Looks like Fall

Nov2

We have frost warning’s and the weather page is starting me mention snow levels. The chances of it this week are slim, but it’s encouraging to see it mentioned again. We had some rain yesterday, tho not a lot. But I have been knitting on my 2 year (so far) sweater just have one sleeve to go. And today starting a doll sweater for an ‘Along’ in my doll group.

I have the tunic, previously mentioned as ‘vest’ put together but am having a problem with it. A lot of people have told me they like the colors and the length but I am not happy with either. I think it’s too long and too gaudy. I’m going to try to over dye it to dull it down some and them I’ll consider length. It’s the sitting problem, you know what that does to loosely woven or knit fabric. 😦 Take my word for it that it looks better here than it does on me. Himself was supposed to get a picture for me as my little camera is being contrary, but he hasn’t had time yet, he says. But I have also got started on my Xmas yarn. Progress of a sort… And no presents made this year. Ah well… Hope your November is starting off on a high note!

BOO!~

Oct24

Tri looming

Oct20

There’s been some discussion on Facebook about making tri jackets and sweaters. I made this one years ago, before it began getting too small, those gremlins will keep doing this! Anyway here’s more or less what I did, using my adjustable triangle. These measurements are taken from the aged and much worn garment so are probably not too close to what it started as but will work as a guide since you’d have to make your own size decision. It will show how I put it together in any case.

Front: The large plaid tris are folded over at the shoulder front and back and the tip is folded back to make a cuff at the sleeve. The lines don’t always coincide with the photo but I think you can follow it. The one marked 10 inch is a small tri folded at the under arm to finish the sleeve. The points of the blue tris are folded under, the hypotenuse of those forming the hem front and back.

Back: The plaid tris are seamed up the back to about 5″ from the fold over, you’ll adjust that to fit you. The front opening and neckline are finished with a row of single crochet and one of reverse sc or crab stitch. This fit me pretty well back in the day. If you have a more rounded figure it may tend to hike up in the back a bit. I’ve gone to using the smaller looms as it gives me a bit more control over fit but this ought to be good for slimmer figures or for children.

I have a photo of myself wearing this but I don’t have a clue where it is. If I find it I’ll come back and add it. meantime, I hope this little bit of info is helpful to anyone wanting to make use of some nice handspun or even nice “store=bought”! 😉

Home again…

Oct1

We had a great time on the road this last of September. Down to Booneville for the California Wool and Fiber Festival where we met some old friends and made some new ones, then up the coast to Oregon. We spent a couple days playing on the beach. The Oregon State parks are very nice, we had power and water, hot showers, all the amenities as well and lovely trails and beaches.

From the high places we watched the California Grey whales spouting, there were lots of them. That was pretty neat, even tho we couldn’t really see them close up. I got to sit in the sand and listen to the breakers.

Then we went on up to Canby for the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. Meg Stump had taught a pin weaving class on Friday and recommended us to those of her students who didn’t have their own loom or who wanted to get a few more sizes. We met a lot of new weavers and, of course, many who had previously bought looms were coming back for more or for advice or just to chat. The weather was perfect and it was a lovely weekend. I bought yarn but did not spend all the profits so that balanced nicely, too! I think this one is going to be my Christmas vest.

I have been asked to teach next year, people seem to be interested in hints on how to make their own clothing with the looms, so I will be spending my winter deciding how to go about that. If you are one who does this and would like to share hints I’d love to see your work and hear what you have to say about the process.

And here’s a little fun thing that came home with me. Appropriate for this trip! Meg Stump’s mermaid! Isn’t she cute! She has a pretty little shell in her briefcase. Meg says she’ on her way to work. We get to guess… What kind of career would attract a mermaid…?

On The Road Again…

Sep15

Here we go again. First to Booneville and then to Canby for OFFF. I haven’t got any new projects to show you unless you want to see my pints of green beans and the black berry and peach jam. It’s the tag end of summer so you know the garden is priority. But I have a neighbor taking care of it for these next two weeks. She’ll get the beans for awhile. The squash bushes are slowing down finally! lol But I have a couple new things to show at the fairs so do come look if you can make it.

We’re all on edge here these days about the fire danger. The woods are a tinder box so I hope everyone is being extra cautious. It takes very little to set one off and they go wild once started as I am sure you are all seeing in the news. It makes me a little nervous to leave just now. Not that there is much anyone can do once a fire gets going except pray for rain. There is rain in the forecast for tomorrow but it doesn’t sounds like it will be a drought ending storm. However, any will be welcomed.

Hoping to see you at the fairs!

Busy Fall

Aug31

Yeah, it’s that time of year again. We’ve been in the shop a lot this summer and I think we’re ready for September. The days are getting shorter and the nights — and days— are cooler. Kids back in school, summer trips a memory, time to get into the yarn bins and get out your looms again. I have got a couple new things to show, among then two patchwork shirts that will be for sale. I have more patches but only got two finished. And it’s wool show season again!

And meantime, in case you have missed it, we are having fun on Ravelry’s Looms To Go playing with pulled thread designs on our Mutli looms. Weavers are finding lots of interesting patterns and sharing.

And for those fellow doll enthusiasts there’s also a thread weaving for them currently!

We’ll be heading to Arcata to the Natural Fibers Fair this coming weekend. Next is the California Wool and Fiber show and then as always, Oregon Fiber Festival! We’ve going to be on the road for most of the month. And this week we have a treat– my brother and wife are here visiting. That’s always fun. They are starting a two month long journey in their new RV. Going cross country to visit family on both sides.

So… We hope to see as many of you as can make it to the shows.

Happy Weaving!

Hazel

Eye Candy!

Aug8

Karen in Florida wove this heirloom quality blanket on her 12″ square. One picture really is worth 1000 words! She says the yarn is “Classic Shades by Universal Yarn and Classic Solids in black. Had a hard time finding the black, told by the manufacturer that it was discontinued so I hunted for it- found some at Herrschners. Thought it was important to have the same percentage/ blend of acrylic and wool so there wouldn’t be any problems when washing.” The blanket is presently on display at her lys, who wanted bragging rights for a bit. Can’t blame them!

WOO-HOO!

Jul10

CORN! This is the first of my Alaskan Corn, guaranteed to grow in short season country. My first ever ears of corn, even if they are a bit “bite sized”! I’m delighted!

Off these 3′ tall stalks.

July

Jul4

Summer time and the livin’ is…… Darned HOT! We actually hit 102 a couple days ago. I don’t remember ever seeing that up here. We have had 100 a c0uple times but never above it. And now tho it is cooler today (94) I’m hearing thunder rolling in the not too far distance. Keep your fingers X-ed that it’s also wet. Chances for that not great, tho, I’m afraid.

But the garden is lovin’ it!

My Sweet potato experiment. Dunno if I’ll get any spuds but the plants are doing fine. I keep them under this hood for the extra warmth. Keep your fingers X-ed for us!

The squashes are also doing fine.

And there’s tomatoes getting nicely fat.

The rest is looking good, too, from the cabbages and chard to the gloriosa’s and the bee balm which the hummers just love!

I do have weaving projects going but they are all big ones and going are to take awhile.

Hope you’re having a fun and safe and not too hot 4th!

Our Summer Trip

Jun23

We’re home again. Two weeks on the road is at least a week too much! lol We had a great time and met lots of people and made some new weavers and increased the stash for some others. Here’s one weaver who brought her project to BSG to share. Love that! Also the one from last year at OFFF. Pat Cane does some extra by weaving in strands of the opposite colors to blend her triangles very cleverly together. Isn’t it lovely?! I love seeing the projects you all weave!

I made a new doll dress with squares I wove demoing the looms here at the show, too. And met another Dolly weaver who bought my pattern book. Nanette has promised to share when she gets something made for her Granddaughter! Here’s mine.

But besides the two shows, Big Sky Fiber Festival in Hamilton. Montana and Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene, Oregon, we visited the country along the way. I have so many pictures I could not possibly share them all but here’s a few. What a beautiful country we live in!

On our way up we stopped at an alkali lake in Eastern Oregon. A “rain” storm and a sunset.

Then we picnicked on top of the world in Montana.

On the way back we camped in a great park on a lake near Sandpoint, Idaho.

And I almost got a photo of the paddle wheeler on the Columbia Gorge coming home, on the border of Oregon and Washington. We were in Oregon, looking back at Washington across the way. I took this out the truck window across the railroad tracks.

We had a great trip but, as always are glad to be home. the garden has gone wild with summer coming on so will have some catching up to do there and are working hard to get orders shipped out as well. Randy has looms to make and contractor jobs to do as well. But we’re home now until September…

Hope your summer is filled with fun and not too hot!

Hazel Rose

My Life in the Country