Yarn Stew

Handspun Leftovers: Yarn Stew, anyone?

For the past few years, I've been collecting random bits and bobs of my handspun yarn, throwing it in a baggie with other leftovers. Recently, I pulled the baggie out and realized my collection of handspun ends makes for a pretty combination. So, I've been thinking: Randomly striped scarf? Fingerless gloves? Hat? What do you think?

Shalimar Yarns' new bulky weight yarn--soft as butter. Mmmmm...

I do want to say "Thank you" to those of you who haven't given up on me over the past few entry-less months! In August and September, a tendonitis-type injury sidelined me. No knitting for two months? Horrors! (Just ask my husband...)

For a fiber-holic like me, not being able to knit is like giving up cigarettes. I couldn't spend time around knitters, in knitting stores, or even on Ravelry--being completely unable to join in was just too painful. So I withdrew for a while.

During the past five weeks or so, however, my shoulder, neck, elbow, and wrist began to feel a better, little by little. At first I could knit for five minutes, then 20 minutes, and finally to an hour or two (max) here and there. Believe me: Taking regular rest breaks and doing a few hand and wrist stretches makes all the difference. If you feel discomfort, pay attention! The alternative is awful.

Gorgeous Zoe Sock from Shalimar Yarns in a gorgeous clover-honey color

Since my injury began improving, I've focused on much more "original knitting" (AKA: designing), and am spending a bit of time (health permitting) writing my patterns down. Soon, I hope, they'll be available via my Etsy store, and maybe someplace else, as well ;-) Stay tuned!

Shalimar Yarns Zoe Sock in a color I think of as "Country Lane."
Warm socks (new pattern) coming soon!

Happy knitting, all! See you soon...promise :-)

Oh, and yeah: GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!

Yarn Stew

Handspun Yarn Porn & Arts in the Park

Today, I have some handspun yarn porn for you...

Here's the plied version of Ply Me! -- now known as Fallen Petals. When all was said and done, I ended up with 400+ yards of a light fingering weight...

After plying, I dunked the yarn in hot water, then in cold water; ran in through the salad spinner; and hung the skeins out on the laundry line to dry.

Since the yarn was not blocked, the finished product is lovely and springy, with plenty of elasticity.

In other news, Chris and I had fun at "Arts in the Park" (connected to my little town's new farmer's market) yesterday. Not too many people, but it's early in the season yet. When more produce is available, I think we'll have more customers.

(What's in that box on the left? A load of really good knitting books I am selling,
since I hardly ever knit from other people's patterns anymore. Anyone interested?)

What I did sell: The striped purse (hanging in front of the table), a pair of earrings, and these red mitts, which I designed this past winter...

Plus, I got an order for several more pair of the mitts (sorry about the photo quality here -- my camera hates red!) from the customer who bought them :-)

Handspun Yarn Porn & Arts in the Park