Saturday's Spin Class

On the third Saturday of the month, I meet with a bunch of ladies to learn the art of yarn spinning. Today's class was all about fiber/yarn dyeing.

Dyeing yarn is a multiple-step or oceans. First, you soak your fiber in a vinegar bath. Then, you use acid dye on a paint brush or in a squirt bottle to add color. After cooking your yarn in cling wrap for a few minutes, you rinse and then let your yarn dry. In a nutshell, within the hour, you should have yarn drying. In a few hours, you should be able to spin or knit your yarn.

 

Today's project was challenging. I feel that I have a eye for color, especially with my quilts. In fabric, i combine colors, often without thinking about it. It was challenging to look at a white piece of fiber and know exactly what I wanted it to look like. I learned I gravitate toward jewel tones, but I would like to experiment more warm colors like gold, ecru, etc. Knitty has some great articles on dyeing yarn.

I have another 10 oz of wool left in my stash. That's quite a bit....maybe I can figure out the Pantone fall color for this year, and get started on a cowl...

 

 

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Tuesday's Spin

Today's Tuesday Spin comes from Eleanor Thomas of Spin Culture. It's called "The Scream" and is a perfect blend of golden yellows, oranges, indigo and black. My goal is to 2-ply it and make a hat for Vincent. My spinning is getting more and more consistent with each batt. So exciting!

While the kids were swimming, I worked in my summer art journal. One of my summer goals is to blog more consistently, even if it is just a paragraph or two. Summer is my crazy craft period - it's where I really get to work my skills. Here are my plans, err goals.

It's sort of a summer bucket list. I plan on making a bucket list with the kids. What are your plans for summer?

 

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Sew Crafty Summer

So summer has come and gone in Oklahoma. We start school WAY before Labor Day, so gone are the carefree days of pools and endless sewing. I look forward to Fall - cooler temperatures bring many opportunities to layer and accessorize.

Here are some things I'm making to get ready for Autumn....

Chunky Rings - tutorial coming soon....These are SO easy to make. All you need are buttons, vintage clip earrings, anything that's flat, glue, and a ring blank...

Big, fat, squishy scarves: large knit or crochet scarves are going to be awesome this year....

Knitted cuffs: I found this pattern on Knitty. What a great way to use up extra sock yarn!

T-shirt infinity scarves: This is SO, SO easy. No sewing involved. If you can cut, and tie knots, you can make this!

Baby Blankets: These are also very simple to create. Just cut strips, sew together and add a back. Tutorial coming very soon because everyone needs a quick baby shower gift!

What have you been creating this summer? Please share below -