Chunky Hat

It took a bit of doing but I finally managed to make my 58yds stretch to complete this hat. It did not take long to make. I used a size N crochet hook. I am finding out though, that I need to make my thick parts of the yarn a little thinner. It would be a little easier to crochet for this type of project and also easier on my hands. I really had to work in some places. But it was lots of fun and I have completed my first blog project!

Next up is a vest out of some fiber I felted. It was already dyed when I bought the batt so I used my needlefelting machine to felt onto Vilene. It is a washable stabilizer. All the pieces are ready to go now to finish the design.

Also I am spinning another thick and thin yarn for a scarf. More on that later.

First project of the new year...Crazy Batts!

It took some time, with all the choices I had at my fingertips, but I finally decided on my first project. I had carded some "crazy batts" earlier in the week. These are batts that are like making Dad's stew! This was a time when we were kids that Dad would take all the left overs from the fridge and  make a soup. If you really thought about it, it should be disgusting but somehow Dad put his magic on it and we loved it! Well for the Crazy batts I start out with some base material. In this case I had a Finn batt leftover from wet felting. I make a fiber sandwich by putting a layer of the wool down first. Then I added the fixings which were other colors of wool, angelina fibers, bits of sari silk threads. Then I put another layer of the wool on top. I ran this through my carder. I let it go through without disturbing my bits too much. Then I spun a thick and thin single letting the bits and chunks come out as they want. What fun!

So I what to do? It had to be something small as I only had 58yds of yarn. A cap or beanie type hat would work up nicely. I am going to crochet it. I like to crochet with this bulky yarn better then knitting it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well the new year is here. Where did the time go! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. I know I did. I have even had time to work in my studio. I carded some crazy batts and spun them up. It was such fun to just go crazy. I am going to make a hat out of it. Will post a picture when I get it done.

I have decided that I have WAY too much stuff! Does that sound familar? So I am going on a journey this year and will be sharing it with you. I am going to spend the year finishing things. This can be in the form of projects that I have started and want to finish or it can be projects I start out of yarn, fiber, fabric, etc that I already have. I can not take new product from the shop unless it is for a sample for the shop. Everything I need to finish the item must come from the studio :-) I will be writing about my adventures in my studio as I go along. I am really excited about this. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time.

So off I go to the studio to pick out my first project. More tomorrow on it. Happy Creating!

Tea Cozies!

I never thought about making a cover for the tea pot before but Noro had this crazy looking one in their Knitting Accessories book and I just fell in love with it. I found a pattern online for an easier one to start using Kureyon from Noro.It worked up really fast too.  WHAT FUN!!! I am hooked and having a blast making them. Since then I have found the book, "Really Wild Tea Cozies" by Loanie Prior. I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. She uses Noro for some of her cozies and I am excited to try out her patterns. In the mean time this one should be a good challenge! I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes you can crochet it!

I have been wondering for some time about crocheting with the lace yarn to make the ruffle scarves. It seemed to me that you would be able to do it but just hadn't had the time. Well yesterday I got it figured out and made one in about 2 hours! It is so easy. Now I have more ideas to try. I think crocheting them is really easier then knitting although both ways don't take long

New Hat!! See it at the Yarn Party tonight!

 

                       Slouch Hat done in Eco Duo Yarn from Cascade.
This yarn was so soft I couldn't put it down! The pattern was easy to follow and I finished the hat in just a couple of days. You will love this yarn too. It comes in 12 natural colors...it was hard to pick just one for the hat. See all 12 color selections at Anita's Homespun Treasures. To night is the Yarn Party and this yarn along with other featured yarns will be $2.00 off each skein purchased. You have got to get some of this yarn :-)

Also check facebook for more happenings at the shop. www.facebook.com/AnitasHomespunTreasures

Yarn Tasting Event!

Special event--Tuesday November 13, 5:30-8:00pm

 

You are invited to attend a Yarn Tasting at Anita's Homespun Treasures. How can I taste yarn, you ask?? Well I have selected some of our newest and hottest yarns, put them on needles, hooks, or looms. You will have the chance to stop by and try out "taste" what these yarns feel like and see how they work up. I have different samples for each of the yarns so you can see an actual project...hats, scarfs, ruffled scarves, mittens, purses, and more!This event is very informal & it is free. Come any time from 5:30-8:00pm. Sweet goodies and beverages will be provided. As an extra bonus I am giving you $2.00 off on each skein of the featured yarns you purchase!! Wow...what a great time to stock up on new yarns and Ideas.

Featured yarns:

Noro: Silk garden, Nadeshiko
Juniper Moon Farm: Findley Dapple
Araucania: Nubel
Knitting Fever: Monarch
Estelle Yarns: Frill Seeker Twilight, Frill Seeker velvet lace, Frill Seeker Cameo
Cascade: Eco Duo (baby alpaca & merino....ooooohhhhhhhhhh so soft!)
Lorna Laces: Lorna Laces Pearl (silk & bamboo--a luxury yarn!)