tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4709517221325354832012-02-11T16:18:36.173ZObservations and comments on fibre, yarn, knitting and other less important subjects....Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.comBlogger1061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-19847139061238089142012-02-11T16:07:00.002Z2012-02-11T16:09:34.093Z

I've been a bit on the poorly side recently, hence lots of knitting and very little of much else.  Serves me right for eating something with Rape Seed Oil in it I suppose, but I didn't know, honest!  I worked it out afterward, but a bit late then granted.  Anyway, as a result I've been a bit on the dense side (no-one speak or utter a sound, I can say that but... ah, you get the idea).  The

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-51400954456764725052012-02-11T15:36:00.000Z2012-02-11T16:08:46.048Z

And look What I have been doing?  The is ithe first creation of Turkish Sock Month.  I am really very pleased with it.  (It is now finished, but as usual I'm about 3 days behind with my pictures!)  Never Mind, this is proper proof that I'm doing pretty well with them I think!  Th pattern is very easy and hasn't got upset when I started to fiddle with it.  Which I did, because.... Normally, when

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-88773988192268999712012-02-11T15:23:00.001Z2012-02-11T15:23:46.136Z

 I spent the better half of a week agreeing with Freyalyn.  (The whole, I must have been out of my head to even try this particular colour combo, it will never work, it all looks the same colour, I must be mad!) that sort of thing. And then I plucked up the courage and blocked it.  Like what it said on the pattern.  Wow!  It worked.  (OK, not particularly well blocked, granted.  The little

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-29042602589254514682012-01-30T20:19:00.000Z2012-01-30T20:19:43.343Z

 Or more acurately Selbu, FairIsle or multi-strand knitted sock month.  But somehow that really doesn't have the same ring to it.  So Turkish Sock month it is, as at least one pair will be knitted with serious influences of the Turkish Tradition.  But not so much to pointed toes.  DH & #1Son don't like the pointed toes.... Scuse the fuzzy quality of the photograph, but I've had a bit of a day.

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-67829639191225258432012-01-26T14:32:00.000Z2012-01-26T14:32:49.057Z

I have been dithering for a couple of weeks now.  It's like this.  I do have lots of items I have to knit/do (e.g Turkish Sock Month) and I am looking forward to them - really.  It's just that I had lined up my new shawl to C/O and...  if I may digress here for a moment, I always have one shawl on the go just 'cuz, and the just 'cuz shawl I have on my needles at the moment (Evelyn Clarke's

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-11873766723755243792012-01-26T14:06:00.000Z2012-01-26T14:06:00.448Z

A couple of weeks ago, I lifted my head from my snot-ridden haze and realised that I hadn't actually plyed any of the singles I has spun for a while.  Oops!  The upshot of this is shown at the left... Now.  Please keep in mind that each of those bobbins on the back row is holding approx 200gms of fairly fine singles and the balls at the front are in total about the same weight (200gms or so).

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-21747122458662452702012-01-10T14:47:00.000Z2012-01-12T19:47:44.377Z

Goes a long way.  I have discovered that I really don't like knitting on flat needles.  Nope!  Not at all.  I am at the moment ticking along with a shrug knitted from baby alpaca sock yarn I dyed last year.  The pattern I had in my head didn't work out with the shape the I wanted so I ripped it all back and have set out again, this time with a provisional C/O which will end up in the middle

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-46783756677509736212011-12-30T18:19:00.001Z2011-12-30T19:27:02.629Z

  As Amazon delivered this morning, I thought I would share.  Thanks to Birthday and Christmas Amazon tokens, I'm now the proud owner of new knitting books! Now, knitting books in chez Yarnspider have to fulfil three major functions: they have to be practical with patterns that are viable, or can be made viable; they have to be beautiful; and I have to be able to read them in bed with ease,

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-39775828436401394822011-12-27T17:19:00.000Z2011-12-27T17:21:32.263Z

  I may not have been posting much recently, but I have been giving the whole posting thing a great deal of thought.  As a result, I have pretty much closed down my domestic blog on LiveJournal.  Instead, you will all be treated to a little more of the domestic happening in the Yarnspider household, but I am hoping it will be easier for me to blog my creations in context. I have been banned from

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-7212141099973810272011-11-25T13:43:00.001Z2011-11-25T14:00:29.273Z

IMAG0050aOriginally uploaded by Yarnspider Doesn't mean that it isn't relevant.  We were up on Burnham Beach the other day and I was struck by the wonderful contrasts of colour and perspective.  It really is interesting the way the your eye gets drawn along and the reflection of those beautiful blues in the sky in the puddles on the beach. Don't worry I haven't gone totally barmy.  Well, not

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-14357720014904959202011-11-17T10:06:00.001Z2011-11-17T10:17:03.834Z

Which is why I've been busy.  First the whole how many pairs of socks can I knit in 2 weeks popped up (I wasn't thinking straight, what can I say?)  The answer is 4 by the way (well, 3 and 1/2 if I'm being strict with myself, as the last pair was a men's UK12, so were finished a day late - bite me!). After this, it's been a bit less rushed.  I am spinning.  The de-haired yak has been put to one

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-57578030872543135532011-10-19T14:24:00.001+01:002011-10-19T14:24:41.141+01:00

 Finally!  I have managed to get co-ordinated enough to show you all what I have been up to.  First off is the "ther be Dragons" waistcoat.  I am so pleased with this it has come out beautifully.  Only one weeny issue, I have lost several inches since I C/O and consequently, DH now has a fantastic waistcoat!  Here it is, waiting for buttons to be applied.  It was knitted from the Kauni Yarn I

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-42277261875691055112011-10-05T08:57:00.001+01:002011-10-05T09:01:45.585+01:00

This week due to Real World stuff I've been stuck on the sofa with feet up "resting".  Once off he sofa for anything other than foraging trips, there will be pix. In the meanwhile... Now, if I had done nothing at all, in all probability I would have gone loopy, so I have been knitting.... A quick pair of socks for my friend Nita whizzed off my needles Sunday night, she nabbed them yesterday

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-38264386891083524642011-09-28T14:09:00.001+01:002011-09-28T14:35:47.190+01:00

lambswool&handspun silk0035Originally uploaded by Yarnspider Since I have last posted, I have been so busy, but failed dismally to update anybody.....  Typical really, one or other.  Between now and Christmas I'm going to try and do both, but don't get excited, it might never happen. Knitting wise, I've finished a couple of pairs of socks and C/O another, I've also C/O a shrug with some

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-52571386844876166322011-08-07T20:18:00.000+01:002011-08-07T20:18:36.360+01:00

Hooray!!!!  I've finally finished my Vlindervest Jacket.  It came out as a fairly pared down version, but as this flatters my traditional shape, I don't mind too much.  I have saved the pelmet for a kick frill on a skirt which should turn up fairly soon. Meanwhile, I have managed to finish the pair of Rivendell socks, which turned out to be #1Son size (dammit) and also the fingerless gloves (

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-20808809022082936922011-07-21T20:32:00.001+01:002011-07-21T20:32:54.172+01:00

I haven't left the country, well, not quite. We have just got back from a week in Cumbria. As I don't travel very well, my brains are still a little scrambled, but I'm beginning to get back into the swing of things.  DH will be back at work next week, that will help. But in the mean time, a little taking stock, more in the next couple of days. First off, finally I have managed to find pics of

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-87470053348511630352011-06-29T13:06:00.001+01:002011-06-29T13:10:00.233+01:00

What a Temple is . well, a temple is used in weaving to stop the selvages from drifting closer together and eventually, if you aren't concentrating (like me....), ending up with a much narrower piece of cloth than you first began to weave! Just like this one here being modeled by my own fair loom,,,, I've managed to do quite a lot of stuff recently, I managed to wash out not only the two Ryeland

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-36498625447441925022011-06-12T15:08:00.000+01:002011-06-12T15:08:51.150+01:00

I know, it's difficult to believe, but I have been really busy over the last couple of weeks.  Which is why, I haven't managed to blog, do stuff or blog, not both!! Firstly, as a footnote to my last entry, the fleeces that Carol M brought me were Ryeland, they can be seen here in the green bags at the bottom of the photo.  This was yesterday, sorting all the fleeces I had acquired in the sunshine

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-12996027691804705452011-05-24T11:45:00.001+01:002011-05-24T11:45:26.615+01:00

falkland soya spakley stuff 0010Originally uploaded by YarnspiderSo, the purples are finished for now (only so much purple a girl can spin in a week, honest!). It has turned into a really quite subtle 3 ply with matching 2 ply to complement it (well, what else do you do with the 2 purple single left behind?) I think I may spend the rest of the week with a 50gm bag of possum fluff to complement

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-1804910264609450372011-05-20T14:27:00.001+01:002011-05-20T14:27:13.125+01:00

Latest spinnning May 2011 0005Originally uploaded by Yarnspidermore often, but I have been bury spinning. From left to right, 3 ply Wensleydale locks, fine silk and mohair/merino mix and finally on the right baby camel and silk plied with merino/mohair mix.All of these I've been intending to spin for a while to to see them finished and hanked ready to wash and block is a treat.I've also been

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-57834644206017758692011-04-18T14:41:00.001+01:002011-04-18T14:41:56.797+01:00

Vlindervest 6 April 2011 0013Originally uploaded by YarnspiderTruth be told, haven't really been sharing anywhere for a while, but I'm (hopefully) back on track now health wise and have the energy and inclination to post!So. I've finally finished the bodice for my Vlindervest/butterfly jacket. I think it has come out pretty well, I'm now half way down the first sleeve - they are knitting up far

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-10611756009630348012011-03-14T21:48:00.000Z2011-03-14T21:48:30.894Z

...to Wonderwool Wales, not long now.  As Woolfest is now too far away for me, Wonderwool has become doubly important to catch up with friends and purchase supplies to last the year, somehow it's always better to be able to squidge than buy on line, although I will if I have to..... Now then,what have I been doing since I blogged last.  Well, I made a decision to finish as many projects as

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-58577716076189843412011-02-09T14:23:00.002Z2011-02-09T14:29:42.779Z

 I Handspun-dyed Romney DK 0015 Originally uploaded by YarnspiderHmm, not much really. But that was because of the bronchitis/pneumonia I went down with at the end of Jan. Bloody typical really, as if being poorly over Christmas wasn't enough. Oh well. I've managed quite a bit of knitting, including a cashmere pinwheel cardi (scuse the fuzzies, but I'm still a bit wobbly) and a shawl for

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-39248364353516601732011-01-18T14:08:00.001Z2011-01-18T14:08:32.776Z

Napkin fabric11Originally uploaded by YarnspiderWow! I suspect I may be getting my life together a bit (emergency ambulance rides withstanding). The camera is back working and talking to the computer, and I have finally finished the cloth that hase been made into napkins and sent off to rellies - they don't mind having presents late, they are all grown up understanding people.When I cut the

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-24103574635002783832010-12-29T12:47:00.000Z2010-12-29T12:47:21.646Z

I haven't blogged for ages!  This has been a combination of being poorly (more than usual) and lack of Camera (the poor thing had a minor breakdown!) Well, I'm not really better yet - Boxing Day Bronchitis being the latest pa lava, probably caught at the hospital whilst attending for other stuff! And whilst the Camera has recovered sufficiently to begin taking photo's again, it refuses to talk to

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-54214148218623729762010-10-03T12:30:00.000+01:002010-10-03T12:30:29.832+01:00

Just to let you all know that due to being more poorly than usual, and it now being the run up to Christmas (or present knitting season as it is becoming known in our house!), my Etsy Shop will be closed until the Spring. Thank you. 

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-80774613798506786872010-10-03T12:28:00.000+01:002010-10-03T12:28:10.422+01:00

As several of you are probably aware, I was given a  knitting kit for my birthday last year. For those of you on Rav, here is what it should look like.  But at that point, I hit a wall.  I don't actually speak Danish (my shortcoming, not the pattern I'm sure)..  So it got put to the bottom of the pile whilst I thought about it.  And as I considered the project, it began to take on a life of it's

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-59597926497613333932010-10-03T12:00:00.000+01:002010-10-03T12:00:01.608+01:00

Actually, this is not strictly true.  I have just been busy.  A pathetic excuse, but there you go.  For the first 2 weeks we had visitors and therefore I was having far too much fun to post.  The downside of having far too much fun was an energy deficit which led in turn to a nasty cold so I've spent the majority of the last 2 weeks in bed.  Being bored. So bored in fact that I have done nothing

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-16937867957352346102010-08-25T15:07:00.000+01:002010-08-25T15:07:22.591+01:00

Well, whilst I can think about it and type at the same time, After finishing the BFL, and silk I was going to go for a total change, but somehow it just hasn't happened, ah well.  Instead, a lovely friend of mine (Carotrike from Rav) was kind enough to give me some of Freyalyn's space-dyed BFL - beats a stick of rock any day of the week I say!   As you can see, the colours were lovely (they came

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-30952217245426113162010-08-25T14:51:00.000+01:002010-08-25T14:51:39.632+01:00

On posting due to being held up by really pathetic lungs!  It's been raining.  - No Laughing!  as a result, my totally usless lungs decided to ignore the essentials (you know, the whole breathing thing) for a while and catch a cold on top!  So several days without being able to string a sentence together ensued. Now then, where was I?   Ah yes, the great silk brick mix.   As you can see, it has

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-33658921648571993782010-08-09T10:31:00.001+01:002010-08-11T08:58:01.156+01:00

I have been quite busy on the spinning front (as I blogged previously).  But due to a brain fog moment, finished yarn has take longer than threatened!   It was like this, as I wanted a marled yarn, I began with 100gms of Mirkwood BFL dyed by Freyalyn and, as promised, moved on to the Oliver Twist silk brick to go with it.  I had Two silk bricks as you can see.  The one with the blues and greens

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-46338370145724909762010-07-23T12:58:00.000+01:002010-07-23T12:58:44.374+01:00

  I don't often feel really pleased with my knitting projects, but these have turned out just dandy.  About 5 months ago, I bought a copy of Magnificent Mittens and Socks by Anna Zilboorg.  After spending just the right amount of time dribbling over the fantastic photography I decided that I would give one of the patterns a bash.  I am absolutely thrilled with the result. The white is the

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-54612734911818640992010-07-23T12:29:00.000+01:002010-07-23T12:29:20.253+01:00

No, really, it does.  Last week I finally decided to wash and block my Raspberry Ripple yarn. So.  I washed it - BY HAND before anyone says anything, and then I did what I always do, I popped it into the washing machine on a spin cycle before hanging and blocking.it changed from this, to this!I very nearly cried!  Ok, I did cry, and squawk and sulk.  And kick stuff.  But then, in my defence, it

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-4996982194336394472010-07-07T21:59:00.000+01:002010-07-07T21:59:50.897+01:00

Because there is a rug on my loom.  (Of course there is, where else would it be?).   Several weeks ago, the workmen left my house after fitting an upstairs toilet - hooray!  This meant that for the first time in the 13 years that we have been here (I think it's 13, I lost count about 2006) we are not waiting for anything dusty/rubble laden to happen upstairs.  (I'm not going to say this too

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-48368590060684781452010-07-07T21:24:00.000+01:002010-07-07T21:24:56.950+01:00

...about a sticky chest infection that brings out the stubborn in me.  (Probably the frequency of them, who knows?).  The upshot of this being that instead of  being a good girl and spending months at a time in bed (wish I was joking) I tend to adjourn to my workshop with a flask of something hot/cold, keep warm and spin. To illustrate this, I have managed to finish the Coldharbour Mill singles

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-9084088113990546162010-06-18T10:12:00.010+01:002010-06-18T10:50:25.042+01:00

I had done in the last month was indulge myself (I know, difficult to believe!). At Wonderwool Wales I bought some 100gm packs of various fibres from Freyalyn Fibres Now then, what makes these fibres even more interesting than normal (and Freya's fibres are always interesting, I can never keeps my hands in my pockets when I'm near her stand.) where was I? Ah yes, more interesting than normal. Is

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-43435612638784304252010-06-17T13:39:00.004+01:002010-06-17T14:13:09.252+01:00

Has it really been THAT long since I blogged last? Crikey. In my defence, it has been really busy with non fibre stuff here - We had major plumbing works done so I was shipped off to Mothers to avoid the dust. It has taken pretty much till now to get back on an even keel (you know, the whole, brittle asthma, ME/CFS, summer cold thing). But I think I here now, so then, what have I done? Well,

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-66131594025999944272010-04-29T14:24:00.002+01:002010-04-29T14:41:39.892+01:00

Well, I had to do it now didn't I? Clockwise from the top. 3 packs of Freyalyn's Firebird recipe on Cheviot, Coloured BFL and Coloured Shetland rovings respectively. 1 Kilo of Shetland DK from Bluefaced, and 2 bricks of dyed Silk from Oliver Twists (no website, what are they thinking of?) Next, 400gms of Fine Falklands rovings dyed in her Flame recipe from Amanda of Mandacrafts. I just had

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-77419535533143551662010-04-29T13:57:00.004+01:002010-06-18T10:54:38.491+01:00

I have been rather busy actually, in between other stuff. Came to the conclusion that If I only have a finite number of Spoons to use in any one day I am going to spend most of it in my workshop unless people turn up, and even then, it's a toss up!. Firstly - look! This is the Falklands/Soy yarn I blogged about last time. It's just sooo pretty, I must admit it will probably hang there for a

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-47963291628884719532010-04-14T09:47:00.004+01:002010-04-14T10:15:05.258+01:00

Been busy in the real world (I know, pathetic excuse, but it's all I've got.) Before you groan, as I managed to find the camera, I've popped loads of photos in, if you click on them, they get REALLY BIG! I have managed to get down to my Workshop most days recently and to my surprise, stuff is really beginning to mount up - hurrah! Last time I blogged, the soy and Falklands was looking like

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-87862657200415389592010-03-15T10:59:00.002Z2010-03-15T11:40:03.241Z

Well, now, bit of an odd week. I went down with a cold about Wednesday. Which meant that the soya fibre (see pic) whilst no longer looking like this, it is now a bobbin of really groovy single hasn't yet been plied with all the fab Falklands. Which is also sitting patiently on one and a bit bobbins. Hopefully and I do mean hopefully, it will be plied and pixed here by the end of this week

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-24904043631421985592010-03-01T22:20:00.005Z2010-03-01T22:44:53.664Z

Statement of the bleeding obvious # 72 Remember you are pathetically weak. This means that it is really important to GREASE your spindle on a regular basis so that spinning does not become heavy and nigh on impossible... So, you must ALWAYS assume that you have forgotten to do this, rather than you have already done it; so that you will manage to remember AT LEAST once a week/every bobbin

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-91198039993404413712010-02-05T16:57:00.005Z2010-02-05T17:49:33.058Z

But I have been knitting! And lots of it too! First off is my Northern Lights Jacket! Finally it is completed and I must say, it has turned out quite differently to the way I thought that it might. The colours are far subtler that I anticipated, which brings the hood into sharp contrast. It's also far light than I thought it would be. the sleeves are pretty deep, but that was deliberate as I

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-21594279752452569732010-01-13T12:23:00.001Z2010-01-13T12:23:22.279Z

05 Jan 2010 014Originally uploaded by YarnspiderHey chaps, I have managed to sort out my Etsy Shop, have a look - a genuine half price stock clearance.Just the thing to drive away the winter cold.

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-49321350165901045752010-01-06T10:58:00.001Z2010-01-06T10:58:35.902Z

06 Jan 2010 Guanaco 037Originally uploaded by YarnspiderI have found the perfect way to while away the time until the snow thaws sufficiently to return to my workshop. Guanaco fibre! Where has it been all my life? I'm spinning this for DH - been on the to do list for nearly a year (cringes with embarassment!). He picked it up from the Esgyrn stall at Wonderwool Wales. They do have a website (

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-62968736748149909192009-12-21T13:20:00.004Z2009-12-21T13:35:38.883Z

I suddenly realised that it has been over a month since I posted here!! To be honest, the only excuse that I can offer is that the blasted doctor made me have Flu Vaccines (x2!) and I ended up on my bum as a result!! But I have not been idle (forgot to post or take pix yes, idle no.). Whilst snugged in bed, I have knitted a further 5 pairs of socks, one scarf and two pairs of mittens. And

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-57699105984012163782009-11-22T15:18:00.006Z2009-11-22T15:51:06.023Z

It really was lovely, after an epic week of plying, I was in a position on Friday to choose what to do next! Wha-hey! After doing the victory jig in my head (far too much energy usage to perform in person) this is what took my eye. Actually, it has been sitting teasing me for quite a while now, so here we go. Some time ago, I fell in love with these 2 fine bundles from Amanda Hannaford (the

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-36940637926492506012009-11-22T14:16:00.004Z2009-11-22T15:18:38.979Z

Four fabulous hanks of loveliness. I am just sooo proud of myself. It has taken me since June and I really was beginning to despair. I thought I had dropped into a fibre take on the Inferno. Doomed to spin and never finish... Left to right is the Lavender Merino, followed by 3 hanks of Autumn Colours. If the ply seems a little crisp, it's because I haven't had the energy to was and block as yet (

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-6686363150436107672009-11-02T12:55:00.003Z2009-11-02T14:03:28.872Z

I am in the midst of Chistmas present creativity - see! As I have been stuck in the house for a couple of weeks with this bronchitus thing - which has finally seen fit to leave - yay! Rather than waste the time, I have been knitting. I'm aiming for a pressie a week, and so far have managed it. Just remember, none of them have yet been washed and blocked, thought I would leave that until I

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-9754885284763156412009-10-03T13:59:00.002+01:002009-10-03T14:04:00.430+01:00

I have done it! I have passed the 2000 stitch point on the shawl I must be going totally nuts! Ok, deep breath, on the home straight now (will show when boocked in about 6 months then!!!)

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-6373772137874328342009-09-25T14:18:00.002+01:002009-09-25T14:43:46.594+01:00

I have been really busy knitting and it's beginning to pay off! Hooray for me!! And as 2 out of my 3 projects on the go are for me it really is for a change!! First off is the Northern Lights Project. This jacket is coming together really nicely, the body is finished in yummy soft stripes (OK, possibly not the best choice for a personage of my proportions, but I like it!!) Before knitting

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-60594389887710232292009-09-03T14:52:00.005+01:002009-09-03T15:07:52.453+01:00

Just like buses, 2 posts turn up in one day!! As I have got my act together (not a word!!) I thought I would share my finished Guesswork Sweater. It was one of those that really did evolve into the shape you see here! Don't ask me for particulars 'cus I really couldn't tell you. I was however aiming for a snuggy big sweater that would go well with jeans and have a high warm neck. So it

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-67213206965001030692009-09-03T14:30:00.002+01:002009-09-03T14:51:45.363+01:00

Just a catch up on my spinning, I have been spinning you know.... Any hoo, I'm up to 2 FULL bobbins of the hand dyed fine wool tops from Freyalyn although they seem totally different, they really do have the same colours inside... promise!! Have another 100gms to go and then I can start on the other fibre to marl the yarn with. I took a break to spin these BFL humbug tops from Amanda

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-74293745420698129652009-08-26T10:34:00.002+01:002009-08-26T10:37:26.769+01:00

Just a little note to say, my Etsy shop is down for the next couple of weeks whilst I take stock and sort what lovely stuff I shall be popping back into it in for the Autumn. Normal service will resume as soon as poss - promise!!

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-4261122451465865822009-08-21T12:20:00.005+01:002009-08-21T13:03:07.082+01:00

Once again, I'm having to start with an apology. I had intended to post this last week, but M.E., and decorating the Snug (I was cut off from my blogs! No computer or any fink!) just plain got in the way. Oh well, back on track for the rest of the year (with luck!). Now, to my workshop! Still spinning the same fibre, but I am beginning to see the end - hooray!. I had to suspend the

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-64844217402191201652009-08-03T12:10:00.003+01:002009-08-03T12:36:45.421+01:00

Realised that I haven't posted in a while, so here are my latest on the needle! The first is the wedding shawl I'm attempting to knit, all hearts & flowers (Valentine design Doily in the First Book of Modern Lace as inspiration). It was being knitted from really fine pale moorit merino. Then the bastard dog got at it! (Memo to me, keep expensive knitting in clip boxes!) I think I shall take

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-85227798102366484572009-07-23T11:17:00.005+01:002009-07-23T12:14:32.554+01:00

As I have finally finished the Kauni Celtic jumper I've been knitting for DH, I thought I would share: Based on a pattern by Alice Starmore. I cheated by paring the number of yarns used to 2 & used multi coloured Kauni & a complementary green yarn (also Kauni) both were sport weight. I put a different colour on it and also changed the cuffs. Things I would do differently next

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-4280427472126639942009-07-06T10:34:00.005+01:002009-07-06T11:00:40.107+01:00

It's been a while, but I went down with yet another bloody chest infection - and thought I had got away with it last winter. Shows me I suppose. Now then, important stuff. A couple of weekends ago, DH was kind enough to take me down to the Somerset Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers annual Fleece Fair. Now, whilst I will be the first to admit, deep down where no one is listening, that I

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-28432862599679649762009-06-14T13:25:00.008+01:002009-06-14T14:08:47.414+01:00

I thought I would just share what I am spinning now, right this minute! On the Suzy, I have left the ratio set as was for the ultra fine merino (see finished bobbin on the left.) so that I shall be able to return to spin the other bobbin in a week or two. On to this ratio, with the Fine Flyer attached, I have spun long draw at a ratio of 23:1, one of two half bobbins of Freyalyn's

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-44177404125116517922009-06-14T13:06:00.004+01:002009-06-14T13:24:20.580+01:00

I came to the conclusion about a week ago (just after spending several hours at the Bath & West Show spinning for the shearers - makes sense when you are there, promise!). That I was bored with the fine lavender Merino for the moment. I also didn't want to put my Little Gem away as I have been having such fun with it. So I have spun up some sock yarn, as I obviously haven't enough! It's a soft

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-57894616544197517002009-06-14T12:54:00.006+01:002009-06-14T13:05:35.478+01:00

I really must apologise for not posting for the last couple of weeks (baaad Sarah! smacks hand!). I've been a little M.E'd & as a result I've only just realised what the time is so to speak, so there will be, like all good buses several posts at once I suspect. Well, following on from my last post I screwed up the courage and finally dyed my alpaca green - it was going to be spaced dyed

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-57335286844499583222009-05-23T10:22:00.003+01:002009-05-23T10:36:18.611+01:00

Well, a couple of weeks late, but better than never! This is the baby alpaca fibre that I had spun up for the wedding shawl. As predicted, it was the wrong colour, but I thought I would show you what it looked like, before I took my revenge on it... I knew it seemed to be taking forever, but now I have realised why... It was 287gms of baby alpaca rovings, spun at a ratio of 32:1.

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-54957092914528651212009-05-19T11:32:00.002+01:002009-05-20T11:57:09.450+01:00

I know I don't usually post about me here, but as I haven't been posting for a whilst, thought I should explain. Have been pretty gru for a week or so, will be back posting proper asap. (As soon as I can persuade sore throat to go away.*) *for sore throat read nasty ulcers about quarter inch across. Hugs to all.

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-87329078083084410442009-05-04T15:19:00.004+01:002009-05-04T15:47:37.031+01:00

I've nearly finished plying the Alpaca, it's coming out rather nicely I feel, although I don't think I shall be able to make a decision on the pattern for the shawl until it's been washed - suspect it will bloom nicely. Am going to suggest a weak dye wash to lift it a bit maybe. Although it could just be that I'm bored with it. Speaking of colour in my life, thought I would give you a peep of

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-2222505001547192732009-04-20T12:42:00.002+01:002009-04-20T13:18:09.262+01:00

I thought I would just show you all what is currently on my loom (and probably will be for some time to come). For those who don't know, I'm the proud owner of a LeClerc Colonial. A huge floor loom, with a 60" shed and at the moment 4 shafts. All winter, it has sat patiently in my workshop waiting, complete with a linen rug warp for me to move back in. Well, now that I have moved back, I

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-69510177651085224672009-04-14T13:50:00.003+01:002009-04-14T14:01:00.097+01:00

I have managed to move back into my workshop over the Easter Weekend. And at the same time, I washed out all the yarn I've spun. So. To your right is the Northern Lights Project all washed up and once dry ready to knit.... Watch this space, I think I know what I shall do with it tee hee! The yarn to your left is the Mama Mi, it has bloomed beautifully, and I shall look forward to starting

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-20785957764412340542009-03-26T17:44:00.007Z2009-03-26T18:11:47.095Z

And now to my latest spinning. Not so long ago I was asked to spin the yarn, design and knit a shawl for a friend's daughters wedding, so here we find ourselves. There is no major deadline (just as well, as this is me we are talking about here!!) and the design is at my discretion, so just my favourite sort of project. The fibre that was chosen is first clip baby alpaca. It's a fabulous

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-39709606478305278062009-03-26T17:12:00.014Z2009-03-26T17:43:56.614Z

Finally! I have finished the Fine Wool Tops in Green Grate that Freyalyn dyed for me. They really have been a pleasure to spin and so easy to use. As with the rest of this project, the tops were spun at a ratio of 1:32 and yielded as follows: 190 gms of Green Great Fine Wool Top plyed to itself - 508m.Looking forward to the weekend, I shall wash it all up. There will be photo's of it all

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-493864876720238732009-03-10T13:17:00.006Z2009-03-10T13:26:40.047Z

I just thought I would add a couple of photo's to prove that, although it's taking me far longer than it should (something I had better get used to - see other) I am still spining folks! I have finished half of the Fine Wool Tops in Green Great and am on the final straight on the other half. Looking foward to plying it (one of my favourite jobs!) and then all that is left is the washing and

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-42532302697745509202009-02-25T12:07:00.004Z2009-02-25T12:14:19.897Z

Well, this is Green Great fine wool tops (ignore the Northern Lights, I haven't another picture at the moment.) What I do have is 190 gms left from spinning and plying with the Northern Lights fibres. So I have divided it into to 2 and I amd spinning in the same manner as the rest (ratio 1:32 semi worsted long draw). I will post as soon as I have finished. Got to stop now, I need to go peel

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-84107802401171778402009-02-25T11:53:00.003Z2009-02-25T12:06:45.423Z

And another is finished! hooray! Actually, I finished this over a week ago, I just haven't gotten around to showing it off, sorry folks. I am however, very pleased with the way it has turned out, really soft and scrummy with a fabulous lustre and a really understated contrast between the baby camel and silk plyed to itself and that plyed to the fine wool tops. Now to the technical bit.... The

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-38620415285777820932009-02-10T10:35:00.003Z2009-02-10T10:46:12.538Z

And now for the final blend before the home straight and spinning and plying the rest of the fine wool tops! So, what have we here? As yes, one of my all time favourite blends, Baby camel and silk. Again, it has been dyed to the Northern Lights colourway, but boy oh boy it just sparkles and gleams! Sigh! I do believe that i have saved the best until last! Now for the boring bit, I

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-71428091177980291152009-02-09T11:40:00.006Z2009-02-10T10:34:14.315Z

Well, here we are, running a little late but hey ho! (I was posting this yesterday when reality interrupted!)this is the finished Angora mix plyed both with itself and with the fine wool tops in Great Green. The angora wasn't as easy to spin as I would have liked, but the resultant yarn is very satisfying. The Angora mix plyed to itself gave me 35.9m, the weight being the same as the rest.

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-13455437059166366432009-01-27T15:36:00.002Z2009-01-27T15:41:30.607Z

Now I'm getting to the exciting ones, this week it's 50gms of silk/angora/merino mix yummy stuff! Again I will spin 1/3 and ply to itself, the following 2/3's will be plyed with the Green Great fine wool tops you see them resting on here. Already there is far more lustre, but a lot paler, so it will add a welcome contrast to the previous 2 I think.

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-77682273330696569242009-01-27T15:15:00.004Z2009-01-27T15:36:30.146Z

Feeling really pleased with myself at the moment! I finished this phase of my project off yesterday, a little later than planned, but nevertheless not that far over deadline. (yep, I really do try to set and hold to deadlines!) It's been really quite fun spinning straight fine wool tops at the same time as comparing them to the merino/silk mix of last week.The fibres behaved in a pretty

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-72104053617317004982009-01-18T12:48:00.004Z2009-01-18T13:00:12.754Z

So following on from last week, I have sorted the next batches of fibre. This is the first 1/3 of the fine wool tops dyed in the NL colourway. (The third that I intend to ply to itself). And then the second 2/3 NL will be plyed to equal amounts of Green Great. I'm looking forward to comparing the differences in spinning (same ratios) and how different the lustre on the finished yarn will

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-56657311341914255462009-01-18T12:26:00.006Z2009-01-18T12:46:34.454Z

It's lovely having my wheel where I can get at it, and as a result yarn is beginning to appear at a pretty satisfying rate! This, fabulous Northern Lights Merino and Silk fibre from Freyalyn was divided into 1/3, 2/3 lots. The 1/3 was spun at a ratio of about 32:1 on my Majacraft Suzie and then plyed to itself. I did the same with the 2/3, but plyed them to the "Green Great" colourway that I had

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-84561626604296678512009-01-11T20:14:00.005Z2009-01-18T12:48:34.116Z

Bit of a dark picture, but I was trying to avoid too much reflection without taking it out of the packets! Some time ago, I decided I would like to experiment with different fibres in the same colour scheme so that, once they were spun, I could design and knit a shawl showing off the different textures and lustre's within the discipline of spinning to the same weight of yarn and dying them the

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-28295500355251065982009-01-11T19:38:00.003Z2009-01-11T20:14:11.083Z

Well I've finished the Mam a Mi fibre and I'm very pleased with the yarn. It's lovely and squidgy, soft and lustrous. All in all it turned out very well. There is 117m of the handpainted plyed to itself (on right), and 454m of the handpainted plyed to plain merino (on Left). Plenty for the snood I wanted to knit and maybe a pair of fingerless mitts to match!

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-4169688746260711182009-01-06T13:45:00.002Z2009-01-06T13:48:25.030Z

As I haven't posted here for a bit, I thought I would just write a couple of lines to explain why I haven't been spinning recently: It's still bitterly cold down here, which is very unusual for Somerset, it rarely gets cold and stays cold down here. When I went down to my workshop this morning it was still -2 degrees! I stood it for an hour, but then I just had to admit that even with heating

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-62427271054674589172008-12-19T11:45:00.002Z2008-12-19T11:48:52.894Z

Really enjoying spinning this. The coloured fibres were a bit sticky but once they had been given a good talking to they spin like a dream. Have finished the coloured part and plyed the one that will be total colour. I'm now wizzing through the fine plain merino and should be able to ply it all off by tomorrow. What fun.

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-90051107449799492172008-12-11T16:34:00.008Z2008-12-11T17:08:03.389Z

I felt that it was about time that I brought a little order to my life! (Who am I kidding...) so from now on, this is where I shall wax lyrical about my yarns etc and my other blog is where you may just find me cussing the milk man (if I had one.). Right then, the photos. After treating my Majacraft Suzy to new drivebelts (I have an acelerator head, so I did mean 2, not lost it that much yet..

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-84554487864949051622008-12-08T15:26:00.001Z2008-12-08T15:29:44.968Z

It has just struck me that I haven't blogged for ages - slap those knuckles, naughty me! I think it is because I keep waiting for photo's, well, here is what I've been a-doing with none! So there! All words..... I've had enough of green yarn for a while, so when I finished a pair of fingerless mitts for DH for Xmas I've put it away (200gms of hand dyed worsted mohair DK - 2 pairs of socks and a

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-49720960533505426302008-12-01T16:37:00.004Z2008-12-01T16:44:42.788Z

Deary me, what a week! Just as I thought I was getting over this flu vaccine, something in the house upset my lungs, we think it was a different fabric conditioner, even tho I gave it the sniff test in the supermarket. The results were pretty impressive, and I lost several days. But I still managed to get together with Helen of Wool and Willow (she hasn't got a website yet, but I think she and

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-19108183485684542992008-11-24T12:36:00.003Z2008-11-24T12:40:08.259Z

This flu vaccine is the pits! I've been really sluggish and sleepy all week - bah! The up side is that I've got lots of knitting done! I've finished a shawl (Chistmas Pressy), and another pair of socks (CP's) in my defence, the person concerned has rediculously small feet! I've now started yet another pair, these are toe ups for a change, but I didn't like the pattern particularly, so I thought

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-28981225547874489132008-11-14T14:59:00.005Z2008-11-14T15:11:30.232Z

We had the nice man from the Education Authority come today to discuss how #1son is coming along. It was a bit difficult in a way, whilst he gave contacts etc to get #1Son into to take his GCSE's in May (dead exciting.) the LEA can't help us with what to do in the next 2 years whilst he waits to be old enough to be accepted in the Further Education and/or Higher Education. Pretty damned annoying

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-73653069519896613722008-11-13T18:30:00.004Z2008-11-13T18:59:17.246Z

Not a lot of happening but hey, that's not necesarrilly a bad thing. I've managed to nearly catch up with my knitting. Spinning is still out of the window, I'm sleeping loads still (this post viral thing really is a PIA.), but I've finished several novels and as it is my turn to do the cooking, I have spent the afternoons in the kitchen. Really proud though, #1son has just completed his GCSE

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-59190010917466887762008-11-04T11:54:00.002Z2008-11-04T12:14:33.998Z

Well, after over a week in bed (booring!) I'm now at the point where if I'm not careful I shall end up back there again. It really is peeving, whilst my mind is fine, the rest of me doesn't catch up nearly as fast as it it used to. So whilst I want to rush off back to my workshop and get on with all the bits and pieces that have been stacking up, I am stuck up in the house, keeping warm and

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-6221830743313569452008-10-27T09:45:00.002Z2008-10-27T09:51:34.454Z

On Thursday I went to bed early due to a head cold (8pm) and slept 12 hours. I thought I had beaten it Friday morning and started looking forward to the Wool Weekend. By late Friday afternoon I discovered where the damn thing had sneaked off to, and my lungs packed up. I've just spent the last 2 days in bed and I'm back off there now. At least I get some quiet to do a bit of reading and

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-53934021630570954042008-10-24T10:20:00.006+01:002008-10-24T13:21:05.738+01:00

Been more than a bit busy this week, so I thought I would just post a photo and a note on the stuff I've been doing or I will be here for ever (and I really want to be a-spinning today!) Last weekend, we scooted off to Durdle Door and had a lovely time, the sun shone, the sky was blue and we really couldn't believe that it was mid October. DH & #1Son spent the weekend hiking the dogs across

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-38781440126123176192008-10-16T10:17:00.006+01:002008-10-16T10:30:00.668+01:00

Whilst we have been spending the week trying to get ready to sneak away for the weekend to Durdle Door - no, really it is a place, I've linked it so that you can have a nose and everything...... :0) I managed to sneak away for a couple of hours to Bristol for a lecture on Guatemalan Textiles at the City Museum. It was a very informative evening with anthropologist Ed Carter as speaker. Whilst I

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-45886686272833197982008-10-11T17:52:00.004+01:002008-10-11T18:55:17.641+01:00

Well, no longer will I sit and take it on the chin when the price of my shawls is questioned. I know that I price them very reasonably (when I can bring myself to part with one!), and the next person to suck their teeth and suggest (in that tone usually reserved for children or mental defectives), that maybe I might be overcharging just a teenyweeny bit can just go hang! What has brought this

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-76440984484813344122008-10-03T10:34:00.002+01:002008-10-03T10:36:48.647+01:00

I've just been asked how I started spinning, it got me thinking and this was my answer: How did I start spinning.... Now let me see, I've always knitted and some time ago, I became very ill. My Asthma became brittle with all the irritations that that entails, so I was left sitting around being able to do very little but read (2-3 novels a day most weeks!). And then to avoid the boredom I

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-15830972548779465462008-09-22T09:35:00.001+01:002008-09-22T09:37:03.647+01:00

It was Guild on Saturday and a fabulous day was had by all. As it was an open day, we had lots of visitors and got to meet friends old and new. Hopefully, some of them will trot along to the next meeting. It's going to be a goody actually, back to basics for spinners yum, lots of playing with fibre and picking up processing tips. My sort of meeting. The demonstrations/teaching sessions were

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-86715564674882257762008-09-19T15:42:00.012+01:002008-09-19T16:09:06.668+01:00

I haven't had an opportunity to spend a lot of time in my workshop this week due to other commitments (Bah - domestic stuff rears it ugly little head!), but whilst I was down there the other day I happened to notice some blue/grey Shetland that hadn't been put away from demonstrating at Andy's the other week. I tried to ignore it, really I did. But it just sat there and sulked at me, so I just

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-23158360888559167082008-09-19T15:42:00.005+01:002008-09-19T15:53:53.693+01:00

Had a very productive 24 hours, I blocked both of my shawls finally!! I really do not like this task AT ALL! Really must consider investing in a stretching frame thingy, but finding one that would be big enough I think may prove troublesome. I've posted more of the pictures of my Queen Annes Lace on Ravelry so if you want to see more, that is the place to go. I also blocked my other shawl (

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-88556124408515269012008-09-14T16:17:00.004+01:002008-09-14T16:27:05.586+01:00

Well, it would seem that Autumn has arrived. As usual she slipped up on us whilst we were complaining about the lack of Summer and before we know it the mornings are bathed in a golden light that caresses all the yellows, browns, reds and echoing golds in the the landscape. The mists have returned as well, and the whole lot glows in the morning light, it really is the most romantic time of the

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-27683859574174630472008-09-09T08:37:00.004+01:002008-09-09T08:52:08.421+01:00

Well, it's been a very busy couple of days in the Dewfall houshold, starting with a lovely visit from Freya on her way down to Cornwall, she had brought chocolate cake with her, so DH and #1son we well chuffed. We had a lovely evening despite my cooking, I haven't got a beef and ale pie crust that wrong in years.... (cooking, I believe, is like parking - tidal and hormonal). As the gales were

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-81949061186906836332008-09-01T14:50:00.002+01:002008-09-01T14:53:42.908+01:00

Been quiet for a bit as very tired. Last week was busier than it seemed at the time and it caught up on me. DH is now out of work on a temp basis, but for some reason it's not worrying either of us at all. It's such a relief to have him back in mind as well as body it's worth a little upheaval. We had a long talk the other night and with any luck it's probalby galvanised us into moving forward

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470951722132535483.post-36317391986559984682008-08-22T15:15:00.003+01:002008-09-01T14:54:44.604+01:00

Need to Rant - those of a squeemish disposition, look away now! A couple of days ago, I was sent an invitation to join this thing called Grouply.Now, the idea of being able to find all the groups I belong to, and being able to check all their latest entries in one place really did appeal - I have at least 70 - 150 messages a day, and all my groups are on digest! So, innocent that I am, I joined

Yarnspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14401995018485782665noreply@blogger.com0