Loom Elves

I've discovered that I have loom elves!



They seem to be quite helpful --- when they aren't playing tricks!

Souvenir of a Different Sort

For many years now I haven’t been able to be away from home for long due to other commitments, but a recent change in that situation meant I was able to spend a 4 day weekend away. Not much of a “vacation”, but even a 9 hour car drive north to see relatives (some I hadn't even met yet!) is a break from the norm for me and well appreciated.

Once at our destination my sister-in-law was kind enough to drive me around to see how much our old home town has changed (28 years since we moved). There were locations that have changed so much that I didn’t even realize right away where we were!

I had no intention of shopping on this trip but my sister-in-law took me to visit a tiny little yarn shop hidden away in behind another business on the top floor of what was an old, old building even when I lived there. Not being one to accumulate knickknacks and other useless souvenirs I jumped on the chance to spend a little “holiday money” on a souvenir of a sort I know I will truly enjoy. ;-)

Inspired by another weaver’s project that used clasped weft with Zauberball on one side and a plain, solid colour on the other, I’ve always wanted to give the idea a go. I’ve just never been able to justify paying so much for a single ball of yarn! With my little splurge, now's my chance!

Pull of the Loom

I wound this warp a few weeks ago and it has been waiting its turn at the loom.

I was pleased with the warp itself, but I'm thrilled with the actual weaving of it!

It's turning out so much better than I expected. 

In fact, watching the colours play out against the mixed warp is so enthralling that the pull of the loom is irresistible, and I find myself back at it even when I should be doing other things. 

Charlie's an Angel

I've been saving a small skein of "chiengora" for years. Chiengora is dog hair that has been hand spun into yarn. Depending on the breed it can be beautifully soft and have a halo that is much like angora (rabbit). And no, once it is properly washed and spun chiengora does not smell like wet dog when it rains!

Many years ago my daughter adopted a senior "rescue" dog, a white shepherd named Charlie. He had lived in various SPCA shelters for so long that his original location and story was no longer known, nor was his age. He was a very loving dog but was advanced in age and came with a host of medical problems that eventually took his life.

While Charlie was still living I took some of the soft, creamy white undercoat that he had shed, carded it with sheep's wool that had been dyed pink, and then spun it into a 116 yard, 2ply skein.

I finally found a project for at least a small portion of the special "Charlie" yarn. I included it in a 6m mixed fibre warp and as I wove I added in the occasional small weft stripe of Charlie's cheingora as well.

I used the first portion of the warp to make a lovely cowl.

There was enough warp remaining to weave a Saori style hat, which also turned out beautifully. 

I'm still not at the end of the warp. I may just have enough left to weave a second hat though perhaps only a child size. We'll see.

If You Crochet

Crochet is one of many textile related hobbies of mine. Recently I received "Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters" by Melissa Leapman for review.

This collection of 200 stitch patterns is a great resource for those who are already comfortable with crocheting and would like to add variety to their favourite tried and true patterns with some new stitch options. 

Each stitch pattern is represented by both written directions and a universal stitch diagram. I really like this format. I find that, when I'm first learning a new stitch pattern, written directions are the most reassuring, but once I've worked through a stitch pattern once it is easiest to follow along with just quick glances at a stitch diagram. This book provides very clear directions in both formats. The handy reference guide at the back of the book also shows detailed how-tos for each stitch variation, from the most basic to very advanced.

Although I received this book free for the purpose of writing a reveiw, no other compensation has been given and I receive no commission if you decide to make a purchase based on my review.