This blog belongs to my friend Sara. Her family of sheep, dogs, horses, cats, chickens, and honeybees live on Equinox Farm. Her life seems idyllic! I subscribe to her blog posts, and they greet me each day on my Google home page.
This post is from last year, when she sent me my Ashford Traditional spinning wheel. Click on the photo to enlarge it - her paintings are whimsical and fun! The cool thing is, many depict her actual critters.
Very cool!
http://myfavoritesheep.blogspot.com/2010/01/effectivefinally.html
Friday, May 6, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Renate Hiller on Fiber Art
This is such a true assessment of fiber art - any art, really, that utilizes the hands. Take a moment to watch this video.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Spinning Wheels
Last night I was attempting to list the wheels that I've owned. I spent a long time going through my photos looking for proof...but alas, many wheels were never photographed. Those that were, will appear on these pages.
Like anything, spinning took me hook, line, and treadle. I became what some would call compulsive about everything to do with spinning. People who know me are not surprised by this character trait. It can be a lot of fun to jump in with both feet! It can also be a little, well...compulsive.
I know I've owned more wheels than many. Which is pretty handy, since I want to teach spinning and help others love the craft. I have first-hand knowledge of many brands and makes of wheels. Of course, spinning wheels are kind of like cars. They all do the same job, but each person has her or his own preferences in style, function, and size.
My favorite wheels are still with me - the others have moved on to new homes. I've regretted selling some. If I could have them back I would! (And I still have a "wish list" of a couple of wheels that I hope to own someday).
Like anything, spinning took me hook, line, and treadle. I became what some would call compulsive about everything to do with spinning. People who know me are not surprised by this character trait. It can be a lot of fun to jump in with both feet! It can also be a little, well...compulsive.
I know I've owned more wheels than many. Which is pretty handy, since I want to teach spinning and help others love the craft. I have first-hand knowledge of many brands and makes of wheels. Of course, spinning wheels are kind of like cars. They all do the same job, but each person has her or his own preferences in style, function, and size.
My favorite wheels are still with me - the others have moved on to new homes. I've regretted selling some. If I could have them back I would! (And I still have a "wish list" of a couple of wheels that I hope to own someday).
Wyatt Pegasus and Schacht 40th Anniversary Matchless
These two wheels make a lovely pair and are amazing machines. The big wheel is the highly sought-after Wyatt Pegasus. Made by Bill Wyatt, who died a few years ago, they are incredibly well-balanced and carefully crafted. Bill was a former bush pilot in Alaska before moving to Texas, and a sweet guy. We spent a lot of time visiting on the phone about spinning wheels and the state of the world. Like other wheel makers, he maintained a waiting list for his wheels. The Pegasus was the most popular model, and I needed on with the flyer on the right. Unfortunately, he died before he got to my name on the list.
Then, I cast my fishing line out on the internet, and a spinner contacted me wanting to sell her wheel. I pounced! The wheel was at the time only set up with a spindle, not with flyer and bobbins. Myles Jakubowski, Mr. Wyatt's apprentice, fashioned a beautiful flyer and bobbins set up for my wheel, and it came to me last year.
The Pegasus is made of mesquite wood and is very regal...and spins like a dream. The drive wheel is 30", and once you start treadling, it moves with very little effort. A work of art and engineering! I am fortunate to have one of these wheels.
The 40th Anniversary Cherry Matchless was produced in limited quantity by Schacht Spindle Company (Boulder, CO). At the time of their production, I talked myself out of purchasing one. But last year I decided that I wanted one and again put out internet feelers. This wheel was brand new, and still in a spinning shop on the east coast. She came to live with me several months ago and I LOVE IT.
Then, I cast my fishing line out on the internet, and a spinner contacted me wanting to sell her wheel. I pounced! The wheel was at the time only set up with a spindle, not with flyer and bobbins. Myles Jakubowski, Mr. Wyatt's apprentice, fashioned a beautiful flyer and bobbins set up for my wheel, and it came to me last year.
The Pegasus is made of mesquite wood and is very regal...and spins like a dream. The drive wheel is 30", and once you start treadling, it moves with very little effort. A work of art and engineering! I am fortunate to have one of these wheels.
The 40th Anniversary Cherry Matchless was produced in limited quantity by Schacht Spindle Company (Boulder, CO). At the time of their production, I talked myself out of purchasing one. But last year I decided that I wanted one and again put out internet feelers. This wheel was brand new, and still in a spinning shop on the east coast. She came to live with me several months ago and I LOVE IT.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Pomegranate Blossom
This is a Navajo-plied bobbin of four ounces of gorgeous Polworth wool, from Intothewhirled Fiber Art. She if offering colorways each month. This is "Pomegranate Blossom", the second in the series. It's really great to follow her group on Ravelry and see how different everyone's yarns are!
Some Yarnie Goodness
Here is a photo showcasing many skeins of handspun yarn. I created many of these over the course of two years recreational spinning, and one week of intense production spinning! I have so much to learn, but one thing I know for certain is how happy I feel when I see all this yarn.
Time to Post Some Photos
I have several days of blog posts to make up, so I decided to do.just.one and see how it goes! Maybe it'll put me in the mood to get many more done.
I have been very busy lately with my fiber and supplies. I've been spinning every day, sorting through the PILES downstairs, getting rid of unwanted furniture, buying some items for my booth at the upcoming Saturday market this summer...whew! LOTS going on.
Several days ago I spent hours in the mother-in-law apartment (my studio!) cleaning and getting set up for some serious production. I still have a long way to go, but I am really happy with how it is shaping up. You need to understand, that my "studio" has always been a dumping ground for boxes of stuff, supplies, piles, etc...and has never been organized. Now that I am starting a small business it's time to do it!
The studio, or apartment, is the bottom level of our home. Technically it is a one bedroom apartment, but in actuality there are two rooms - one is finished, one is not. The unfinished room is my husband's workshop. At least it will be once we get it set up! Here he'll be able to putter and work on his projects, like the BMW restoration in the garage (right outside the workshop door!) and building that Martin guitar he bought the kit for years ago.
I digress. To get into the studio, you can either come downstairs from the house into the garage, and then through his workshop and into the studio. Or, you can enter from the outside. Once in the studio, you'll find a kitchen with microwave, cooktop and oven, fridge, sink, and cupboards. There is also a bathroom with a bathtub (hooray!) and a washer and dryer. There is space for a dinette, too, or any small table. One large bedroom, and a living room area complete the studio. Oh, and just off the living room is a patio area with double doors. It is south facing so it gets a lot of light when the sun is shining.
I have been very busy lately with my fiber and supplies. I've been spinning every day, sorting through the PILES downstairs, getting rid of unwanted furniture, buying some items for my booth at the upcoming Saturday market this summer...whew! LOTS going on.
Several days ago I spent hours in the mother-in-law apartment (my studio!) cleaning and getting set up for some serious production. I still have a long way to go, but I am really happy with how it is shaping up. You need to understand, that my "studio" has always been a dumping ground for boxes of stuff, supplies, piles, etc...and has never been organized. Now that I am starting a small business it's time to do it!
The studio, or apartment, is the bottom level of our home. Technically it is a one bedroom apartment, but in actuality there are two rooms - one is finished, one is not. The unfinished room is my husband's workshop. At least it will be once we get it set up! Here he'll be able to putter and work on his projects, like the BMW restoration in the garage (right outside the workshop door!) and building that Martin guitar he bought the kit for years ago.
I digress. To get into the studio, you can either come downstairs from the house into the garage, and then through his workshop and into the studio. Or, you can enter from the outside. Once in the studio, you'll find a kitchen with microwave, cooktop and oven, fridge, sink, and cupboards. There is also a bathroom with a bathtub (hooray!) and a washer and dryer. There is space for a dinette, too, or any small table. One large bedroom, and a living room area complete the studio. Oh, and just off the living room is a patio area with double doors. It is south facing so it gets a lot of light when the sun is shining.
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