Well, I couldn't wait until tomorrow to start spinning, so I grabbed up one of the batts and fluffed it up. Then started spinning and this is what I have spun up so far. So far not much of the white is showing up in the spun yarn. Maybe it will just help to tone down the red and blue.
I can't wait to get back to my spinning wheel tomorrow and spin more.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
37 Batts of American Pride
I carded these batts up back in June or July, not sure which. I blended some Cinnabar Merino, Blue Merino and White Superfine Merino together on my Ashford Drum Carder, to come up with these batts. I carded up 37 batts that all totaled 10 3/8 oz.
Today I pulled this bucket out to start spinning up these batts for my November Spinning project. I can't wait to start spinning these batts, to see how they will look spun.
Today I pulled this bucket out to start spinning up these batts for my November Spinning project. I can't wait to start spinning these batts, to see how they will look spun.
Finally Finished
Just finished Navajo plying the last skein (smallest one on the right) today. I took this picture before washing and hanging the skeins to dry, so I don't know the total yardage just yet. I started this spinning project last month around the end of the month. I probably would have finished sooner, if I didn't have all my doctors appointments and other projects going as well.
Tomorrow I'll figure up the total yardage. I know that the 37 batts weighted 12 3/8 oz before spinning. It will be interesting to find out the weight of each skein, as some of the skeins are pretty thick.
Tomorrow I'll figure up the total yardage. I know that the 37 batts weighted 12 3/8 oz before spinning. It will be interesting to find out the weight of each skein, as some of the skeins are pretty thick.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Handwoven Majestic Sky Merino Silk Scarf
Its been a while since I warped my 36" Baby Wolfe Floor Loom. However, two days ago I set about winding some 112 warp threads on my warping board, so that I could warp my loom and get back to weaving.
I had some small skeins of Majestic Sky Merino Silk that I had put aside for myself a while back. I decided that it was time to use them for something and weaving a nice blue wool/Silk scarf was what I was going to weave.
I decided that since I hadn't wove anything in a while that the best, thing to do was to start with a plain weave. So I threaded each warp thread, through the heddles in a 1, 2, 3, 4 pattern across using all 112 threads. Then I tied off the threads on the back apron rod and then went around to the front and held onto the warp threads as I wound the warp around the back beam. Once I had that done, I then began tying off the threads on the front apron rod. Then I tightened up the warp, just enough to have some tension.
Yesterday, I finished tying off the warp threads and started weaving. First I wove a header in with a plastic bag. Then I picked up my wooden shuttle and wound some Majestic Sky Merino/Silk onto it. When I had that done I began weaving and boy did it ever feel good to be back at my weaving loom weaving again.
The amount you see woven, is what I did yesterday. I probably would have wove more if the heddles that I had removed from my loom and put in a box on the top of my loom hadn't fallen off and scattered all over my rug and on the peddles. I had to stop and play heddle pick up, so that I would have bent heddles.
Today I went back to my weaving and now have the apron rod up and over the front beam. Weaving with my own handspun wool feels great and so far looks pretty good. I'm looking forward to finishing this project and starting on another one. Its great to be back weaving at my loom again.
I had some small skeins of Majestic Sky Merino Silk that I had put aside for myself a while back. I decided that it was time to use them for something and weaving a nice blue wool/Silk scarf was what I was going to weave.
I decided that since I hadn't wove anything in a while that the best, thing to do was to start with a plain weave. So I threaded each warp thread, through the heddles in a 1, 2, 3, 4 pattern across using all 112 threads. Then I tied off the threads on the back apron rod and then went around to the front and held onto the warp threads as I wound the warp around the back beam. Once I had that done, I then began tying off the threads on the front apron rod. Then I tightened up the warp, just enough to have some tension.
Yesterday, I finished tying off the warp threads and started weaving. First I wove a header in with a plastic bag. Then I picked up my wooden shuttle and wound some Majestic Sky Merino/Silk onto it. When I had that done I began weaving and boy did it ever feel good to be back at my weaving loom weaving again.
The amount you see woven, is what I did yesterday. I probably would have wove more if the heddles that I had removed from my loom and put in a box on the top of my loom hadn't fallen off and scattered all over my rug and on the peddles. I had to stop and play heddle pick up, so that I would have bent heddles.
Today I went back to my weaving and now have the apron rod up and over the front beam. Weaving with my own handspun wool feels great and so far looks pretty good. I'm looking forward to finishing this project and starting on another one. Its great to be back weaving at my loom again.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Mid Summer Night Shawl
Now that the summer is over and fall is in the air, a nice warm shawl wrapped around your shoulders would be grand. This shawl was knit with 3 skeins of my Mid Summer Night Merino/Tencel Navajo plied yarn.
This Shawl measures 55 1/2" W X 26 1/2" L. It is just a basic garter stitch shawl with a touch of lace down the middle, sides and along the top.
The colors in the yarn of this shawl are Cinnabar Merino, Cider Merino, Purple Merino and Black Merino/Tencel.
I had a lot of fun knitting and designing this shawl, starting with carding the different colored fibers into batts. Then spinning the batts into single plied yarn on my Ashford Kiwi Student Spinning Wheel. Once I had 4 bobbins filled up with single plied yarn, I then had even more fun Navajo plying the yarn into a 3 ply yarn. Once the 4 skeins were Navajo plied I then washed each skein and hung them to dry. When the skeins were dry, I then listed one of the skeins on my website and on Etsy, but kept three skeins to knit this shawl.
This shawl is light weight, but will still be warm when wearing it on those cool fall days or nights.
This Shawl measures 55 1/2" W X 26 1/2" L. It is just a basic garter stitch shawl with a touch of lace down the middle, sides and along the top.
The colors in the yarn of this shawl are Cinnabar Merino, Cider Merino, Purple Merino and Black Merino/Tencel.
I had a lot of fun knitting and designing this shawl, starting with carding the different colored fibers into batts. Then spinning the batts into single plied yarn on my Ashford Kiwi Student Spinning Wheel. Once I had 4 bobbins filled up with single plied yarn, I then had even more fun Navajo plying the yarn into a 3 ply yarn. Once the 4 skeins were Navajo plied I then washed each skein and hung them to dry. When the skeins were dry, I then listed one of the skeins on my website and on Etsy, but kept three skeins to knit this shawl.
This shawl is light weight, but will still be warm when wearing it on those cool fall days or nights.
Friday, October 29, 2010
First full bobbin of Strawberry Shortcake
Well, I finished my first bobbin of Strawberry Shortcake today. It took 6 1/2 batts to fill up this bobbin. The remaining portion of the 7th batt is in the bucket just off to the side of my spinning wheel.
Since taking this picture I've removed the bobbin and replaced it with an empty bobbin. Then I attached the single plied yarn to the leader on the empty bobbin and started in Navajo plying. I already have 1/4 of my bobbin filled with some newly Navajo plied yarn. Tomorrow I hope to finish Navajo plying my first skein.
Since taking this picture I've removed the bobbin and replaced it with an empty bobbin. Then I attached the single plied yarn to the leader on the empty bobbin and started in Navajo plying. I already have 1/4 of my bobbin filled with some newly Navajo plied yarn. Tomorrow I hope to finish Navajo plying my first skein.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
5 and half batts later
See I told you I couldn't wait to start spinning some Strawberry Shortcake. LOL I know its not the kind of Strawberry Shortcake you'd want to eat, but its sure lovely to spin.
I've already spun up 5 1/2 batts and would've kept on going, if I wasn't so excited about sharing with you what I've spun up so far. I still have 31 more batts left.
I've already spun up 5 1/2 batts and would've kept on going, if I wasn't so excited about sharing with you what I've spun up so far. I still have 31 more batts left.
37 Batts 12 and three eighths oz Batts of Strawberry Short Cake
37 Batts 12 and three eighths oz Batts of Strawberry Short Cake
Originally uploaded by virginiasaccurso@yahoo.com
When I finished spinning up the last batt of my Mid Summer Night Merino/Tencel and had navajo plied it, I pulled out this bucket and snapped a picture. That was this past Saturday!
Now I get to play with these wonderful batts and spin up some lovely yarn. Oh boy, I just can't wait to start spinning.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Mid Summer Night Merino Tencel Navajo Plied
Finally finished my first skein of Mid Summer Night Merino/Tencel. I finished spinning up my first bobbin last Friday and then started navajo plying the singles. Saturday I finished navajo plying up my first skein and then started winding the yarn off my bobbin onto my niddy noddy. Sunday I finished winding up my first skein and then washed the skein and hung it to dry.
Today I took my skein outside and hung it from my apple tree and snaped this picture. Then I came inside and listed it on my website http://www.spinningginny.com and also on Etsy. When I was through doing all that I went back to spinning up more Mid Summer Night Merino/Tencel.
I love how my newest and latest creation turned out. Hope you all do too!
Today I took my skein outside and hung it from my apple tree and snaped this picture. Then I came inside and listed it on my website http://www.spinningginny.com and also on Etsy. When I was through doing all that I went back to spinning up more Mid Summer Night Merino/Tencel.
I love how my newest and latest creation turned out. Hope you all do too!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
6 1/2 batts later
Took this picture yesterday after I finished spinning for the day. The day before I spun up only 1 batt. However, yesterday I was able to spin up 6 1/2 batts to get almost a full bobbin. I don't know how much spinning I'll get done today or if any due to some testing that I need to have done that will take up most of my morning. But I'm just loving sitting at my spinning wheel spinning up these batts and how the yarn singles are looking. Haven't decided on whether I'll navajo ply it or 2 ply it.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
First batt being spun
Well, here's what the singles are looking like so far. This is just the first batt, that I've spun up so far. I have 36 more batts to spin up after this. I like the looks so far of my newest yarn. This yarn will be navajo plied too.
37 Batts 10 oz of Mid Summer Night
Back in June I was carding up some Merino wool and these 37 batts were only some that I carded. I weighted all 37 batts and they weighted 10 oz. I call this my Mid Summer Night Batts.
I only just started spinning these batts today. Its going to be interesting, as to what the yarn is going to look like.
I only just started spinning these batts today. Its going to be interesting, as to what the yarn is going to look like.
White Alpaca Navajo Plied Yarn
In September I began spinning up this White Alpaca, using the same process I used when spinning up my Fawn Alpaca. I split my 8 oz of White Alpaca into fourths and placing each fourth into a separate bucket. Then I began spinning up each fourth until I had a full bobbin.
Then I took the full bobbin off and replaced it with an empty bobbing so that I could start the navajo plying process. When I'd have a full bobbin of newly navajo plied yarn, I'd wind it off onto my niddy noddy and make a skein, then went and washed my new skein.
I ended up with 3 skeins of Navajo Plied White Alpaca, the third and last skein being finished today. I have it drying right now, tomorrow if its fully dried I'll figure out the yardage, ounces, and grams and list it on my website as well as etsy.
Then I took the full bobbin off and replaced it with an empty bobbing so that I could start the navajo plying process. When I'd have a full bobbin of newly navajo plied yarn, I'd wind it off onto my niddy noddy and make a skein, then went and washed my new skein.
I ended up with 3 skeins of Navajo Plied White Alpaca, the third and last skein being finished today. I have it drying right now, tomorrow if its fully dried I'll figure out the yardage, ounces, and grams and list it on my website as well as etsy.
Fawn Alpaca Navajo Plied Yarn
When I finished spinning up the last bit of My hearts delight and plied all three skeins, I pulled out my Fawn Alpaca to get ready to start spinning. I began by splitting the 8 oz of Fawn Alpaca in half length wise placed each half into a separate bucket. Then I took one of the halves and split it in half length wise yet again, then I went back and split the other half in half yet again. I now had 4 buckets full of Fawn Alpaca and my 8 oz was now divided into fourths.
Once I had my Fawn Alpaca divided into fourths, I then took one of the fourths and began to start the spinning process. When I finished spinning up the first bucket, I then grabbed the second bucket and started spinning. When my bobbin was full I took the full bobbin off and replace it with an empty bobbin and started navajo plying my first skein.
When I finished navajo plying, I then wound my newly navajo plied fawn alpaca off my bobbin and onto my niddy noddy. Then I took my new skein off my niddy noddy and washed it, then went back to spinning up some more fawn alpaca. I continued this until I finished all 8 oz and had 3 skeins.
I didn't get all three skeins finished in August, only 2 skeins were finished and the third one was finished in September.
Once I had my Fawn Alpaca divided into fourths, I then took one of the fourths and began to start the spinning process. When I finished spinning up the first bucket, I then grabbed the second bucket and started spinning. When my bobbin was full I took the full bobbin off and replace it with an empty bobbin and started navajo plying my first skein.
When I finished navajo plying, I then wound my newly navajo plied fawn alpaca off my bobbin and onto my niddy noddy. Then I took my new skein off my niddy noddy and washed it, then went back to spinning up some more fawn alpaca. I continued this until I finished all 8 oz and had 3 skeins.
I didn't get all three skeins finished in August, only 2 skeins were finished and the third one was finished in September.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Irish Spring Delight Shrug
After knitting myself some socks with my Handspun Irish Spring Delight yarn. I decided to knit this shrug, because I still had quite a bit of yarn left over.
August 27th 2010
I usually don't try to get gauge when working on projects, but with this shrug I thought I'd better since my handspun yarn wasn't near as thick as the pattern calls for.....besides I have a tendency to knit tight. So I started with the size 9 needle that the pattern called for and cast on the 16 stitches and then working in the traveling leaf pattern for 22 rows to see if it measure the 4 inches that the gauge recommended.
Well, of course I didn't get the gauge the first time out, so I moved up to a size 10 needle and again cast on the 16 sts and knit in the pattern for 22 rows....again I still didn't have gauge so this time I figured I'd try a size 11 needle and repeated the same number of stitches and rows......now I was way over the 4 inches so I figured I'd go down to a size 10 1/2 and give that a try. Well, the third time was the charm and I got the right gauge and then ripped my gauge swatch out and started casting on for my shrug.
I worked the cuff just like the pattern but my cuff didn't come to the length that the pattern called for. The pattern said that the cuff should measure 1 1/2 inches and my cuff was 1 1/4 inches....even with the gauge being dead on. Then the pattern said to knit in the Traveling Leaf Pattern for 13 repeats and that from the cast on to the last row of the 13th repeat the shrug should measure 21 1/2 inches.....my shrug was 23 inches. Then the pattern said to repeat the cuff only working backwards from row 7 down to row 1 then bind off. The pattern says that the finished shrug should measure 24 1/2 inches.....mine measures 25 1/2 inches. This is due to my using a larger needle size then what the pattern calls for. Other then this there is no difference in the pattern.
This picture shows the front of the shrug. Hopefully the link I've posted here shows up and will let you see the back of the shrug. http://www.flickr.com/photos/38484177@N04/4945181529/
I really enjoyed knitting this shrug. It was a very quick knit. I started it on the 27th and finished it on the 31st. I probably could have finished it a lot sooner if I would have worked on it more then 3hrs and 40 minutes a day.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Irish Spring Delight Socks
I started knitting these socks on August 19th right after I finished my mom's socks. When I started knitting these socks I was using a skein of yarn that had 468 yards, 2 3/8 oz and 68 grams. I only used 282 yards, 1 3/8 oz, and 40 grams from this skein. I still have left 186 yards, 1 oz, and 28 grams to add to my remains skeins for a new project. I took this picture before washing and blocking my socks, but they fit my size 7 feet very comfortably and are very warm on my feet. I looking forward to wearing my new socks soon.
Monday, August 23, 2010
3 skeins of My Hearts Delight
Well, I finished plying up these 3 skeins yesterday and then washed them and hung them to dry. This morning I took this picture fo these 3 skeins of Handspun My Hearts Delight. Then I rewound them to figure out the yardage, ounces and grams of each skein, once that was done, I made up 3 labels for each skein with this information. Then I took one more picture of 1 of the skeins to list them on my website. These 3 skeins are now available for sale.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
2 batts of My Hearts Delight
Last Sunday I pulled out 8 batts of My Hearts Delight to start spinning, but forgot to take a picture of the 8 batts before starting to spin. Then on the 18th I pulled out these last to batts grabbed up my camera and snapped the picture really fast.
Now that I have all 8 batts spun up I'm ready to start plying them into and 2 ply fingering weight yarn. Actually, I already have half a bobbin plied up. Today I hope to finish plying up the first skein, wash it and hang it to dry. Then its back to plying up the remainder of the yarn and washing it too. I hope to have it listed on my website soon.
Now that I have all 8 batts spun up I'm ready to start plying them into and 2 ply fingering weight yarn. Actually, I already have half a bobbin plied up. Today I hope to finish plying up the first skein, wash it and hang it to dry. Then its back to plying up the remainder of the yarn and washing it too. I hope to have it listed on my website soon.
Project #2 for Mom
These socks were started on August 8th, for my mom. I started them right after I finished and mailed off her Hand/Arm Warmers. I had intended to get them finished before her 80th birthday on August 14th. However, things kept popping up to keep me from getting them finished in time. Anyway's I finially finished them on August 19th, 5 days after her birthday. I mailed them off to here yesterday morning, after I called her to let her know that I was mailing them off to her. She's looking forward to having a new pair of cotton socks, to keep her feet warm.
These socks are a size 7 Ladies and the leg is supposed to be only 6 3/4 inches long.........oops I made them 7 3/4 inches long. The heel flap is 2 1/4 inches long like it was supposed to be and the heel to toe is 7 3/4 inches like its supposed to be too. So the only difference is the length in the leg, but mom says that will help keep her one leg warm and keep her brace from rubbing against her leg when she's wearing her shoes. So guess I didn't really make a goof after all. LOL
These socks are a size 7 Ladies and the leg is supposed to be only 6 3/4 inches long.........oops I made them 7 3/4 inches long. The heel flap is 2 1/4 inches long like it was supposed to be and the heel to toe is 7 3/4 inches like its supposed to be too. So the only difference is the length in the leg, but mom says that will help keep her one leg warm and keep her brace from rubbing against her leg when she's wearing her shoes. So guess I didn't really make a goof after all. LOL
Sunday, August 15, 2010
3 skeins of Irish Spring Delight
Finished spinning and plying up the last 2 skeins yesterday, then washed them and hung them to dry. I then put all 3 skeins together to take this picture. The skein in the middle has 468 yards, 68 grams, the next largest skein (one on right side) has 440 yds, 68 grams, and the last skeing has 144 yds, 24 grams. All 3 skeins total 1052 yds, 160 grams.
Now I just need to get my dpn's empty and start knitting on a pair of socks. I know that I won't use all the yarn on socks, but haven't decided as to what else I'll knit with it yet. I'll decide once the socks are finished and I know how much yardage I have left over.
Now I just need to get my dpn's empty and start knitting on a pair of socks. I know that I won't use all the yarn on socks, but haven't decided as to what else I'll knit with it yet. I'll decide once the socks are finished and I know how much yardage I have left over.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Bobbin 2 of Irish Spring Delight
Here's bobbin # 2 after plying up my first skein. In the background you can see some empty bobbin laying on the floor. I really need to get organized and put them into a container. LOL
My first skein of Irish Spring Delight is drying right now. I'm hoping to have at least 1 more skein plyed up soon and maybe washed and hung to dry sometime today.
I'm going to knit up a pair of socks for myself out of one of these skeins.
My first skein of Irish Spring Delight is drying right now. I'm hoping to have at least 1 more skein plyed up soon and maybe washed and hung to dry sometime today.
I'm going to knit up a pair of socks for myself out of one of these skeins.
Bobbin 1 of Irish Spring Delight
Well, here's bobbin # 1 with what's left after plying up 1 skein of Irish Spring Delight. I'm ready to spin up the last batt before beginning to ply again.
Ready to start spinning
This is a quick picture of the last batt being fluffed out before I started to spin it up. I wanted to snap this picture really fast before I forgot about it. Now I'm ready to get back to spinning up this last batt.
1 batt of Irish Spring Delight
I started out with 8 batts on Saturday August 7th at the Chilli Cook off. I just didn't have time to take pictures of them before I left. Then when we got home we left everything in the car over night, so I didn't get around to taking pictures again.
Sunday afternoon we unloaded the car and I went back to spinning but forgot about taking the pictures yet again. Finally yesterday I remembered to take a picture, but by that time I only had this 1 batt left. Anyway's this is what my hand carded batts of Irish Spring Delight look like before being spun up.
Sunday afternoon we unloaded the car and I went back to spinning but forgot about taking the pictures yet again. Finally yesterday I remembered to take a picture, but by that time I only had this 1 batt left. Anyway's this is what my hand carded batts of Irish Spring Delight look like before being spun up.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Garden Delight Diamond Lace Bookmark
This bookmark was knitted using some of my Handspun Garden Delight. I took 2 small skeins that totalled 90 yards and 18 grams and made this bookmark with it. I still have some yarn left to make a couple more.
I really like this pattern! It's perfect for using up small amounts of yarn, or lefts overs that you might have left over from other projects. The pattern is the [Diamond Lace Bookmark] by Heather M. Brown.
I made this one for my hubby and will definitely be making one for myself.
I really like this pattern! It's perfect for using up small amounts of yarn, or lefts overs that you might have left over from other projects. The pattern is the [Diamond Lace Bookmark] by Heather M. Brown.
I made this one for my hubby and will definitely be making one for myself.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
2010 MA Chilli Cook Off
August 7, 2010
Woke up this morning around 5:25 am. Took the dogs out at 5:45 am. Since hubby and I had loaded the car last night we didn't have that to worry about. I just needed to eat my breakfast and fix us both some sandwiches and put them into the ice chest with some pops for us to drink. I did all this while hubby was getting ready.
Since Bentley Field (where the Chilli Cook Off is held every year), wasn't but 15 minutes from our house we left at 7:30 am. We pulled onto the field around 7:45 am and started sitting up the tent. Finally around 8:55 am we had everything sit up.
Then I snapped this picture to document my day at the Chilli Cook Off. Hubby was sharpening his knife after using it to cut some rope that I had strung up as clothes lines to display my handmade scarves, socks, purses, and dish cloths. On the table I had my handmade goats milk soaps, hand carded batts, books on knitting and spinning, and shawls. I had my handspun yarn hanging on a rack to display them better and one of my shawls was draped over my dressmaker form.
I brought my spinning wheel to demonstrate spinning and it really brought people around asking questions. The children where very curious liked to stand around watching.
The weather didn't look all that good when I got up that morning, but all in all it turned out to be a nice day. It was a little cool that morning, so I did have a sweat shirt on to start the day off. However, by mid day I ended up shedding my sweat shirt and then my left arm and hand, as well as the back of my neck got a little sun burned. Oh well, it was worth it. LOL
I had a lot of people looking at my stuff and made a few sales as well. So all in all it was a very nice day.
Woke up this morning around 5:25 am. Took the dogs out at 5:45 am. Since hubby and I had loaded the car last night we didn't have that to worry about. I just needed to eat my breakfast and fix us both some sandwiches and put them into the ice chest with some pops for us to drink. I did all this while hubby was getting ready.
Since Bentley Field (where the Chilli Cook Off is held every year), wasn't but 15 minutes from our house we left at 7:30 am. We pulled onto the field around 7:45 am and started sitting up the tent. Finally around 8:55 am we had everything sit up.
Then I snapped this picture to document my day at the Chilli Cook Off. Hubby was sharpening his knife after using it to cut some rope that I had strung up as clothes lines to display my handmade scarves, socks, purses, and dish cloths. On the table I had my handmade goats milk soaps, hand carded batts, books on knitting and spinning, and shawls. I had my handspun yarn hanging on a rack to display them better and one of my shawls was draped over my dressmaker form.
I brought my spinning wheel to demonstrate spinning and it really brought people around asking questions. The children where very curious liked to stand around watching.
The weather didn't look all that good when I got up that morning, but all in all it turned out to be a nice day. It was a little cool that morning, so I did have a sweat shirt on to start the day off. However, by mid day I ended up shedding my sweat shirt and then my left arm and hand, as well as the back of my neck got a little sun burned. Oh well, it was worth it. LOL
I had a lot of people looking at my stuff and made a few sales as well. So all in all it was a very nice day.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Hand/Arm Warmers
Well, as you can see, I now have my mom's Hand/Arm Warmers finished. I actually finished them yesterday and this morning I finished weaving in all the loose threads. Then I took this picture, before wrapping them up and putting them in a mailing enevelope to mail off to my Mom in California.
I called her this morning to let her know that they were finished and I was mailing them off to her. She's pretty excited about getting them. Now I just need to get busy and start knitting on her socks. LOL I should hopefully have them finished before the end of the month.
I called her this morning to let her know that they were finished and I was mailing them off to her. She's pretty excited about getting them. Now I just need to get busy and start knitting on her socks. LOL I should hopefully have them finished before the end of the month.
2 skeins of Ribbon Delight
On July 31st I woke up at 2:56 am not being able to sleep. I decided to go into my spinning room and start spinning. I had pulled out 8 batts of Ribbon delight and started spinning. I continued spinning up to 7:57 that morning when I finally stopped to go and take a shower. Then I went downstairs and let my dogs outside, came back in and fixed my breakfast, checked my website and etsy along with my email box. I knew it was going to be a long day!
Around noon, I was back at my spinning wheel spinning again. I was almost ready to start plying up my first skein when I stopped spinning for the day around 3:00 pm.
I actually finished plying up these 2 skeins on August 5th and had washed them and hung them to dry. This morning I made up the labels and snapped this picture before packing them up to be ready for my craft fair tomorrow.
Around noon, I was back at my spinning wheel spinning again. I was almost ready to start plying up my first skein when I stopped spinning for the day around 3:00 pm.
I actually finished plying up these 2 skeins on August 5th and had washed them and hung them to dry. This morning I made up the labels and snapped this picture before packing them up to be ready for my craft fair tomorrow.
Monday, August 2, 2010
4 skeins of Handspun Garden Delight
4 skeins of Handspun Garden Delight
Originally uploaded by http://www.flickr.com/people/38484177@N04/
All 4 skeins total 852.5 yards, 5 1/8 oz, 136 grams. The 2 small skeins I'm going to keep and knit a few bookmarks with. The other 2 skeins I'll list on my website, as well as on Etsy.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Insomnia again! (part 1 continued)
Here's my bobbin about 3/4's full from a previous spinning. Now that I have it all set up on my spinning wheel I'm ready to start spinning up these 8 batt's of Ribbon Delight.
I hope to finish filling up this bobbin and start on the second one. Since I'm not feeling tired yet I may even get close to finishing up the second one. Who knows just how much I'll get spun up before my dogs wake up and need me to let them out.
I hope to finish filling up this bobbin and start on the second one. Since I'm not feeling tired yet I may even get close to finishing up the second one. Who knows just how much I'll get spun up before my dogs wake up and need me to let them out.
Insomnia again! (part 1)
Woke up at 2:56 am this morning and just couldn't get back to sleep. So I went into my spinning room and pulled 8 batts of Ribbon Delight out to start spinning up. This picture shows only 7 batts, but that's because I have 1 batt fluffed up and ready to start spinning up.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Knitting project #1 for my mom
My mom and I were chatting on the phone around the 1st of 
July. She had been looking at some of the projects that I had knitted and commented on how much she liked my leg/armwarmers and handwarmers. She asked if I could try and design her a pair of handwarmer that were attached to some arm warmers. I told her I'd try to. I didn't think it could be too hard to make them an all in one item.
After we finished our conversation, I went on-line to Simply Socks Yarn Company to order some yarn for these Arm/Handwarmers. Since my mom can't wear wool, I had to look for some cotton yarn. I finally decided on Cascade Fixation Solid (colorway 5363) and ordered 4 skeins. Since this yarn has some elastic added in, I thought it would be perfect for these arm/handwarmers.
The yarn arrived on July 10th and on July 11th I crocheted a chain of 54 stitches and picked up 52 stitches and knitted them on to size 2 dpn's and evenly spread them around on 3 needles. Then I worked the handwarmer like I've done on 4 other pairs I've knitted. When the handwarmer was finished and all the threads woven in, I slowly removed the crochet cast on and picked up 52 stitches and placed them 3 dpn's I then knitted the first row to get the arm warmer started.
The pattern I used was:
Row 1: knit
Row 2: p2, k4, p2, k4, p1 (first needle), p1, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k1 (second needle), k3, p2, k4, p2, k2 (third needle).
Row 3: knit
Row 4: k3, p2, k4, p2, k2 (first needle), k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4 (second needle), p2, k4, p2, k4, p1 (third needle).
I then worked these 4 rows until I had 28 rows finished. Then I began increasing 1 stitch at the beginning and end of the first row. I had to adjust rows 2 and 4 after each increase. I kept increasing until I had 108 stitches. Then I just followed my pattern for 16 more rows with no increases. Then I decreased every other row until I had 100 stitches, and started knitting my k2, p2, ribbing for 22 more rows. Then I bound off loosely and wove in all my remaining threads. That was just for the first arm/handwarmer, now I have to repeat this for the other arm.
Right now I have the second arm/handwarmer started with the thumb increases on a holder. I should soon have the handwarmer finished and ready to start on the arm by tomorrow.
Hope my mom likes these. She's already asked me to knit her up another pair of socks and I have the yarn ready to start knitting with once I'm finished with these arm/handwarmers.
July. She had been looking at some of the projects that I had knitted and commented on how much she liked my leg/armwarmers and handwarmers. She asked if I could try and design her a pair of handwarmer that were attached to some arm warmers. I told her I'd try to. I didn't think it could be too hard to make them an all in one item.After we finished our conversation, I went on-line to Simply Socks Yarn Company to order some yarn for these Arm/Handwarmers. Since my mom can't wear wool, I had to look for some cotton yarn. I finally decided on Cascade Fixation Solid (colorway 5363) and ordered 4 skeins. Since this yarn has some elastic added in, I thought it would be perfect for these arm/handwarmers.
The yarn arrived on July 10th and on July 11th I crocheted a chain of 54 stitches and picked up 52 stitches and knitted them on to size 2 dpn's and evenly spread them around on 3 needles. Then I worked the handwarmer like I've done on 4 other pairs I've knitted. When the handwarmer was finished and all the threads woven in, I slowly removed the crochet cast on and picked up 52 stitches and placed them 3 dpn's I then knitted the first row to get the arm warmer started.
The pattern I used was:
Row 1: knit
Row 2: p2, k4, p2, k4, p1 (first needle), p1, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k1 (second needle), k3, p2, k4, p2, k2 (third needle).
Row 3: knit
Row 4: k3, p2, k4, p2, k2 (first needle), k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4, p2, k4 (second needle), p2, k4, p2, k4, p1 (third needle).
I then worked these 4 rows until I had 28 rows finished. Then I began increasing 1 stitch at the beginning and end of the first row. I had to adjust rows 2 and 4 after each increase. I kept increasing until I had 108 stitches. Then I just followed my pattern for 16 more rows with no increases. Then I decreased every other row until I had 100 stitches, and started knitting my k2, p2, ribbing for 22 more rows. Then I bound off loosely and wove in all my remaining threads. That was just for the first arm/handwarmer, now I have to repeat this for the other arm.
Right now I have the second arm/handwarmer started with the thumb increases on a holder. I should soon have the handwarmer finished and ready to start on the arm by tomorrow.
Hope my mom likes these. She's already asked me to knit her up another pair of socks and I have the yarn ready to start knitting with once I'm finished with these arm/handwarmers.
Insomnia and Spinning
On July 11th I woke up around 3:34 am and couldn't get back to sleep. So I headed off to my spinning room to start spinning up some yarn.I took this picture of the 7 batts of Springtime Medley that I had finished carding the day before. Then I put a half filled bobbin of Springtime Medley on my Spinning wheel and took that picture.....as you can see from the next picture, I forgot to put the drive band back on before taking the picture (half asleep). These 7 batts weight 6 1/2 oz before I spun them up.
This next picture shows the 8th batt laying on the floor ready for me to start spinning. After taking these first three pictures I started in spinning. I stopped spinning around 8:04 am to go and take a shower and get ready for a long day.
Then over the next few days I continued spinning off and on and finally on July 21st I finished plying up the last 2 skeins of Springtime Medley and then washed them and hung them to dry. Then when they were dry I listed them on my website http://www.spinningginny.com/ and on my etsy site at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Spinningginnys. I ended up with 910 yards of 2 ply lace weight yarn and 4 7/8 ounces or 138 grams. This was just from these batts and what was on my bobbin from a previous batch, that I had spun up a few months back.
Garden Delight fiber ready to spin
Here I've fluffed up one of the 8 carded batts of Garden Delight to get ready to start spinning. Now I'm ready to start my wheel and attach the fiber to the ended of my already spun single. 1...2...3...ready spin.
Garden Delight Single
This bobbin has some left over Garden Delight Single spun yarn on it from a previous spinning. I'll finish filling it up and then remove it and put an empty bobbin in its place. Once I get the second bobbin filled up I'll then remove that bobbin and replace it with another empty bobbin to start the plying process.
Garden Delight Carded Batts
Today I pulled these 8 carded batts of Garden Delight out to start my new spinning project. I don't know how many skeins I'll be able to spin up from them. However, I'm hoping to have enough to list on my website and also on Etsy.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
July Spinning project # 1
On July 1st I carded up a batt of several colors of Merino fiber to make a batt of my Oasis
Merino. I then started spinning it up on my Ashford Kiwi Student Spinning Wheel. After I finished spinning up the first batt, I carded up a second on and started spinning it up. then I got to thinking.......why not card up a bunch of batts, so I carded up 8 more batts and then I took this picture of the 8 batts.
I orginally started out with 7 1/4 oz of carded Oasis Batts.
Here is what I've spun up so far with 1 1/2 batts of my Oasis carded batts.
This is the rest of the second Batt waiting to be spun.
Merino. I then started spinning it up on my Ashford Kiwi Student Spinning Wheel. After I finished spinning up the first batt, I carded up a second on and started spinning it up. then I got to thinking.......why not card up a bunch of batts, so I carded up 8 more batts and then I took this picture of the 8 batts.I orginally started out with 7 1/4 oz of carded Oasis Batts.
Here is what I've spun up so far with 1 1/2 batts of my Oasis carded batts.
This is the rest of the second Batt waiting to be spun.
Here's 5 skeins of my Handspun Oasis Merino yarn. These 5 skeins totaled in yardage at 1, 135 yards and 198 grams of 2 ply Handspun Lace Yarn.
You can find these skeins listed on my website at http://www.spinningginny.com/ or on http://www.etsy.com/shop/Spinningginnys
Thanks for looking!
Ginny
Monday, June 28, 2010
English Garden Heart Handwarmers
These Handwarmers were knit from an extra skein (that I saved for myself), of English Garden 
Merino/Silk fiber. I had bought 1 lb of this fiber and spun of 6 skeins that I listed on my website www.spinningginny.com and also on http://www.etsy.com/shop/spinningginnys. I had enough left over to make a small skein for myself to knit up this pair of handwarmers with.
This skein was 224 yds, 44 grams. When knitting the first handwarmer, I decided to add a small heart to the back of the handwarmer for an added touch. Because there is silk in this fiber it give the handwarmer a little added sheen.
When taking this picture I didn't realize I had left my stitch marker attached to the cuff. You can see it sort of peeking out from under my wrist. LOL This was the first handwarmer and I'm almost finished with the mate.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Plain Jane Spring time Medley Handwarmers
Earlier this year I carded up a few batts of Springtime Medley Merino. I then listed a couple of 
these batts on my website www.spinningginny.com and also on http://www.etsy.com/shop/spinningginnys. I then made up a few batts to spin up into a skein to show how it would look spun up. I listed that skein on both of these sites as well. However, I had a small skein that I kept for myself to knit into these handwarmers.
These Handwarmers show how my Springtime Medley will look knitted up. These handwarmers are also listed on both of these sites. If I do say so myself they are very soft and warm. I might knit myself up a pair one of these days.
I had 144 yds, or 26 grams of this yarn and had enough to make this pair of handwarmers with a little extra left over. I started them on June 24th and finished them on June 26th. Since I didn't have other things to interrupt me, I was able to finish them in a couple of days.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Plain Jane Pine Merino Handwarmers
I started knitting these Handwarmers on Friday June 18th, around 6:30 pm. I didn't bring 
them with me to the Summer Solstice June 19th. Then on Fathers Day, my hubby and I spent the day working in the garden (weeding).
So first thing Monday morning I got right back to knitting on them and finished up the first handwarmer that night. Tuesday morning before breakfast, I started working on the mate. Then after breakfast I headed upstairs to do some spinning. Later that night I was able to get back to knitting on them, but the finishing touches would have to wait until the next morning. So on June 23rd I finially finished up the mate. I had originally started out with a small skein of left over Pine Merino (202 yds, 50 grams). When the handwarmers were finished I still had 79 1/2 yds, 20 grams left over.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Summer Solstice 2010, Winchendon Massachusetts
Yesterday was the Annual Summer Solstice, here in Winchendon, MA. My hubby and I arrived 
at the Clark Memorial YMCA at a little after 7:00 am to set up my booth. Originally, I was supposed to set up in space number 8, but there was a late sign up and I was moved to space number 7. Which was still the beginning off the row of crafters.
There were races for both adults and children on the track, that went completely around the field, so all the crafters were able to watch. They had a band that was playing through out the day and some games for the kids to play.
Later around noon there was a parade down Central street for all the families to go out and watch. Families were able to take old fashioned pictures, have lunch at one of the many food venders and just have a nice day out with the kids.
There were even some animals at the back of the field for the kids to pet. There were some little chicks, a pig, a sheep, a llama and a few others that I can't remember.
Its was fairly windy that day and so I was having to pick some of my items up off the grass, where the wind had blown them. I had lots of people stop by and look at my items, ask a few questions, and some fellow spinners and knitters. I did make 1 sale that day, but all in all I just plain had fun showing off my handspun yarns, knitted items and handmade soaps.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Horizon Twist Felted Purse
Earlier this year I plied some Horizon Merino with some White Merino, to come up with this yarn. I then washed it and instead of hanging it to dry, I put it into the washing machine on the spin cycle to spin out the remainder of the water. When I took it out later to rewrap the yarn into a skein it was sort of felted together in places. So when I was separating the yarn it broke into several small skeins and a couple of nice size skeins. I knew right then that this yarn would be knitted into a felted purse one day. Well, yesterday I pulled this yarn off the shelf in my spinning room, and found my size 10 1/2 circular knitting needles and began knitting away on this scarf. I knew that I didn't have a lot of yarn to make a very deep felted purse and I had only just designed a pattern for a different felted purse (Blue & White Felted Purse). I just started following this pattern until I got to the area where I'd begin decreasing for the handles. Once I had decreased for the handles on both sides of the purses I knited only 5 rows instead of
10 rows, as I wanted to make sure I'd have enough yarn to finished the purse. Then I cast back on the stitches that I had decreased to make the handles. I then knited 2 more rows and then bound off, washed the bag in hot soapy water in my washing machine. When it was done washing, I took it out to look at it and found it wasn't felted as much as I wanted, so I rewashed it and it was fine after that. Then I put the purse over some boxes, to get the shape I wanted.
10 rows, as I wanted to make sure I'd have enough yarn to finished the purse. Then I cast back on the stitches that I had decreased to make the handles. I then knited 2 more rows and then bound off, washed the bag in hot soapy water in my washing machine. When it was done washing, I took it out to look at it and found it wasn't felted as much as I wanted, so I rewashed it and it was fine after that. Then I put the purse over some boxes, to get the shape I wanted.This purse or bag is nice and roomy to hold, things like knitting needles, yarn, measuring tape, and stitch markers. I'm sure that even a small pair of scissors and a cell phone would fit.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Blueface Leicester Lace Scarf
Last month I went into my spinning room to straighten up. See I get kind of messy when I'm spinning up yarn. I have bags of wool everywhere on my floor. I went around straightening up these bags of wool and came across some Handspun Blueface Leicester that I had frogged from a shawl that I lost stitches on during our move back home from AZ.
So I grabbed up one of these skeins and started looking for some knitting needles to knit a scarf with. I had found a nice Feather and Fan Stitch pattern to make a scarf with and I only changed it up by adding a few more stitches to the pattern to make the scarf wider.
So I grabbed up one of these skeins and started looking for some knitting needles to knit a scarf with. I had found a nice Feather and Fan Stitch pattern to make a scarf with and I only changed it up by adding a few more stitches to the pattern to make the scarf wider.
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