New Roof, Knitting, Dental Work, Gardens, Celestial Bodies and a Holiday Weekend - PHEW!

After two days of crazy noise and stress, we officially have a new roof that (hopefully!) doesn't leak.  (There is actually a guarantee.) Like any good home improvement project, this was a can of worms. Internet/Phone/Cable had to be disconnected for the majority of the work, which left me unable to work, and few options but to knit whist pushing panicking animals off my lap. The roofer had to purchase a new flange for our swamp cooler system, and basically told us NOT to ever use the existing one again... aka buy a new one, which really isn't in the budget right now... so... tolerance is in order.  I'm hoping for a mild summer.  Further, our skylights no longer fit the way they should and the roofer told me I'd need new ones when we start the rest of the construction.  When I inquired as to what "rest of construction" he smiled and said, "You need new stucco and new windows and new doors... and new skylights like I told you... and new air conditioning, you understand, rest of construction.  But now you are ready - roof is done." Can't wait for John to get home so I can lay that one on him.

He offered to show me the roof after his final inspection.  I explained he would need to call the fire department.  A serious language misinterpretation happened there briefly - he thought I was telling him I would be angry at his work when really I was telling him I could get onto the roof, but I'd need rescue to get back down.  Once he understood he laughed.  Almost as hard as our bank laughed when it overheard him say "rest of construction".

Chica and Haley are very grateful the construction is over.  Chica panted non-stop and barked every time the doorbell rang.  Haley hid behind furniture and when you did see her, returned your gaze with a tea-cup saucer stare.  Stinky didn't mind so much.  The initial scrapping was the loudest and he didn't like that, but he snored through everything else that wasn't an opportunity to be pet by strangers.

Arizona is experiencing wild fires again already, and sadly, we are experiencing their smoke.  Everything for a reason... when it's smoky you don't want to run a swamp cooler because is sucks the smoke into your house and chokes you out.  The smoke makes me sad.  We are literally hundreds of miles from the fires and yet the smoke is so thick, we can't see the mountain less than 5 miles away.  I feel bad for the people living much closer or worse, in it.  The mere smell of it here makes us nervous... I'm sure for some the smell means terror.

I'm still busy knitting.  I'm working on a gift, a pattern test, a shawl for myself for work, and a new technique sample right now.  I'm taking most of the summer off from teaching - it's just too busy with roof repairs, motorcycling, Sam's visit, and a new schedule at work.  My next class is "My First Shawl" in August.  It's a new offering and I'm excited to teach it.  It is one of my own designs and I'll be covering a lot of material over 4 weeks with students.  Cross your fingers it sells well.  I have lots of ideas for new pattern designs and seemingly never enough time to knit it all.

John and I are each taking our turns at the dentist... yuck.  We've each had our cleanings.  He has two wisdom teeth that still need to be extracted and I've got a couple fillings coming up.  My root canal from last October is still giving issue and we suspect the tooth is actually cracked.  I'm supposed to go see a surgeon, who I'm told will most likely want to redo the root canal (NO!) or cut off the apex of the root (NO!) or suggest the unknown.  Credit to my dentist (who I'm still convinced is under 25 years old), he felt really bad. In my last conversation with him I emphasized my dislike of these options and we discussed simply pulling it and installing a permanent bridge which, oddly I prefer over pulling and installing an implant.  Everyday at the doctors office I witness how much your dental health and procedures impact your overall health.  I'm aiming for the healthiest options possible.

Garden is doing great!  We actually ate cherries off our cherry tree this year - we got about 9, the birds got the rest.  Lesson learned - net lots, net early.  Our pear tree has three or four fruits growing.  In the regular beds we've planted red & white onions, garlic, carrots of multiple varieties, bell peppers, snap peas, 2 varieties of cucumbers, turnips, rabe broccoli, zucchini, 4 varieties of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and sunflowers.  I'm sure I'm forgetting something.... there is soooo much!  Just about everything is peaking up.

So far we have only had one break-in.  We suspect the driving force was a bird stuck under netting, and we don't think the usual suspect worked alone.  I'm very careful not to say too much about the incident for two reasons.  1) John gets pissed every time he thinks about it - the usual suspect is lucky to be alive, and  2) the Universe has a sense of humor and likes to remind me that "never again" really only relates to very short periods of time.

John and I did get to go out and observe the eclipse.  We rode out on his dual sport into the middle of the desert and observed through welder's glass.  It was a really amazing/cool/weird thing to see.  I find it sort of funny that my memory of it is green - but that's how I saw it through the glass.  Because Albuquerque was right on the center viewing line we were able to see it full and perfectly.  We are hoping to go out and observe the passing of Venus in front of the sun as well.  Talk about putting your troubles into perspective - seeing these celestial bodies just make the dust bunnies under the coffee table seem so insignificant.

Memorial Day is upon us.  John is hoping to go riding with his friend Martin as some point over the weekend.  We've been invited to a pool party (not really John's thing!) Sunday.  We haven't made any hard fast plans yet.  I'm sure time will be spent with friends and food will be consumed.

My Fantastic LYS: Village Wools

I want to take a second to share some photos of my local yarn store (LYS) Village Wools in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  This place is my second home, teaching facility and "candy store".

I get unbelievable creative support, encouragement, and inspiration from the staff every time I visit.  There is always someone willing to discuss pattern designs or problems, color theory, spinning, weaving, techniques or dogs with you.  Even the shop dogs offer a friendly smile when you arrive.

Village Wools is the largest yarn shop I've every had the pleasure of visiting.  I've become completely spoiled by the range of fiber types (wool, alpaca, camel, cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk, mohair.... etc. etc.) and colors (they seem to have every color imaginable!) and my personal stash continues to grow with each incoming shipment they receive.  I've also made a rather significant dent in their book shelf, buying up stitchionarys and technique books.  They have buttons and washes and needles and bags and dyes and and and well everything!

I'm very proud to be among the instructors that offer classes at Village Wools.  They offer a wonderful teaching environment with one giant dividable lecture room and two dedicated classrooms for weaving and dyeing.  All the rooms are equipped with giant whiteboards, tables, chairs and excellent lighting.

When my husband and I travel, I always stop at yarn shops and try to purchase local products.  As a result, I've been in many yarn stores, especially on the east coast and in the southwest.  I'm always eager to find another yarn store. Consider adding Village Wools to your itinerary the next time you are in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Village Wools has a large collection of local yarns as well as spinning fibers.  Where is your favorite LYS?

No, they didn't pay me to advertise them, I simply show you things I love.

Psst... it's FREE!

Download your FREE copy of this pattern NOW!

Hot and Cold Pour Dyeing

Jacquard Acid Dyes

Today I had a wonderful time experimenting with different dye techniques and colors.  I've finally graduated to using Jacquard acid dyes, rather than food coloring and Kool-aid.  The acid dyes provide me with a far greater spectrum of color and blending possibilities.

I tried two different techniques: Hot and Cold Pour Dyeing.

With Cold Pour (sorry, I should have taken more pictures) you can quite literally paint the yarn, as it is all laid out before you on plastic.  I had "autumn" in mind as a colorway and used chartreuse, russet, pumpkin orange, sun yellow and teal.  I panicked briefly once I got the colors all applied that it looked more like an exploded Rastafarian than autumn leaves, but have learned from past dyeing experiments that colors blend more in the final stages and panic is not a worthy expenditure of energy.

Once the yarn was all painted, I wrapped it up in its plastic and steamed it in my dye kettle.  Briefly I found myself wondering what the temperature tolerance of plastic wrap is and had visions of pulling out shrink wrapped yuck.  Amazingly, plastic held its form and the colors did blend more.  I got an amazing spectrum of tones from browns to purples mixed in with varying hues of my dominate choice colors.  I have 245 yards of gorgeous worsted weight in "Autumn" just waiting to become a... not sure yet, but I'd venture to guess a hat.

Total Yarn Porn!  Tell me that doesn't make you want to break out the face mask and rubber gloves and dye your own!

In Kettle - I took this photo just after adding the dyes.
Isn't it beautiful!

Hot Pour is a totally different beast.  With this method you add dye to the kettle that your soaked yarn is "hot tubbing" in, then simmer.  How you've twisted the yarn into the kettle, where you place and how much of any color you use, and dye bleeding all affect the outcome.  Being not a huge fan of stripping yarns, I find I prefer kettle dyed yarns; colors are more mottled and less likely to flash or pool.

For this batch I used chartreuse, periwinkle, sapphire blue and teal - sea glass tones.  I got a little nervous while the yarn/dye mixture simmered, idly wondering if yarn could burn onto the pan.  Low and behold, it didn't, the dye exhausted just as it would have in my microwave and out came a glorious 930 yards of fingering weight in "Sea Glass".  Now I just need to find the PERFECT shawl pattern to highlight the colors of this yarn. Suggestions welcome.

Sorry this picture isn't better.  Honestly, the colors are far more vibrant like the "In Kettle" photo above... the sun is just too bright here.
 So bright in fact, I can't read the camera manual and learn to take better photos ;)

Dyer Moments: Jonathan Perks

When I design knit patterns, my inspiration usually begins with a color.  I like to design textures and patterns that represent, in some way, the color I’m working with.  If a particular dye lot reminds me of fire, or a stormy sea, or a leafy vine, I’ll try to reflect that in the stitch pattern or overall shape.  But where do those beautifully colored yarns originate?  I'm particularly fond of the work of indie-dyers, and so I've created this interview process - Dyer Moments - to expose the people that make the colorways that inspire new design. 

Join me today in getting to know Jonathan Perks!
 

Describe the first time you dyed.
~Alchemy. Pure alchemy. It’s a surprise and a delight every time. I had some old Rowan yarn and a half finished jumper and a small guilt complex about it. Can’t remember why I decided to start dyeing and how I even got the dyes but the Rowan was transformed into something wholely new and a light bulb went on in my head….

How did you begin your business?
~I’ve always wanted to do something to pursue my own creativity and create a business from it. So I discovered some yarn and dye powder suppliers, approached some retail business and off it went. Ironically, most people don’t do it this way around. They sell at events and online and then move to retail shops..I have some very supportive businesses (Spins and Neddles in Lincoln) who are enthusiastic about my product and are prepared to negotiate on price.

What inspired the name of your company?
~Colour - of course. I work creatively with colour and don’t do repeatables. That’s the focus - colour. I’ve come to realise how important it is and how it can influence the way you feel. I often pull out a bright and vibrant skein on a dull day and you can’t help smiling.

What inspires your colorways and how do you name them?
~Weird and wacky. That’s what I go for. Some names come fully born. Others are quite random. Sometimes my partner names them. Sometimes names might be related to something I’ve seen on TV - my Nigella’s Plums was very popular - deep berry reds and purples.

Do you also knit? Crochet?
~I knit and crochet throughout the year. I don’t tend to use patterns and have taught myself top down and seamless percentage methods. The maths appeals to my scientific part of my brain. I tend to crochet in summer and the knitting mojo returns in Autumn. I attend about three knitting groups on and off and this keeps the enthusiaism going. Knitters are a great bunch of people - friendly and ready to share. I set up a knitting group at the National Centre of Craft and Design in Lincolnshire and have run workshops there on toe up sock knitting and yarn dyeing.

What is your favorite color and do you have a favorite pattern for showing off your yarn?
~I love blues and I like mixing turquoise and royal blue in my yarn dyeing to give a bright vibrant blue. My favourite pattern is the one I’m knitting or crochetting at the moment - a bit like if you ask me who my favourite singer is - Alana Del Rey is playing in my car every day and I can feel some ginger and red combinations happening in my yarn dyeing.

What is your favorite fiber/yarn to dye?
~Don’t have a favourite really. The colour is first and foremost important althought I have acquired some angora merino mix that produces the most saintly colour haze just like Scandinavian Lett Lopi’s.
Is there anything especially cool about your yarns we should know?
~I’m a mad scientist. If I want to achieve an effect I play around and build equipment to help me achieve what I want.

Describe your background / education. Does it have any influence on your company?
~I went to University and did a Degree in Geography in the late eighties/early nineties. I suppose it doesn’t directly influence what I do, but you learn skills and gain life experience too.

What advise would you give others looking to dye?
~Dive in and play.

Tell us about your biggest dye fail.
~No such thing. Something is always salvageable. Even if the hank is the most ugliest thing in the world you can overdye it all black and suddenly its the most beautiful thing in the world to Goths and witches.

Most importantly, whats the best way to purchase your yarns? Are you in retail stores or do you have a shop online? Do you offer a yarn club?
~I have started a shop on Big Cartel: http://chromayarns.bigcartel.com and am learning about improving yarn photos. I’m not there yet. I am launching some long colour run yarns. I want to launch a season-based yarn club in the next few months with patterns to take advantage of this new product.

To get a better idea of the people behind the product... I ask our dying interviewees these insight questions developed by Bernard Pivot.

What is your favorite word?
~Gusset.

What is your least favorite word?
~It’s unprintable.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
~Music, film and computer games - games are getting so sophisticated that they can really draw you in emotionally into storylines and play.

What turns you off?
~Snobbery and cliques and jealous bad mouthers.

What is your favorite curse word?
~I’m a gentleman and shouldn’t really say and you couldn’t possibly print it either.

What sound or noise do you love?
~Benjamin Britten’s Second String Quartet. Anything by Debussy but especially L’isle Joyeuse.

What sound or noise do you hate?
~Anything by Mozart - sorry Mozartians.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
~Professional musician. Maybe a Pianist. I am tempted to take up the alto sax but have to watch the pennies at the moment.

What profession would you not like to do?
~Sales in a call centre - unless it was selling my own yarn of course.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
~Well, you were wrong but it doesn’t matter. Come on in.

Be sure to visit Jonathan's online store at http://chromayarns.bigcartel.com

Congratulations Harbor House Baskets!

Harbor House Baskets is celebrating their GRAND OPENING!

You can purchase these beautiful fabric baskets on her Etsy site HERE - and right now during the Grand Opening you can save 10% using the coupon code "grandopening"!

We have three of her bowls.  I use one in the kitchen and two in my design studio.  I simply LOVE them for my knitting projects.

Be sure to visit the their Blog and  Facebook page too!