Vicki's Studio

Alpaca-Silk fiber to spin

2011-12-03T09:21:00.001-05:00

I am really excited to start spinning this gorgeous hand-dyed alpaca-silk blend that I recently bought on Etsy. It is so soft! There are long repeats of color in the roving, so I hope to maintain that in the plied yarn, so it knits up in a gradation of color in the scarf pattern I chose. I will post progress photos over the next couple of weeks. Time to go oil my Kromski Minstrel!

Take A Stitch Tuesday 2012

2011-12-01T19:55:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time since I last posted, however I wanted to share this free stitching challenge that I recently discovered. It's called Take A Stitch Tuesday. It begins January 3, 2012. The way this works is that each Tuesday a new embroidery stitch will be posted on the host site of Sharon B. Each participant can then work a sample of the stitch or push it further and make a small composition. Once you complete the stitch sample, it can be posted on your blog or Flickr account for the other participants to see. If you'd like to get more information on participating in this, click here. I think I will make small 6 inch samples, perhaps on some hand-dyed fabrics and then put them together in a fabric book for future reference.

Progress on Nest #3

2011-03-06T13:50:00.001-05:00

I have been working on my newest felt, adding embellishments for the nest structure. I am pleased with how it is coming along, with plans to continue building up the nest and to add a bird image, done with hand stitching.

Felting Demo at Artworks! Gallery

2011-02-23T18:50:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, February 19th, I gave a two hour demonstration at Artworks! in New Bedford, MA. This was part of the juried exhibition of the Massachusetts & Rhode Island Surface Design Association members, that I curated. Two of my felt pieces were juried into the show, so I wanted to educate the public on the process that I use to create my art work, with this one having a "nest" theme. I had a captive audience who asked a lot of great questions, as I showed the step by step process. I promised them that I would post the finished and dry felt, so here it is, everyone! It is not complete yet!!! I still have a lot of hand stitching and embellishing to do to my nest and perhaps add an image of a bird in there. I will post when I have completed the piece.

I am laying out the first layers of wool

The wool is laid out, with yarns laid in for the nest

and is now ready to felt

Here is the final felted piece, which had about a 30%

shrinkage and now is ready to stitch

Itajime Shibori - "Indigo Moons"

2011-02-10T18:48:00.000-05:00

Itajime shibori is the Japanese name for what we can simply call "fold and clamp". The cloth is folded and then part of it is clamped, on both sides of the fabric, with similar shapes of wood.

I found a nice set of wood shapes at Michaels Craft Store, ranging from round, to oval, to rectagular. They were made of 1/4 inch plywood - very sturdy for this process.

The following example of Itajime has been titled "Indigo Moons". I started with white cotton and prepared it using bomaki shibori. Then after one dip in the indigo vat, I let it oxidize and used my new round wood shapes to complete the itajime. After a second dip in indigo, I re-clamped it with a smaller round shape and dyed it one more time. I love the resulting patterns.

Karamatsu and Makiage Shibori

2011-02-09T19:42:00.000-05:00

These two new pieces, which were done on linen, continue with my passion for stitched shibori. Each one had two 45 second dips in the indigo vat.

Shibori and Indigo

2011-01-26T18:41:00.000-05:00

Here are my latest pieces of indigo-dyed shibori, using the pre-reduced indigo from PRO Chemical & Dye. I used linen for each piece, which was done in a stitched resist process of creating pattern and shaping the fabric before it was dyed in the indigo vat.

I love stitching for its rhythmic, meditative nature which is very relaxing. The mark it imparts is so beautiful.

This first piece is my entry for the Member Exhibition at the SDA Conference, Confluence, in June. I will also be teaching a 5 day pre-conference workshop at the SDA Conference titled "The Magic of Indigo". You will have your own vat to work with, while learning the basics of shibori - stitched, fold and clamp, bound resist, pole wrapping and lots more!!! You'll go home with a great stash of beautiful indigo dyed textiles.

You can register for my workshop online.

New Felt - Whooping Crane and Chick

2010-09-23T18:04:00.001-05:00

I finished my felted and stitched Whooping Crane and Chick. The felt background consists of hand-dyed merino with a pineapple fiber from Habu Textiles, embedded for texture and to represent the dried grasses in the terrain that Whooping Cranes nest. I also dyed some Tencel fiber using MX Reactive dyes and then needle felted it to the lower edge of the composition to give the illusion of water. The images of the mother bending down to feed her chick, were hand stitched using DMC floss. This will now get mounted and prepared for framing in a shadow box frame. I plan to use this new work as one of my entries for the Massachusetts-Rhode Island juried Surface Design Association member show.

Westport Birding

2010-09-18T13:11:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful day to explore the ocean's edge for birds and other wildlife. I took a guided walk through Massachusetts Audubon on their property along Horseneck Beach.These clouds along the horizon were so gorgeous!

Then I saw these Double Crested Cormorants drying their wings.

As we continued down a dirt pathway, we spotted a large group of Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets and Glossy Ibis. The Ibis are the darker birds to the left of the Egrets.

This part of the pathway provided us with some beautiful views of the marsh land, filled with beautiful colors.

There were butterflies everywhere. I was lucky enough to get a nice shot of a Monarch.

As I walked back to the car, along the beach,

I spotted this single shorebird - not real sure the actual species.
ETA - I just figured out that this is a Buff Breasted Sandpiper.
Another bird to add to my life list!

Wave Bracelet

2010-09-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest creation to add to my cuff bracelets - "The Wave".. I took a class at Turquoise String Beads in Fall River to learn how. It is made from pearls, triangle beads, seed beads and Swarovski crystals using the brick stitch. There just might be a matching pendant in the future!

Progress on Whooping Crane and Chick

2010-08-24T13:05:00.000-05:00

I've had a little time to hand stitch on my felt that features a whooping crane mother and her chick. I decided to work on them in a subtle way, versus completely covering the felt back ground. This decision is due to the fact that when I look at a piece of art that draws me in when viewed at a distance, I love it when I see exciting details in a close-up look. If you are wondering what the three dimensional strands are, it is pineapple fiber from Habu Textiles, which is one of my favorite sources of unique yarns and threads.

Gooseberry Island - Westport, MA

2010-08-21T03:37:00.001-05:00

I had another wonderful time exploring the shore for more birds. Gooseberry Island has a very rocky terrain, which supports quite a different group of shore birds and water fowl than Horseneck Beach does. Enjoy the slide show of the shots I took of the trek around the island.

Shorebirds at Horseneck Beach

2010-08-20T05:21:00.000-05:00

I had such a great time birding at Horseneck Beach on Thursday, August,19th. I saw numerous species of shorebirds and was able to get some pretty good shots of them, not to mention the beautiful sunset! One shorebird that I wasn't able to get a picture of (no thanks to the man running along the beach) which is one to add to my Life List is the Whimbrel. it is a fairly large bird with a beautiful long slightly curved beak to it. I enjoyed watching it probe into the sand for food.

Black-bellied Plover

Sanderlings

Semipalmated Plover

Willet

Immature Common Tern

Molly and her two new owlets

2010-08-09T14:08:00.001-05:00

Molly is feeding her two baby owlets. You should hear her beckon them to come and eat and then hear them squawking for food. Nature is so incredible!!!

We are on "egg watch for egg #3 to hatch sometime today. I could hear it peeping through the shell earlier this morning.

New Felt - Whooping Crane and Chick

2010-08-07T15:49:00.000-05:00

I started a new piece of felt today in preparation for submission to the SDA MA-RI juried member show. I was totally inspired by this picture, which was a National Geographic photo of the day, earlier this week, and used it for my color choices and composition.

Here is my finished piece, drying in preparation for the hand stitching and embellishing that I plan to do to capture more of the grasses, the chick and the whooping crane's neck and head.

First egg of Molly's second clutch almost ready to hatch

2010-08-06T19:18:00.000-05:00

Here is a screen shot that I just took around 8:00PM,, Thursday the 6th. It appears that the first egg of Molly's second clutch will be hatching soon. You can hear peeps from the egg, with Molly responding back, whenever she stands up and moves around. Join the crowd of over 2,000 viewers and check out the excitement at http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox.

New Indigo and Shibori

2010-08-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

I dyed some new samples of shibori in the indigo vat in preparation for my workshop at the 2011 SDA Conference.

Mokume Shibori (stitched resist) on linen

Mokume Shibori on cotton, dyed with MX dyes

Molly's Second Clutch

2010-07-20T18:30:00.000-05:00

I learned so much earlier this summer about about barn owls and their lifestyle, from the hatching of the eggs to the owlets fledging, Watching Molly and McGee raise their four baby barn owls was a very enriching experience. Carlos and his wife Donna have decided to keep their live camera on Ustream going for the second clutch of Molly's. She has now laid 4 eggs and you can now experience the barn owls yourself by watching The Owl Box. Enjoy!

New Felt - "Iceland 2010"

2010-04-20T17:53:00.005-05:00

I was busy in the studio last Saturday and really enjoyed making this piece of felt that was inspired by the recent eruption of the volcano in Iceland. The left image shows how my wool looked before I felted it. I laid down several colors of my hand-dyed merino wool, along with wool nubs that I dyed and added for texture. I am so delighted with the finished work, seen on the right, The finished size is about 11 inches square. I plan to frame this in a shadowbox frame, like my other felt pieces. Slowly but surely, I am building up a body of work that I can submit to galleries for a possible one person exhibition. I plan to make another piece of felt, but larger in scale. So, please visit soon for the next in this series.

Baby Cardinals, April 10

2010-04-10T13:17:00.001-05:00

Baby Cardinals, April 10, originally uploaded by pvt_waldo.

Here is a picture courtesy of the online camera I am following of the Cardinal nest in San Antoni, Texas. They are only 3 days old!!!

My new online interest - Live Bird Cameras!!!

2010-04-08T18:42:00.003-05:00

Many of you who know me are aware that I am an avid bird watcher. Last week I discovered that Ustream.com has numerous live cameras of birds nesting, all around the United States.

My all time favorite has to be The Owl Box, in San Marcos, California. This live video cam shows the life of Molly, a Barn Owl, and her four owlets. I have learned so much about the daily life of a Barn Owl and the raising of little owlets. Watching each of them grow, day by day, developing in size and new habits has been a very rewarding experience, and sometimes very comical.

Carlos and Donna, the owners of this camera, are to be commended for their interaction with local elementary schools and educating the children on the lives of Barn Owls.

There are recorded videos for anyone to watch and see the earlier stages of Molly and her family. If you are real lucky, you might even see McGee, the dad, arrive with some dinner for the pantry, such as mice, moles, possum and rabbits. Check it out! You'll love it!

A few others I am following are:
Cardinal family in San Antonio, Texas, with thee newly hatched babies
Osprey in Brewster, Massachusetts, building their nest
Eagles in New Jersey
Eagles in California

Haruni

2010-03-06T12:46:00.002-05:00

Haruni, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

Here is another of my recently finished shawls. The pattern is called Haruni and it was knit using a sock yarn that has long color repeats. My shawl pin was made by Leslie Wind.

Indigo Dyed Fabrics

2010-02-27T09:13:00.003-05:00

These are two pieces of mokume shibori, also know as wood grain. I dyed them using pre-reduced indigo and did two dips in the vat, achieving a nice deep color. Each dip was one minute. I love hand stitching, so this shibori technique is perfect. That blue indigo color is so beautiful.

Handspun Butterfly Forest Shawl

2010-02-25T19:02:00.003-05:00

Butterfly Forest Shawl, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

Here is my latest shawl, knit with my handspun which is a light fingering weight blend of wool/silk/angora. I made this as part of Ravelympics 2010, an event held in conjunction with the 2010 Winter Olympics, on my online knitting community of Ravelry.

My Handspun Aeolian Shawl

2009-12-16T18:24:00.005-05:00

Here is another one of my finished projects, the Aeolian Shawl knit with my merino handspun. This has to be my most favorite project yet! I love the pattern and adore how it turned out! Click the image to see a larger view of it.

Handspun Lacy Baktus

2009-12-06T11:33:00.001-05:00

Handspun Lacy Baktus, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

Earlier this year I spun this roving and finally got around to knitting with it. The Lacy Baktus pattern is the perfect companion to a precious handspun, because you can knit and utilize all of the yardage, without the fear of running out.

Calvert Cardigan

2009-12-06T11:29:00.001-05:00

Calvert-2, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I have got to be the world's worst blogger. LOL!!! However, I have been knitting like crazy this Fall. This is my latest cardigan, called Calvert - a pattern published by Berroco last year.

New Felt

2009-09-28T00:12:00.008-05:00

I am back to my studio after numerous weeks of finishing up odds and ends, as well as moving to a new apartment. I discovered this picture during a workshop held at PRO Chemical & Dye two weeks ago. One of the students, Liz Anderson, brought it for a source of inspiration to dye fabrics. Well, I saw it and immediately asked if I could make a copy of it, to use as inspiration in my work in felt. I absolutely love the compostion and glorious colors!

I was very lucky to have had all of these fibers in my stash. I gathered a variety of merino wool, dyed cheesecloth, china silk and silk chiffon to create my felt.

Here is my interpreation of the lichens laid out on bubble wrap, ready to felt. I used cheesecloth dyed orange with MX dyes, silk chiffon dyed in greys with WashFast Acid dyes, and china silk dyed in a chartreuse with MX dyes.

Here is the finished piece of felt. I decided to add a little bit of an organic shape to it, which I think works well. Now it is time to start hand stitching the lichens and rock texture. I am going to use the Sorbello Stitch, featured in one of Jan Beaney's monographs, for the lichens. I am also going to try using a variety of silk and wool threads and yarns to create that texture of lichens that I love so much. I will be posting my progress on this, as the weeks go by.

Northeast Feltmakers Guild Exhibition

2009-07-28T17:50:00.004-05:00

Well, it's been a while since I last posted, however I have been busy. I entered two of my new felt pieces in the Northeast Feltmakers Guild Exhibition, held at ArtWorks! in New Beford, MA. We had our opening reception on Saturday, July 25th. A good turnout exposed our viewers to the world of felt, both 2D and 3D.
Click Here for the details of the show. The show will be up till August 29th, so if you are in the Fall River/New Bedford/Providence area, please stop by to see the exhibition.

Forest Floor - detail

2009-06-01T16:48:00.003-05:00

I have finally finished handstitching my felt piece titled "Forest Floor" I love the subtle mark and surface it creates on the felt. In prepration for this being hung in the faculty exhibition at NEWS this July, I have ordered a custom frame that will be a deep maroon shadow box, with a warm rust piece of linen that I dyed to be applied on the mounting board. I'll post a picture of the final piece, when ready.

Lichens and Moss

2009-05-14T17:10:00.001-05:00

Lichens Moss, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

Here's the second of my felt pieces that uses my hand-dyed merino wool and dyed cheesecloth, which is laminated to the felt surface, during felting. I have added some hand stitching in the background to give it a rough, pebbly texture. To complete the piece, I will be doing some more hand stitching and loop embroidery to create some mossy areas.

"Forest Floor" - in progress

2009-05-12T07:20:00.001-05:00

Forest Floor, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

Here is one of my newest felt pieces, titled "Forest Floor". I dyed the merino roving in numerous Fall colors, using WashFast Acid Dyes. Then I laminated some silk organza that I dyed with MX dyes, in leaf shapes. I love the mark that handstitiching gives and there is nothing better to stitch on but felt! I've added the stems on each leaf, with plans to stitch skeletion like leaf shapes in the background, for more depth and to complete the composition.

Handspun Triinu Scarf

2009-05-10T08:10:00.003-05:00

Triinu Scarf, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I love knitting lace and when Nancy Bush's latest book, Knitted Lace of Estonia, was published, I immediately was drawn to the Triinu Scarf. I dyed some Cormo/Silk roving from Barb Parry of Foxfire Fibers and did a small test gauge of my yarn for the pattern. I love how it came out. Now I just need to find time to do both my spinning and felting!

Felt - Texture Study #3

2009-05-10T07:59:00.003-05:00

03 14 09_1502, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I love this sample, where a thin black and white cotton fabric was laminated to the black wool during felting. The surface is wonderful.

This week I will be posting two works in progress that will be part of the faculty exhibition at NEWS - New England Weavers Seminar, where I am teaching a Fundamentals of Dyeing workshop. Stay tuned to see some new felt.

Felt - Texture Study #2

2009-04-09T12:02:00.001-05:00

03 14 09_1499, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

This sample shows china silk that was laminatd to my wool during the felting process.

Felt - Texture Study #1

2009-04-08T14:49:00.001-05:00

03 14 09_1504, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I love how this laminated sample of cloth to felt, resembles some of the lichens that I see when I go hiking in the woods. I'm planning to do a larger size eventually.

Handspun Aeolian Shawl

2009-03-29T07:29:00.001-05:00

Aeolian Shawl, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

Here's the beginning of my shawl. I love how it is coming out! There's a slight variefation in the yarn, but it makes a rich knitted lace. Come back often to see my progress.

Handspun Wool

2009-03-28T14:58:00.001-05:00

Handspun_1, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I have also been spinning some yarn to knit the Aeolian Shawl, found in the current issue of Knitty.com. I have 540 yards to use for the smaller shoulderette version. Check back soon to se the progress on my shawl.

Color Blending sample

2009-03-28T14:53:00.001-05:00

Color Blending sample, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

Color blending was one fo the lessons in my workshop that really resonated with me. I love taking two diferent colors of wool and then blending them using my hand carders, to make a gradation from color A to color B. In this sample, I used rust and purple wool to make a narrow background, then I laid down the same gradation in the opposite directions, felting those little squares to the ground. The center squares best show a thin dark border, which was applied ny needle felting, to add detail.

Felting - color blending

2009-03-26T14:19:00.001-05:00

Felting - color blending, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

For this sample, I used my hand carders and blended a gradation using white to black Merino top. I then felted my sample with the lighter colors at the top, working to the darker values on the bottom. This produced a really rich piece, which I then did some free-motion embroidery on, thinking about interpreting tree back in felt.

Laminted Silk on Wool

2009-03-25T17:25:00.001-05:00

Laminted Silk on Wool, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I recently took a workshop, at North Country Studio Workshops, with one of my favorite artists, Lisa Klakulak, whose work in felt is absiloutely incredible. I am going to post my samples over the next few days.

After a lecture on color theory, I worked on blending gradations of wool, from color A to color B. Then, in this sample, I laminted some of my dyed silk/wool fiber to the surface. I love the texture that it created!

2009 Spa-Knit-Spin

2009-03-01T13:18:00.013-05:00

Well, once again I have let a long time lapse in between my posts. However, I will report today on my first experience at Spa-Knit-Spin, held in Freeport, Maine. My sister, Sue, joined me for this relaxing weekend. We started out by having a pedicure, manicure and eyebrow waxing at Salon Freeport. I highly recommend their services if you are in the area!

After some fun shopping at L.L.Bean, among other shops in Downtown Freeport, we spent some time shopping at the vendors area. WOW! So much beautiful fiber to spin, knit and felt with!!!

I got these two dyed rovings from Sereknity. One is 60% Superwash Merino, 30% Bamboo and 10% Nylon. I love how the bamboo fiber does not pick up the dyes for wool and adds some contrast to the fiber. I also got the same colorway, "Vineyard" in 100% Superwash Blue Faced Leicester to ply with the other.

I bought both of these from Spunky Eclectic. The roving on the left is 100% Blue Faced Leicester, which I absolutely love to spin. On the right are some silk hankies that I want to explore spinning and using in some felt.

This is Anne Hanson's new neckwarmer pattern called Hoarfrost and a skein of 50/50 Merino Silk dyed by Kim at The Woolen Rabbit. This pretty purple yarn is dyed in the Chocolate Chambord colorway.

Triangle Pendant

2008-10-30T13:11:00.001-05:00

Triangle Pendant, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I can't believe that it has been 3 whole months since I lasted posted! I have been very busy in the studio, knitting and beading. I haven't done any more on the bead embroidery purse, but I did make this necklace recently, and I am currently working on a series of earrings for my Etsy store.

I also finished three pair of knitted socks, a lace scarf and one sweater, all of which I will post very soon.

Bead Embroidered Purse - Beginning stages

2008-07-28T16:48:00.004-05:00

Bead Embroidered Purse, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I had an incredible opportunity to study with one of my favorite bead artists - Sherry Serafini. Her bead embroidered jewelry and purses are so beautiful and to see them in person was such an honor.

Well, I took a 2 day workshop with her this past weekend at The Bead House in Bristol, RI, which is about a 15 minute drive from my house. The class was wonderful! We discussed everything from design, to bead selection, to the different stitches to create texture.

My embroidery is done on a base of Lacy's Stiff Stuff, on which I did a wash of green fabric paint, so that it was not stark white, if seen in between the beads. Once the embroidery is completed, I will stitch it to the front of a small purse. Right now, I am not sure if my purse will be functional or a work of art to be enjoyed in my living room.

I think I will take a sabbatical from spinning and knitting to complete my purse this week. Stay tuned for more on the progress of my purse.

By the way, have I mentioned how much I love greens and earth colors? LOL!!!

Lace Ribbon Scarf

2008-07-25T17:16:00.005-05:00

Lace Ribbon Scarf, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I am now working on finishing some works in progress. This yarn was purchased from Blue Moon Fiber Arts - Socks That Rock Mediumweight. I did not like the original color, when I got it, so I over-dyed it using Lanaset Blue 483 from PRO Chemical & Dye. What a great transition! Once it is blocked, you will be able to see the lace pattern more distinctly.

My Wensleydale scarf is done!!!

2008-07-23T16:25:00.004-05:00

Wensleydale Scarf, originally uploaded by minstrel spinner.

I finally finished my scarf!!! So often, I find myself getting caught up in the excitement of starting a new knitted project, to see how the yarn will look knitted up. Then very quickly I have a large stash of UFOs (unfinished objects) in the studio!

Well, I finally completed a project, from start to finish, without getting sidetracked on a new one. Granted, I was tempted, but I stayed strong. LOL!!! Now, my goal is to whittle away on the other UFOs, before I begin working with some of my new handspun.

Progress on my Wensleydale Scarf

2008-07-18T18:47:00.002-05:00

I am excited to say that I am about 3/4's done knitting my scarf. I should have no problem finishing it tomorrow and then giving it a light blocking. With the humidity here, it will probably take a while to dry.

New Handspun Yarns

2008-07-17T23:05:00.003-05:00

Here are the two latest yarns that I spun. The first one is a Superwash Merino Wool and Alpaca blend that I purchased from All Spun Up. It was dyed on a grey heather blend and ended up with producing a beautiful, rich yarn.

This is the resulting yarn from the roving pictured above. I got 400 yards of fingering weight yarn. It should be just enough for me to make a small shawl/shoulderette. The superwash finish makes this yarn a perfect choice for a washable pair of socks, but I love this yarn so much, that I don't want it on my feet. I want it to be more visible.

I bought this custom wool blend from Copperpot Woolies. It is called Autumn Splendor. I love the combination of golden yellows and purples.

The handspun I got from this roving is probably some of the best I have ever done. I got 600 yarns of a light fingering weight yarn, just right for knitting lace. I found the perfect pattern to use with this yarn. It is a shawl with leaf shapes in it. Plus I found some beads that I will knit in, along the stem part of each leaf. So as soon as I finish the Wensleydale Scarf I recently posted, I am going to start knitting this shawl. Watch for pictures this weekend!

Handspun Wensleydale

2008-07-14T17:25:00.003-05:00

Here is some of my latest spinning. I had never tried Wensleydale wool before, so I ordered this handpainted top from Lisa Souza.

I was absolutely amazed at the transformation that took place as I spun it. There is very little evidence of blue in the yarn. However, the white definitely blended with the blue to make it a paler portion of the yarn. All in all, I absolutley love it!!!

Due to Wensleydale having a mohair-like quality to it, although not as skin soft as mohair, I chose the Misty Garden Scarf pattern from the book Scarf Style. It is knitting up very nicely. I found it difficult to capture the warmth of the yarn in the knitting below.

Spinning like crazy!

2008-07-05T15:52:00.002-05:00

I have spent this whole past week, spinning on my Minstrel. It is fully broken in now and I love it so much! It is so easy to treadle and spin fingering and laceweight yarns.

Yesterday I finished a Superwash Merino/Alpaca blend, dyed in a grey roving with teal and rust browns. I ended up with 400 yards in the 4 ounce skein. Right now it is drying, which will probably take a while due to the cool, damp weather here in New England. I might just have enough yardage for a small shoulder shawl/scarf.

This morning I looked through my stash of fiber and started spinning a wool roving that is golden yellow and dusty purple. I am so pleased that I finally have the feel for a more laceweight yarn. I hope to get 2 ounces spun today and the 2 ounces tomorrow, plying done Monday night.

Pictures will follow once the yarns are dry.

Hush Hush Handspun Hootenanny Questionnaire

2008-06-28T05:52:00.009-05:00

1. How long have you been spinning? What skill level do you consider yourself? Since the early 80’s. Intermediate/advanced

2. What kinds of yarn do you create (singles/2-ply/3-ply/art yarn)? 2 ply

3. What do you spin with (spindle/wheel/both)? Kromski Minstrel

4. What are your favorite fibers to spin with? Anything you don't like? Blue Faced Leicester, Merino. I don’t like Mohair.

5. Who are your favorite fiber sources (etsy or otherwise)? All Spun Up, Fat Cat Knits, The Fiber Denn. Squoosh and Copperpot Woolies

6. What kind of fiber do you want to try? Cormo, CVM and Bamboo

7. Is there any techniques you would like to learn? I constantly strive for the best lace weight yardage

8. Do you dye fiber? If not, would you like to learn? Yes, I’ve been dyeing since the early 80’s

9. Do you have fiber prep tools (and like to use them) or would you prefer ready to spin fiber? I prefer ready to spin fiber

10. What do you do with your handspun? What projects have you completed? I knit lace and socks. I am half done with two pair of socks

11. Are you in need of any spinning gadgets (WPI Gauge, threading hook, etc)? Yes, I would like a Spinner's Control Card & Yarn Gauge

12. What colors "fall into your shopping basket"? Any colors you just can't stand? I love greens, purples, rusts, browns, teals and blues - rich, earthy colors. I do not like bright primary and pastel colors.

13. What is on your wheel/spindle right now? Some BFL I bought on Etsy

14. What other crafts/hobbies do you have? Felting and Seed Bead Jewelry

15. Other than crafts, what are you passionate about? Birdwatching, Hiking and Photography

16. Do you have an online wishlist? Yes, on Etsy and The Loopy Ewe

17. Is there anything that you collect? Bird nests

18. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What magazine subscriptions do you have? There aren’t any books right now. I subscribe to Spin-Off

19. When is your birthday? September 9th

20. What book or movie character do you most resemble in personality? I have no idea on this one.

21. What is the climate like where you live around this time (need to know for careful shipments of anything meltable)? Hot and humid

22. Tell us one weird fact about yourself! I love Nascar.

Favorites
favorite painting/picture(link): Ansel Adams

Candy: Lindt chocolate

Food: Seafood

Drink: Mojito

Movie(s): The Wizard of Oz

TV Show(s): CSI, Law and Order, The Closer, Saving Grace, Without a Trace

Book(s): Anything fiber-related

Guilty Pleasure(s): Fiber and chocolate

Thistle Toe-up Sock

2008-06-20T16:23:00.002-05:00

Thistle Toe-up Sock, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is the beginning of my toe-up sock, using the handspun posted below. I am in love with how it is knitting up! Stay tuned for the finished sock in another day or two.

Spinning yarn for socks

2008-06-18T18:05:00.006-05:00

I purchased some Superwash Wool roving from Blue Moon Fiber Arts in the Thistle colorway. My first 2 ounce skein of 2 ply yarn has 148 yards. So, I decided to use a toe-up sock pattern, due to not wanting to worry about running out of yarn.

Superwash Roving

Handpsun Yarn

Blue Handspun - on wheel

2008-06-14T11:54:00.002-05:00

Blue Handspun - on wheel, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is my test sample of the blue dyed fleece. It's a little more difficult to spin than I expected, however a drum carder later on down the road will help in the preparation, versus using hand carders.

Dyed Fleece

2008-05-30T16:38:00.002-05:00

Dyed Fleece, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I dyed 35 grams of my fleece today with three colors of Lanaset dyes - teal, blue and purple. I am sooooo pleased with the results and am anxiously awaiting for it to dry so I can spin it this weekend. It will be a subtle, but rich two ply yarn.

East Friesland wool

2008-05-30T07:09:00.002-05:00

East Friesland wool, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I washed my fleece using Orvus paste and what a diffrence, before and after, with the amount of lanolin that came out.

Today I am dyeing a small sample of it and will spin it this weekend, to see how well it spins in different weights.

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-26T13:44:00.004-05:00

What a special day I had on Saturday. In my hometown , there was an annual open barn event at the old H.K. Davis farm, that my sister and I attended. This farm has sentimental memories of my great, great uncle, who used to own the land.

The picture below is the yearling ewe I chose from the group behind her, for the fleece that was being shorn by Kevin Ford. He shears by hand with no electricity.

This picture shows the fleece on the table being skirted to remove the dirty wool. Overall, my fleece was very clean and had little that had to be skirted.
My fleece weighs 5 pounds. I have plans this week to wash it with Orvus paste in preparation for dyeing and then spinning into yarn for a new Fall sweater. I think I am going to knit a shrug with the yarn, which I plan to dye a denim color. I will post the progress of this new and exciting project.

Wool roving for felting

2008-05-21T16:53:00.002-05:00

Wool roving for felting, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I had the urge to do some dyeing last weekend, so I worked on creating a palette of wool roving to do some felting with. I also dyed larger quantities of four different coordinating colors to use for the base . This wool roving came from R H Lindsay in Boston and is perfect for spinning or felting. It is a nice blend of wools with a springy loft, that would also be perfect for spinning a fine laceweight yarn.

Completed Bead Embroidered Cuff

2008-05-11T13:56:00.002-05:00

Completed Cuff, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is my cuff, mounted on the Ultrasuede covered brass cuff. I made a few changes in composition, from the earlier posts. The picot edging was the perfect way to finish off my cuff.

Bead Embroidered Cuff update

2008-05-08T16:11:00.004-05:00

This is what I got done yesterday on my cuff. I am very pleased with the results so far and hope to complete it on Friday.

Embroidery - detail

2008-05-07T16:16:00.002-05:00

Embroidery - detail, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here's .a detail of the beginning of my cuff

Bead Embroidered Cuff

2008-05-07T16:12:00.002-05:00

Bead Embroidered Cuff, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

For a change of creativity from my knitting, I began this bead embroidered cuff in a one day workshop at my LBS. I really love working with beads in this manner. Come back to see the progess of my cuff.

Mr. McGregor's Garden Socks

2008-04-26T18:30:00.002-05:00

Mr. McGregor's Garden, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I've started a new pair of socks using a pattern designed by Susan Pandorf exclusively for the Woolen Rabbit. I love the color of the hand-dyed yarn from the Woolen Rabbit! It's perfect for this pair of socks that have a theme of rabbits.

I love over-dyeing!

2008-04-18T15:06:00.004-05:00

I just had to share my attempts at salvaging a skein of yarn. The top photo is a skein of laceweight wool that I used to demonstrate painting skeins in a recent workshop. I attempted to break out of my comfort zone, but was not successful in my color combinations.

Here is that same skein, but over-dyed using Lanaset Blue 483. I love how it toned down all of the bright saturate colors, making it much richer. I can't wait to find a lace pattern so I can start knitting with this. I love the tramsformation!!!

Forest Canopy Shawl

2008-03-15T19:18:00.002-05:00

I just deleted my original post of this shawl, due to being spammed twice. I have changed a few things about making comments on my blog. I hope that my regular readers will continue to stop by and let me know what you think about my studio work.

Here is my latest knitting project, which I am doing as a Knit Along (aka KAL) on Ravelry. I chose a different color for my shawl - a rich black with olive and raspberry, in the colorway called Grawk from Blue Moon Fiber Arts new Raven collection. I decided to add beads as I knit it. This is my first bead knitting, and not to be my last. LOL!!!

I'm today's featured artist on Etsy Style!!!

2008-03-06T19:42:00.003-05:00

Deanna from Wyreworks has launched a brand new site, "Etsy Style!" which celebrates the creativity of Etsy artisans all over the world. She chose me as today's featured artist. I am so thrilled with this honor! In celebration of this, please visit Etsy Style! to see her March 6th post and Wyreworks to see Deanna's work.

It's A Wrap!!!

2008-02-25T18:40:00.002-05:00

I finished my Feather and Fan Organic Wrap this weekend. I love how it turned out. It's just the right size - perfect for the office, too.

My Cat, Sadie

2008-02-18T20:43:00.003-05:00

Sadie-2, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

What a little mischief my cat, Sadie, is! Usually she is sitting on my lap at every available moment. Tonight after dinner, she did not return to the living room, so I went into the kitchen and found her inside my photo hood. I had set it up earlier to take some digital images of a couple of new bracelets. However, someone really likes this new house. LOL!!!

Feather and Fan Wrap

2008-02-10T14:33:00.002-05:00

Feather and Fan Wrap - 1, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I have become a very active member on Ravelry, an online comminity for knitters, spinners and crocheters. One of the groups I belong to is extra special to me. The group is made of members who love the work of Jane Thornley, from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She has designed patterns for beautiful garments, which many of us are working on or have finished.

This picture is the start to my Feather and Fan Wrap, a pattern of Jane's. Not only have I learned new skills for knitting in a freeform approach, but these garments are a great way to use those single skeins of yarn that you can't live without and have been building up in your stash.

For those who would like to see more of Jane Thornley's work, please visit her web site - www.janethornley.com

Please Vote!

2008-02-07T18:57:00.001-05:00

Hi, Everyone!
The voting has begun for our February Etsy Beadweavers challenge, which has a theme of Spring Break. You can go here to vote - http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/
My entry is titled Cancun Sunset and is #35.

You can also see more about my piece by visiting the link to my Etsy store - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9376225

Thanks for your support! Voting ends in 2 days.

Cancun Sunset - Freeform Netted Cuff

2008-02-06T03:05:00.001-05:00

Cancun Sunset, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here's my completed Cancun Sunset freeform netted cuff. It is my entry for the February Etsy Beadweavers Challenge, which voting will begin in a day or two. I will post the details as they become available.

Cancun Sunset-Beginning

2008-01-26T16:06:00.001-05:00

Cancun Sunset-Beginning, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is the beginning stage of my challenge piece. I am titling it "Cancun Sunset". I incorporated pearls as a metaphor for the ocean, a beaded Swarovski rivoli for the big glowing sun, setting along the horizon and luster seed beads to show the sparkling sunset on the ocean water.

Etsy Beadweavers Challenge - Spring Break

2008-01-25T19:18:00.001-05:00

Spring Break, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

As promised, here is the picture I am using for inspiration to create my challenge entry for the January theme of "Spring Break". I am making another freeform netted cuff.

Green Patchwork Peyote Cuff

2008-01-25T02:22:00.001-05:00

Green Patchwork Peyote Cuff, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

This is the last of my series of peyote stitch cuffs. It is made from Delica cylinder beads in opaque and metallic.

I now need to focus on my next challenge piece for the Etsy Beadweavers. The theme is Spring Break. Tommorow I will post the image I am using for inspiration to create a freeform netted cuff.

While I am beading, I am also longing to spin some gorgeous fiber I have in my stash. I wish I didn't have to work full time. LOL!!!

VOTING RESULTS

2008-01-19T16:06:00.000-05:00

I want to thank all of you who supported my work and voted for my red freeform netted cuff. The voting has ended and I came in 8th out of 42 entries! I was so pleased to see the results.

Next month's challenge will have a theme of "Spring Break". I am designing the piece this weekend and will post my entry later this week. Don't forget to check back often!

Green Peyote Stitch Cuff

2008-01-19T15:53:00.001-05:00

Green Cuff-1, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I decided to continue in this series of peyote stitch cuffs, making this one in my colors - greens.

I've been seeing a lot of beautiful bead embroidered cuffs and am eager to try one soon. Sherry Serafini is my favorite artist, when it comes to bead embroidery. She recently co-authored a book on the technique. I drool over the pieces in there. Plus, Sherry is coming to teach a workshop in my area this summer. I registered this week before it fills and can't wait for the opportunity to study with her.

Neutral Peyote Stitch Cuff

2008-01-18T09:21:00.001-05:00

Neutral Peyote Stitch Cuff, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is another in my peyote stitch cuff series, done in neutrals. It has a Swarovswki button for the closure. It is for sale on my Etsy site.

Green Freeform Netted Cuff

2008-01-14T19:33:00.001-05:00

Green Freeform Netted Cuff, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is a detail of my newest freeform netted cuff, in greens. I really love working in this style and am planning several more in this series.

Blue Peyote Stitch Cuff

2008-01-10T22:12:00.001-05:00

Here's my newest creation - a cuff that is done in peyote stitch, using Delicas beads, which are gradated in color from light blue to dark blue. The Delicas I chose range in a variety of surfaces, from matte to metallic. The closure consists of a Swarovski button and peyote stitch loop.
Blue Peyote Stitch Cuff, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

PLEASE VOTE!!!

2008-01-07T17:56:00.001-05:00

Red Netted Cuff for the EBWC, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Hi, everyone!
I hope that you will take some time to vote for my Red Freeform Netted Cuff shown below at this site - http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/ Voting ends this weekend.

To see more of this piece, you can go to this link - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8675726

Thanks for you support! Vicki

Red Freeform Netted Cuff

2008-01-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

Red Freeform Netted Cuff for EBWC, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

This is a freeform netted cuff that I created for the Etsy Beadweavers Challenge, with the theme of "red". The cuff is made from seed beads, Delica cylinder beads and Swarovski crystals. It will fit a wrist of about 7 1/2" to 7 3/4", depending upon how loose or tight you like to wear your bracelets. It averages 1 1/2" high. The closure is a beaded toggle, embellished with size 15 seed beads, with an embellished beaded loop.

Please visit the EBW Blog to vote for your favorite entry, after Jan. 5th, at:
www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

Red Freeform Netted Cuff

2007-12-31T14:41:00.001-05:00

Red Freeform Netted Cuff, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!

I have been so addicted to spinning and knitting the past few months, that I decided to do some beadwork again, for a slight change in creativity. I am working on this freeform netted cuff, challenging myself to use red, which is a color I have never used in my work before. I had to add some areas of black here and there for interest and contrast. Part of the closure is on the left, which will hold a peyote toggle. I would love some feedback on the progress.

Yarn made from recycled Saris

2007-12-28T17:22:00.001-05:00

Recycled Saris yarn, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I found this treasure in my favorite yarn store and bought it as part of a present to myself for the holidays. It is so pretty. wound up in a ball like this. My plan is to hold a fine purple mohair yarn with it as I knit a drop stitch scarf. Check back next week for the progress of my scarf. As usual, I have several projects going at once. With a 4 day weekend ahead of me, I hope to get one or two of those UFOs completed!

My 2007 Winter Sweater Is Finished!

2007-12-26T17:25:00.001-05:00

2007 Winter Sweater, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I did it! I got my sweater done in time to wear it for Christmas. It is very nice and warm and will coordinate with numerous colors of tops. Now I am setting myself a goal to get all UFOs completed before I begin new project. We'll see how long that goal lasts. LOL!!!

My Secret Santa Gift

2007-12-23T16:32:00.001-05:00

Hand Dyed Nylon Roving, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I can't believe it has been a month since I last posted! I have been so busy with work, finishing my winter sweater, knitting a pair of mittens for a little girl I know and getting ready for the holidays.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you what my Secret Santa gave me - some beautiful hand dyed nylon roving. I know, you are probably saying, nylon? Well, I wish you could feel this fiber! It feels like the softest of cashmeres - oh, so nice! I can't wait to try spinning it.

Teal handspun

2007-11-25T09:02:00.001-05:00

Teal handspun, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I decided to free up one of my bobbins, in preparation for spinning the olive-rust-purple roving for my other sock. Here is 3 1/2 ounces of 2 ply yarn, which has 190 yarns in the skein. I'm not quite sure what I will knit with this, so for right now it goes in my stash.

Handspun Handknit Sock

2007-11-23T08:15:00.001-05:00

Handspun Handknit Sock, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is my completed sock. It fits perfectly!!! I tried the Star Toe for the first time and really like the way it finished off my sock. Now it's time to spin and knit this sock's "fraternal twin". LOL!!!

Start of sock

2007-11-18T08:28:00.001-05:00

Start of sock, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here's the beginning of my sock, with another inch to go before I start the heel flap and foot. Check back soon for the completed sock.

Gauge for Socks

2007-11-17T14:22:00.001-05:00

Gauge for Socks, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I am so excited!!! I knit this swatch to check my gauge for my first pair of hand-dyed, hand spun socks. I ended up deciding to use 6 stitches per inch, knit on size 5 needles. I love the way the yarn is going to self-stripe!

I made lots of progress on my Winter Sweater this week too. I sewed the shoulder seams and picked up and knitted the front band. I am still hoping to get it finished to wear on Thanskgiving, but if not, I will wear it on Christmas.

Detail of 1st skein of handspun

2007-11-11T15:25:00.001-05:00

Detail of 1st skein of handspun, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I received the new plastic drive band for my spinning wheel this week and spent this afternoon mounting and fine-tuning the size to my wheel. Then I finished the second bobbin of singles and plied the two together to get this yarn. I love it! I can't wait to start knitting with it now. The skein is approximately 120 yards of two-ply yarn to knit one sock with.

My Winter Sweater is coming along nicely. I have both fronts, the back and half of one sleeve finished. My goal is to have it completed so that I can wear it on Thanksgiving day.

Sock Yarn - 1st bobbin

2007-11-04T12:33:00.001-05:00

Sock Yarn - 1st bobbin, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I got my first bobbin spun, using half of the roving that has long repeats of the three colors. I decided that I would spin one skein for one of the socks and then work on the second skein while the first skein was drying. Well, I ran into a snag. My drive belt broke, while spinning the second bobbin that has shorter repeats of color. Now I have to wait until later this week to get another belt in order to finish this project. So, I will get back to knitting on my Winter Sweater, with a goal to finish the back today and possibly sew the should seams.

Merino Roving for Sock Yarn

2007-11-03T11:41:00.001-05:00

Merino Roving for Sock Yarn, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I recently dyed this Merino Roving to spin some sock yarn, after being inspired by the article by Janet Laidman in the Summer 2007 issue of Spin-Off. Her article focused on a way to make your own self-striping yarn. So I chose my favorite three colors: olive green, rust and purple and am ready to give this a try. The weather here today is awful - lots of rain and high winds, so it is a perfect day to get some spinning done.

Hand-Dyed Yarns

2007-10-28T05:38:00.001-05:00

Hand-Dyed Yarns, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

In preparation for some hand stitching I plan to do on some of my felt pieces, I spent some time dyeing wool yarns. I prepared three different wool skeins to go in the dye bath together: 3 ply Paternayan crewel yarn, grey 3 ply wool and white 3 ply wool. I chose 30 colors from my WashFast Acid Dye Notebook. Each set of three yarns went into a small plastic dyebath, where I could dye 10 at a time in a boiling water bath. Ultimately I ended up with 90 skeins of color to work with!

Winter Sweater

2007-10-08T18:22:00.001-05:00

Winter Sweater, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

I was a bad girl! I discovered a new yarn store in my area called Eva's Yarn Shop. Eva is a wonderful store owner and has an incredible selection of yarns!!! Well, as I walked around the store drooling, I came across this huge bin of hand-dyed yarns from Schaefer Yarns. I spotted this color palette and immediately fell in love, even though I can dye my own yarns. It is 100% wool in a slub yarn and knits up beautifully. I found a pattern for a cardigan style jacket in an old issue of Interweave Knits that was a perfect match for this yarn. Over the weekend I knit one front and currently I have half of the other front done. Even though I have several unfinished knitting and spinning projects, I am on a mission to complete this sweater from start to finish (especially when one of my employees threatened to steal it from me, if I didn't finish it). LOL!!!

Finished Sock

2007-10-03T20:20:00.001-05:00

Finished Sock, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is my first sock! I have not washed and blocked it yet, but it fits very well. I plan to get the other matching sock done within the next week.

Weekend Knitting

2007-09-30T15:47:00.001-05:00

Sock - Beginning, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is the beginning of my new pair of socks. This superwash yarn is Regia Landscape from the Kaffe Fassett Signature Sock Collection. These yarns are self-striping and come in a yummy selection of colors. This palette is called "Earth" and I purchased it from WEBS. Check back later this week for the completed sock .

First Bobbin of Handspun

2007-09-27T17:42:00.001-05:00

First Bobbin, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

Here is my first two ounces of handspun on my new spinning wheel. I plan to spin another two ounces, then ply them together for a yarn to knit into a pair of herringbone lace socks, using a pattern in Ann Budd's book, Getting Started Knitting Socks.

Spiral Scarf

2007-09-23T11:46:00.001-05:00

Here is the new scarf and a detail that I just finished, using a pattern from Tink-Knit.com
It is knit from my hand-dyed yarn, using an 8 step gradation of WashFast Acid Dyes.

My Birthday Present to Myself

2007-09-22T15:54:00.001-05:00

Kromski Minstrel, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

After a long period of soul searching on what I really love to do in my studio, I came to the conclusion that I will always have a passion for beadwork, knitting and working with wool. I have tried numerous projects of working with cloth, but it is usually short-lived, bringing me back to one of the three hobbies above. So for this year's birthday, I decided that I would buy myself a spinning wheel to spin my own yarns to knit with. I taught myself to spin in the late 70's, first buying a Country Craftsman wheel and later an Ashford. With today's numerous selections in wheels, I finally decided on the Kromski Minstrel. The Kromski wheels are made in Poland and imported by New Voyager. I knew I wanted a double treadle wheel, but also wanted a wheel that was beautifully designed. The Minstrel was a perfect choice.

I bought the unfinished model, so I could select my own color finish. I chose an Early American stain and followed that with two coats of tung oil satin finish. I love the way it turned out. The wheel was also very easy to assemble. It has 4 ratios, depending upon the size yarn I want to spin and it treadles very smoothly. Spinning is very relaxing for me, and I look forward to the hours ahead, turning my hand-dyed wool and alpaca in yarns for my knitting. Next weekend, I am planning on dyeing wool roving to spin yarn for a pair of socks, based on one of the articles in the Summer 2007 issue of Spin-Off. Stay tuned for more on this project.

Freeform Netting

2007-08-19T16:12:00.001-05:00

Freeform Netting_1, originally uploaded by vickijensen.

This is the beginning to my new freeform netted bracelet. I did a beaded bezel for the Swarovski rivoli and will embellish the surface of the finished bracelet with both that and faceted Swarovski donuts that are shown. Check back later this week for the finished bracelet.