Dorset Batt, The Process I've Been Wanting To Share

A few months ago, Smoky Mountain Colors met a wonderful local woman who raises Dorset Sheep. We obtains one of her cleaned and processed batts and I couldn't wait to start spinning it. Here is a photo of what the batt looked like after I divided down to 4oz bundles.

As you can see it has a beautiful color, it's clean and a lot can be spun from 4oz. I've found it be airy and a little stretchy (which is fantastic for nice warm socks). Now I have to be honest and say that almost everything I spin has some silk or bamboo, or something in it to made it super soft. This is one of the few things that I have spun straight up, not blended. So with that said, I feel comfortable saying that it's a little softer that Lamb's Pride wool. If you have never used Lamb's Pride I guess it's comparable to Cascade 220 and maybe Galway.

So here is the next photo. I spin a little on the thin side, mostly fingering to sport weight. I spun this so that I could knit some socks since everyone has been telling me what great socks this fiber makes. :-) There is about 400 yards, 2-ply.

So my next step is to dye see how this yarn handles dye. I have changed the dyes I use and this gave me an opportunity to try out my new "goodies." Needless to say I was pretty excited about both learning how the new dye worked and seeing how the Dorset took the color. Let me insert a little side story, when I first started dyeing I did a colorway that I loved but sold it. So I've been looking forward to dyeing it again, and this was my opportunity. There is nothing like bright reds and yellows blending into a clean crisp orange, then that fading and then adding a touch of green and lightening it up to a lime so it will the blend into the color pattern. So here are my results.

 

Two days ago I started the socks and will have photos for you when they are finished so you can see how they look.

 

www.etsy.com/shop/smokymountaincolors

 

The Perfect Home for my Hand Dyed/Handspun

 

 

Many of you know that I have a real attachment to this year. I thought for days whether I would list it on Etsy shop or not. Well I did, and after a couple of weeks I am so happy to say that it found a good home. :-) I know for a fact that this yarn will be knitted into something beautiful, and will be well taken cared for. One of the things that makes this purchase so special is that it was purchased as a gift.

Now I have to dye some more roving for me!

Once I shipped the yarn and heard that it had been a huge success, it hit me that I wonder if other hand dyers and spinners out there get feed back about their work. I know I try to let the people that I order special yarns and roving from know how much I appreciate it and sometimes send a photo of a finished yarn or knitted project. Do any of you do that? Ravelry Groups give us a great opportunity to share our appreciation and photos. Next time you finish that special project, drop an email to the designer or dyer or spinner and let them know how you feel about the project. I am sure they will love it. Sometimes a kind word will make someone's day. :-)

A Life of Change, A Life of Moving Forward

When I moved to Gatlinburg, almost 3 years ago now, like a child I was filled with dreams, and it never dawned on me that they couldn't or wouldn't come true. Some have, and some haven't (yet).  Sometimes when we are filled with these ideas, dreams and goals, we tend to not think about the journey that it will take to get there. In all honesty the road has been rough. Opportunities coming and going, juggling schedules, unexpected health issues, things I call life happening, serious life happening. But, on the other hand it's been interesting, emotional, taxing and lonely. All things that a personal, private journey should be. No one will ever be able to know exactly how one feels.  Just throwing that out there to think about.

Another change that's moving me forward is that a few friends of mine and I are opening an Etsy Shop. Amazing what wanting to pay your bills with do. :-) Actually I am very excited about this. I will be hand dyeing, hand spinning, and the other ladies involved will be natural dying and blending fibers and spinning also. We are calling the shop Smoky Mountain Colors. If you have ever seen the beautiful Smoky Mountains and the colors that are here you will understand. It's a very inspirational place to be. We are hoping to open our shop July 17th.  I will still be working at Smoky Mountain Spinnery as the hand dyer there and instructor.

So life is full, of good and bad, but it all moves us forward. It's important that we all move forward.

Just Stuff. LOL

Crazy times, but fun times. I've come to accept that I'm going to be busy with something from the minute I get up till I go to bed. And that's ok, because 90% of the things keeping me busy are things I love. (or people I love) when I stop for a second and think about it. How many people can say that? No I don't have enough hours in the day, but that's a sign that I am filling every moment with life. Much better than the other choice, don't you think?  :-)

So when I'm not Blogging, Facebooking, Tweeting or emailing, I'm "busy." Busy with family, busy with my Great Dane, busy with  knitting, busy with spinning, busy with  a great job surround by wonderful people and FIBER.  That makes me happy.
I just had to get that out there.

Fiber update! I've been learning how to crock pot dye. I've got a couple done, and learned a lot, it also brought back memories of art school. I'm really excited about this new area I'm getting into, and sharing it with my friends. Here is a couple of pictures of what I've done so far. Both are Falkland.
Spinning will begin hopefully tonight after I bind off the sock I am writing for the Spinnery. (Happy Dance)

Inhale

For the past 27 years I've been a diagnosed asthmatic. I was asthmatic as a child but the doctor didn't address it. I'm not sure really what brought it on, but it happened and it's been one of those things that I've had to live with and deal with on a moment to moment basis. Life goes on no matter what. How you deal with what you face every moment of the day determines so much about your tomorrows. So that leads me to where I've been since Easter. 

Like asthma, it seems like this past month or so has had days where I could breath (figuratively speaking) easy and then there were days where it felt like someone was cutting off my breath and I was fighting to inhale. The joys were high and the lows were low. But in it all there were and are things to be so grateful for. I found that being able to sit down and knit or spin such a gift. It was in those times where I could hide myself and think and go through all the things I'm grateful for, coming out ready to see a bright side and the answers I needed, ready to see how God was going to work these things out, because they were beyond me.

So that's why I haven't been around, just dealing with things, handling the ever changing personality of a family member with dementia, and the endless juggling of life.

On a funny note, when I was in art school, I was always told that my best work came out of my pain. My creativity soared, as my mind filled with all these ideas and my execution of what medium I was using was right on point. Well it seems that I still have some of that, because through this past month I've casted on WAY too many things, but I just had to. I couldn't help myself, :-) so here's a little list.

• Celtic Kindle Cover
• A scarf
• Baby Surprise Jacket
• I'm writing a toe up sock pattern for beginners
• I'm about 1/3 into a Celtic Baby Blanket pattern that I'm writing
• and I started a shawl that I've ended up frogging because I didn't like how the yarn looked in that particular pattern.

That's just the knitting, let's talk spinning, LOL Actually I've been a good girl when it comes to spinning. I spun a friend of mine some beautiful BLF/silk for her birthday and I have some Polwarth to spin next, then some merino/bamboo/silk and then some merino silk and then...

In closing I want to let you know that it's really ok and a good thing to emerge yourself into things you love (healthy things) when times get a little overwhelming. Find things that slow your mind down and give yourself permission to deal with it all one step at a time. Realize that there are things that you just cannot handle. By acknowledging those things is a relief, it's a step in letting them go and allowing to work out. It clears the way for you handle what you can. So stop, and inhale, take a deep breath, focus on the slow exhale and be grateful, starting with being able to inhale.

Images From Todays Shoot

A few Images from Smoky Mountain Spinnery

Springtime in a Knitters World

It's been beautiful here in the Smoky Mountains. Spring has blessed us a little early with warm weather and beautiful views of the mountains. This weekend the Dogwoods have started to bloom and they have added just a touch of color to the mountain sides and along the road ways. This is truly a beautiful place to live.

It's also an amazing place to be involved in the Arts. Recently in the area there was the huge Quilt show that happens every year, and the Fiber Arts Festival in Townsend. Many of the attendees to these shows came to the Spinnery. We had customers from as far away as Massachusetts. It was a pleasure talking with them and finding out what the fiber world is like in their area.

On the home front, I have been really working on a schedule for weekly classes and a monthly workshop for the Spinnery. Right now here is a list of the weekly classes. (remember I don't have dates yet, that will be coming soon)

• Knitting (right now I have a Beginning Knit class on Wednesday mornings 10am but if you are in town you are welcome to come.)
• Knitting all levels
• Continental Knitting
• Magic Loop
• Crochet for Knitters. (edging, yokes, trim, cast ons, etc)
• Fair Isle (2 hand method)
• Drop Spindle
• Private Lessons

Workshops are going to be monthly. The April workshop will be the 14th, 1-3pm and the topic is LACE. I think Spring time shouts light lacy shawls and scarves, so I have a pattern that will be perfect. If you are in Gatlinburg on the 14th, please come and take the class it will be a lot of fun. Email me for further information.

Personally, I'm still living with what seems to be 100s of irons in the fire. But I'm coming to the belief that, this state I'm in is my "normal" I've always been a  person with a many things going on, that's why I've always been a knitter/spinner. It's my get away, my healing, my counselor, my therapy, my best friend at times. I'm truly blessed that I can be around it all the time. If being involved in with knitting, spinning, crafting, etc has done anything for you like it has me, you know what I'm talking about.  Now I'm finding that same feeling with designing. I'm currently working on a baby blanket that I'm going to call Celtic Butterfly. (Just have to get that Scottish touch in there LOL). The pattern is coming a long really well, and my goal is to have a couple of test knitters work with it by mid April. Cross your fingers.

I want to close out today with a thought.
Remember that there are always two sides to every story, before you come to a conclusion. This way you don't let other people form your opinions. You are one of a kind, so don't think like everyone else.

Me obsessed? Are you serious?

It has been "implied" to me, that I can be a little obsessed with some things in my life. I prefer to call it PASSIONATE. I've found that most of us that love what we do, are very passionate about those things that we choose to get involved with or let into our lives. Since I got my Schacht Side Kick,  I have done very little knitting but lots of spinning. This is seriously something that I have wanted to do for years. I still love my drop spindle and have some really nice fiber sitting here waiting to get spin on it. But, I'm so loving the learning and connection that happens as you learn something new.

One of the things I've just finished is this beautiful Ashland Bay Merino/Tussah. It's called Sea Mist. It was amazing to spin. So far in my vast 3 weeks of spinning I found this to be the easiest and most comfortable to spin. I will post some pics of the the finished product when it fully dries.

When I started working at the Spinnery I got to put out all the roving. HUGE boxes of roving was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I got to touch and weigh and get to know all the fiber that we carry. It only fed the desire to get a wheel. :-) It also worked on that "list" of things I want to try or have. Each of these colors were on the list. They are all Merino. 1) Cafe 2. Mocha (Yes, I have a Starbucks addiction) 3. Sandalwood. I have finished spinning the Cafe and Mocha and will ply them in the next couple of days. The Sandalwood will get spun after that.

Remember the Life Is Orange And White project? It's finished!!! It's actually the first yarn that I plied on the wheel. Plying on a spinning wheel is so much fun. I've plied with a drop spindle but it's going to take me a little while to get use to plying on a wheel. My son is really excited that I have it finished up since I promised him back in 2010 to knit him a hat when it was finished.

Personally I have to say that this week was rough. Both my kids were sick, and then Gunther got sick and I thought that I was going to have to rush him to the vet. But, thank heavens he got better rather quickly. The kids are getting there and doing a little better every day. Then it hit me. Here I am getting ready to teach my workshop on Saturday, and I have no voice and feel like I was beat up. The good thing is I am feeling better this morning, so lets hope I just stay on this roll I have going. (Though this is good opportunity to catch up on my knitting) There are so many ill around here. It's that time of the year. They are even closing schools because so many of kids are sick.

It's time to wrap this up and head out the door for breakfast. I hope you have a great day, that you find your passion and commit to it. Allow it to take you where it wants. You know there is no limit to greatness when love what you do.

Be Blessed.





Starting this post I first has to say that I totally love spinning. It was wonderful spinning on a drop spindle and it's wonderful spinning on my SideKick. With that said, I have to admit that I wish I could spin as well on the wheel as I do with the spindle. LOL. But, like the spindle it will take time to get the feel of it and get comfortable. The photos below are photos of the first three bobbins I've spun. The blue/purple is the very first bobbin, the one behind it is the third. The pic below that is the second bobbin. Both dark colors are a Colonial that I had for felting and the light color is a Merino that was given to me.

Previously I have posted about the workshop that is happening at Smoky Mountain Spinnery on Feb. 18th.  I have a few pics to share that will give you a better idea of the Nuno Felting (the instructor) and 2 Handed Fair Isle, if you are not familiar with them.

We will be working with aran weight yarns so you will be able to get our hat project if not done, then almost finished. I will be available on 19th from 11-2 to help anyone finish it up.

In closing I just have to  acknowledge how grateful I am for all that's been going on in my life and the lives of my family and friends. The women in my life are strong in the face of their tests, and the men have stepped up and showed themselves to be the father's, husbands and friends that were and are needed to their families. I have a hope and expectation that wonderful things are on the horizon. Dreams do come true, yes it takes persistence, commitment and focus, but the journey to achieving the dream is where you find the substance. Learn who you are, learn about those around you and believe that every step is guided and has happened for a reason. Wonderful things come in all packages, and from unexpected sources.

Schacht Sidekick

Today has been the best day ever. I haven't had a day like this in a long time. The weather around East Tennessee was perfect (for me) a little warm, cloudy skies and light rain. So cozy. And after I taught a crochet class, look what I brought home.

Many of you that know me, know that I have battled with getting a wheel for a long time. I had been waiting for the right one, well we met. I love the Matchless, and will probably end up with one of those down the road, but today it's all about the Sidekick. I have spun all afternoon. So combine the weather, hot coffee, and spinning and I'm in heaven.

One the previous post I put out the information about the felting and fair isle classes coming up on the 18th. I wanted to post some pictures of what would be made in the felting class a long with the instructor.

I hope that you can join us for our workshop. We are planning on having a lot of fun. If you are interested or would like to reserve your seat, please contact me at knittingsatori@gmail.com.

Thanks so much,

Fall in the Smoky Mountains

This morning I woke to the wonderful sound of light rain. I knew it was gonna be a great day. I've always loved waking to the sound of rain, knitting to the sound of rain, and well just about doing anything to the sound of rain. Then I got to get out in it for a little while. The leaves here are just starting to take on their new colors. With the leaves being wet and shiny they are just beautiful. In a few weeks they will be taking my breath away.

Waking up to all this has inspired me to knit as much as possible today. I have a rocking chair by my window that is my new favorite place to knit. I can open that window, listen to the rain and knit myself into a peaceful and wonderful place.

How about you? Do you have an inspirational place to knit? What part of your surroundings inspire you to get creative?

Calming Experience

I experienced something tonight that I wish everyone could experience.

It was just about sunset. I'd finished cleaning up after dinner and thought I'd go sit outside and enjoy the cool weather and the quiet. As I was headed out there sat my fiber and spindle. So I brought it out side with me and for about 45 minutes sat outside and spun. It was so peaceful. No cars, no sirens, screaming, not a sound but the birds and a rooster that must work nights. There was this hint of a breeze, that was almost in rhythm with the spindle. Once in awhile I would take a deep breath that was like inhaling the perfect peace.

Blessed Be

This is what I'm gonna do this weekend.

This is a beautiful Merino called Spice. Purchased at Smoky Mountain Spinnery. I can't wait to start.

Happy Labor Day!

The Miracle of Knitting

I don't know about you, but for me knitting has saved me millions (slightly exaggerated) in what I would have spent going to a therapist. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with going to a therapist. I've been there after my divorce. Note: I wasn't knitting that much during that time. Anyway, over the years of knitting and blogging I have a reoccurring theme. Knitting can soothe the soul, can heal a multitude of things and can be the perfect meditation. It's a great cure for whatever is ailing you.

So what is ailing me? Adjusting. I like change, really I do. I like meeting new people, I like new environments, I like the challenge of setting up a new home and all that goes into that. But, I've needed a knitting break. So today I sat down and pulled out some beautiful Wedgwood blue, Knitting Hemp 6 and made two little soap cozies. A local store here within walking distance makes the best bar soap I've ever used so I went down there and bought 2 bars of soap and they fit perfectly into the my little cozies. I can't tell you how good it felt to knit and clear my mind and make something. It was like drinking a shot of espresso. I felt energized and happy and ready to get back int to the "adjusting." The pattern is on Ravelry.

I'll be honest with you all, it's been a crazy couple of weeks. So many things hit at the same time that were totally because of other people not doing their part, or doing what they said they would. But, we got through it, on top of maintaining everything else that goes on with a big move. So we adjusted to all that.

So what else am I adjusting to I think it's a good thing, but, people here are so nice, and they want to get close to you, like a step or two within your bubble. And I'm not just use to that. Being where I use to live we kept our distance for safety sake. So I'm adjusting to trusting these people and not being so one guard. I don't want to come off as a Bit@#. They are really creative people and enjoy their lives and enjoy getting together with other creative people and sharing. I have had a lot of fun meeting them, and yet I'm adjusting to being the "New" one.

So, with all this going on, guess what I'm thinking about doing? Nope, I all ready have had a glass of wine, try again..... yup, I'm looking again at spinning wheels. I figure if knitting is magical and using a drop spindle is so relaxing, learning to spin on one of those fabulous wheels has got to be close to heaven. I'm sure it will definitely help me adjust. ;-) So I'm looking again. I should have a little extra change in a few weeks, so I'm open to suggestions. What should I get, and why. I can't wait to hear from you.

Blessed be.

Back to TN

This afternoon I'm headed back to TN. I have a knitting classes to teach this morning that I just didn't want to cancel. These ladies are wonderful so I'm knitting and then traveling. I have to be back Monday, so it's not going to be a very long trip.

Mom hasn't been sounding too good on the phone and she needs to be checked on, and of course I've got to head to Gatlinburg to visit my favorite fiber store.

So I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend and that it's filled with doing things that bring you peace of heart and peace of mind.

Blessed be,

Pictures for you

Well I thought since I only have a couple of things on the needles right now, I'd get a few pictures of them up on the blog.

These socks are going to be sooooo nice when they are finished. I'm using Lion Brand's new Sock Ease yarn in Toffee. We'll see how the yarn wears pretty soon. LOL. The ribbing is a 4 stitch rib, with the typical 2 knit, and then the Moss stitch, that you have to see pretty much up close to enjoy, but I think it may become my favorite ribbing.

The next pictures are of a project I started out of frustration. For some reason knitting wasn't relaxing me so I got the drop spindle out a few weeks back and started hand spinning.. Then I decided that I wanted some yarn that was thick and thin, for the up and coming cooler weather. So I started spinning whatever I reached in and got. ;-) And this is what it's become. I'm naming it Neapolitan, since it reminds me of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate.

OMG, Ravelry! I know I'm a late bloomer and all that, but I have to say that I could seriously waste a lot of time there. LOL. I'm still getting setting things up and looking around but I hope this coming weekend that I can get a lot done on it. Keeping track of projects, needles, etc will be so nice.

I have one more picture for you. Everyone knows that my daughter is a Pastry Chef. (don't we all love her? ) But over the weekend she turned 22 and did her own birthday cake. Now let me explain a little about Sara. Since she was about 2 years old her favorite holiday has been Halloween. When she was 3 or 4 she wanted me to change her birthday to Halloween, so you can see where we are going here. ;-)

Blessed Be

A Question For All You Spinners

I have been bitten by the spinning bug. We knew it was coming and the day has arrived. So I thought, who else better to ask about this, all my knitting and spinning friends. So here is some info that might better help you, help me.

1. I'm clearly a beginner, but it won't be long before I will want to advance and do more than basic spinning.
2. 98% of the time I am drawn to sport weight or DK weight yarn, so that's what I want to spin. (Sock yarn is a must)
3. Portable will be a must.
4. Reliability a must
5. I'm on a budget.
6. Is there one company better than others?
7. What are the odds on getting a used wheel at a descent price that isn't needing tons of work done to it?

Ok, that's a good start, I hope. I spent last night looking through Spin Off magazine and going to all the web sites listed and all the spinning wheel websites. I hit information over load. Then I realized there is nothing like personal experience, and you all have that experience. So lets go shopping for my first wheel. ;-)

Blessed Be

A whirl wind

The past 9 days have been totally crazy. And here I was hoping that 2007 was going to be kind and gentle to me. HA. But, there have been so good things and that's what I want to focus on, because that's what keeps me going. So now the story begins.

I had originally planned on leaving the Thursday before mom's birthday. (her birthday was Feb. 3) But, bad weather was coming in so I picked Sara up Wednesday night and we took off to TN. Remember now, that Monday I had posted about not being ready for the trip. LOL. I got ready and in a hurry. Wednesday we made it to mom's about 8:30 pm. It was a fun trip and we only had a little flurry of snow here and there.

The day of her birthday we had a full day. It even included time for me to go visit the "spinning lady", Nancy at the Spinnery in Gatlinburg. OMG. I am so hooked on this spinning stuff. Nancy made it so easy and I just completely love her store. She has spinning and weaving and knitting and just so much great stuff. She even opened up some of her new Spring yarns and showed me. I could have stayed there all day. So with some practice, I finally have something to share in the spinning topic. I also have a few pictures of my first attempts when I get them transferred to my computer I'll post them too. I finally feel I can do a little justice to the "goodies" that Hockeymom sent me, so that is what I am aiming for.

While there in Galtinburg we ate at the Park Grill. If you ever have the chance to eat there DO IT. I suggest the Moonshine Chicken. Delicious. They also have some outstanding ribs.

Well we made it home Monday and thought we would have a week of routine. Silly me. No way, Monday night after doing a small load of laundry I noticed water coming out of both my sinks, like over the top of the sinks, and the laundry room was flooded and starting to pour into the kitchen. Yup, pipes backed up. Roto Rooter couldn't make it till the next morning and then the next story started. They drilled, they cleaned and then Friday they dug a hold that is about 7 foot deep and 8 foot wide in my side yard. The picture is the beginning of the dig. 11 hours later my part of the pipes have been fixed and now the county will have to do their part. In fact it was because of the problems with the county's pipes and connections that I had my problems. So I'm sure a new chapter will start this Monday on dealing with them. So for two nights so far, the kids, Gunther and I have been in a hotel at night. I can't be begin to tell you the total financial cost of this, but it ain't pretty. Here's a picture of when they first started the dig. Well there's the highlights. I really hope this week I can get my act together and into the routine that I am usually wishing a break from. LOL.