962672491180292020-03-22T17:35:00.002-04:002020-03-22T17:38:44.041-04:00A week in: Weaving, Playing music, Cleaning house!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A week of distance socializing. I like that term a little better than social distancing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today was a grey and a little chilly, but I still took my walk. Fewer people today, probably because it was not the drop dead gorgeous weather that we've been experiencing. It was...seasonal. I had to wear a sweater in March. Still lovely though - birds, flowers, nature waking up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The seeds I planted 10 days ago are sprouting - lettuce, kale, chard. I have finished the 'fine tuning' of the mulching project, so the remainder of the dump truck load of chips can just go to a big pile in the back of the yard. My goal is an hour a day, but I might be to finish up in a session or two, if the rain holds off. Yesterday's treat: I discovered a single trillum in the southwestern corner, while I was trimming back some overgrown vines. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H1FlH_0ZstZ94DyxKaZSzmGabvuUOuB6yd6qChidJtg3KQ0MOId1-1t2SecQxT_LhvwQXJnoQgu2Sjrkr8KjgV0A4LA0_QaHuY5wbARTaZsu9SYjWczdUgKMPexOCnEJoZdteKCKHFXc/s1600/scarf+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H1FlH_0ZstZ94DyxKaZSzmGabvuUOuB6yd6qChidJtg3KQ0MOId1-1t2SecQxT_LhvwQXJnoQgu2Sjrkr8KjgV0A4LA0_QaHuY5wbARTaZsu9SYjWczdUgKMPexOCnEJoZdteKCKHFXc/s320/scarf+close+up.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Actual Fiber Content: On Thursday I warped my rigid heddle loom - a 15" Cricket - and wove a lovely scarf over the next few days. I enjoyed the process and I think I like the product as well. It's in shades of autumn - brown and orange. I think I'll put it on Ravelry. We need more weaving projects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I continue to play music, though not every day. Yesterday I played and sang a number of songs, mostly on ukulele, a few on the banjo-uke, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">only one on guitar.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I only stopped playing to listen to a friend's online concert on Facebook live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tonight's dinner - <a href="https://www.jennycancook.com/recipes/easy-pan-pizza/" target="_blank">Homemade pizza</a> - the dough is finishing its second proof, in the cast iron skillet. It is so good! The biggest problem that I have face so far with this recipe: not eating the whole pizza in one sitting. It's all in keeping in solidarity with Italy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the Covid19 front, I learned today that an ECD friend in Florida is in the hospital, but is getting better. My heart goes out to him, his partner and the rest of his family. He spends a lit of time with his grandson. A little cutie to be sure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wait, more fiber content! For the last month or so, I've been knitting what I call, the farm sweater. It's a dark red, recycled yarn, rather rustic in nature. I am knitting a very simple yoke pullover to be an everyday, throw-on-over-everything, very warm sweater. I have a navy blue Woolrich sweater that I bought more that 20 years ago that has suited me well. I took the measurements, and started knitting. Of course, I have to knit it twice. The first draft was WAY TOO BIG! Minor adjustments to the sleeves, but I needed to start the body over. I should get to the first decrease this evening. Since I never wore the first sweater I knit with this yarn, I was due for recycling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What I've been watching: Self-Made, a Netflix mini-series starring Octavia Spencer about Madame C.J. Walker, the African American hair care entrepreneur. Binged the whole series the day it was released! Hey, I was knitting! and hunkered down.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-22242794874756201092020-03-20T13:08:00.000-04:002020-03-22T17:37:23.622-04:00Is it Time?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time to restart the blog?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Q6lROA4biDVYuD-lluHGAEjond9NXhGd0zgPAeKrl5jr_wu5v02FzX6uMcxS1VTC6yVB6X0-5jnhncQxhsX0Vzek4LMQGYcHwfkG4z54F16Y7MhVCmUJ94SmDRMPTgG0Ctt3gB-dPRjo/s1600/trillium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Q6lROA4biDVYuD-lluHGAEjond9NXhGd0zgPAeKrl5jr_wu5v02FzX6uMcxS1VTC6yVB6X0-5jnhncQxhsX0Vzek4LMQGYcHwfkG4z54F16Y7MhVCmUJ94SmDRMPTgG0Ctt3gB-dPRjo/s320/trillium.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium at the UNC-A Botanical Gardens</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I was taking a long walk this morning, I thought about, well, a lot things: COVID19, community, gratefulness, spring and plenty more. I wondered if it was time to do some journaling. and since this blog still exists, why not here! Kind of old school. If anyone but me reads this, OK. But it's really for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Western North Carolina, we are a week into this time of social distancing. A week ago today, I was working at the yarn shop, <a href="https://friendsandfiberworks.com/" target="_blank">Friends & Fiberworks</a>. I was concerned, but not <u>very </u>paranoid, just regular paranoid. But within a day or so, the first diagnosed case was identified, a visitor from another state. My first thought, did she shop for yarn? Was she one of the really lovely people who I helped pick out perfect yarn for her project? Probably not, but still...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we are hunkered down. I am an extrovert with a high energy level who lives alone. I have a wide circle of friends, who enjoy many of the things that I like to do. Dance, play music, practice yoga, do fibery things. Community things. But I also like to do solitary things -knit, read, work in my garden, cook. My favorite thing to do at the gym (other than yoga classes) is to read or watch cooking videos on the treadmill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How do I stay happy? Stay busy. Stay active. Stay productive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I make lists. I cross stuff off. It makes me happy. See above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here's the plan: Everyday...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take a walk - Get those 10,000 steps. Today it was the Greenway to the botanical Garden, Greenway to Murdock St, Hillside to home. 7,500 steps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Work in the garden.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fix and eat good food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Knit, spin, weave, dye.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Play music - stretch! Play and sing new songs. Learn a few by heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So my plan is to log my activities - positive and negatives. Keep track of my self!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-22083678926954088402015-11-05T13:23:00.000-05:002015-11-05T13:23:20.709-05:00And now for a little R&R<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV1vwrO_U8OXnOcCz_FkTMD7zRHK2HXRRC3C-PH4629r3UIud07rfnhL5_BhvIO_6olJ8I-ORB-qrFmwZDy706qbYLmE04g7GxYCvtSq8Zpb-EWf00O1CB4VFmZTCfCDvDr7YqAuYbqeN/s1600/FFW+saff+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV1vwrO_U8OXnOcCz_FkTMD7zRHK2HXRRC3C-PH4629r3UIud07rfnhL5_BhvIO_6olJ8I-ORB-qrFmwZDy706qbYLmE04g7GxYCvtSq8Zpb-EWf00O1CB4VFmZTCfCDvDr7YqAuYbqeN/s400/FFW+saff+2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival (<a href="http://saffsite.org/" target="_blank">SAFF</a>) 2015 was great. I was again tied to the Workshop building. But
the classes went off without more hitches that I could handle, so I
remain Unflappable Annie. In a year with LOTS of changes, there were a
few bumps in the road. So we learn and do a very few things differently
next year. Here is a shot of the Friends & Fiberworks booth. My gradient yarns are to the left of the Uber-Blanket. Thanks <a href="http://luckyfibers.tumblr.com/post/132563423178/saff-re-cap" target="_blank">Lucky Fibers! </a>So it's now just a few days after SAFF, and as I wind down, I'm happy to chill, tie up loose ends and get ready for the next big thing. <br />
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Hopefully it will be a small thing, but I'm going in for foot surgery soon. I have a condition called Morton's Neuroma (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/mortons-neuroma-topic-overview">http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/mortons-neuroma-topic-overview</a>) always annoying, often painful, and it just won't fix itself. So now I'm going to get it fixed. It's an un-busy time at the day job, and again, post-SAFF, so the time is right to put my post-surgical foot up I will be the model patient. OK, I'll try to be the model patient.</div>
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My LYS fiber customers are well-stocked, my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/smokymountainfibers" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> is shut down(except for the digital patterns) and my desk at work is getting cleaner. My desk at home...well, we won't talk about that.<br />
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A very nice man will be taking care of me as I knit, watch movies, knit, read, knit, pet the cats, knit...you get the picture. I'll be knitting felt hats for one of my shops, socks for holiday giving, a sweater for me, dishcloths because the drawer is looking skimpy and ALMOST anything that the very nice man wants. No sweater though...do not tempt fate. Beware the curse! <br />
<span id="goog_1360591992"></span><span id="goog_1360591993"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-59858969853351132612015-03-06T14:34:00.002-05:002015-03-06T14:34:58.479-05:00Might as well face it...<div class="MsoNormal">
Might as well face it. I’m addicted to socks.</div>
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Knitting socks that is.
I've been a sock knitter nearly since I started knitting in the late
nineties.</div>
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I started with fat socks as many people do. For beginning knitters, the size one needles
just seem impossible. So I began with a
few pair of worsted weight socks - - warm and cozy in hiking boots. Then I realized that they didn’t wear very well
(particularly in merino). But it’s
okay… I learned the structure of sock.
The heel flap, turning the heel, the gusset, grafting the toe.</div>
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But in the last few years, my sock knitting has come along
way. Now even a slightly bigger sock yarn
seems awfully large. I just finished knitting a pair with Paton’s Kroy on what seems like HUGE 3’s
for the leg; 2’s for the foot. I’m currently teaching a sock class, to bring other
knitters into the fold.<br />
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So a little finished object parade, for your
consideration…</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tV26QKLy0JAYhrpg_hdsa93mNklCV7BTom8ClQW3YRHEgLUUFFpmpIpk9O5Q1fb56uOd-iA_z8EY0OgZRv4oAh3NjvJGz_sd7BO7sCA1Y6s4kUeJ1SCe251EQNrD_QvbLmYBFjd08TXh/s1600/log+cabin+latte+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tV26QKLy0JAYhrpg_hdsa93mNklCV7BTom8ClQW3YRHEgLUUFFpmpIpk9O5Q1fb56uOd-iA_z8EY0OgZRv4oAh3NjvJGz_sd7BO7sCA1Y6s4kUeJ1SCe251EQNrD_QvbLmYBFjd08TXh/s1600/log+cabin+latte+socks.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-latte-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla lattes</a> in Knit Picks Felici<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eirene-socks" target="_blank">Eirene</a> - Paired cables in Knit Picks Bare sportweight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivokop1YxqrypvzIowmVQgY5uOzg7yhZhVt9hqtbifutHVk3GJArb4HivkKn_LtiKbfMSq1MTuJ4DRsPuNXld46_0ZOaFx36_Atvg6Z8tYn329ZMe6-aFZV-UZFhYrKd16Bg3QhVRHwobh/s1600/IMAG0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivokop1YxqrypvzIowmVQgY5uOzg7yhZhVt9hqtbifutHVk3GJArb4HivkKn_LtiKbfMSq1MTuJ4DRsPuNXld46_0ZOaFx36_Atvg6Z8tYn329ZMe6-aFZV-UZFhYrKd16Bg3QhVRHwobh/s1600/IMAG0086.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a><br />
A slow slog of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/circle-socks" target="_blank">Circle Socks.</a> <br />
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No pictures for the next few. Seems if I wait to take pics, I'll never post this. <br />
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3 X 1 ribs in Paton’s Kroy, with both legs knitted at a
conference, where I did not see any other knitters. Very strange. This
was a social studies conference. At library conferences, there are
LOTS of knitters.<br />
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There are under construction, with the pause button hit in various places for teaching purposes...</div>
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‘Blackberry waffles’ in Lang Jawoll in a very dark purple colorway that has forced me to
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Big fat socks in an unlabeled sock yarn from the FFW sale
room. Kind of a ‘denim blue fake fair
isle' pattern. Maybe Fortissima Colori
Mexiko 6 ply. Maybe.<br />
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Happily I have found the Ravelry group, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/12-socks-in-2015" target="_blank">12 Socks</a>, in which
other sock-addicted knitters show off
their work, with monthly challenges. I won a prize for the February challenge - -more sock yarn!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-10184689014704260522015-01-12T10:58:00.002-05:002015-01-12T10:58:47.244-05:00Socks 2015.1 Log Cabin Latte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInJG2d0yXdVjEmFoOK_cxPYK-sOrlJT-ClQoclodBeQhIwTSLLg6mZgS4v9MpqzG6BxCUWTs4Z_Hnrm8-T33aDxJDOiTQMVO-HF0Kd5x9QILcZfZrjEWJFbP65n_C5yX_Y2diTApAMijl/s1600/log+cabin+latte+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInJG2d0yXdVjEmFoOK_cxPYK-sOrlJT-ClQoclodBeQhIwTSLLg6mZgS4v9MpqzG6BxCUWTs4Z_Hnrm8-T33aDxJDOiTQMVO-HF0Kd5x9QILcZfZrjEWJFbP65n_C5yX_Y2diTApAMijl/s1600/log+cabin+latte+socks.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
Last evening I grafted the toes on my first completed pair of socks for 2015. I used this pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-latte-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Latte</a>. My first time with the pattern, I liked it. The sock was a bit big, but that's okay as they are intended for the Strategic Gift Reserve. Even though my feet are a generous 8.5, some of my sisters (the main sock recipients) have feet that are even more generous, as are their spirits. <br />
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The yarn is <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Felici_Fingering_Self_Striping_Sock_Yarn__D5420165.html" target="_blank">Knit Pick's Felic</a>i in 'Rustic Cabin.' I am glad they brought that yarn back, and I particularly like the colorway. As I found the link, I see that it has 'disappeared' again. I guess I'm not the only one who likes it. Glad I bought more that one colorway.<br />
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I have 2 other socks in the pipeline. One is a cable sock made in a sport weight yarn that I purchased in error. Turns out I really like both the yarn and the pattern. Add the fact that sport weight socks knit up a bit faster, even on a size 3, and I had a hard time putting them down last evening. I'm already planning a variation for the next pair.<br />
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Upcoming events (for which I need to hustle): Friends & Fiberworks annual <a href="https://friendsandfiberworks.com/events/winter-retreat/" target="_blank">Winter Retreat</a>. I'll be staffing the store and teaching a dye class. Shortly after that the gang will head to the Statesville (NC) Quilt Show where my dyed fiber will be in the FFW booth. Guess I'll be dyeing quilt show fiber in class. Not that there is anything wrong with that.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-68105816892829162122015-01-07T10:51:00.000-05:002015-01-07T10:51:30.471-05:00Happy New Year 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKkO-MiudOCgxjfGE5t2wzOZ53nhF_ITIsUtWsy9kQMmY-X-hyW4w580MYjiepSFcPd6eIu87DECKJFdybcV0ItnHs66z4pqK7i8uWyu_TJJwNOWKX6Hl9rF0YmAck41OB00aFdmZCww8/s1600/heather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKkO-MiudOCgxjfGE5t2wzOZ53nhF_ITIsUtWsy9kQMmY-X-hyW4w580MYjiepSFcPd6eIu87DECKJFdybcV0ItnHs66z4pqK7i8uWyu_TJJwNOWKX6Hl9rF0YmAck41OB00aFdmZCww8/s1600/heather.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a></div>
As the new year rolls around we tend to take stock. What was wonderful...other things...well, less so. I find that I miss the blog. Not the self promotion, that gets tired. I've never been one for a parade of finished objects. I can hardly remember to take pictures for my Ravelry page.<br />
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But I think that what I miss is the writing. Writing a few times a week give me a time for introspection...thoughtfulness...as I try to put thoughts and feelings into words. I have used this blog as a diary of sorts, mostly writing about fiber (obviously), gardening, travel and the public parts of my life. There's only a little about work, except as it gives me a few interesting travel opportunities a year. My private life is only interesting to me - no drama to make salacious reading.<br />
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So in 2015, I'm going to revive the blog. Other resolutions...<br />
<ul>
<li>Finish the purple sweater (about 80% done).</li>
<li>Rework red sweater. So far I have pulled out the sleeves and washed the yarn.</li>
<li>Knit at least 6 pair of socks (2 already on needles)</li>
<li>Work out more - Notice that I did NOT quantify that. but I've either walked or done yoga nearly every day since the Christmas break began.</li>
<li>Pay attention the Etsy shop. I started by putting my patterns up.</li>
<li>A little promotion wouldn't hurt (Facebook; <a href="http://phatfiber.com/" target="_blank">Phat fiber</a>) </li>
<li>Add patterns to Ravelry.</li>
<li>Keep my office cleaner. It's currently quite tidy. Can I spend 5 minutes at the end of every day tidying up? </li>
</ul>
So we shall see if I can keep this going. Stay tuned...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-75765310046032616922014-06-16T10:22:00.001-04:002014-06-16T11:15:22.716-04:00Blueberry Season <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN0x_xgocRcL9KnLOAyH-2CJ-TcF2DALzigZQo485BKMBZWCw5QXXih1mAy5Oq6WZwJz5n1sXEk6b99-UWYfuu1NndnQ6D2Ti4xWw-tfZAZH9ZfI8LpC6q7kUM4cFzyCQyaXheqgPlCcH/s320/0616140709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN0x_xgocRcL9KnLOAyH-2CJ-TcF2DALzigZQo485BKMBZWCw5QXXih1mAy5Oq6WZwJz5n1sXEk6b99-UWYfuu1NndnQ6D2Ti4xWw-tfZAZH9ZfI8LpC6q7kUM4cFzyCQyaXheqgPlCcH/s320/0616140709.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>We are at the time of year when Smoky Mountain Fibers shifts into serious gardening season. The peas and lettuce are finishing up and the beans, cukes and squash are coming along nicely.<br />
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When I had my solar panels installed, it seemed like I had to move my 6 blueberry bushes (turns out I probably didn't have to). They went from being in a line to a large (10 x 17') rectangle. Since they are beginning to ripen, it's time to foil the birds. Sorry birdies, but there is lots of other food for you here in the temperate rainforest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FdUak0X5o_nndBXq_sXlIsbHBt5jyy-DLVYNkO4Ku14UnywcXaTnunqkkCpNlSrMZ5kDZcO6368ltjBVrFVDFt137jHTngivJdiAFTPsAp0HevPblSkI3Mz0l6zX02rrGWLV7pRwSWsb/s320/0616140702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FdUak0X5o_nndBXq_sXlIsbHBt5jyy-DLVYNkO4Ku14UnywcXaTnunqkkCpNlSrMZ5kDZcO6368ltjBVrFVDFt137jHTngivJdiAFTPsAp0HevPblSkI3Mz0l6zX02rrGWLV7pRwSWsb/s320/0616140702.jpg" /></a>Now I'll say that my Dad was a master at figuring out how to make things work, even without much of a blueprint. So over Father's Day weekend, I honored him in one of my favorite ways...the wacky DIY project... Making a cover for the blueberries that holds up the netting, is still easy to get under and keeps the birds out. <br />
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Think of this as a big hoop house covered in anti-bird netting. I used 3/4 inch flexible pvc pipe and these great plastic 3 foot tall fence posts that have spike on the bottom. You just step them in. Because the netting is in a few pieces, there are seams, mostly tied together with the biggish twist ties that Whole Foods uses (anyone who want's to analyze my diet, feel free to use the look up numbers and you'll find plenty of lentils, dried fruits and popcorn). It's pretty self supporting, though I doubt it will stand up to too much wind. I tied up some of the connections (using handspun yarn of course) and may do a few more. I bought the BIG container of staples to hold the netting down to the ground, so no rationing (or making them out of wire coat hangers) was required. <br />
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Lots of head scratching and only four trips to the hardware store. I think Daddy would be proud, but he might have made a few improvements. I'll find out how well it works as we get through the blueberry season. More fine tuning and adjustments may be required, as well as few more trips to the store!<br />
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<strong>Bizet Purls Cap</strong><br />
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<strong>Materials:</strong> One skein Laines du Nord Bizet yarn, or any yarn that knits to the same gauge. <br />
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<strong>Needles:</strong> Size 11 16” circular needles & one set double pointed needles; Yarn needle.<br />
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<strong>Size:</strong> 20 inches <br />
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<strong>Gauge</strong>: 3.5 stitches per inch<br />
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<strong>Instructions:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Using circular needle, cast on 48 stitches. Join into a ring, being careful not to twist stitches. Knit 4 rows. Purl one row. Continue knitting in stockinette stitch, changing to 3-4 purl stitches when the yarn changes to a bulkier colorful section. Knit until the hat measures 6 inches from cast on edge. <br />
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Begin decreases. <br />
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Knit 4; knit 2 together (K2T). Repeat around (40 stitches). Knit one round plain. <br />
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Knit 3; K2T. Repeat around (32 stitches). Knit one round plain. <br />
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Continue to knit these 2 rows, decreasing 8 stitches every other row, until 8 stitches remain, changing to double pointed needles when necessary. <br />
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Cut yarn, leaving a 6” tail. Thread yarn through stitches and weave in the tail as well as the cast on end.<br />
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Enjoy your knitting!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzPAZSSTKp5rtSqxT3bZwmpLwrCweVueEjIUNe8Fp77Qwozfy3PiZgXyayVpHvDI0alI7ajc-zgUmAt6hcbZmpLufEamXdK5idxwnNTw6lP6lhdcpc8krq_ZjBrNLCdgoormfJxQVGNSf/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzPAZSSTKp5rtSqxT3bZwmpLwrCweVueEjIUNe8Fp77Qwozfy3PiZgXyayVpHvDI0alI7ajc-zgUmAt6hcbZmpLufEamXdK5idxwnNTw6lP6lhdcpc8krq_ZjBrNLCdgoormfJxQVGNSf/" /></a>Beginning in May, I'll be hosting a knit-along at my favorite yarn shop, Friends & Fiberworks ( FFW). The pattern that I've chosen is Berroco's Seabrook, a simple drapey vest - almost embarrassingly easy. The pattern was written for Captiva, but I''ve chosen Lago instead.<br />
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I wanted a fabric and color that went with a lot of summer things, but wasn't beige. So it's kind of a denim blue. The yarn is a linen-viscose blend with a matte finish and a bit of texture.<br />
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With a pattern name like Seabrook and a yarn called Lago (Spanish for lake), I need a name that suggests water, but reflects my landlocked status. Mountain stream? Nolichucky? French Broad? Both of those are rivers in this area. Let's keep it simple: Blue Water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwbJ_jeBKf0O9NQxcdnHz4T-GUtQOsUIOQjcxhQB4pyFFbMsDX4oXJzE95JUKlt8ov5K3behJR5CdoKsB9kdUfNo9afJxsikacGl2vY9dPoH941N9Tm38BtaO2ZOGk3xgRtxX635h5yMv/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwbJ_jeBKf0O9NQxcdnHz4T-GUtQOsUIOQjcxhQB4pyFFbMsDX4oXJzE95JUKlt8ov5K3behJR5CdoKsB9kdUfNo9afJxsikacGl2vY9dPoH941N9Tm38BtaO2ZOGk3xgRtxX635h5yMv/" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad phone picture of Mount Vernon</td></tr>
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It's been travel knitting for short jaunt. As I am on the advisory board for my grant, we get together a couple times a year to help with decision making. As some 'interesting' changes are coming up, our feedback was rather important. The meeting was in Alexandria, so instead of going across the river to DC to do my usual museum tour, I spent my time in this interesting city, both historic and modern. I had a good time even with drizzly weather. Our meetings were at Mount Vernon, but we got only a tiny bit of free time. My colleagues and I got to the outbuildings, but not the main house. Overheard a dad to his kid: "All you have to do is find a rich widow with lots of land." Sounds like good advice, by the upkeep is tough. All the way around.<br />
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The first KAL session was last evening with my Knitters-along and a few people who were just there to sit and knit. Everyone's Seabrook was getting off to a fine start. And we've all decided to stick with garter stitch rather than seed stitch. Too many purls!<br />
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This weekend coming up? The 3rd annual <a href="http://ashevilleyarncrawl.com/" target="_blank">Asheville Yarn Crawl</a>. I'll probably get to a few - mostly to make sure my fiber is nicely stocked - and maybe to check out <a href="http://mill.echoviewnc.com/" target="_blank">Echoview Fiber Mill</a>. Although kind of a schlep, I've been wanting to visit so perhaps now is the time. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-63710189423602463142013-04-22T13:46:00.001-04:002013-04-22T13:46:20.656-04:00Going AnalogAlthough the blog is quiet, the world headquarters of Smoky Mountain Fibers has been a flurry of color. I dyed lots of fiber for a felting class and even more fiber for my retail business. I am a contributing member of a local yarn shop here in Asheville (NC), <a href="https://friendsandfiberworks.com/" target="_blank">Friends & Fiberworks</a> (aka FFW). As one of the friends, I work at the shop several hours a month and they carry an array of my patterns and fibers. The shop participates in a number of fiber festivals and knitting and crochet shows, so my fiber travels in the booth. If you were at the <a href="http://pghknitandcrochet.com/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival</a> in March or Stitches South in Atlanta a few weeks ago, you may have seen my work. They'll be at the<a href="https://kentuckysheepandfiber.com/" target="_blank"> Kentucky Sheep &Fiber Festival</a> in May, so my fiber will be a large part of the shop's display.<br />
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So in the interest of all this retail business, I've been keeping the dyepots warm. I try to dye around the spectrum, so this weekend I concentrated on the reds. Rosy golds, rusty oranges, fiery reds. Last week it was all about the greens - blue-greens, olives, froggy, grassy, emerald, chartreuse, every green I can make - even one that was a rather poisonous neon green seldom found in nature.<br />
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But with all this dyeing, why am I ignoring my Etsy shop (and my blog)? I say that it's my lack of a decent camera. I tell myself that it is the time factor. I am right on both counts. I don't have a decent camera, though I could buy one. The camera built into my phone is better than any stand-alone camera that I own. Not bad as you can see here. Not fabulous, but not bad. I think that researching the perfect camera (and they keep <i>changing</i>) is standing in the way. My essential cheapness is an issue too. The perfect camera is scary expensive. <br />
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The time factor is more telling. Even though I have a demanding day job that requires considerable travel, I work most Saturdays and an evening every week in the yarn shop. I design workshops and teach classes as part of my day job, but I also write patterns and knit samples for the yarn shop and it's fun! I've also taught a number of classes and hosted a knit-along or two. I'm also doing a good bit of knitting for myself. This winter I completed 5 sweaters, although 3 were in timeout since the previous spring. (I couldn't help it. Spring came in February, 2012. Who wants to knit on a wool sweater when it's 70 degrees out? I have another one on the needles, but need to figure out what I want to do for the closures, so that will likely marinate until next fall. Hmmm...maybe a zipper? I've already started a cotton top. See what I mean?). <br />
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I think the real 'problem' is that I'm involved in a strong, lively, in-person fiber community, so the pull of digital is not so strong. I get positive feedback from my colleagues at the yarn shop, for my customers in the shop and the felting teachers who purchase my fibers. I'm teaching knitting and dyeing classes. People seek out my help with knitting problems, they want my advice in choosing yarns for projects. Cyberspace is a wonderful place to visit and indeed I go there everyday, but it is not my main sense of community. <br />
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As I make choices about how I spend my time, I am liking the present time and space. Yesterday I spent my time doing what I love to do: I took a walk. I cooked. I dyed fiber. I <strike>worked</strike> played in the garden. I even packaged fiber for the upcoming KY show, but I didn't post a one of those luscious rovings to my Etsy shop! <br />
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This doesn't mean I'm going offline - not at all. I'm getting ready to host an online knit-along on the FFW Ravelry group & Facebook page. I'm back on the blog. Watch for some new patterns! But I'm living in the real world as well as the digital. They're both good. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-78727218938604820572013-02-10T20:10:00.000-05:002013-02-10T20:10:43.832-05:00Not as Bleak as it Looks<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxZA7NcDRB_ZhrY8XY4JSkAAZQ91EMTgORjxPrBIPRQtMnkyH10N-y_2BYFRXgtnA83rTbL16frSZfQ4DkVeON7DQCiwsoZjZ18KEVUYp7Ix1I20kSoBrqs2lTPpzr5OpN2tsMmJ5olFN/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxZA7NcDRB_ZhrY8XY4JSkAAZQ91EMTgORjxPrBIPRQtMnkyH10N-y_2BYFRXgtnA83rTbL16frSZfQ4DkVeON7DQCiwsoZjZ18KEVUYp7Ix1I20kSoBrqs2lTPpzr5OpN2tsMmJ5olFN/" width="187" /></a>Although at first glance it looks like the roving on my clothes line is the only color in the February. landscape, but that seems not tot be true. Here in western. North Carolina, the early spring and winter are in competition. I took a walk around my yard and found many more shades of green. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6x-zWD5QxaWWGtYzNex7SkEFE-WuGwKhcAc3eHt2oPr8lyKV8zoqwce1gqU0xrJN0njBAlKtyKpYoiAv62qPCYA0Kw44C2qTh7WJv_JKkJYT0zDnEvoo4ubOfsdNaovBnnB-1pHXS00B/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6x-zWD5QxaWWGtYzNex7SkEFE-WuGwKhcAc3eHt2oPr8lyKV8zoqwce1gqU0xrJN0njBAlKtyKpYoiAv62qPCYA0Kw44C2qTh7WJv_JKkJYT0zDnEvoo4ubOfsdNaovBnnB-1pHXS00B/" width="200" /></a>When I look closely there are lots of tiny splashes of color. But looking closer is the key. When I take a moment, I can admire the snow drops. These tiny flowers that are a reminder that spring can't be far away. They are so cute, even without any snow to help them show off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMedrRrSSSTT5W83PKo2C4jL9WpohqIQ6OOXgwtShHYRtMG55_RR_Fmx2F6jevU4F2i4DDp3SqwOxy_9rum0-rzi-e0jzxVOHUQ9sMc1TTQKwnwEDm8c-xjfa6j6xywc7r0FA3sxFUsYa/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMedrRrSSSTT5W83PKo2C4jL9WpohqIQ6OOXgwtShHYRtMG55_RR_Fmx2F6jevU4F2i4DDp3SqwOxy_9rum0-rzi-e0jzxVOHUQ9sMc1TTQKwnwEDm8c-xjfa6j6xywc7r0FA3sxFUsYa/" width="200" /></a>It won't be long before the daffodils are blooming . With our frequent warm spells, these bulbs take advantage of sunny days to get a head start. And with Mardi Gras just a few days away, the Lenten Rose has begun to begun to bloom.<br />
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Today was chilly and breezy but with the moist feeling that feels like spring is coming soon. Last year I was so late getting the early spring veggies in, that I didn't even bother with peas and spinach. That won't happen this year. The bed is already prepped and waiting.<br />
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The recent dye activity is to fill a good sized order for an upcoming felting class. I want to be sure that the students have plenty of choices and I don't mind having extra dyed fiber around. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-54891016985678003472013-02-05T21:21:00.000-05:002013-02-05T21:21:26.028-05:00What a Sweet GiftA lovely surprise came in the mail the other day. For a few years I have been a member of a fiber marketing initiative called '<a href="http://www.phatfiber.com/" target="_blank">Phat Fiber</a>.' Indie fiber producers contribute to a sampler box and each month these are made available for purchase. If people like your yarn or roving or stitch markers, they might buy from your online shop.<br />
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Along with this, a community has formed along with the fiber exchange. We decided this year to move the gift exchanges away from the traditional holiday season to a less busy time. After all, who need more to do during the holidays? We decided to move it to early February - a time that can be a bit quiet both in the fiber business and people's lives. Although I don't always join in gift exchanges, thought this one might be fun. <br />
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When I got home from work the other evening, a decorated box was waiting for me. It's from Melissa at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HelloPurl" target="_blank">Hello Purl</a>.<br />
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When I opened it up, there was a note...<br />
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And it was full of goodies...<br />
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Jammed full...<br />
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I found a fabulous art batt in Hello Purl's 'Fire Pit' colorway, hand dyed silk hankies, an ounce of charcoal grey Lincoln locks, 2 hand made walnut buttons, a box of Tazo tea and a package of way cute chocolate truffles in the shape of bears! With lots of cool stuff in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HelloPurl" target="_blank">her Etsy shop</a>, Hello Purl's work is fun and creative. I can't wait to Spin up the art batt the mix of fibers, colors and textures is so rich!<br />
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Thanks Melissa! I am happy to be part of this amazing group!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-40163119957476410062013-01-10T12:23:00.000-05:002013-01-10T12:23:40.806-05:00Random Thursday BitsWell, it seems that the only way to blog more is too...blog more. So, a few bits of blog...<br />
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1. Current knitting is a basic vest of my own design - hand dyed, handspun BFL in my rusty red colorway. I'm knitting it in one piece to the underarms, then I'll separate the fronts and back. Deep vee cardi. I'm very close to the separation point<br />
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2. I've been spinning a good bit lately, both the red BFL above and it's blue green cousin. Also, even if the singles have been on the bobbin for and unconscionable time, you can still ply them. Who knew? That adds some lovely medium brown and creamy white to the stash.<br />
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3. I'm on my second round of sock classes with 2 fine students. Since I knit along with them, I have (or will have) lots of new socks. Making a serious dent in the sock yarn stash, which is a fine thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDXeLEsWWccbmDCoGexF9jrwKxMeUT8y-K45wRqdsyBSr_yasTaR0uX246jbL2WI-fU0KacerNRNvkniX1sewGMG6bjVnrVo1sUxh8g6uTLoUnmfbErNvnlg5YfNGMVNN9lQ_9OYOFyAy/s1600/jan25+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDXeLEsWWccbmDCoGexF9jrwKxMeUT8y-K45wRqdsyBSr_yasTaR0uX246jbL2WI-fU0KacerNRNvkniX1sewGMG6bjVnrVo1sUxh8g6uTLoUnmfbErNvnlg5YfNGMVNN9lQ_9OYOFyAy/s320/jan25+003.jpg" width="320" /></a>4. Next weekend is the Winter Retreat at <a href="https://friendsandfiberworks.com/" target="_blank">Friends & Fiberwork</a>s in Asheville. Classes, vendors, yarn party all around. Kind of hoping one of my classes doesn't make so I can take one. <br />
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5. Just got a big honkin' order for dyed mohair locks. Kind of like these...<br />
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That's about all we have time for today. Back to work (lunch hour blogging! I like it!); then time for the little red Car-Car to get new tires. Car-Car needs a new pair of shoes!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-37467326043550693712012-12-11T13:06:00.002-05:002012-12-11T13:16:49.544-05:00Still Knitting...Yikes! It's been since September? Seems impossible that the whole fall season - ok, semester - has gone by without a post. So, here's some of what happened...in no particular order...<br />
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<a href="http://www.saffsite.org/" target="_blank">SAFF</a> - A wonderful weekend of fibery goodness. I was holding down the action in the workshop building, so I didn't get around as much as I liked, but it sure was fun. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/smokymountainfibers" target="_blank">Smoky Mountain Fibers</a> sponsored the contemporary sheep to shawl demo, dyeing the yarn and roving in my Saturn colorway. <br />
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Sock class - I taught a couple of people to make socks. I knit my little fingers to the bone to keep my samples up to speed with my students & ended up with a pair of cozy purple socks.<br />
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Designing woman - Since my collaboration with <a href="https://friendsandfiberworks.com/" target="_blank">Friends and Fiberworks</a>, a yarn shop in Asheville NC, I am knitting lots of small projects to show off the yarn. Sometimes we knit up samples in the yarn companies' patterns but whenever possible we make up a simple pattern to give away with yarn purchases. None of these are fabulous creations, but they are all just unique enough to declare an original. And it really helps the yarn find its way to a new home. <br />
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Knitting along - In addition to teaching classes, I'm also hosting knit-a-longs at the shop. This evening it will be 'Fast, Fun Fingerless Mitts', or as I call them Fast & Furious Fingerless Mitts.<br />
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Just plain knitting - Both for myself and the various shops who carry my hats and scarves. Now, can we get some cold weather, please? <br />
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Dyeing - Both for my Etsy shop and the local trade. I am currently spinning some delightful Blue Faced Leicester roving that I dyed in shades of orangey red. And it's actually for ME! I have a vest in mind...<br />
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Other than these few little dibs and dabs, working most Saturdays at the yarn shop, the day job has been keeping me busy as well as my usual activities - yoga, gardening, dancing, goofing off with friends & family. You know, life! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-36159829930530811762012-09-21T16:23:00.000-04:002012-09-21T16:23:22.734-04:00On the line<div>
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It's been all about dyeing at Smoky Mountain Fibers this season. Between 3 very nice orders and my regular business, I've been keeping the dyepots pretty darn warm. My collaboration with <a href="https://friendsandfiberworks.com/" target="_blank">Friends & Fiberworks</a> has resulted in a good uptick even in the traditionally lean fiber months. And with SAFF and the rest of the fabulous fall fiber frenzy, I won't stop until well after the winter holidays.</div>
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Although I'll be holding down the fort at the shop, my fiber, hats and patterns will be going to lots of shows this fall. Some are local; others are far away - Stitches East in Connecticut to be exact.</div>
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One the production schedule this weekend...</div>
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<li>Overdyeing some lackluster yarns</li>
<li>Pumpkin orange</li>
<li>Leafy greens</li>
<li>A bit of spinning</li>
<li>Work Saturday afternoon at the yarn shop </li>
<li>Taking care of my SAFF responsibilities </li>
<li>Updating my bookkeeping (the decidedly unsexy part of the business).</li>
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I'll also go to an English dance, do a bit of yard work, and tackle the pile of paper on the dining room table. What would life be like without a bunch of things (and people) I love! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-27225813325464704462012-09-03T14:00:00.000-04:002012-09-03T14:00:39.117-04:00Birthday Greetings... <div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBKtmn_CSaVgxaQsMMYbilcg68ZzM7BLymJnmf9l63GY4_rZHeEctsrEW0MYQ5Mc7AtF0EW2EZTnUEzo99R9Na4Ti5n7X6vFTjf1-YrUmEFV14IVp20Hfmz5cUn2bBfmWAPlNel-L8MQL/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBKtmn_CSaVgxaQsMMYbilcg68ZzM7BLymJnmf9l63GY4_rZHeEctsrEW0MYQ5Mc7AtF0EW2EZTnUEzo99R9Na4Ti5n7X6vFTjf1-YrUmEFV14IVp20Hfmz5cUn2bBfmWAPlNel-L8MQL/" width="320" /></a>...to the best truck ever. This week my stalwart companion of 16 years turned 240,000 miles. Yes, my 1996 Toyota Tacoma reached quite a milestone. Truckie came into my life when she was a mere pup - just 7600 miles. Her first owner turned her in to get something with a lower payment, the salesman said. So on Memorial Day weekend '96 she came home.<br />
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I'd never owned a truck before, but ever since Datsun and Toyota started selling small pickups in the early 70's, I loved them. Truckie is a red queen cab, 5-speed, 2 wheel drive model with sport wheels and a camper top. I've driven her across town and across the country. I have a youth bed mattress that fits perfectly in the bed and I've slept in her in Chapel Hill, NC, in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, in Big Bend National Park, Texas and plenty more places.<br />
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A few years ago she started showing her age, so I adopted her cousin - a red (of course) '09 Toyota Matrix, who coincidentally turned a mere 50K the same week. Truckie is no longer my daily commuter, but she still holds a special place in my heart. She is happy to be a loaner to my friends, but I don't take her on the road to gigs. I drive her about once a week, mostly to keep the battery charged and to justify owning a second vehicle.<br />
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Seems kind of funny to write a love note to an aging pick up truck, but this may be the best vehicle I'll ever own. Long live Truckie!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-44101645509987349582012-08-31T14:58:00.002-04:002012-08-31T14:58:30.284-04:00Riding the Rails<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PxPISqPo3XAqWb72hE91AWZOEjZ-38AArubi1H3N0J9sAjtddVZJ6etNmlgEqhzNb_YDtqZKHx5lJMrtTMv0i6GJ_n6LXKKQ_yOMrQoC392CEu7M3TyBVfEcm1pftvb45PNIGbyV0sV-/s1600/chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PxPISqPo3XAqWb72hE91AWZOEjZ-38AArubi1H3N0J9sAjtddVZJ6etNmlgEqhzNb_YDtqZKHx5lJMrtTMv0i6GJ_n6LXKKQ_yOMrQoC392CEu7M3TyBVfEcm1pftvb45PNIGbyV0sV-/s320/chicago.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Jackson Street Blue Line stop</td></tr>
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I'm writing this short post aboard the CTA - from O'Hare airport to
downtown Chicago. Whenever I travel, I like to take public
transportation if I can. In DC, I take the metro. In Minneapolis, it
used to be the city bus from the airport to my sister's house, now it's light rail.<br />
<br />
Today
I am traveling to Chicago for a 2-day business meeting. I'm on the
blue line and writing this post on my phone. Multiple new
experiences at the same time! Since I had better than an hour, the train @ $2.25 seemed like a good value as well as a cultural peak into big city life.<br />
<br />
Earlier
this month my friend Sally and I took Amtrak to DC, a long night train
ride. This is very different. We trainsters are moving along while the
cars are crawling. People getting on the trains include people in
suits and Tshirts, speaking English and Spanish. They chat, read the
paper, play with their phones, write, and just sit with eyes open
or closed. I started to knit, but then decided to write this post.<br />
<br />
Requisite knitting content: A
short trip, I brought only the llama-cotton vest. I guess I am making
an assumption that all will go well, though I did bring an additional
book and MP3 player. The vest is kind of a slog. It is knit top down,
with yarn overs that make each row progressively longer. It's the
second one, destined to be a combo shop sample and class 'knit along'
but the class didn't make. So now I just want to get it done!<br />
<br />
I'll try to post this with a picture, though the learning curve will likely take its toll.<br />
<br />
OK, I posted the picture back in my office a day or two later. A fine trip, everything ran on time and I even snuck in a trip to the Chicago Art Institute. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-84976262207899282132012-08-01T14:03:00.000-04:002012-08-01T14:03:11.908-04:00Cousins Count<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWQKejwVA9OvOCIJSeD6Ttdu0zkFmNFdsO_bB1nka4qftZed-JvX9o9oYkPjHCPWjRdhvpiGsJzbgiz5o7T8xeHPo5OtrTcggkvkztiRkt0GUjLnE8UYKuG4AqES8uVO2DhOWhn-k52W4/s1600/gorge+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWQKejwVA9OvOCIJSeD6Ttdu0zkFmNFdsO_bB1nka4qftZed-JvX9o9oYkPjHCPWjRdhvpiGsJzbgiz5o7T8xeHPo5OtrTcggkvkztiRkt0GUjLnE8UYKuG4AqES8uVO2DhOWhn-k52W4/s320/gorge+view.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This busy summer continues to roll along. Between my professional work, my creative work and a bit of down time, it is hard to believe that August is here already. There has been a good bit of travel (NC, VA, OH) with more to come (DC & Chicago). The picture here is the view from a lovely hike in the New River Gorge (WV).<br />
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Last weekend I made a little trip to northeast Ohio to visit family. When I was growing up, there were at least 2 family reunions each summer - often 3. But we are all grown and spread out now, so it's hard to get together. I was one of the cousins who moved away early. I have not lived in the town where I grew up since I was 18, and I really lost track of most of my cousins. Since Facebook has made it easier to keep track of each other, we have reconnected. So about a year ago my sister Ronnie & cousin Tony decided that we should have a reunion. Last weekend the Quinn Cousins came together. <br />
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My mother was one of 8 siblings in an Irish Catholic family and they were nothing if not prolific. I grew up with 38 first cousins, plus a couple of long-term foster children who I never knew weren't real cousins. Now there are only a few of my mother's siblings and in-laws still alive, so it's up to our generation to keep this slightly crazy and very fun family from becoming lost to one another. I think I chatted with a few cousins for the first time. When you are a child, a few years difference is huge. Now, not so much. So it was lovely to gather in the parish hall and visit. We shared a meal, talked, laughed and caught up with one another. Three of my sisters and their husbands were there and we had fun catching up and shared a few important conversations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ljPtJxyjOqfnZxTjdMKtiPZ2HKiRPOhlkmB87ZdUAl6QN4tgznfsChrBdFqqHQH76N9cJ7gd9ih__WFTVG20QqgSHHJlmVK-Xz56Nf11Tn5nDwhMUMNCDIdpE8XyOWa78h-NmEDKJfzY/s1600/indian+pipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ljPtJxyjOqfnZxTjdMKtiPZ2HKiRPOhlkmB87ZdUAl6QN4tgznfsChrBdFqqHQH76N9cJ7gd9ih__WFTVG20QqgSHHJlmVK-Xz56Nf11Tn5nDwhMUMNCDIdpE8XyOWa78h-NmEDKJfzY/s200/indian+pipes.jpg" width="150" /></a>I admit that I did not go to all the events - I missed dinner on Friday night, touring the town were we grew up, the poker games and Sunday picnic. I wish I could have stayed through Sunday, but a deadline required that I head on down the road. I am so glad that I went. My fiber-geek reputation is not unnoticed. I brought home a bag of alpaca fiber! <br />
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I'm also glad that I stopped for a hike half way there. Rather like family, you have to see the big and glorious picture (like the photo above), but remember to pay attention to the small, but remarkable details. I looked down to see a couple stands of Indian Pipes. A walk in the woods is a great way to break up a long drive. <br />
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Official Fiber Content: I started a 2nd <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/equinox-raglan" target="_blank">Equinox Raglan</a> - this time in Noro Silk Garden. I like the cotton/linen one so well (I'm wearing it now), that I know that I'll want to keep wearing it when it gets chilly. I have a vest class on the schedule at <a href="http://friendsandfiberworks.com/" target="_blank">Friends and Fiberworks</a>, but I'm not sure it will make. I'll make my own even if no one else joins me! <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-57333676881680089262012-06-14T15:40:00.001-04:002012-06-14T15:40:44.382-04:00Silkworm Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz636GJVM8C4eg9tUe0eW8kEhXrr936X_C-Pz6NRJJY2zWdJNtFElT2t4vRZFDmXcYJORZjUKndcKUxoJBTmI9LBAUlHwn7VldPOdDKIA7QnLi-8N6h4cziBph2vPmAZCVacHQ6VeO2noe/s1600/0610121729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz636GJVM8C4eg9tUe0eW8kEhXrr936X_C-Pz6NRJJY2zWdJNtFElT2t4vRZFDmXcYJORZjUKndcKUxoJBTmI9LBAUlHwn7VldPOdDKIA7QnLi-8N6h4cziBph2vPmAZCVacHQ6VeO2noe/s320/0610121729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you define success by the fact that the silkworms emerged from their cocoons, mated and laid eggs, that is. I saved out 5 cocoons for next year's starter stock. The only 2 that emerged are of the correct genders, because eggs were laid and they have since turned a brownish grey, meaning they are fertile. It the next day or 2 they will go into hibernation until next spring. Hibernation happens in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator. I'll just gather up the paper towel, place the eggs it contains in a little tub and they will be happy there until next spring when the mulberry trees leaf out.<br />
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This has been a very knitterly spring and summer. Because I have been working part time at our local yarn shop, <a href="http://friendsandfiberworks.com/" target="_blank">Friends & Fiberworks</a> I am surrounded by yarns, patterns, and knitting ideas. I have knit, finished or reworked several knit tops, some knit in record time, others that have come out of the marination chamber where they have been living for several years. That should bring on a parade of finished objects, but oddly, it has not. I'll try to do better on the blog. I have put them on Ravelry, but the pictures are far from stellar.<br />
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This is also Smoky Mountain Gardens time and this summer is no exception. I am already eating radishes (duh!), blueberries, kale and chard. I noticed a blossom on one of the yellow squash plants this morning - a very good sign. We had a few rainy rays this week followed by a few days of not-too-hot sunshine and that usually makes the garden take off. This evening chores include a bit of weeding and a careful picking of blueberries. I have the bushes netted against the birds. If not, I'd never get even one. This way it is harder to harvest, but I actually get blueberries. The fig plant is filling out nicely during it's third year in my yard, so I should get plenty lovely figs this year - up from last year's yield of six!<br />
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For some reason I thought that I'd get less done in the garden because of my new as a singleton, but it didn't work out that way. Like many elements of my life, the dissipation of tension has made everything easier, happier and healthier. I can plant what I want, where I want it, no negotiation required. OK, I have to cut the grass myself, but I did it about 75% of the time anyway. A fine trade off! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-17347895234805955702012-05-24T15:49:00.000-04:002012-05-24T15:49:29.637-04:00Shhhhh...They're SleepingThe silkies have all spun their little cocoons and are snoozing away, growing into moths. Vegans: Stop reading now!<br />
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Most of them won't make it all the way, as I intend to harvest their silk before too long. I'm okay with that. Frankly, I think I worked harder than they did. I gathered leaves each day - sometimes twice when they were the most voracious. I cleaned their trays regularly, adding silk worm manure to the composter & some directly into the garden. Watching them get ready and then look for a place to spin was fascinating. I really liked them, even when they got kind of big and creepy-looking. Since this is my first effort at silk raising, I had a couple of good sources - Cassie Dixon, whose class I took at the <a href="http://friendsandfiberworks.com/" target="_blank">Friends & Fiberworks</a> Winter Retreat (she's teaching again this summer, and I highly recommend her class) and a website, <a href="http://wormspit.com/" target="_blank">wormspit.com</a>. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuybCPTN7KPJ49oJ3IWkYpxYIoZQYnoOyvj9HSufWZLPyaGgRSasRYZvuxf4hXXxfXYuD3NgdNhZxc1MSPDT_jzAH6FjG7EV2R8_QXEj2Jy5xNVcGn09jmVoZxMk0EMdh6C-eAlLzCJ5tE/s1600/Silkies+May+21+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuybCPTN7KPJ49oJ3IWkYpxYIoZQYnoOyvj9HSufWZLPyaGgRSasRYZvuxf4hXXxfXYuD3NgdNhZxc1MSPDT_jzAH6FjG7EV2R8_QXEj2Jy5xNVcGn09jmVoZxMk0EMdh6C-eAlLzCJ5tE/s320/Silkies+May+21+002.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I was prepared that they would stop eating and look around, then crawl around as though they were looking to get away from their siblings to find a quiet, cozy place to tuck in and spin. I provided a nice mix of toilet paper and paper towel tubes, rolled up paper towels and paper bags. The paper bags were the easiest. When one of the silkies was on the prowl, I dropped it into a bag and turned the top over once. No staples or even a mere paper clip required. They just aren't that interested in getting out. They just settle in, spin a little hammock and then a cocoon. Kind of cute. Plus, the acoustics are right so you can hear them spin. The tubes you see here allow the worms to travel a while to try and get it just right. Hence a bit of worm doo visible in the webs, as well as the little guy on the right who's not yet fully committed. <br />
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I have about 12 days to do the dirty deed that decides whether they lay eggs for next year or harvest the silk. Watch this space.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-35432161654721464532012-05-14T15:35:00.001-04:002012-05-14T15:35:26.536-04:00Munch, munch, munch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK8aG7Cc6wJILQfT9nxIXyOBWJbJUQ9bFdjfroaW-yTqxRGQ1myJma3TGxJAGa2U6ybuqpnGkfASbeOSRCCZSMdsnOlKCPF-pYOfeiqVWJ3yX6Sxo5VHiuZtNNaYkePspi1ToanZA5Fe-/s1600/Silies+May+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZK8aG7Cc6wJILQfT9nxIXyOBWJbJUQ9bFdjfroaW-yTqxRGQ1myJma3TGxJAGa2U6ybuqpnGkfASbeOSRCCZSMdsnOlKCPF-pYOfeiqVWJ3yX6Sxo5VHiuZtNNaYkePspi1ToanZA5Fe-/s320/Silies+May+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So spin some silk already! A month ago yesterday, the silk worms hatched out of their tiny eggs and each day since then I have gathered mulberry leaves from a tree a few blocks from my house. As they have gotten larger, they eat more and more and more. They are now quite large as you can see in this picture. I've been posting pics every few days on my Facebook page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smoky-Mountain-Fibers/193995020071" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smoky-Mountain-Fibers/193995020071</a>), so you can see their progress. <br />
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Any time now - hopefully when I get home from work - they will start spinning their little cocoons of silk. One actually started yesterday. I noticed him (or her) moving his (or her) head in a figure 8 pattern and there was <i>actual silk</i> coming out. So I put the little guy in a paper bag and turned the top down. I checked later and there was a good bit of spun silk. I could even hear it. A nice change from the sound of about a hundred worms chewing. <br />
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In other news at the world headquarters of Smoky Mountain Fibers, I have been dyeing fiber for the <a href="http://www.carolinafiberfest.org/" target="_blank">Carolina Fiber Fest</a> in Raleigh on May 18-20th. You'll find my fiber at Friends and Fiberworks booth. There will be grab bags as well as a healthy amount of hand dyed roving for spinning and feltmaking. I won't be there. I'll be back in Asheville, holding down the fort at the shop. This is a great show for your non-fibery friends as it's at the state fairgrounds and there is other agriculture stuff going on. Take a look at their website - It makes me want to be there!<br />
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But no travel for me. I have silkworms to feed and provide places to spin cocoons! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-63386220630652393842012-05-01T08:41:00.000-04:002012-05-01T08:41:07.137-04:00The Kids Are AlrightRaising silkworms is a tough job, but it seems that I rather like doing it. More than half way into their life cycle of about a month, the silkies have eating lots of mulberry leaves, shedding their outgrown skin and definitely getting bigger. Here they were on Friday morning:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIwoYEA6vqGeXUnpFlmvhV23c0H-XGKvUCnV9aOG_fjFZK_bufI1RgH5JAbvvcYgfhGFQ5YaZsxCnod6Y3TXo4uoNeTrRvEHXv1HzOl3PrBhxlqayOnxX6mSonA47xMi9Oy9x2uqlCvG_/s1600/SilkiesApr+27+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIwoYEA6vqGeXUnpFlmvhV23c0H-XGKvUCnV9aOG_fjFZK_bufI1RgH5JAbvvcYgfhGFQ5YaZsxCnod6Y3TXo4uoNeTrRvEHXv1HzOl3PrBhxlqayOnxX6mSonA47xMi9Oy9x2uqlCvG_/s320/SilkiesApr+27+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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]Here they are today:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUWHz63VP9CzxgBHaOne-t_eHD9_vtvqTOs3bt4i_LD472rE_Nfv3NgnLbMI4l7ZkRgr3JJ3WMAJ79oFOufwXEQ42X1X42rhQwVzItCteMQxMUHYI8YmTpZ6MQO0iC1j-eaomDn9nG7cw/s1600/Silkies+May+1+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUWHz63VP9CzxgBHaOne-t_eHD9_vtvqTOs3bt4i_LD472rE_Nfv3NgnLbMI4l7ZkRgr3JJ3WMAJ79oFOufwXEQ42X1X42rhQwVzItCteMQxMUHYI8YmTpZ6MQO0iC1j-eaomDn9nG7cw/s320/Silkies+May+1+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The white ones are getting ready to shed their skins. The striped ones have already shed and they eat a LOT more. <br />
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Their appetites increase along with their size, so I gather more leaves each day.<br />
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Last weekend I went to the <a href="https://www.folkschool.org/">John C. Campbell Folk School</a> for a English Country Dance weekend and took the little guys with me. (It was really fun, but that's another story.) Their home at that time was a recycled envelope box, which I placed inside a copier paper box. They stayed in my room (luckily I did not have a roommate to negotiate with), but had to accompany me on Sunday as we had to get out of our housing by 9 am, but the event wasn't over until 1 pm. I couldn't leave them in the car, but a copier paper box stashed under a bench doesn't seem to freak people out too much. Some people did think I was a little bit crazy, but other folks were fascinated.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90556746713478224.post-29569650216007268802012-04-19T11:30:00.000-04:002012-04-19T11:30:08.926-04:00The Tiniest Fiber Animalsare not baby doll sheep or angora rabbits. The newest livestock at the world headquarters of Smoky Mountain Fibers are silkworms! I took a silk class back in January, and was given a small number of silk worm eggs. I took them out of hibernation (the refrigerator) on April Fool's Day. I wasn't even sure that they would wake up, but on April 15th, they started showing signs of life. They looked like tiny snips of thread. As son as I put a few mulberry leaves in their home, they started to eat. Over the next 3 or 4 days, they all woke up and now I have to harvest mulberry leaves about every day. The biggest ones have already started to shed their first skin.<br />
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Here they are in their new home - a lettuce tub lined with paper towels. I put the leaves in about 5 minutes before taking this picture. Next time I'll add a coin for scale.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UKfdH8JNEdszLziALxAhROzN0jFYbElprRojtHIjShnq6OuhQFJ4qZJ8gId7cL9ZMRc-fnmMqx8hlA2niEqy_VP1fGPMjODdBaf2pSfjEHy5AokGTojzxcE8ydyGgHg_1yexz_6OfEkh/s1600/SilkiesApr+19+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UKfdH8JNEdszLziALxAhROzN0jFYbElprRojtHIjShnq6OuhQFJ4qZJ8gId7cL9ZMRc-fnmMqx8hlA2niEqy_VP1fGPMjODdBaf2pSfjEHy5AokGTojzxcE8ydyGgHg_1yexz_6OfEkh/s320/SilkiesApr+19+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Say hello to Mary, Harry, Larry, Terri...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0