tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23466902525408045442024-03-13T12:19:39.735-05:00TWISTED IN TEXASfiber stories (escapades, fun, projects, thoughts, play,
whatever...) from Cordova StudiosTwisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-82495336545779023582012-04-16T06:55:00.000-05:002012-04-16T06:55:29.158-05:00So many projects: Cardigans, Scarves (Originally written October sometime, 2011. I have been AWOL for months sidelined with pesky health issues.)<br />
I left Michigan with a sheaf of patterns in my "project ideas" folder.<br />
this sheaf of ambition stands behind getting the second Stephen West Spectra Scarf done. I love the first one with the bright, almost stained-glass colors. The second is subtle and more sophisticated, I think. But back to projects: I am moving along with the Ravelry Petoskey Pointy Sticks group KAL of Madeline Tosh's Creature Comforts Cardy. I love the MT vintage yarn and the pattern is unique and intriguing. I have to pay attention all the time, but Meta, our fearless leader, has given great tips for staying on point.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofrL6fn7VQo/T4v8Ki5s8VI/AAAAAAAABb0/BwNAH-91o2I/s1600/IMG_1151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofrL6fn7VQo/T4v8Ki5s8VI/AAAAAAAABb0/BwNAH-91o2I/s320/IMG_1151.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>(Here it is all finished) <br />
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I have the Cynthia Too Sampler scarf queued with some Fleece Artist soft stuff. Can't wait for that. Here is the shop sample. I'm basically copying it, 'cause I love the pink.<br />
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Then there is the cute little 22.5 Degrees shawlette I want to make from the Well Water colorway in, yes, again MT sock yarn. I am addicted.<br />
. Not enough hours in the day!Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-43100697651280335452011-10-06T08:16:00.001-05:002011-10-06T08:25:03.477-05:00Summer revisited: Fiber, friends, frivolityYes, I have been AWOL for, I guess, three months steeped in the joy of a glorious summer in Northern Michigan enjoying old friends and making special new ones. Before I left Dallas in May, I connected on the internet with some special women on a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/petoskey-pointy-sticks/1787422/1-25">Michigan spinners </a>group on Ravelry, an on-line community of fiber nuts.<br />
I trooped over to meet them the first Weds. night I was in town at Knit Night at the Dutch Oven, a yarn shop that is adjacent to a bakery. That was all it took. Meta and I hit it off as we confessed our spinning addiction and it's necessity for a fleet of wheels. Dot was one of the first contact and is a steady, lovely, talented person.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m8ASAqvD78/TonCWsdV1pI/AAAAAAAABLA/oSvdl7-oREA/s1600/Kay+and+Meta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_m8ASAqvD78/TonCWsdV1pI/AAAAAAAABLA/oSvdl7-oREA/s320/Kay+and+Meta.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>Here are Meta and I in her studio getting ready to get wild with some artsy batts. That place is amazing; customized dye kitchen and large work surfaces for carding, blocking and painting fiber.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETnFcHRtMcQ/TonCX-MIWSI/AAAAAAAABLE/Vg98Z8pa53E/s1600/Sandy+and+Meta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ETnFcHRtMcQ/TonCX-MIWSI/AAAAAAAABLE/Vg98Z8pa53E/s320/Sandy+and+Meta.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>Sandy was at Dutch Oven very soon after that first night. She spins, knits and keeps us laughing. Heck, she invited Meta and I to stay in her condo down in Holland, MI, when we attended the Michigan Fiber Festival. She had met us maybe twice!!! That was a blast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9bQyUop95s/TonAsz-jc4I/AAAAAAAABK0/xJViSnpfsSI/s1600/mimi+shawl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9bQyUop95s/TonAsz-jc4I/AAAAAAAABK0/xJViSnpfsSI/s320/mimi+shawl2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I saw the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mimi-7">Mimi Shawl</a> by at <a href="http://www.cynthiasyarn.citymax.com/page/page/4076765.htm">Cynthia Too's</a> shop in Petoskey. I felt like it would be perfect for some of my hand spun yarn. One of my summer goals was to use up quantities of my mounding hand spun yarns. Here it is on the blocking boards. It's soft and cozy when not stretched and pinned to death.<br />
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The lace pattern kept my attention for sure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzG68qTXy7c/TonCuo8bIYI/AAAAAAAABLI/D7ZsRV3fh8s/s1600/mimi+shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzG68qTXy7c/TonCuo8bIYI/AAAAAAAABLI/D7ZsRV3fh8s/s320/mimi+shawl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Does it look like hawk-wings-in-aqua here? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcal7YSM6kQ/TonDEiliPHI/AAAAAAAABLM/qKJNI40QifE/s1600/Thumbnails+694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcal7YSM6kQ/TonDEiliPHI/AAAAAAAABLM/qKJNI40QifE/s320/Thumbnails+694.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Then I got tripped up on Madeline Tosh yarns that Cynthia started adding to her shop. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tH4kNsRpHqU/TonDOEvXB1I/AAAAAAAABLQ/yveb2uBXfxU/s1600/Thumbnails+696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tH4kNsRpHqU/TonDOEvXB1I/AAAAAAAABLQ/yveb2uBXfxU/s320/Thumbnails+696.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>Meta brought her finished Stephen West<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spectra"> Spectra</a> scarf and I HAD to do one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqXfNZAru8o/TonAw5_yLtI/AAAAAAAABK8/O_ydCzNm1zE/s1600/spectra1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqXfNZAru8o/TonAw5_yLtI/AAAAAAAABK8/O_ydCzNm1zE/s320/spectra1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here is the start of mine. I am almost done with it now and have a second one planned.<br />
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I have knit prolifically this summer and done some spinning. More posts on that and on a Knit-A-Long I am doing with a group from Cynthia Too.<br />
I have goodies for the shop in the way of luscious Leceister Long Wool lamb locks and Wensleydale lamb locks that I have found from a local Northern Michigan farm. Look for that in late October, I hope.<br />
I think I'm glad to be back to the blog. So much to share.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-48361017592579572422011-07-10T07:22:00.001-05:002011-07-10T18:52:44.361-05:00Up North Floral Abundance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCQb7oPep4U/ThmS8UTNu5I/AAAAAAAABJc/m7Lygfpwet4/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCQb7oPep4U/ThmS8UTNu5I/AAAAAAAABJc/m7Lygfpwet4/s400/IMG_2008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Part of the summer glory up in Northern Michigan includes amazing, bright flowers. The grand porch above wraps around a rambling manse on Beach Drive. There are about nine of these boxes adorning it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-So5wyPvWJc8/ThRDMrm3RCI/AAAAAAAABJI/4E1DSmDUpOw/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msDHAthMcn8/ThmVQLvtdkI/AAAAAAAABJo/5ncZAdKldNQ/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msDHAthMcn8/ThmVQLvtdkI/AAAAAAAABJo/5ncZAdKldNQ/s400/IMG_1361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Ok, this is not a box, but a garden that I gravitate toward every year. Great perennials mixed with annuals to enjoy all summer<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odTU1OP9q4w/ThmVUkWhD9I/AAAAAAAABJs/RokBabUxis4/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odTU1OP9q4w/ThmVUkWhD9I/AAAAAAAABJs/RokBabUxis4/s400/IMG_2092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Even the storage shed up at Three Pines Gallery in Cross Village gets it's own dash of color. I love the gate leaning on the side. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ma4qgU0z0o/ThmVZtLqw_I/AAAAAAAABJw/k667FdncDo0/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ma4qgU0z0o/ThmVZtLqw_I/AAAAAAAABJw/k667FdncDo0/s400/IMG_1999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> A big yellow house on Beach Drive sports four of these patriot boxes. Love to have wine here with my friend and watch the boats on the bay.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb2KBl0nCtg/ThmVfn3KiWI/AAAAAAAABJ0/lhX1dBXfJ44/s1600/IMG_2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hb2KBl0nCtg/ThmVfn3KiWI/AAAAAAAABJ0/lhX1dBXfJ44/s400/IMG_2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> In Harbor Springs, one of the galleries has these geraniums with all the trailing white blossoms.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zI3oSM0s1A/ThmVn93x5OI/AAAAAAAABJ8/poFEh27BtOw/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zI3oSM0s1A/ThmVn93x5OI/AAAAAAAABJ8/poFEh27BtOw/s400/IMG_2014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> My favorite knit shop anywhere, anywhere, Cynthia Too/Two in Petoskey has all of this floral glory out in front just drawing you into Cynthia's shop. She has tempting yarn and unbelieveably cute gift ideas all over the shop. I go here twice a month for Open Knit day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGXji0hggb8/ThmVtUfYcQI/AAAAAAAABKA/prS-9Pdsz5o/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGXji0hggb8/ThmVtUfYcQI/AAAAAAAABKA/prS-9Pdsz5o/s400/IMG_2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0Harbor Springs, MI, USA45.431675899999988 -84.99199920000000945.421506399999984 -85.014336700000015 45.441845399999991 -84.9696617tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-82632032115184612362011-07-03T07:37:00.000-05:002011-07-03T07:37:57.120-05:00Harbor Skies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocKYUqk_b-I/ThBgVoO7AjI/AAAAAAAABJA/T2okBsb5koY/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ocKYUqk_b-I/ThBgVoO7AjI/AAAAAAAABJA/T2okBsb5koY/s400/IMG_1974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Thursday night Harbor Springs hosted a Gallery Walk that included ten or twelve art galleries serving up great art, blown glass and sculpture. But, to me the great art was upstaged by the cloud patterns that night accented by the quaint architecture of Main Street.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D40bgJaaqw/ThBgaLwqiJI/AAAAAAAABJE/45ADE0GlMQo/s1600/IMG_1975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D40bgJaaqw/ThBgaLwqiJI/AAAAAAAABJE/45ADE0GlMQo/s400/IMG_1975.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>How can you not love the festive evening with a stage set such as this?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sicqB9--ZYo/ThBgKN-evKI/AAAAAAAABI8/pjbLP7atRYU/s1600/Harbor+sky2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sicqB9--ZYo/ThBgKN-evKI/AAAAAAAABI8/pjbLP7atRYU/s400/Harbor+sky2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Or this? Oh, and did I mention it was a perfectly delightful 75 degrees as we strolled with streets with our glasses of Chardonnay?<br />
Blissful evening.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-11727844577842266422011-06-26T07:53:00.000-05:002011-06-26T07:53:36.594-05:00Dyein' in the Woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2rCV763xZQ/Tgcn3LEKX7I/AAAAAAAABIk/n4uI-r78O58/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2rCV763xZQ/Tgcn3LEKX7I/AAAAAAAABIk/n4uI-r78O58/s400/IMG_1049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
New Michigan fiber friend, Meta, invited me up to her studio at her home in the woods near Carp Lake. What an adventure! Her driveway winds through tall, tall pines and then opens up into a magical clearing with her home, gardens, her husband's shop and her to-die-for studio. ( I resisted the obvious pun there.) It's a precious house, really, with a porch, little garden with sunflowers sprouting up and then a big room with big windows and everything a dyer, spinner, carder a fiber freak could want. Gasp! I loved it. These coiled rovings were just artfully placed about.<br />
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Meta is super organized and precise. Her color book has all her dye formulas with fiber swatches. Makes my seat-of-pants method look beyond sloppy. I only occasionally mix my own colors. I just buy more dyes. Her colors are all custom mixed, lovely and subtle.<br />
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I brought Bombex and Tussah silk to dye to use in my art batts. I got to select colors from the formula book. That was hard! I couldn't decide. Then Meta carefully did some caluculations in metric measures and mixed the dyes which where then put in squeeze bottles ( she has a million).<br />
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We snaked the wet silk out on a length of plastic wrap. I then donned plastic gloves and began squeezing dye onto the fiber and tamping color through the silk with my finger.<br />
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Love the results!<br />
After we got my fiber in the dye pots, we rinsed her Romney curls "casseroles". Yum. I got to take some of this dreamy stuff home.<br />
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And, best of all, I got invited back! Next time we are going to do casseroles of charcoal grey Wensleydale locks from <a href="http://www.spirit-trail.net/">Spring Trail Fiber Works</a>. They are in the mail.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-72458377155423791612011-06-23T07:40:00.000-05:002011-06-23T07:40:16.060-05:00What's not to love?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRDeS7YjP7M/TgMwx3zJZNI/AAAAAAAABIU/-pwTBbje3FM/s1600/IMG_1929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRDeS7YjP7M/TgMwx3zJZNI/AAAAAAAABIU/-pwTBbje3FM/s400/IMG_1929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Each morning Trinket and I stroll along Beach Drive on our walk. We are watching all the preparations for a full summer: docks are being put in, flower boxes filled, porches scrubbed and styled with gobs of wicker.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZMbt-vQl-w/TgMw2l--6XI/AAAAAAAABIY/8L6S-mxTPsk/s1600/IMG_1942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZMbt-vQl-w/TgMw2l--6XI/AAAAAAAABIY/8L6S-mxTPsk/s640/IMG_1942.jpg" width="476" /></a></div> Later on Wednesdays and Saturdays, I ride my bike into the Harbor Springs Farmers Market. This time I snagged these gorgeous lupine and peonies for a bouquet in the condo, along with fresh eggs, lettuces, broccoli and gourmet vanilla extract. I think the base for it is vodka! The vender grows the beans and then ages the vanilla.<br />
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After a little fresh salad dinner, I sometimes find myself on Pat's porch with a lovely glass of syrah and little bits of brownies made from Barefoot Contessa recipe. Chocolate and red wine. What's not to love? Bliss!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBhMf_ZK1R8/TgMw7Ke1J-I/AAAAAAAABIc/3IvwPAfkQ-Y/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBhMf_ZK1R8/TgMw7Ke1J-I/AAAAAAAABIc/3IvwPAfkQ-Y/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-81307213015860156362011-06-16T08:31:00.000-05:002011-06-16T08:31:11.984-05:00Batt-y Spinning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9SETZFln2g/TfoBtIgHWOI/AAAAAAAABHc/PXteEBPjUL0/s1600/IMG_4182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9SETZFln2g/TfoBtIgHWOI/AAAAAAAABHc/PXteEBPjUL0/s400/IMG_4182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Last week we had some chilly, rainy days that were perfect for setting up my Louet carder on the kitchen counter. I shipped it up here along with a wild assortment of fibers for carding crazy artsy batts. Well six batts later, it was time to start spinning.<br />
Each summer I get reacquainted with my trusty Ashford Tradional wheel with it's single treadle. I thought I would miss double treadling since my Dallas wheels are all outfitted as double, but years of spinning my grand Rio Grande wheel stands me in good stead with the Traddy. I put on the jumbo flyer and began spinning two purple-ish artsy batts. What fun!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBTFR_6zd5o/TfoBx9yV_JI/AAAAAAAABHg/Ei_F6YNDdNM/s1600/IMG_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBTFR_6zd5o/TfoBx9yV_JI/AAAAAAAABHg/Ei_F6YNDdNM/s400/IMG_4184.JPG" width="351" /></a></div> Now I am waiting for some shimmery Sulky rayon thread I ordered from a little shop on Etsy to ply this whimsically crazy yarn.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQHCCcC1rrw/TfoB9alK79I/AAAAAAAABHk/FRREvAEm0Us/s1600/IMG_4185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQHCCcC1rrw/TfoB9alK79I/AAAAAAAABHk/FRREvAEm0Us/s320/IMG_4185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm hoping that thread shows up at my door this morning. I will have two big skeins of purple/pink/ you-name-it art yarn!<br />
P.S. Oh, and can you see my shiny new cup holder on my wheel? I love <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FBNPlastics?ref=ss_profile">FBN Plastics</a> on Etsy.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-23890580847512723802011-06-13T09:06:00.000-05:002011-06-13T09:06:57.311-05:00Three Pines Studio for Knit-in Public Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.threepinesstudio.com/Page1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.threepinesstudio.com/Page1.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.threepinesstudio.com/images/studiosm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://www.threepinesstudio.com/images/studiosm.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Where did you KIP on Saturday? I got to knit in the gorgeous environment at<a href="http://www.threepinesstudio.com/"> Three Pines Studio</a> in Cross Village, just 20 miles from my condo here in Harbor Springs. Gene, Joann and Linda set us up in the studio of this gorgeous gallery. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boqRdFB8Ot4/TfUTOOgoRUI/AAAAAAAABG8/eaJG4jNN32E/s1600/3pinesDot+spinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boqRdFB8Ot4/TfUTOOgoRUI/AAAAAAAABG8/eaJG4jNN32E/s320/3pinesDot+spinning.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Dot, decked out in handknits of sweater, vest, fair isle socks and wrist warmers, spun away on a two-ply yarn she plans to use in a fair isle bag. Jeez, she actually spins for a specific project. Such a foreign concept to me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PnMlkU1Ag4c/TfUT5GYF3SI/AAAAAAAABHQ/m-1BCLj_Yq4/s1600/3pinesMetaspinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PnMlkU1Ag4c/TfUT5GYF3SI/AAAAAAAABHQ/m-1BCLj_Yq4/s320/3pinesMetaspinning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Meta brought her electric Hanson spinning and was spinning lace weight coral loveliness from rovings she had blended with angora, silk, and merino, I think. She quietly brought out a basket of her hand spuns. Wow!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHPriPWJZ7Q/TfUTn3bfCKI/AAAAAAAABHE/yGxlzx7kLlU/s1600/3pinesMeta+hs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHPriPWJZ7Q/TfUTn3bfCKI/AAAAAAAABHE/yGxlzx7kLlU/s320/3pinesMeta+hs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Her little coils in these add texture and magic.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCMh236Em_c/TfUT2k0dSAI/AAAAAAAABHM/y0EK9tzjDMQ/s1600/3pinesMetahs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCMh236Em_c/TfUT2k0dSAI/AAAAAAAABHM/y0EK9tzjDMQ/s320/3pinesMetahs2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The little colored bits in this one are silk noil. I love the boucle' look of it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1img4PcG_UY/TfUTzIJmtDI/AAAAAAAABHI/D42f-pq19yw/s1600/3pinesMeta%2527s+HS4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1img4PcG_UY/TfUTzIJmtDI/AAAAAAAABHI/D42f-pq19yw/s320/3pinesMeta%2527s+HS4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I just love this photo with the spotlight on the skein. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_K2qRaO6uXc/TfYXLo5qd-I/AAAAAAAABHY/w8eOtTyfOvY/s1600/IMG_1908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_K2qRaO6uXc/TfYXLo5qd-I/AAAAAAAABHY/w8eOtTyfOvY/s320/IMG_1908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Doesn't this lace shawl blow you away? Karen, the lace guru designed and knit this number. I am going to take a class from her later in June to see if I can overcome my resistance to charts, tiny yarns and having to THINK when I knit. Don't look for this kind of work from me though. I like the phrase, "simple" chart. <br />
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For me, an inspiring, friendly afternoon up here in the north woods just confirmed how fiber friends are a source of artistic inspiration and companionship wherever you find them. <a href="http://ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> rocks! I found Dot and Meta there and the rest is history. And, I get to head up to Three Pines Studio each Tuesday afternoon this summer to knit on the porch.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-75254188943891212392011-06-05T08:01:00.000-05:002011-06-05T08:01:49.946-05:00Kicking back Up North<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YuJ5RrLM7I/Tet9VHVEj2I/AAAAAAAABG4/-WlDk3MDLSw/s1600/weque+wood+dock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YuJ5RrLM7I/Tet9VHVEj2I/AAAAAAAABG4/-WlDk3MDLSw/s400/weque+wood+dock.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br />
Yes, Up North, is the way Michiganders refer to northern Michigan. I am almost feeling guilty to be enjoying the cool, even breezy cold, weather here as Dallasites suffer with 100 degree heat already in early June. I think the summer there could be a b@3%h. I love wearing sweaters and light weight jackets. Wish I had brought more flats and not so many sandals. Oops, am I rubbing it in?<br />
So much to do here. Friday night we cruised around the sidewalk party in Petoskey. I got to visit the precious Cynthia2 knit shop. They have knitting gatherings on certain Saturdays this summer that I want to frequent.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fustinis.com/store/prodimages/meyer-lemon-oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://fustinis.com/store/prodimages/meyer-lemon-oil.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Also got to visit <a href="http://fustinis.com/">Fustini's</a> in person. I have been ordering specialty olive oils and vinegars online for them. In the store you get to taste all the products. Fabulous. They are temporarily discontinuing Porcini Mushroom Oil so I selected Lemon instead to companion with my fave vinegar, Lavender. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fustinis.com/store/prodimages/Lavender-SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://www.fustinis.com/store/prodimages/Lavender-SM.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Yummy choices to add to my big full meal salads.<br />
The Harbor Springs farmers market should be starting soon, so uber fresh lettuce and tomatoes will be just a bike ride away. I'm telling you, this is Camp-for-Grownups.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-64832126934785718282011-06-03T07:34:00.000-05:002011-06-03T07:34:58.324-05:00Shop News: FREE SHIPPING until who knows when...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WKeICs0W1Zk/TejS7BotkAI/AAAAAAAABGw/IIywlOV868U/s1600/FFMarch+Batt+hand+spun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WKeICs0W1Zk/TejS7BotkAI/AAAAAAAABGw/IIywlOV868U/s400/FFMarch+Batt+hand+spun2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yes, Because I love you guys, I am doing FREE SHIPPING in the <a href="http://cordovastudios.etsy.com/">shop</a> on all domestic and Canadian orders. AND if you are a repeat customer, let me know and I will have an extra discount for you. We LOVE our repeat customers!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzmzYqFJrR4/TejSzwCah5I/AAAAAAAABGs/FHrvluCKsXY/s1600/Bliss+corespun+art+yarn+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzmzYqFJrR4/TejSzwCah5I/AAAAAAAABGs/FHrvluCKsXY/s400/Bliss+corespun+art+yarn+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I have brought all my rovings, spinning-with-locks kits and drum carded art batts to my summer digs so I can keep Cordova Studios up and running while I am "summering" away up here by Lake Michigan. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHkKkVROwMQ/TejTEGygHmI/AAAAAAAABG0/-m2jRg4O6gw/s1600/teal+art+batt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHkKkVROwMQ/TejTEGygHmI/AAAAAAAABG0/-m2jRg4O6gw/s400/teal+art+batt1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Also have my carder and spinning wheel here, so will be adding new stuff soon. Look for more funky art batts loaded with goodies, and art yarns of all types.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-84808590497337309532011-05-19T08:34:00.000-05:002011-05-19T08:34:40.681-05:00Queueing up Projects for the summerAs I prepare for departure to my summer digs, I have fight this great fear of not having enough projects with me to knit. God forbid! I know, I know, I could buy something, but this year I am promising myself to use my handspun and knit up lovelies from this. It's a bit of a trick to have the right yardage for the right project as I can't just go "buy" an extra skein or two. With the help of my Wednesday spinning buddies I have lined up three more possibilities from Ravelry. Beth, the forever librarian was a huge help on this.<br />
I have some bulky handspun in apple greens, taupe and rust tones that I think this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/faraway-so-close">"Faraway, So Close"</a> shawl will work with. It's on #10 needles or so and has interesting patterns and waves in it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3931335141_2200e39bda_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3931335141_2200e39bda_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faraway, so Close</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYotcQd-8Xo/TdUY4GKoVZI/AAAAAAAABGg/vDm0m8sq7l8/s1600/TaoSunBFL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYotcQd-8Xo/TdUY4GKoVZI/AAAAAAAABGg/vDm0m8sq7l8/s320/TaoSunBFL.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oY7Fpqt07MM/TdUZVeBgV6I/AAAAAAAABGk/tmk3oSSHrOs/s1600/DSC_0402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oY7Fpqt07MM/TdUZVeBgV6I/AAAAAAAABGk/tmk3oSSHrOs/s320/DSC_0402.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BFL hand spun plied with apple green merino</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Then for some sport weight to fingering weight hand spun I think I will do this charming <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pamuya">Pamuya</a> shawl:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj8jn0dV1Cc/TdUaLmUx5SI/AAAAAAAABGo/KGgPO8Jf_aA/s400/IMG_4022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BFL Handspun plied with aqua merino</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/Karigan/33111794/pamuya01_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/Karigan/33111794/pamuya01_medium2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pamuya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another choice would be for a rectangular shawl, this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fleece">Fleece</a> shawl should truly challenge my lace knitting skills. I will be texting my mentors a lot on this one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5525645860_c7cfca3e3e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5525645860_c7cfca3e3e_z.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> This one is done by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/elsbethr">elsbethr</a> on ravelry. I think it is stunning. Still deciding on the yarn for this one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-28222286755585980112011-05-16T08:29:00.000-05:002011-05-16T08:29:18.134-05:00Back in the Blogasphere, Finally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.clipartclipart.com/_images_300/An_out_to_lunch_sign_100730-065835-595059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.clipartclipart.com/_images_300/An_out_to_lunch_sign_100730-065835-595059.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have seriously neglected this space. I love blogging, so I am at a loss as to why I have avoided writing and posting here. I have had an exciting and full spring with lots of fiber fun, family and some travel.<br />
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Two weeks ago I flew to Baltimore for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, which is purported to be the largest of it's kind in the country. What a blast! Hard to see the whole thing in a day. I went with two fiber friends so it was a party. I loved seeing Lexi Boerger of Pluckyfluff fame. She was there selling the new Majacraft wheel, Aura, and just generally being here warm, welcoming self.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.susansfibershop.com/Graphics/Majacraft/aura_wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.susansfibershop.com/Graphics/Majacraft/aura_wheel.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Aura</td></tr>
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One of these came to my house in March. What a wheel. I love all the possibilities for art yarn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themerlintree.com/the_merlin_tree019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.themerlintree.com/the_merlin_tree019.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the RoadBug</td></tr>
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Sunday, my friend, Terri, and I were sorely tempted by the Merlintree RoadBug spinning wheel. Such a cute, functional, truly portable wheel, that will truly fit in the overhead bin of an airplane. I am now lurking in their Ravelry group. I mean, I had to walk away for a minute, or I would have handed the man my credit card and run with my new little wheel. But, since I have a gorgeous new Aura wheel, I don't think I can justify it right now. Maybe next month! I am so bad. You can get it with a colored wheel; pink, purple or teal.<br />
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Back here at home, I have been dyeing scads of roving to have in my inventory this summer along with mohair locks, mulberry silk, Firestar. I have introduced Art Yarn Spinning-with-locks kits to the shop. These have been a hit. I love spinning art yarns so it seemed natural to share the fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73TPoIdfdPk/TdEgoSIA8GI/AAAAAAAABGU/zDu9gx8zfEQ/s1600/tide+pool+swl+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73TPoIdfdPk/TdEgoSIA8GI/AAAAAAAABGU/zDu9gx8zfEQ/s400/tide+pool+swl+kit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tide Pool Art Yarn Spinning-with-locks Kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also am carding art batts with new ease on my Big Tom electric carder. Friend Mary enabled this acquisition by saying I was going to have shoulder problems with my manual carders. Well, we can't have that! So I sold my Fancy Kitty carder to friend Terri. Saved her having to buy one off of Ravelry.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CguTj4PKZQ/TdEmN3FGYTI/AAAAAAAABGY/J7nGAnMUYFM/s1600/The+Blues2+Crazy+art+batt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CguTj4PKZQ/TdEmN3FGYTI/AAAAAAAABGY/J7nGAnMUYFM/s320/The+Blues2+Crazy+art+batt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blues Artsy Batt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzHYHulZBYo/TdEmVqZ7PHI/AAAAAAAABGc/o7JDmqCScw8/s1600/toast%2526MarmaladeFFABatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzHYHulZBYo/TdEmVqZ7PHI/AAAAAAAABGc/o7JDmqCScw8/s320/toast%2526MarmaladeFFABatt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toast and Marmalade Artsy Batt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Louet Classic carder is packed up to ship to my summer address so I can feed my fiber frenzies while I am there. An Ashford Traditional wheel already lives there along with a bulky flyer for art yarns. I am set.<br />
<br />
Writing again feels good. Now I need to get that sketching journal cranked up again. The fun never ends. Life is good.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-40880925204636799442011-03-04T06:13:00.001-06:002011-03-04T06:15:21.828-06:00More on-line AddictionsAs if Facebook, Ravelry, and even my Google Reader, don't suck up time, now on-line bargains hit my inbox every day with super deals. Who else is hooked on Groupon, Living Social, Haute Look, Rue La La, Zulily and Gilt Groupe? These hit my inbox daily with temptations. And, Yes, I have succumbed mightly. I have gotten coupons for piles of gourmet cupcakes, sloppy decadent burgers, now two movie tickets, a trip to Amazon's store, puzzles from Barnes and Noble. I'm heading to Redenta's for organic gardening supplies. What's not to love about getting half off on compost? Those are some of the coupons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ql58BCu9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ql58BCu9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I will just confess the most ridiculous first: Not one, but two Pillow Pets for the kids' guest room here at my house. Not saying that they wouldn't be great pillows for occasion "Mimi" naps on the sofa. Trinket is pretty sure I have lost my mind.<br />
<br />
Plenty of other merchandise has tempted me. I just opened a big box from Rue La La with a new Victorinox suitcase. Thought I would go with a color this time so I can fine it easily on the baggage carousel. Green is nice, don't your think?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.swissarmy.com/images/ProductCatalog/tg/tg_31300006_sol_a03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.swissarmy.com/images/ProductCatalog/tg/tg_31300006_sol_a03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some things you have to buy quickly as they sell out. Snagged my mighty little Cusinart electric handmixer as soon as the sale opened. It sold out within an hour. Whew. I, of course, desperately needed it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418Q5FZGFCL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418Q5FZGFCL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Speaking of grandkids, there is a whole other justification. Hip boy clothes for Charley with roller blades, dragons and superheros in cool graphics are his taste. Got some loafers cum driving shoes for soon-to-be eight-year-old Zoe. Who knew those would come back around. I love KissyKissy baby clothes. Those showed up when I needed a new baby boy gift. Bang! I scored those quickly.<br />
<br />
So far, only two things disappointed me. Two Furla faux reptile skin handbags just didn't meet my quality control. I swallowed the return shipping and will await a credit on that.<br />
<br />
Now, since I have bared my retail soul, who else out there has falling down this dreadful rabbit hole? Please, make me feel better and let me know.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-25028103952577417152011-02-28T15:36:00.000-06:002011-02-28T15:36:47.215-06:00Out of the Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mPaERAMFhIE/TWwL7NLUOeI/AAAAAAAABGA/8Nhit-V7Ng8/s1600/Pluckyfluff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mPaERAMFhIE/TWwL7NLUOeI/AAAAAAAABGA/8Nhit-V7Ng8/s400/Pluckyfluff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>(Disclaimer: this is a totally fiber geek post. Just a warning.) <br />
Yes, Pluckyfluff workshop this weekend put my brain on "explode" with new ideas, techniques, and color possibilities. Lexi Boerger came to town to inspire eighteen or so of us for two full days at The Shabby Sheep shop in Uptown.<br />
This tumble of crazy skeins is my source of new inspiration. First we carded crazy batts by NOT planning a thing, grabbing colors and sparkle unfamilar to sandwich in between layers of lightly drafted roving.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dFBnr8U1LKE/TWwMJiXZ4bI/AAAAAAAABGQ/RK_kO-AeL3E/s1600/PF+crazy+batt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dFBnr8U1LKE/TWwMJiXZ4bI/AAAAAAAABGQ/RK_kO-AeL3E/s400/PF+crazy+batt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then we spun it into skeins that express the wild abandon of the whole thing. If that wasn't enough, we then Navajo-plied the lumpy bumpy skein for this result below. Note: The batt above was not the start of this skein. I'm not that organized.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QdFP_CRrWjo/TWwL-U8uW-I/AAAAAAAABGE/dsBPfLHqd2Y/s1600/navajo+ply.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QdFP_CRrWjo/TWwL-U8uW-I/AAAAAAAABGE/dsBPfLHqd2Y/s400/navajo+ply.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dFBnr8U1LKE/TWwMJiXZ4bI/AAAAAAAABGQ/RK_kO-AeL3E/s1600/PF+crazy+batt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> The next favorite thing I learned was core spinning. I so want to master this but I am not a natural. It will take time in the chair. This was core spun and then that core spun again around a thin strand of commercial mohair. This little skein has lots of "energy". That's Lexi's deplomatic way of saying "over twist".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ornm-92XcEU/TWwMCst1y6I/AAAAAAAABGI/7sZTruGe9qg/s1600/corespun+corespun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Ornm-92XcEU/TWwMCst1y6I/AAAAAAAABGI/7sZTruGe9qg/s400/corespun+corespun.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dFBnr8U1LKE/TWwMJiXZ4bI/AAAAAAAABGQ/RK_kO-AeL3E/s1600/PF+crazy+batt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> The batt below sits on my studio work table asking me to spin it into a core spun piece. I just have to get up my nerve for that humbling experience again.<br />
My carder is all clamped back down on the table just waiting for me to toss crazy materials into it's coarse teeth. This week should be fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hr9s1UyJjYA/TWwMF7lCFsI/AAAAAAAABGM/ahSG_ySpgVM/s1600/PF+crazy+batt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hr9s1UyJjYA/TWwMF7lCFsI/AAAAAAAABGM/ahSG_ySpgVM/s400/PF+crazy+batt1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-48498375949405100332011-02-14T07:10:00.000-06:002011-02-14T07:10:43.682-06:00On the porch : Puzzles and presents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KA-27kKSFHs/TVfjwQCs5XI/AAAAAAAABF8/VCODeraF574/s1600/breakworks+granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KA-27kKSFHs/TVfjwQCs5XI/AAAAAAAABF8/VCODeraF574/s400/breakworks+granola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Packages! Who doesn't love finding packages on the porch? I shop compulsively on-line and cannot always keep track of what's coming when. Well, Saturday a.m. I headed out to grab the paper off the driveway and there they were! Two boxes from UPS. One was a total surprise. My Michigan buddy, Judy, sent me goodies from our favorite bakery in Petoskey: their decadent granola and a little bonus bag of biscotti. Yum! That granola is good just as a grab-a-handful snack before it ever gets in a bowl with milk. Judy arrives today for a week of crazy fun. She gets to help me whittle this tub of sin down a bit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPujeWZwo-8/TVfjcNYe1LI/AAAAAAAABFw/WBpjSYoVHVs/s1600/puzzles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPujeWZwo-8/TVfjcNYe1LI/AAAAAAAABFw/WBpjSYoVHVs/s400/puzzles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Do you like puzzles? Our family loves them. I've had one out on my big square coffee table most of the winter. The whole crew comes over most Sundays for supper. The puzzle is magnetic. We all end up there visiting and solving. The other porch box had these two 500 piece puzzles that I ordered from Amazon with a Groupon coupon. Groupon, Zulily, Living Social, all those on-line discount deals are a new deadly obsession, but that's another blog. I'll let the crew decide which one we do first.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-1H-c-rdAU/TVfjhdZnOJI/AAAAAAAABF0/qZ-rwRHoRSY/s1600/dog+puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-1H-c-rdAU/TVfjhdZnOJI/AAAAAAAABF0/qZ-rwRHoRSY/s400/dog+puzzle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This could be the sentimental favorite. "Say Cheese"!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zi4oiUOi6hQ/TVfjksRnEzI/AAAAAAAABF4/BRwuZr9glKs/s1600/puzzl-edhardy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zi4oiUOi6hQ/TVfjksRnEzI/AAAAAAAABF4/BRwuZr9glKs/s400/puzzl-edhardy.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>Edgy! Yeppers, got this one as a funky homage to Valentine's Day. I might want to insist on it as being first.<br />
Tell me what you think about puzzles? We really prefer 500 pieces to the huge 1000 piece ones unless we have two weeks of blissful vacation in my Weque place. The kids can do 150 piece ones, especially if they are Disney related.<br />
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P. S.: This just in---Judy called and has the flu. She has had to cancel the trip. We are so disappointed. Get well, girlfriend. Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-2746432909543274932011-02-06T10:17:00.000-06:002011-02-06T10:17:01.900-06:00Storm Retrospective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU7FydmnwvI/AAAAAAAABFg/37lY3zl0zZU/s1600/winter+storm+FEB+5%252C+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU7FydmnwvI/AAAAAAAABFg/37lY3zl0zZU/s400/winter+storm+FEB+5%252C+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Dallas has endured a week of the coldest temperatures in years accompanied by treacherous ice that immobilized the city and the a combo of snow and ice that applied the coup d' grace ( or Ice??). <br />
My little lake actually froze. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU7G-bcOePI/AAAAAAAABFk/NQW4xdNo7SE/s1600/winter+storm+FEB+5%252C+2011a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU7G-bcOePI/AAAAAAAABFk/NQW4xdNo7SE/s400/winter+storm+FEB+5%252C+2011a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Can you see it through the trees?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU7HyP1l62I/AAAAAAAABFo/JoYaq87_CxE/s1600/freezing+girls+during+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU7HyP1l62I/AAAAAAAABFo/JoYaq87_CxE/s400/freezing+girls+during+storm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Schools were closed for a record 4 days sending mothers into bouts of insanity and desperate searches for yet more videos and movies for the kiddos. My kids and grandkids migrated here on Thursday. We slid up to Starbucks and the donut shop, then brought the yumminess home as both establishments were packed with desperate cabin fever victims. There is some complaint from my kin that I keep my house too cold. Witness the bundle-upness of these sissies. I think Zoe is under the lavender blanket. Charley ate is Yogurt-and-honey in his parka.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU7H1v8Y_RI/AAAAAAAABFs/axoUBbwF_dM/s1600/charley+bundled+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU7H1v8Y_RI/AAAAAAAABFs/axoUBbwF_dM/s400/charley+bundled+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Super Bowl is today, finally. Poor Jerry Jones couldn't have had a worse nightmare that this horrid weather and the accompanying bad press. Businesses who anticipated record revenues have big losses as the city was immobilized. Here by the lake, though, it's been a week of super contentment time. Homebodies love this stuff.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-44618890880527995462011-02-05T13:47:00.000-06:002011-02-05T13:47:11.983-06:00Shallow GalIf my TV viewing is good, I am good. Shallow, huh? I have subscribed to DirecTV for thirteen years but have been hearing the siren call of AT&T Uverse for about a year from my kids and neighbors. Two weeks ago I got on line, worked with on-line chat guy and signed up. He/she patiently took over an hour with all my senior lady questions such as "will my internet speed be really that much faster? The ad says so". "Will I be able to truly have five TV's that are all watching something different?" These are all "duh" questions but he/she patiently answer them and then stayed with me until I completed the order. Again, "duh". They want the $$.<br />
Anyway, install was done yesterday with a timely technician even with Dallas's dicey, icy streets. Big ole bubba of a guy just methodically lumbered around my house for 5-6 hours setting everything up. And I LOVE IT!<br />
Here is the detris of DirectV:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU12NapayMI/AAAAAAAABFU/9W5jzFcfgYE/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU12NapayMI/AAAAAAAABFU/9W5jzFcfgYE/s320/IMG_1011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> My goodness, that is a ridiculous amount of remotes. I think I will harvest the batteries. That sounds like organ transplanting:<br />
. .. Sorry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU1285kCtWI/AAAAAAAABFY/miCLi2NwF4k/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU1285kCtWI/AAAAAAAABFY/miCLi2NwF4k/s320/IMG_1012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bye, bye clunky DVRs. I have turned my back on you. I am swooning over the user-friendly, smaller remotes and tidy little receivers for U-Verse. I am amazed that I am actually liking an AT&T product. Again, with the shallow thing.<br />
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Now if you get stuck in the house long enough, and you are me who hates, hates paperwork, bills and taxes you finally are faced with this: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU2nM-kkPtI/AAAAAAAABFc/Gh-2R0Is6G8/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TU2nM-kkPtI/AAAAAAAABFc/Gh-2R0Is6G8/s320/photo-30.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I spent three hours on this mess yesterday waiting for my Shrek-sized AT&T tech. Silly me has no "after" photo. Shallow me hates the mature approach to business and paper work. Give me a dye pot or drum carder or spinning wheel any day.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-6369745851991472622011-02-04T07:11:00.000-06:002011-02-04T07:11:20.618-06:00Cabin Fever or Cabin FerverOk, I know I am stretching with the attempt at a catchy title, but crazy winter weather has completely socked the DFW metroplex. Temperatures in the single digits ( for a minute) and then in the teens, turned rain into sleet and ice. But then you know that, as the weather folk are saturating the whole nation with reports of the uber crazy winter weather. It's almost like "weather porn" as my witty neighbor, Marta, quipped. Then last night, these brilliant professionals "oop-ed" again and forecast a dusting of snow. Uh huh, woke up to 5" here. Trinket had a blast plowing her way through the back yard before dawn. Yes, dawn, I sleep maybe six hours and then hit it. <br />
The "fervor" part of the title refers more to me than the silly weather folk. I have loved being here with no interruptions. Have not left the house since Monday afternoon. Well, one quick run out with daughter, Jen, to grab some prescriptions. We just hit the drive-up window and then Starbucks. I never got out of the car. My children are worried I will break. But I digress.<br />
I have been in a creative blast: dyeing rovings, mohair locks, silk, silk throwster, rovings again,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TUv2uUWNIzI/AAAAAAAABFM/cY_l0rmFoYQ/s1600/accent+10+pol.a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TUv2uUWNIzI/AAAAAAAABFM/cY_l0rmFoYQ/s320/accent+10+pol.a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>carding art batts,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TUv25dzd6wI/AAAAAAAABFQ/8nwf9QK_o14/s1600/the+blues+roving1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TUv25dzd6wI/AAAAAAAABFQ/8nwf9QK_o14/s320/the+blues+roving1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>planning funky art batts for upcoming <a href="http://www.pluckyfluff.com/camp.html">Pluckyfluff</a> workshop here in Dallas at the <a href="http://www.theshabbysheep.com/">Shabby Sheep</a>, and then allowing myself to sit down at the spinning wheel to whiz through some art yarns spun with kid mohair locks and sparkle. My fave is black mohair merino top. I have spun two strands and then am plying silver mohair locks into it. Dreamy. Got the shiny silver locks in my share from <a href="http://www.fancyfibers.com/fibers/">Fancy Fibers 2010 CSA. </a><br />
Oh, and I listen to books from Audible.com while I work.<br />
Right now it is <u>Wench</u>, by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=t0f2a-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=006170654X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
Rivitting story of black slave mistresses and their secret lives. The reader is superb.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=t0f2a-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0061537969&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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<br />
Then at night I am reading a real paper book,<br />
<u>The Art of Racing the Rain</u>, by Garth Stein. Sweetest story told through a faithful dog's view. I've had it in the queue for a couple of years. Next up in real paper, Penny Vencenzi's<br />
<u>No Angel</u>. Still deciding on the next audible book. Maybe the new biography of Cleopatra. Or for complete hilarity, maybe <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B004KAZ4V6">The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels - A Love Story,</a> by Ree Drummond. And, SHE reads it. I could be stuck here for weeks and be completely entertained.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-48526804207663516912011-01-21T08:11:00.000-06:002011-01-21T08:11:40.510-06:00Launching New Spinning-with-Locks Kits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmNqxclVSI/AAAAAAAABEs/PANqRII4oQM/s1600/Straw+gel+spin+kit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmNqxclVSI/AAAAAAAABEs/PANqRII4oQM/s320/Straw+gel+spin+kit2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ok, I love, love to spin art yarns with a scrumptious roving as a base and then dye up kid mohair locks, mulberry silk, Firestar and Angelina for sparkle, and then maybe grab some milk fiber just to top off the mixture. Next I put a mix of this stuff in my lap and start spinning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmQzGaRoqI/AAAAAAAABE8/OuuEs1WGzgk/s1600/azure+glitz+hs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmQzGaRoqI/AAAAAAAABE8/OuuEs1WGzgk/s320/azure+glitz+hs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66371252/handspun-art-yarn-aquarius">Aquarius art yarn</a> came from a merino batt I bought from Stonehedge Farm in Charlevoix, Michigan, last summer. I added gorgeous kid mohair locks in aqua and green from Lisa Shell at Kai Ranch mixed with Angelina, of course.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmQ52gO8DI/AAAAAAAABFA/S71_MyQ3Zx4/s1600/Tide+Pool+5+art+hs+art+yarn+copy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmQ52gO8DI/AAAAAAAABFA/S71_MyQ3Zx4/s320/Tide+Pool+5+art+hs+art+yarn+copy1.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>Here is one of my own BFL hand-dyed rovings mixed with locks from my dye studio and angelina to create <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66357501/handspun-art-yarn-tide-pool">Tide Pool Art Yarn.</a> Yummy, huh?<br />
<br />
Sooo, I thought, maybe others might like to have kits of this stuff all preselected. Yesterday I listed the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47093101/art-yarn-spinning-with-locks-kit">Strawberry Gelato BFL Spinning-with-Locks kit </a>in my <a href="http://cordovastudios.etsy.com/">shop</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmNkm9vebI/AAAAAAAABEo/IUmbTtO1MIQ/s1600/Straw+gel+spin+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmNkm9vebI/AAAAAAAABEo/IUmbTtO1MIQ/s320/Straw+gel+spin+kit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And, here is a preview of the next roll out: uber soft Polwarth in Fall Colors2. Hint: the olive green dye did all kids of crazy good stuff on the locks, silk, and Angelina. Yum.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmOUaJfotI/AAAAAAAABE4/uMs1vJuF5sY/s1600/Fall+colors2+polworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TTmOUaJfotI/AAAAAAAABE4/uMs1vJuF5sY/s320/Fall+colors2+polworth.jpg" width="320" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-62132754474589196482011-01-07T07:15:00.000-06:002011-01-07T07:15:40.183-06:00Back to the Real World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TScNw76bqiI/AAAAAAAABEY/PqiMMId9-Cs/s1600/kat+at+Zocolo+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TScNw76bqiI/AAAAAAAABEY/PqiMMId9-Cs/s400/kat+at+Zocolo+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>...from this. The fam and I just finished eight days down in the Yucatan for some family fun at the beach. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TScPTUw9TXI/AAAAAAAABEc/3y-N7oWhhXY/s1600/toes+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TScPTUw9TXI/AAAAAAAABEc/3y-N7oWhhXY/s320/toes+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I did alot of this on this marvelous beach beds. I could stay out of the sun and enjoy my book or play Scrabble with the girls.<br />
I returned ready to gear up for a cozy January of spinning my handspun, dyeing rovings and mohair locks and carding artsy fine fiber batts for my Etsy store. It has languished over the last few months. Can't tell you why. <br />
Tomorrow I head down to Lancaster for an expanded Roc Day celebration hosted by the Sassy Spinster. We will be in the Methodist church right off the darling little square. Homemade chili and lots of potluck yummy-ness will be there to tempt us.<br />
I am taking my trusty Kromski wheel and mounds of aqua merino to spin. Heaven.<br />
Still, these memories are forever:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TScRn9bdChI/AAAAAAAABEg/1ST8PL7J05U/s1600/Charley%2540beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TScRn9bdChI/AAAAAAAABEg/1ST8PL7J05U/s320/Charley%2540beach.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-35189083344199118412010-12-23T12:30:00.000-06:002010-12-23T12:30:52.947-06:00Party time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRN-7O2LqzI/AAAAAAAABEE/3NFud_HeOy8/s1600/party+duds+Z1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRN-7O2LqzI/AAAAAAAABEE/3NFud_HeOy8/s400/party+duds+Z1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Well, it's not smocked dresses and Eton suits anymore for my more- than-hip grandkids, Zoe and Charley. Truth be told, Charley never wore Eton suits, but his Uncle Jim did. Uncle J despised them, BTW, but that is another story. Anyway, They are going to an annual holiday party tonight. Their mom dropped off their party clothes for them to slip into when we get home from see the new Narnia movie this afternoon. Zoe has this bright new outfit complete with new shiny boots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRN_Ez6SDgI/AAAAAAAABEI/QolUi-XU3y8/s1600/party+duds+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRN_Ez6SDgI/AAAAAAAABEI/QolUi-XU3y8/s400/party+duds+C.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> This is Charley's go-to "going out" outfit this fall. He loves his boots, all three pair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRN_MC7llSI/AAAAAAAABEM/Ml1io2hXsM0/s1600/party+duds+C1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRN_MC7llSI/AAAAAAAABEM/Ml1io2hXsM0/s400/party+duds+C1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> He gravitates to this totally hip shirt every party.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRN_Sy6hltI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Z-2ythw9rC0/s1600/party+duds+Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRN_Sy6hltI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Z-2ythw9rC0/s400/party+duds+Z.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Can't wait to see the pics of them all decked out and charming the room. What, me prejudiced?Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-51747871360831763302010-12-22T07:43:00.000-06:002010-12-22T07:43:42.378-06:00cookie buckets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRDr2oTd7fI/AAAAAAAABD8/4HXsCgARGrA/s1600/wrapcookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRDr2oTd7fI/AAAAAAAABD8/4HXsCgARGrA/s400/wrapcookie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ten little buckets, each packed with about six kinds of tiny cookies ready for friends and neighbors. Wish I had a catchy way to say that, but I'm about out of sparky words right now. I don't know how I let myself get on this holiday rush train. I am waking up each day with a list in my head.<br />
Today I get to take a break and go spin with my friends. Oh, and deliver a few buckets. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRDr9meoXhI/AAAAAAAABEA/aGfmQbE8224/s1600/wrapcookie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRDr9meoXhI/AAAAAAAABEA/aGfmQbE8224/s400/wrapcookie2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-88880141772298774172010-12-21T07:33:00.000-06:002010-12-21T07:33:55.359-06:00First Day of Winter: 78 degrees here but...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRCoCZiCxdI/AAAAAAAABDw/RVzHqukjhxI/s1600/74620_469070259772_781674772_5689968_272299_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRCoCZiCxdI/AAAAAAAABDw/RVzHqukjhxI/s400/74620_469070259772_781674772_5689968_272299_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> My Colorado family is having a different winter. Abundant snow has given son, Jim, a glorious playground for his high back country skiing on his telemark skis. Here he slogging through the trees at Berthound Pass, altitude 11,000 feet plus. That looks like nothing but torture to me.<br />
<br />
Granddaughters, Sophie and Stella look frozen to me on their first day of skiing last week. God love 'em. They are becoming little whizzes on the slopes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRCo-6qRdnI/AAAAAAAABD4/1nQDyQ20Amw/s1600/ski+soph%252C+stel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRCo-6qRdnI/AAAAAAAABD4/1nQDyQ20Amw/s400/ski+soph%252C+stel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRCo-6qRdnI/AAAAAAAABD4/1nQDyQ20Amw/s1600/ski+soph%252C+stel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRCoVloe8QI/AAAAAAAABD0/T4ikYf7U2Xc/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TRCoVloe8QI/AAAAAAAABD0/T4ikYf7U2Xc/s400/photo-15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Meanwhile, a friend sent me this shot of my condo in Harbor Springs, Michigan. They are getting hammered with snow and cold there. Dallas, however, cannot decide on balmy, silly spring weather, or blustery cold. Today, 78 to 80 degrees. Christmas eve, maybe 50 with lows in the 30s. I think I will take the latter.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-92159262111576362272010-12-20T09:15:00.000-06:002010-12-20T09:15:05.399-06:00Cookie Blitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9oQnHV_mI/AAAAAAAABDI/rZSfvsvB8hs/s1600/cookie+sugar+cookies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9oQnHV_mI/AAAAAAAABDI/rZSfvsvB8hs/s320/cookie+sugar+cookies2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Shifting gears from madly knitting fingerless mitts for Christmas shipping, Jen, Zoe and I hit my kitchen to knock out two of six kinds of Christmas cookies we have planned for holiday parties and gifting. First I made <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Helen-Corbitts-Cook-Book-Corbitt/dp/B001ULHD80?ie=UTF8&tag=t0f2a-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Helen Corbitt's Sand Tarts</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=t0f2a-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001ULHD80" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, little balls of butter, powdered sugar, cake flour and chopped pecans. Melt-in-your mouth sweetness. My mom used to make these as little crescents, but my current family prefers little balls. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9ts4nAAYI/AAAAAAAABDo/9VPFPSbod9Q/s1600/cookie+sand+tarts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9ts4nAAYI/AAAAAAAABDo/9VPFPSbod9Q/s320/cookie+sand+tarts.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Then on to the decorated sugar cookies pictured at the top. I found these tiny little Christmas cookie cutters of trees, candy canes, ornaments and stars which Jen decided would make perfect little bites for her Christmas Eve Tasting Party with everything small scale. Wow, a doubled recipe for "Rich Roll Cookies" in the trusty tome, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Cooking-Irma-S-Rombauer/dp/0026045702?ie=UTF8&tag=t0f2a-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Joy of Cooking</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=t0f2a-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0026045702" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=t0f2a-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0743246268" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, p. 711 made acres of cookies! We were icings and sprinkling toppings for what seemed like hours. Oh, and the kicker is, the icing needs to set for 5 hours before you stack them in a tin. Guess who got to do that at 10 P.M.??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9oc1VXxjI/AAAAAAAABDM/6r9L3Qxghts/s1600/cookies+Jen+and+zoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9oc1VXxjI/AAAAAAAABDM/6r9L3Qxghts/s320/cookies+Jen+and+zoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Zoe loved really helping this year. She manned both the big KitchenAid mixers with ease. Jen's newer model blue baby is much less libel to blow flour around as it is added to creamed butter mixers. Just FYI, folks, if you are in the market for a new mixer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9okPcM43I/AAAAAAAABDQ/UCrY3N9hx9o/s1600/cookies+the+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9okPcM43I/AAAAAAAABDQ/UCrY3N9hx9o/s320/cookies+the+recipe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Jen kept checking our math. We've been off sometimes in previous years with hilarious results.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9orTdmmOI/AAAAAAAABDU/ERaSXYcXTaU/s1600/cookies+zoe+and+the+mixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9orTdmmOI/AAAAAAAABDU/ERaSXYcXTaU/s320/cookies+zoe+and+the+mixer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Zoe loved scraping the dough off the beater.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9o6e6-uiI/AAAAAAAABDY/FdQWBqDn9oY/s1600/cookie+sugar+cookies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9o6e6-uiI/AAAAAAAABDY/FdQWBqDn9oY/s320/cookie+sugar+cookies1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> These are tiny little 1 1/2 inch cookies. So pretty!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9xJAMUQEI/AAAAAAAABDs/HQDicMJyOAM/s1600/cookies+sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQ9xJAMUQEI/AAAAAAAABDs/HQDicMJyOAM/s320/cookies+sugar.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Next up, Rachel Ray's fudge ring and Aunt Betty's shortbread.Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2346690252540804544.post-43636529055236860782010-12-17T10:56:00.001-06:002010-12-17T15:56:42.155-06:00Catch Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt1nT9BYTI/AAAAAAAABCc/Mla8A-2Lvgk/s1600/heirloom+tomatoes1+swBFLRov..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt1nT9BYTI/AAAAAAAABCc/Mla8A-2Lvgk/s320/heirloom+tomatoes1+swBFLRov..jpg" width="240" /></a></div> FIBER: dyed, spun, knitted. I promise it's been happening in the studio, but, yikes, it has been almost two months since I posted here. I have no explanation but am determined to get with it again.<br />
My makeshift garage dyeing studio was a favorite hangout during the mild days of fall. This skein of hand spun evolved from the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59296316/bfl-superwash-rovingheirloom">Heirloom Tomatoes </a>colorway of superwash Blue-faced Leicester roving below. One of my twisted spinning sisters bought it, spun it and let me photo her gorgeous work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt37ouRPJI/AAAAAAAABCs/T5uIwiv-O40/s1600/heirloom+tomatoes1+swBFLRov.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt37ouRPJI/AAAAAAAABCs/T5uIwiv-O40/s320/heirloom+tomatoes1+swBFLRov.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Keeping rovings dyed with crazy Olive colorway in stock as been hard. They are snatched up before I can get them in the <a href="http://cordovastudios.etsy.com/">shop</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt16feOHlI/AAAAAAAABCg/I8YUD7VC-50/s1600/Olive+hs..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt16feOHlI/AAAAAAAABCg/I8YUD7VC-50/s320/Olive+hs..jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This bobbin is Kate's plied version, spun with kid mohair locks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt2Bym-tVI/AAAAAAAABCk/aDi4CloL6Ps/s1600/Olive+hs.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt2Bym-tVI/AAAAAAAABCk/aDi4CloL6Ps/s320/Olive+hs.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I have been experimenting with unexpected colorways of warm and cool colors mixed as in the Accent 1 BFL roving here.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt2QU9Vq6I/AAAAAAAABCo/jvEIP-DkrkU/s1600/Accent2+swbflrov1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt2QU9Vq6I/AAAAAAAABCo/jvEIP-DkrkU/s320/Accent2+swbflrov1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I spun and plied it on itself, never got the skein photographed before I took it to Arkansas Fiber Extravaganza at Mt. Magazine where it sold! There will be more of this look. One is already in the wings. Stay tuned.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt5pVi9f5I/AAAAAAAABCw/KzZbU2KQat0/s1600/accent+%2521+handspun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt5pVi9f5I/AAAAAAAABCw/KzZbU2KQat0/s320/accent+%2521+handspun2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am a shareholder at <a href="http://www.fancyfibers.com/fibers/">Fancy Fibers</a> farm. Part of my share was a batt of Border Leicester wool. I carefully tore it into roving, dyed it with salmon and ercu. After it was spun, I had about 210 yards of two-ply yarn, more than enough for at least one pair of fingerless mitts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt1Jg3BtlI/AAAAAAAABCY/C-mWPDAj_Uo/s1600/Bor.+Leic.+FF+handspun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQt1Jg3BtlI/AAAAAAAABCY/C-mWPDAj_Uo/s320/Bor.+Leic.+FF+handspun.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> I love that they are co-ordinating but not matching.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQuGdfNcAvI/AAAAAAAABC0/ooPChksI89g/s1600/fingerless+mitts+BorLeic..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQuGdfNcAvI/AAAAAAAABC0/ooPChksI89g/s320/fingerless+mitts+BorLeic..jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I think I have enough to even make one more pair. Love that!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQuGmhVDFLI/AAAAAAAABC4/whWX_86Nsw0/s1600/fingerless+mitts+BorLeic.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQuGmhVDFLI/AAAAAAAABC4/whWX_86Nsw0/s320/fingerless+mitts+BorLeic.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQuLSZC9S7I/AAAAAAAABC8/sQdHKJLuPNU/s1600/fingerless+mitts-+red%252C+navy-lime+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQuLSZC9S7I/AAAAAAAABC8/sQdHKJLuPNU/s320/fingerless+mitts-+red%252C+navy-lime+green.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I'm back into fingerless mitts again this year, big time. These two pair are headed off to my SIL in Connecticut today. I think they are meant to be gifts. Wish I had time to make dog sweaters, too. Those are about sold out of the shop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQuUOe_yQjI/AAAAAAAABDA/u06YnwDNBh4/s1600/dog+sweater+lav-pearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rUF1UBte4U8/TQuUOe_yQjI/AAAAAAAABDA/u06YnwDNBh4/s320/dog+sweater+lav-pearls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This lavender-and-pearls number has been one of my faves. It's being mailed out today. Love Christmas shoppers!Twisted in Texashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990073392390648699noreply@blogger.com0