Spinning, Knitting, and Shetland

The night before I left on my trip to Shetland I took a spin-for-color-class taught by Doreen of Goldfish Love.  I grabbed the bag of colors from the Kerry Woolen Mill, Louie, and learned about spinning Noro-style yarn.  It was such fun.  I actually liked the mistake skein better than my second skein.  In my excitement I pulled a color out of order when I was spinning. A happy accident.  There are many possibilities with this spinning technique!

Naturally I had to choose six colors!

This is how the single looks on the bobbin.

The bottom skein is the one with the "mistake" and the top skein is my second and successful skein.  They are both two-ply yarns.

The more the colors are carded, the more subtle the color gradation.

I had this going when class ended.  I have to admit I like the color bits in the transition colors.

With wool and color dancing in my head I slept well before leaving the next day for Shetland.  The first two legs of the trip were eventful by spirited children and a screamer.  (Having traveled with a little one and experiencing a painful ear during take off and landing I understand.)  The seven-hour and one minute flight to Dublin was one minute too long, as I gave up my aisle seat on a very crowded airplane.  I am a seasoned traveler, but over the years I prefer to sit in an aisle seat on long flights.  My neighbor was a nice man and we chatted off and on during the flight keeping tabs on the hockey playoff scores.  Anyway, the leg of the trip between Dublin and Edinburgh was uneventful.  I met up with the group at the gate and after introductions we had a short flight to Shetland.  

My first impression was that it reminded me of Ireland.  The cliffs were impressive!  I was  not expecting them to be so high.  It was warm, with the mist rolling in and out the first day. 

Audrey peers out the window at the spectacular cliffs of Shetland.

Wildflowers were blooming everywhere.

Color in every nook and cranny!

Whale bone

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Steep cliffs in the mist.

More to come...

Millefiori

I think that is an appropriate name for the yarn.  It was fun to spin batt #2 into a single.  I went to Joanne, ETC in search of plying thread or yarn.  It is like choosing buttons for a garment, which takes time to find the perfect color and shape.  The silk noil bits, dyed mohair locks, and silk add texture and sheen.  I found some 40 wt Coats machine embroidery thread in neon colors.  The neon salmon attracted my eyes right away, but I also liked the neon green.  I purchased both.  The salmon popped out and looked great, however, the green enhanced the yarn--green was the choice!

Measuring 3 ounces of wool, silk, and color bits.  It is a bit like picking the best ingredients for a favorite dessert recipe.  Some of this, a pinch, smidgeon, and a dash of that...

The wool and bits were blended in two rounds through the drum carder.

The wool is spun into singles (the silk noil bits are sticking out).

Plying the single with machine embroidery thread.  I hold the thread in my right hand while keeping it straight toward my body and the single is in the left hand at an angle with my index finger guiding it while it feeds onto the thread, and then I feed the length through the orifice.

The yarn plied perfectly balanced!!!!
With all the color, it reminds me of Millefiori.

Now to set the twist and add this to something wonderful...
Yum...eye candy!

Yipes, stripes!

My current projects have a linear feeling to them, which is probably a good thing as I have been very busy with this, that, and the other lately.  The house is de-Christmasted, and soon I hope to paint Ben's room (and remove the airplane ceiling fan) and move my stuff into it.  My old office/art/fiber room will become a guest room/small den...at least that is the plan!

I am having fun revisiting a favorite pattern while knitting myself (another) hat and samples for an upcoming class.  The pattern is The Gaugeless Hat #106 designed by Deb Gemmell for Cabin Fever.  I made my first one years ago when I worked at AAY, and decided that it would be a perfect class for newer knitters to learn about gauge.  My original hat is made with Lamb's Pride Worsted and Kureyon, the "holiday" version is with Raggi and Ella Rae Classic, and the samples for AT are made with Ella Rae Classic and Plymouth Gina.  The elf (short) version looks cute in the photo on the pattern, but I prefer the stocking (long) version.  Adding the pompom onto the red and green one was just what that hat needed.  I will be sure to take that one to Okpik this year!

It was wonderful to go to the first Spin-In of the year on Saturday.  We had a good group with lots of spinning, chatting, and fun.  I finally bought a support spindle, bowl, and lap bowl.  It is a bit different technique to spinning compared to the drop spindle, but I enjoyed a quick lesson and now have to be sure to practice!  Mary's husband, Rob, does a nice job on the spindles and I like the heavier weight of this spindle.

Jim and Ben got me some colorful gifts for Christmas.  From Jim, a kaleidoscope and from Ben, a Colorku.  It is nice to take a break during a busy day and enjoy some quiet activities--and enjoy the colors!

Upcoming classes in 2013

I am enjoying teaching Learn-To-Knit classes at Amazing Threads, which are scheduled through April.  On the schedule for the next year are classes for an array of projects to satisfy all skill levels.  For more information check out Amazing Threads and The Shepherdess on the web!

Gelato Bag:  This is a good project for new knitters to build knitting confidence and skills, plus it can be a small project bag!
Date:  Monday, January 7, 21, and 28, 2013
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Brynn:  I made this sample for the shop and it is a wonderful little shrug knitted with tweed yarn using a slip-stitch pattern--only one color per row!
Date:  Please check with the shop
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Brynn is made with Rowan Tweed
featuring an easy slip-stitch pattern.

Cabled Pillow Cover (Rutland Cushion):
Date:  Monday, February 4, 11, and 18, 2013
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Drop Spindle:  Learn how to spin your own yarn with a spindle and some wool!

Date:  Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Time:  6 pm to 8 pm

Location: The Shepherdess

Learn how to spin your own yarn
with a spindle and wool roving or batt.

Adams Ribs:
Date:  Thursday, February, 14, 28, March 14, and 28, 2013
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Gaugeless Hat:  This is a fun project to make and a great skill-builder for learning about gauge, changing and choosing colors, and multiple sizing options.
Date:  To be determined!
Time:
Location:  Amazing Threads

The stocking cap is made with Ella Rae Classic
and Plymouth Gina, one skein each;
and knitted from the top down!  

EZ Pick One, from (Knit One Knit All):
Date:  Wednesday, March 13, 20, and 27, 2013
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads


Countess Mitts:  I made samples of these for Blue Sky Alpacas and they are a joy to knit and really lovely!
Date:  Wednesday, April 10, 17, and 24
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Cue the Elgar...

Yes, it is that time of year.  Ben graduated on Sunday, the 21st of May.  Jim and I drove to Kenosha on Thursday and started to pack some of his things.  All the seniors had to be out of their rooms after graduation.  It was tight, but we did it!

The weather was great while we were there.  Just the threat of a thunderstorm on Sunday.  Luckily the rain held off and we were able to get good photographs.

As a proud parent I will now take time to brag--Ben graduated Magna Cum Laude with all-college honors, and with departmental honors in Political Science.  The Baccalaureate service was really good.  The organist was a former student and amazing.  The college choir and gospel choir along with a small orchestra performed a piece of music written especially for President Campbell and Carthage.

I did a drawing of President Campbell with Ben and Eric in their red jackets (I'll tell the story in another post).  Jim and I stopped at Hobby Lobby, found a red mat, and a frame for it.  I did not have to mount it, as the framing department did the mounting and added a backing and hanger for a small fee.  Ben presented it to President Campbell at the senior dinner.  I received a lovely note from  President Campbell today.

I was able to do quite a bit of knitting while we were there because there was some down time until graduation.  Ben leaves for Philmont in New Mexico soon and will spend the summer as a second year Ranger.  He will be able to request Jim's crew, so it is a fitting way to come full-circle in Scouting.

Proud mom!

High five for Abe!

Many hours were spent here.

Ben at the Baccalaureate ceremony.

President and Mrs. Campbell with Ben.

It was nice to see the banner before it is even dedicated.

Squeezed in tightly.

Now on to the current knitting projects.  Picking up the Kauni yarns again, I finally got the hang of the Paintbox Scarf double knitting technique of reverse stockinette stitching.  Lucy Neatby, the designer has a good video on youtube.  The scarf is now progressing through its colors.

Ben was busy the day we came to Kenosha, so Jim and I drove around.  We stopped by (Jim stayed in the car) Fiddlehead Yarns.  It is always a treat to go into the small shop.  The atmosphere is very nice and the selection of yarn is wonderful.  Normally I pass by sock yarn unless color catches my eye.  There was some Opal sock yarn that caught my eye!  There were only four skeins, but the colors were beautiful.  Opal made a line based on some of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings.  I chose The Restaurant de la Sirene at Asnieres (#5437).

Painting by Vincent Van Gogh.

Colorway by Opal--The actual colors of
the yarn are exactly like the painting.
The photo does not reflect the warmth
of the colors.

New Box of Crayons (Paintbox Scarf)

Spinning around

I was making a yummy sound while showing off my roving at Shepherd's Choice

This was a great week for me...I had a drop-spindle class on Tuesday and then my first wheel-spinning class on Sunday.  It was a nice break from knitting and it is always exciting to teach others a new skill.  I finished spinning the yellow and brown roving and it's plied and ready to block.  I do not know what it will grow up to be, but the yardage will have a lot to do with the decision.

I finished one of the mittens.  I liked the French knots and daisy stitches on the originals in the book, but I wear my mittens pretty hard, so I opted for Swiss darning and straight stitches for embellishment.  I also picked up three stitches rather than just one for the thumb and it fits much better.  The mittens fit me perfectly.  I started the decreases for the top of the hand right after I finished the chart.  They would have been too long otherwise.  On to the next project--Kathy wanted something out of  Country Classic Yarn for Sox, and I chose a warm cocoa color.  I'm surprised this is considered sock yarn.  Naturally, I had something else in mind and perused the patterns.  I came across a pattern I had in my collection and it would only take three hanks.  At $8.25 a hank that is a good deal!

We are enjoying the last of the unusually warm temperature and by week's end a mix of snow and rain are expected.  I'll have to bring in some wood so I can be ready for a cozy fire this weekend.  I have a good supply of Digestive biscuits thanks to Jim, and it may be time to check the pantry for cocoa.  

The squirrels are scrambling to hide acorns.  They had a bumper crop this year.  When we would pull into the driveway it sounded like bubble wrap popping.  

Today I'm meeting some friends for knitting and I am excited.  We had a good time last month.  I have time today to work on that last Wood Badge ticket--I'm very motivated to finish by year's end.