6 posts tagged “fiber”

(hurrah! I found a mini-USB cable! pictures!)

I'm renting a Babe Fiberstarter to get started on the big bag of fiber that would take me forever to spindle. I'm bummed because I can't figure out how to get the bobbin and flyer working independently. Right now, they're kinda just grinding along together. I was practicing with a bit of yarn and was going to ask Vera, the woman who rented it to me, but she's busy getting ready for the Renegade Craft Fair (woo! hoo!) and I don't want to bother her. Any ideas? Also, the instructions they send along with the Babe are crap and the pictures are fuzzy and have been photocopied into unrecognition! I guess I could just call the company...

I really, really want a wheel but figured it'd probably be a good idea if I actually knew how to use one before making the big purchase. They're not cheap! I know that I should really go out to talk to Toni at The Fold, but it's so very, very, very far away!

After coming home from seeing Ratatouille yesterday with the family (cute, cute, cute movie! can't wait for DVD) I opened up my email to see my invitation to Ravelry from frecklegirl! Hoorah!

Oh, I have been patiently, patiently waiting to get into the fabulous wonderland that is Ravelry. I've been hearing about it on numerous podcasts, several of my Voxy neighbors have gotten in and raved about it, too many bloggers to count have been boasting about their entre into this beta world. Well, finally, I'm there!

I put in a few projects last night, and today is a sunny day, so I'll probably start uploading my stash. I love that I can see others' WIPs and FO of patterns that I'm currently working on, and also add to my queue of projects that I want to knit.

So if you're in already (which it feels like I'm the last one in), feel free to add me, I'm lulubird6 there too!

SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had started to write a post on Friday about whining wanting to get into Ravelry, but decided not to sound like a whiner! Yay for not whining!

 Nothing on mine yet...despite the fact that it's next weekend. But I do have a project planned and will just tell the Ice about it on Sunday. I am dreading the lace panels, but I will soldier on.

I plan to knit him this from the summer Knit.1 Green Issue. There's lots of really cute patterns in this issue. I've never looked at a Knit.1 magazine before, considering I've only been knitting really for a month. Am I ambitious? Yes. Will I finish it? Maybe, maybe not, but it's so cute! And I think it'll look really good on him. He's such a cutie and can carry this style off well.

I don't know about you, but the colors of yarn they used on the shirt on my computer look a bit like baby poo! It looks much better in the magazine. I've never used the Euroflax before, but was thinking of subbing for some hemp yarn. I think both would be light and airy. Are they comparable in weight? Guess it looks like time for another trip to the LYS to fondle, er, I mean analyze the two yarns. I've been wanting to roadtrip to go to Loopy Yarns and Vogue Fabrics. It's a roadtrip of only about 7 miles, but I must admit, I'm lazy to drive from one end of downtown to the other!

Anyway, what're you making for Dad's Day? The Iceman never reads my blog and anyway, it's not much a surprise since he probably won't receive it until next summer with my knitting speed!

This is the third time I've tried to write this post. It's quite annoying that my Firefox keeps crashing before I can remember to save the post. I've figured out that if I set the post to save as hidden, I can edit it as many times as I like until I'm ready to publish publicly. Kind of like a "save draft" function that Vox doesn't have. Try it! You'll like it!

Awhile back, I finally finished the Chanson en Crochet capelet from Interweave's Wrap Style. I kept forgetting to ask someone to take a pic of me, so I finally did it myself. I hate taking self-portaits. I really, really need to suck it up and buy a Gorillapod. Since the Iceman just handed me a $20 giftcard to Best Buy, you can be sure of what I'm going to be purchasing tomorrow!

I need to change out the closure because the button currently on it is a drop-style button and the metal post at the bottom keeps snagging on the capelet! I purchased these to change it to, but have not yet committed 100%, so that's why I haven't changed it yet. What do you think?

Overall, I'm pleased with the results. I did this one in TLC Baby in sky blue. I love that stuff! However, after seeing a Crafty Cohort's WIP today, I think I will probably make it up again in a nicer yarn. Her capelet in a pretty buttercup mohair was the bee's knees!

I'm trying hard to cultivate my inner yarn snob. I tend to do most things in acrylic because of pricing and I live within  walking distance to one of those Joann superstores. Plus, I always think I'll make a mock-up in the cheapie yarn before committing to dropping the dough on something more expensive like the Tahki New Tweed used in the pattern. After all, what if I don't like the pattern when I'm done. Frog the whole thing? I don't think so! Let's do the math. Four skeins of the Tahki at $9US a skein = $36US. One skein of TLC Baby at $3US a skein on sale at Joann = well, $3US! TLC Baby wins!

So I went to the LYS the other day to try out some vegan yarns...bamboo, soy, milk, etc. I got a pattern for this really cute shawl pattern from Fiber Trends. I ended up with some Southwest Trading Company Bamboo in the Parrot colorway. Although it's a bit thin for gauge, I'm going to try to make it work, anyway. It's a shawl! Does gauge really matter too much if it's just a smidge too small? (spoken like a true newbie!)

UPDATED 6/04/2007 More links, some of which have been taken from the Happy Hookers discussion over at the flickr group.

Long, long ago, I promised my ever-so-voxy! neighbor, Simone, that I'd put up some of my frequently used links for crocheting. Of course, being the lazy slacker that I am, I have yet to do it (sorry Simone!) So I'm going to go ahead and post some links for her. This is by no means a complete list because I find new ones every day, but for sure, I like these for one reason or another. I threw in a couple of knitting ones because I figure, "what the hey, why not! I'm a knitter now too!" And like I said, this list is totally incomplete. When I remember more, I'll just update the list and move to the top, so don't forget to check back.

So enjoy! Oh, and use some of these to get some groovy dishcloth/scrubbie patterns and join my swap, why dontcha?! Sorry! Swap is now closed!

Crochet
Crochet Pattern Central - a ginormous collection of links to patterns
CrochetPoet - a huge compendium of links of patterns
CrochetMe Magazine - an online magazine devoted to crochet with some of the funnest free patterns around.
Diane Langan Designs - some very nice patterns for sale and even some free ones too!
Marnie MacLean Inspirations - really adorable free patterns for both knit and crochet
StitchDiva Studio - Jennifer Hansen is an inspired fiber goddess, er, I mean diva!
Fable Handmade Goods - I am obsessed with these patterns. They are all just too cute, and some of the best ones are even free!
Little Projects Crafts - cute purse patterns and a tutorial on how to make your own hairpin lace loom!
Alison Beth - wonderful crochet inspiration, she's a terrific accessories designer
Knotted Mind - another huge compendium of links! fun!
Crochet Crafts - large link collection, including links to charity crocheting organizations and other crochet groups
Free Crochet Library - a collection of free patterns, including many funky, groovy retro vintagey type numbers
NexStitch - totally talented designer with patterns and the very, best, most helpful crochet video tutorials I have ever used.
CGOA - The Crochet Guild of America's website. For when you're completely addicted. Also, their membership gives you discounts at lots of LYSs. Cool!
Annie's Attic - the printer of all those ubiquitous little pattern booklets. also, has terrific stitch guide and a free pattern of the day everyday (thanks for reminding me, quornflour!)
Granny-a-long - c'mon! show those grannies some love! you, too, can join the a-long, or just check out some grannie pr0n (not that kind, get your mind out of the icky, icky gutter!)
Happy Hookers - the flickr photo group, not the celebrated ex-New York madam
Monster Crochet - such fun! needle-felted eyeballs anyone?
Crochet Carnival - cool! a compendium of crochet bloggers!
Crafty Daisies Crochet Lessons - don't know how to crochet? well go over there because they'll teach you how!
Craftbits Crochet Patterns - crochet patterns from the craftbits forum.
GarnStudio/Drops Design - terrific website with many, many free crochet and knitting patterns (over 1800!) in many languages
Groovy Crochet - C'mon get happeeeee! Remember those funkadelic patterns from the 60's and 70's? Well the patterns are right here! Marcia! Marcia! Marcia! (thanks Happy Hookers!)
Katrina's Crochet Creations - cute amigurumi patterns, free but don't forget to click on her sponsors! (Happy Hookers again!)

Knitting
Knitty - great knitting online magazine
Knitting Pattern Central - compendium of links for patterns and techniques
Knitting Help - forums and ever-so-helpful videos to help you knit. I use this one ALL THE FREAKIN' TIME!
Glampyre Knits - terrific knitwear designer with wonderful patterns, for sale and even some for free.
Knitta, Please! - graffiti knitters, taking back the streets! terrific knitting inspiration. I'd love to see the Bean sporting some knitwear! That'd be awesome! (submitted by laura-u-buggin, thanks!)
Knit On the Net - another knitting online magazine. cute patterns! (totally cribbed from Phisch, thanks!)
For the Love of Yarn - a newish knitting online magazine
Mind of Winter - mega-massive-ginormous list of knitting links. including blogs, podcasts, zines, techniques and resources
Craftbits Knitting Patterns - knitting patterns from the craftbits forum
MagKnits - an online knitting magazine with super-cute free patterns (thanks again, Phisch!)
GarnStudio/Drops Design - terrific website with many, many free knitting and crochet patterns (over 1800!) in many languages
Ambulatory Knitting @Everything2.com - Everything you need to know about ambulatory knitting. no, not knitknitting on the way to the hospital, but knitting while you're on the go.
TinkKnit - Gorgeous patterns. I'll be able to knit these...in like 20 years.
Zephyr Patterns - Cute patterns and sassy stitch markers. Nice!

Fiber Blogs - so many blogs, so little time!
The Hook and I - Amy O'Neill Houck, knitwear designer of some renown
Mind of Winter - lovely, inspiring knitwear blog
CrochetbyFaye - terrific crochet designer's blog

Fiber Books that I have personally fondled and given the lulubird6 seal of approval
Stitch N' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker - how could I not include Debbie Stoller somewhere in this list?
The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask - cripes, I think the name says it all!
Loop-d-Loop Crochet - looks pretty dang good, but warning, this is art-crochet wearables. might be a little intimidating for beginners.
Scarf Style - yes, I only have eight gajillion scarfs, but still, one could always crochet or knit up another.
Knitting School: A Complete Course - currently on loan from library, making my knitting adventures much more manageable
Pretty much anything by Candi Jensen - because she freakin' rocks and her designs are so adorable. the baby stuff is just to-die-for...well, not really, one wouldn't want to get blood all over your precious yarn!
DomiKNITrix - whip your knitting into shape! ummm, saucy knits for the adventurous. Jennifer also has a book out.
KnitFix - good for beginning knitters, kind of a knitting 911

Fiber Podcasts and other Media
CastOn - Brenda Daynes is just wonderful. No other words necessary.
Unwound - terrific podcast, she's terrific, and I'm so very sad that she's ending her podcasting career. however, all 12 episodes that she did are absolutely wonderful and easy on the ears.
Lime and Violet - to say that these two wacky ladies are yarn-obsessed (their words, not mine) is a bit of an understatement, but great fun to listen to while crafting.
CraftSanity - okay, so this is more a general craft podcast, but Jennifer has a lot of fiber artists interviewed. very in-depth, very fun and there's lots to inspire
Uncommon Threads - DIY Network's fiberarts show. Lots of nice patterns and tips here.
Knitty Gritty - "the hip knitting show", although they also cover other fiber arts.
PixiePurls - ack, the name itself it just cuteness! anyway, a really fun podcast/blog about knitting. she has the cutest little badges your can swipe for your blog, too!
StashandBurn - A little too much fiber in your diet? Jenny and Nicole will help you burn through it. Or just listen as they try to burn through theirs.


Fiber Forums
Crochetville - a HUMONGOUS forum dedicated to crochet, but they also discuss other topics. the hookers that frequent this board are very, very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. they even have a podcast!
Craftster - OMG, this board is HUGE! scroll down to get to the fiber arts stuff: there's knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, and on and on and on...go slowly because there's days and days worth of other crafty inspiration, ideas, craft-alongs, tutorials, FOs and other massively crafty goodness there for your perusal.
PixiePurls Spinning forum - because one must have spun yarn in order to do your fibercrafts! well, unless you felt, but I don't felt...yet! here's a forum for those questions. it's in beta now, but still, if you know of any other spinning boards besides this and craftster, LMK, because my spinning looks like a yak tried to eat a sheep and threw up on my spindle.

Spinning Stuff
Spindlicity - an online spinning magazine.
Windy City Handspinning Guild - meets once a month. I must attend the next meeting!
Spindle and Wheel - online spinning magazine. check out the cute pic on their latest issue
ISpindle.com - loads and loads of spinning videos. very helpful!
Spinderella's Handspun Yarn Chart - very useful wpi chart and ways to measure handspun yarns

Other Craft Sites That Have Fiber Goodness in Them
The AntiCraft - They have an antifest and everything! Fun patterns and tutes. I am strangely drawn to the knitted wire beaded areolas. Yes. You read that right.

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There's many, many more, but goodness, it takes a while to compile these things! I guess once I have them all compiled in one place, it'll be much easier. I have lots of links to specific patterns, but since my taste does not run to every one else's, I won't post those. In the meantime, have fun and keep on hooking/sticking/spinning. If you have any suggestions, feel free to put them in the comments and I will add them!

A very good friend of mine gave me a drop spindle kit for Christmas last year. She knew that I had been hankering to give drop spinning a whirl (no pun intended) and as good friends often do, helped me out.

I tried very hard to learn from the book and from online videos, I really did. But dangit, drop-spinning for the completely uninitated is a very difficult technique to grasp without someone giving you a hands-on tutorial...at least for me. Perhaps viewing this video would have helped me understand the drafting and twist portions, very important!

Well, at any rate, the City of Chicago is hosting a top 10 Winter Delights Stitching Salon. Nina Savar, president of the Windy City Knitting Guild, hosted a wonderfully informative and helpful workshop on spinning yarn with a drop spindle. I knew I had to go because I was unsure when I could fork up the dough to take a class on the subject. Nina and her cohorts were helpful and very patient as spindles were being spun in every direction. I managed to spin one ball of roving. It was pretty bad, but as my very kind instructor told me, they teach classes on how to make the schlubs and people pay big money for those "art" yarns. Very kind, as I said! ; ) At any rate, we took a break for lunch (I went with my spindle-gifting friend and her MIL) and I went back determined to figure the dang thing out. One ball of roving, a really bad ply job and another skein of "art" yarn later, I went home, confident that I would at least be able to do it at home, however badly it might turn out.

The next day, with the extra ball of roving so kindly supplied by the workshop (they also had these fun top-whorl drop spindles that you could take home with you to practive that were made from dowels, cd's, two rubber o-rings, a brass cup hook and some packing tape. I took mine home for you, Jenny A!) (make your own!) I proceeded with my lovely Ashford spindle and spun that last ball into a much better looking yarn. I think it'll ply up into perhaps around a heavy worsted, more like a bulky yarn.

Now I want to try my hand at hand-dying. Apparently, there are some really fun techniques using Kool-Aid that I want to try out!

Here's my end results: first is the drop spindle provided by the workshop. Then the first skein that I spun. Notice the difference in color between the first skein's roving and the second skein's roving. I much prefered the first one as it was much smoother and had longer staples and was much easier to spin. But alas, beggers cannot be choosers. Finally, on my Ashford, is the last yarn I spun, as I have not yet plied it. Didn't I do a much better job at keeping the yarn consistently thinner? Now I want to tackle the very pretty roving my friend gave me. I wanted to make sure I didn't screw up before attempting on her pretty blue roving. I'll post pics after I spin it.