I tawt I taw a puddy tat...ent he cunnin'?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
More new yarns in my store!
I'm having too much fun again, folks. Here's the evidence. If any of it grabs you, please visit Mad Angel Creations.
I had hoped to post a video from my recent vacation in Maine, when I actually plied some yarn off the upper deck at the Inn on the Harbor, on my (formerly Mali's) Golding spindle. However, until I can figure out how to re-orient the video so you don't have to lie on your side to watch it, you'll just have to chuckle at the thought of it. But the upper deck is a good 10 to 12 feet from the lower deck, so I had that sucker going for awhile, and I kept it going, and got a nice 2-ply fingering weight for my efforts. What fun!
I also completely neglected to take any pictures when I paid a visit to Maiysha's home studio, Zebisis Designs. Talk about feeling like a kid in a candy store! Unbelievable stuff everywhere I turned, but the one thing I really wish I had thought to dig the camera out for was the "Welcome Mad Angel" written in the dust on the rear window of Maiysha's van, to let me know I had found the right place. I'm still chuckling at that. It was an awfully sweet thing to see upon arrival, when we really weren't sure if we had got to the right place or not.
I got some gorgeous fiber to spin, which will probably be the first treat I allow myself when I'm done with NH Sheep & Wool, and acquired a couple of new spindles -- green opal for me and a malachite/grass agate for a friend who probably thinks I forgot about it a long time ago. So, it will be a nice surprise indeed when I finally send it out!
Anyone coming to the NH Sheep & Wool festival this year? I am in my usual location, where people are guaranteed NOT to find me, in the Kimball Dairy Barn. This may be my last year participating in the Festival, as my request for a better location has not been honored. I'm still hoping to do better this year, as I have been putting lots of effort into my products, but I'm not letting myself get too excited. I figure, if I don't expect too much, maybe good things will happen, and I will be pleasantly surprised, and will consider returning next year.
If it goes the way it has the last two years, though, it just isn't worth the trouble. It's far easier to be an online presence, and put money I spend on iffy booth rentals back into acquiring good stock people will love.
I'm not really as down about it all as I sound, and if I don't vend next year, there's a lot to be said for spending a day at the festival and simply...enjoying myself. Though I do love meeting the folks who stop by my booth, even if they are all spent-out by the time they find me, and would miss that interaction. It's always nice to see what other fiber fiends are up to!
I had hoped to post a video from my recent vacation in Maine, when I actually plied some yarn off the upper deck at the Inn on the Harbor, on my (formerly Mali's) Golding spindle. However, until I can figure out how to re-orient the video so you don't have to lie on your side to watch it, you'll just have to chuckle at the thought of it. But the upper deck is a good 10 to 12 feet from the lower deck, so I had that sucker going for awhile, and I kept it going, and got a nice 2-ply fingering weight for my efforts. What fun!I also completely neglected to take any pictures when I paid a visit to Maiysha's home studio, Zebisis Designs. Talk about feeling like a kid in a candy store! Unbelievable stuff everywhere I turned, but the one thing I really wish I had thought to dig the camera out for was the "Welcome Mad Angel" written in the dust on the rear window of Maiysha's van, to let me know I had found the right place. I'm still chuckling at that. It was an awfully sweet thing to see upon arrival, when we really weren't sure if we had got to the right place or not.
I got some gorgeous fiber to spin, which will probably be the first treat I allow myself when I'm done with NH Sheep & Wool, and acquired a couple of new spindles -- green opal for me and a malachite/grass agate for a friend who probably thinks I forgot about it a long time ago. So, it will be a nice surprise indeed when I finally send it out!
Anyone coming to the NH Sheep & Wool festival this year? I am in my usual location, where people are guaranteed NOT to find me, in the Kimball Dairy Barn. This may be my last year participating in the Festival, as my request for a better location has not been honored. I'm still hoping to do better this year, as I have been putting lots of effort into my products, but I'm not letting myself get too excited. I figure, if I don't expect too much, maybe good things will happen, and I will be pleasantly surprised, and will consider returning next year.
If it goes the way it has the last two years, though, it just isn't worth the trouble. It's far easier to be an online presence, and put money I spend on iffy booth rentals back into acquiring good stock people will love.
I'm not really as down about it all as I sound, and if I don't vend next year, there's a lot to be said for spending a day at the festival and simply...enjoying myself. Though I do love meeting the folks who stop by my booth, even if they are all spent-out by the time they find me, and would miss that interaction. It's always nice to see what other fiber fiends are up to!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Gotta Celebrate!
OK, this is another of my infamous before/after shots.
"Before," from November of 2008, about a week before I started Weight Watchers, comes to us courtesy of Joansie's Blog.
Shawl pattern is from the dear, delightful, wonderful, totally, completely, utterly awesome Alison Hyde. It's in her terrific book, "Wrapped in Comfort." There are more of her shawl patterns in my future, too. It's just hard to pick one, as they are ALL fabulous.
"After" shots, taken just this afternoon -- in fact only a few minutes ago -- are courtesy of my kid (Daphne). She was the only family member kind enough to respond to my call for a photographer!
There, now! Doesn't that look a whole lot better on the "new" me? Notice also in rear view shot -- that's MY arse in a pair of Levi's again!
"Before," from November of 2008, about a week before I started Weight Watchers, comes to us courtesy of Joansie's Blog.
Shawl pattern is from the dear, delightful, wonderful, totally, completely, utterly awesome Alison Hyde. It's in her terrific book, "Wrapped in Comfort." There are more of her shawl patterns in my future, too. It's just hard to pick one, as they are ALL fabulous.
"After" shots, taken just this afternoon -- in fact only a few minutes ago -- are courtesy of my kid (Daphne). She was the only family member kind enough to respond to my call for a photographer!
There, now! Doesn't that look a whole lot better on the "new" me? Notice also in rear view shot -- that's MY arse in a pair of Levi's again!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Estonian Lace Stole
Here's the latest project -- a lace stole from Nancy Bush's Estonian lace book. The pattern is easy and a pleasure to knit. I almost have it memorized already.
The yarn is a hand-painted merino/yak blend from Northern Lights Fiber Co in Alaska. This is Kelsey's "Tree of Life" colorway, and it seems that lately I'm addicted to any fibery reference to Trees of Life. This was a must-have, and is wonderful to work with.
I gave the bit I have done a light blocking this morning, just to get an idea of how it might look when done, though of course when I do the final blocking, I will stretch it open more. But one does get a rough idea from this, anyway. I love it.
Phat Fiber has been bad for my budget, but what a way to go! There are some really nice vendors participating, and I can't resist the temptation. Northern Lights Fiber Co is one of those temptations!
And now, for your viewing pleasure, Steve and his Cosmic Catnip mouse!
The yarn is a hand-painted merino/yak blend from Northern Lights Fiber Co in Alaska. This is Kelsey's "Tree of Life" colorway, and it seems that lately I'm addicted to any fibery reference to Trees of Life. This was a must-have, and is wonderful to work with.
I gave the bit I have done a light blocking this morning, just to get an idea of how it might look when done, though of course when I do the final blocking, I will stretch it open more. But one does get a rough idea from this, anyway. I love it.Phat Fiber has been bad for my budget, but what a way to go! There are some really nice vendors participating, and I can't resist the temptation. Northern Lights Fiber Co is one of those temptations!
And now, for your viewing pleasure, Steve and his Cosmic Catnip mouse!
Thursday, April 02, 2009
New hand-dyed yarns in my store now!
Now for sale at Mad Angel Creations!
This is 100% wool sock-weight yarn, really soft and cushy, in my brand-new "Tourmaline" colorway. There's only one lot of 2 skeins being sold together as a unit. 500 yards and 4 full ounces, which would be enough for a fairly generous-sized pair of socks knitted in a plain stitch.
Or maybe a fancy cable sock for an average-sized ladies' foot?
Someone please save me from myself and buy this before I decide I can't possibly sell it!
Next up is a 520 yard, 2 ounce skein, also in the Tourmaline colorway, of laceweight wool & cashmere. (85% and 15%, respectively).
This would make a really nice lace accessory item.There's enough for a generous scarf or shawl, and it's sooooooooo soft!
I love this colorway, and will try to recreate it in future,but no other skein will ever come out exactly like this one.
Again, someone please save me from myself and buy thisbefore I decide I really can't bear to part with it!
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