Collection of Ideas...

I have been putting together a collection of patterns for some of my work with chiengora. Most of the projects are knitted, but I wanted to include a few other techniques,too. Here are some of the woven book marks from chiengora singles spun on a drop spindle and woven in plain weave on a linen warp. I am just learning to weave and am really enjoying it. Except for the whole tangled thread thing that happens whenever I try and warp my little table loom. I am in complete awe of anyone that can warp a large loom and not create a huge tangled mess of threads in the process.

Vest Complete

Teresa's knitted alpaca vest is finished. Hope she likes it.

More Sheep and Shepherd Yarn

Eva, Starr and Stubby, three beautiful and athletic German Shepherd Dogs gave some of their dark undercoat for this yarn. I blended it with black merino wool and spun a 12 wpi 2 ply yarn. It is a wonderfully soft and beautiful yarn. I wish I could take a better photograph. But the yarn is so dark that it is difficult to get a good picture of it with my little digital camera. I have been admiring it this week and planning the mittens I am considering making from it. I have also considered a twisted tubular scarf. Much of the chiengora yarn that I spin has guard hair in it and would feel itchy if worn against your neck. This yarn is so soft that it would be a wonderful scarf. I have 260 yards, I am going to have to think about this a little longer.

The Wallaby loved by all....




Christopher's Wallaby prompted the idea of teaching a class on how to knit the Wonderful Wallaby from Cottage Creations. It's a great pattern and has been a favorite for many years. Most kids love a hoodie with a big pocket in front, and some adults like them, too. I think my next Wallaby knitting adventure should be two matching sweaters, one for Christopher and one for me.

The photos above show the sample Wallaby that I knit last month for display. Well, of course it's for Christopher, but first I will use it to attract a few students to sign up for the class. The classes will be complete in May and I can give this Wallaby to Christopher then. It is knit in a cotton blend yarn and will be a good sweater for cool summer evenings.

Topher hides and waits for Easter morning



Topher has a face and a tail this week and he is ready to go. Someday I hope to put together a storybook for Christopher of Topher's adventures. Perhaps as a puppet with a 2 year old little boy, Topher will have many happy adventures to write about.

Little Pink Sweater

Finished this baby pink sweater for a friend. She is planning to give it as a gift. Knitting for someone else makes me worry about every stitch. Knitting is relaxing, remember? I tried....