| Author |
Stitching & Crafting Room:  WOO HOO I'm spinning now!!!  |
|
justbe
Farmgirl in Training
48 Posts
Kris
Garland
Texas
USA
48 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 01 2010 : 05:50:55 AM
|
Karen-
So happy and excited for you!!! You go Girl. That is on my list of things to learn.
cheers-
Kris |
 |
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2010 : 2:19:24 PM
|
I once got to spin on a Wee Peggy when I was at a show many years ago - tons of fun and I know what you mean. I have had my Ashford Joy for 14 years now and I am still mastering all that it can do.
Thought I might give a heads up that on the Marketplace forum I have a post about a giveaway on my blog - a skein of hand dyed, hand spun yarn - all the details are there. Just a heads up...
Keep those wheels spinning.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
|
|
|
|
coloquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Susan
Co
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2010 : 3:55:22 PM
|
Hi Karen ,
I too am a beginning spinner ..I collected antique spinning wheels and their accessories for years and always wanted to learn. I stumbled upon a local group of ladies that have a knitting group but there are 3 experienced spinners in the group ! We meet Monday evenings and I alternate bringing my wheel and my needles.( had to learn to knit so I could so something with all that future yarn !)My Hubby bought me an Ashford traditional for Christmas. It is previously loved but it's perfect for me to learn on !
I can see where this is going to lead ..I have to learn to dye, and I really think I need to have an assortment of fiber animals !
Susan |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 11:34:36 AM
|
Oh Susan did I miss where you are in Colorado. I hate to say but I am typing like a mad women in the nearest library 25 miles from my farm because my computer again got fried by lightening...
I love the Ashford Traditional - had a couple but finally sold them in my shop to some lovely ladies who learned to spin on them. Your right it does take you down a path that is wonderful and never ending. You will need to have a few of my Cashmere and Angora Goats - great fiber but even nicer friends...
Enjoy the journey it is pure joy.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
|
|
|
|
Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 2:54:30 PM
|
oh grace just went to your blog and OMG how beautiful your yarns are!!!!!!
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
|
|
|
coloquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Susan
Co
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 8:23:10 PM
|
Hi Grace,
I live in the NW corner of Co..I looked at your blog !I Love fiber !! I keep telling my hubby that the horses would LOVE and alpaca to keep them company .I live on 30 acres but my subdivision has restrictions and things like goats and sheep arent allowed.One of my knitter friends lives on a ranch and has a few cordiale sheep. I found an article on a fiber CSA and am trying to convince her that we could do it.
I have been collecting wool make a wool quilt and had already become interested in learing over dyeing so I can see dyeing quilt fabric and roving in my future !
Susan |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 07:36:55 AM
|
Susan I lived in that kind of set up when my husband passed - the homeowners association changed the rules to horses only and we had two llamas - so when they pushed the issue after my husbands death I sold the 5 acres and huge house and purchased this 35 acre place, log home and went to work. Over 200 head of exotic fiber animals - llamas, alpacas,sheep, goats and started my fiber business. Life changes and you never know where you might end up.
Doing dyeing is a great business - For many years I had felt made from my wool and then handpainted it - sold it all over the country and did very well with it. I still do custom felt work for folks. I love dyeing fiber, yarns, fabric and just about anything including my hands. Just finished dyeing some sea cell, bamboo and silk rovings. Last night I packaged up my new dyed silk rods and cocoons - so there is always dye pots bubbling away here - it is great fun.
If I can help in anyway just let me know...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
|
|
|
|
coloquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Susan
Co
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 11:12:55 AM
|
Good Morning Grace and all you other Farm Girls.
I wish my hubby was was in the same frame of mind that I am ! We have a huge log house and a ton of antiques and STUFF. I want to simplify !! I want a small house and BIG barn full of fiber animals ! (Lord I just looked out my window to see my golden retrievers swimming in the pond..gonna have to have baths again today )I want to live where I dont have to hide my clothesline because the neighbors will gripe if they see clothes on the line .I just wanna grow veggies play with fabric and fibers .
I saw an ad channel 9 for the Larkspur festival. I bet you will be there with your fibers !
Well I guess I had better get moving..I have to pop into work for a few minutes . |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2010 : 07:21:53 AM
|
Oh I must admit I have lived in Colorado all my life and never ventured to the festival. For years they wanted me to bring animals and my wears - to sit and spin and talk to folks. I had no problem with doing that except they would not agree to giving my animals time away from the public, they would not allow me to give them certain shade requirements and such - so I said NO!!! My animals come first in everything. Besides if I expose them to the general public and I am 100% Organic - the sweet things have to be placed away from all the others for 6 months - that is like placing a human in jail for 60 years without human contact - it is not what I wish to subject my furry family members too....
I too have a log home but not huge but way too big for me. I want to get even smaller like a yurt or such. Again that is just where my life is going. Not what everyone would wish but I am working on really scaling back.
I finished this morning dyeing silk hankies and silk cocoons. I placed on my etsy some new dyed silk rods and fiber - Shearing is this weekend so I will be to busy to spin but sure would love to see what you all might be up to - Tonight I might be making more felt nips to add into my next felt batts..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
|
|
|
|
KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2010 : 11:40:43 AM
|
Oh Grace,I couldn't do that to your fur babies either!
Karen
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
Edited by - KarenP on Jun 05 2010 12:13:13 PM |
|
|
|
Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2010 : 1:03:26 PM
|
I won't take my animals to fair either. people always want me to but I just won't do it. I saw some people feeding a goat one year some cotton candy and so I know that the public has no idea what I want for my goat or sheep. no way are they getting close to the public. I had a goat last year that I sold to another lady who always takes her animals to fair and it won 1st place in showmanship and it was a bottle baby of mine so I was proud. but it was not a fiber goat. today I am soaking my nigora wool , so I am starting to get my wool washed to start carding and then I am going to borrow my sisters wheel so I can learn to spin. so wish me lots of luck!!!! hehehehehe bev
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
|
|
|
KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 05 2010 : 3:13:32 PM
|
Here are my singles I've spun this past week or so.
Finding roving locally seems to be tougher than I thought.
I think if I want fleece to wash, card, and dye myself I might have better luck, but I'm not sure I ready to go that far, yet anyway.
I'll have to check around with the spinners in Eau Claire and Menomonie next week and see if they are getting their roving locally.
I'm thinking this might be a great past time. I'll just have to find a good outlet for roving.
Karen
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
|
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
|
|
KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2010 : 10:27:22 AM
|
Oh my, I stopped at a friend's gift and floral shop today, I told them I just started spinning and they were so excited.
Our downtown association is having an Arts and Crafts fair next month and she asked me to set up outside her shop and spin.
Now realize I'm about a green as it gets to spinning, but I told her... sure why not. ouy!
I don't think this has sunk in yet me, spinning in public....but the Babe Fiber Starter is not problem taking along.
Hopefully I won't disrespect the real spinners out there.
Boy, now I have an excuse to buy roving...GREEN LIGHT!
Karen
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2010 : 1:16:02 PM
|
Karen how exciting - I love spinning in public and remember about 99% of them have never spun so you are light years away from them. I found if you are in love with what you are doing you will capture those around you and spread the love....
You will have to tell us all about it. If you give me a day or two I can tempt you with some incredible new batts and blends I have been working on... I love tempting folks.
Congrat's and have fun...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
|
|
|
|
KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2010 : 2:56:01 PM
|
Thanks Grace,I'll need to get some roving to take with me!
Any suggestions for the demo day,should I be doing some bright colors to attract attention?
Karen
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
|
|
|
windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4560 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4560 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 05:00:58 AM
|
Karen, what day is your arts and crafts fair? I would love to be able to make it down there. Check out the fiber that the girls offer on this web site. They sure have beautiful colors.
Good luck, and you have a month to practice!! YOu will do great.
Michele |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 09:00:51 AM
|
Karen here are a few suggestions that I found works. I have sweet baskets with first raw fiber, then that fiber dyed, then it ready to spin and finished yarn of that same fiber - that way folks get to see the stages we go thru. Then I spin what is called my show yarn which is bright cheerful colors with a east to draft staple length that way I can look in the people's Eyes while I spin. You can also maybe have some dog fiber which everyone knows dog and a sample of that spun. Bring as many samples as you can because folks are drawn to different things. Also, plenty of cards, hand outs of services and products, classes and open houses you will have - a cheerful smile, plenty of water and things to nibble on because you do not want to get hungry and grumpy. I also pick clothing that will show off the yarn and that you will not be restricted in - sounds simple but trust me if you are sitting for 8 hours you want to breath and relax. You will have a ball and wished I was closer because spinning for the public can be tons of fun.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
|
|
|
|
KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 10:11:02 AM
|
Michele, I think I was told July 10th, I'll double check that.
As always Grace, good advise! Thank you!
I thought I get a hold of the spinning guilds in Eau Claire and Menomonie and ask if they have any cards or handouts.
Also we have a yarn shop in Eau Claire--Yellow Dog Knitting, who carries a small amount of fiber and is a dealer for Ashford.
I could see if she whats to put anything out. I guess I was thinking mainly informational stuff if someone wants to pursue further they could.
I don't belong to any guilds or anything at the moment.
I really like showing the different stages of the wool, Grace you'll have to help me with what to show and how to explain.
PLEASE!
Karen
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2010 : 07:13:36 AM
|
Karen I do not know much about your set up - do you own fiber animals or know someone who does?? What I do is have a picture of the animal, then I have in a basket their raw fiber that I have shorn by hand. Then in the next basket I have half the amount washed and half carded so folks can see the difference in what it looks like from the animal to my hands. Next basket would have have the same amount of fiber dyed (I do some complicated dyeing so it really has a different look from where it starts) and then in the same basket with that same dye pattern I have spun yarn and I also make a felt piece so those who sew or do needlework and beading can imagine useing my goodies. I know that is sounds like alot but that really gives folks a great view of what I do - I usually make this once a year to use as my set up for the year unless I get tired of those samples then I change out. Since I do this for a living I must admit I have access to tons of fiber and I have fiber animals at my farm so I am never without fiber or insiration.
If you give me a bit more to go on with what you do and have around I would gladly assist in any way I can.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
|
|
|
|
Lorie Marler
True Blue Farmgirl
265 Posts
Lorie
Guymon
Ok
USA
265 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2010 : 08:50:30 AM
|
Way to go!! I want to learn to spin too but have way too much ahead of it.
I love the bucket list idea Angie! I Guess I had a mental one but never thought of it like that! Spinning is on my bucket list too right before leatherworking and knitting.
http://bikerbunniesrabbitry.webs.com |
|
|
|
KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2010 : 3:07:01 PM
|
Hooray! I found someone selling fiber about 1 hour from me.
I bought some and started spinning some, very nice...
She was very helpful and I had her all to myself! for 2 hours!
I can see housework isn't going to get done again today.
Grace, I need get going on some fiber from you.
I want to make sure I have some for July 10. downtown spinning session!
Karen
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 06:22:13 AM
|
I love what your spinning - what is it??? I am always eager to assist in anyway I can and love getting folks hooked on spinning. I tell folks you never have to dust if every surface is covered with fiber and yarn.... I just finished some batts Saturday that are Alpaca, Mohair, Merino, Cormo, and Bamboo. I am going to hopefully get them up on the blog and Etsy by tonight. I have not named them yet but they remind me of rubber ducks in a bathtub.... I also spent time stringing sequins to ply with a yarn that I just finished spinning - it is a lovely shade of corals and so I think the white sequins will make it look like a coral reef.
Keep spinning and let me know what I can do to assist.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
|
|
|
|
KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2010 : 09:29:12 AM
|
This one was 65% wool and 35% mohair.
I love the color and will ply it with the darker greens I got from shepherds festival in May.
I hope it will be pretty.
This was wool from her own animals, dyed and sent out to have carded.
I bought 8 oz of it!
Karen
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
|
|
|
KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 3:30:23 PM
|
Here is what I spun...
and those plied together ended up with this...
Well I got a great surprise today!
The fibers I ordered from Grace arrived!!!!
oooh... this will be fun to spin, beautiful colors!
Grace has amazing fibers!
Count me as HAPPY!
Karen
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
|
|
|
Stitching & Crafting Room: WOO HOO I'm spinning now!!! |
|
WOO HOO I'm spinning now!!!
