Monday, April 26, 2010

More fibery goodness....
A couple of nights ago, I got out the spinning wheel. I hadn't yet really spun on it, only set it up to see how it works. The wheel is a Clemes and Clemes castle style, built in the 1970s. Someone bought it for me a few years ago, but sadly, I hadn't felt the courage to break it out and try it. Also, when I had set it up previously, I had a lady who spins look at the wheel. She seemed to think it needed something for the tensioning - so that was another reason the wheel remained in storage. I know there are lots of spinners who live in my area, but I am not connected with them (yet :D ).
So, other that what's on the internet, and my limited connections, I am pretty much on my own in learning to spin.
Anyhow, I got the wheel out and spun some of the carded Cheviot wool from my stash. I have no idea of the quality of my spinning - I'm sure it stunk, but my goal was to learn how to use the wheel. I really had a sense of accomplishment after that. I had finally tried spinning on this wheel, after being intimidated by it, discouraged and frustrated by my inability to use it, and various other negative emotions concerning it. At this point, I don't know if the wheel needs something for the tensioning, as a novice, I couldn't tell, but it seemed okay to me...Hopefully it doesn't need anything, except more practice on it from me!
Another fibery note - I started a dishcloth in hemp and it's a Ravelry pattern called Knitted Apple Cloth by Rhonda White.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Finally, something Blogworthy !

Gee, I knew I hadn't written anything in a while, but didn't realize it was back in January... Oh well, time flies, ya know. I haven't done much in the creative department until recently. I went to my LYS and bought some yarn. Yay! I got 2 skeins of Hemp for knitting, one in a blue, and one a white or off white. I also got 2 skeins of Berroco Ultra Alpaca in a dark brown, and a skein of Eco Wool in a dark brown. I plan to make washcloths out of the hemp. I really wanted to try linen, but the hemp was cheaper, so I thought I'd try that first. The other yarn, when I bought it, I was thinking of making hats with it. But I may change my mind if I think of something better.
I love how soft the Alpaca yarn is!

In chicken news, we have some newish chicks. They are about 1 month old and 2 months old.
The older chicks are Black Australorpes. The smaller chicks are Plymouth Barred Rock, and Buff Orpingtons. We have 6 of each breed. Our mature chickens are a Sexlink breed (I'm not sure the official color name - they are light reddish brown) and Ameraucanas. We have 15 mature chickens now (started off last May with 24. Lost a few to predators :( )
I'm really enjoying the chicks. Especially the Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons. They are really cute and spunky.