Talybont Show

I've been meaning to blog about this for a while, but I've been rather preoccupied with other things - and now, nearly two months have passed since this photo was taken.  Anyway, this is me, spinning in an increasingly muddy field at Talybont show.  I was there to represent the Ceredigion Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, and I was a bit nervous about spinning in public as I'd only been doing it for two months at this point.  I needn't have worried though; I seemed to have a near-constant audience all day, everyone interested in the process of spinning and how a sliver could become a length of yarn so easily.  Surprisingly (for me), the best part was talking to the children that stopped by, because they were asking really interesting, probing questions; I let every one of them have a go, and if I've inspired just one of them to think about wool in a different way, then my job is done.

The hardest part though was spinning in my shoes.  I'm one of those people that likes to spin barefoot because I can really feel the treadles moving beneath my feet.  Having shoes on obstructs that process, and made me feel totally disconnected from the spinning, and that showed in the yarn that I produced.  It's a salutory lesson.  Your gut instinct never lies.

Fair Isle Rapids (2)

Fair Isle Rapids: 2.5 pattern repeats

Fair Isle Rapids: stranding on the back

Chart work

Being a novice chart reader, there are two things that I've just discovered:

Chart markers: fripperiesnbibelots

1. Using a chart makes knitting so much easier!  Once you've got the symbols sorted in your head, you really do fly along each pattern line.  Yes, you'll be knitting slower to begin with, but all of a sudden, it becomes second nature.  I've been very hesitant about following charts, but all the things I want to make require this skill, so it was time to be brave.  Start with something fairly simple, and within no time, you'll wonder why you were fearful.
2. Pattern safes / chart readers are a must!  The more complicated the pattern, the more likely it is that you'll lose your place, or inadvertently repeat the wrong line.  I've been struggling to keep my place by balancing a piece of paper under each relevant line, but that's fiddly, particularly when you're also working with multiple balls of yarn, or, like me, enjoy knitting in the car.  I've been told that Post-Its work quite well, but their stickiness diminishes rapidly if you're placing and re-placing the square every few minutes.  The answer is quite simple: pattern safes / chart readers.  In essence, they're like bookmarks, held in place by a couple of magnets - and these ones, by Fripperies & Bibelots, are just perfect.

Fair Isle Rapids

Fair Isle Rapids
Originally uploaded by knitlab

This is my latest project (the photo, the scarf and the design all belong to Kieran Foley, whose work I've admired for a long time). I downloaded the pattern and bought the yarn over a year ago, but didn't feel that confident about starting the work as it required the use of a few skills that I didn't yet have - stranding, M1R / M1L and working from a chart being just three.

One year down the line and I knew the time had come to just dive in (if you'll pardon the pun). Fortunately, I made a test swatch - something I'm normally loathe to do - and I messed it up completely as the yarns became twisted and very messy at the back. So I ripped it all out, kept the blue yarn on my right, the biscuit on my left, used English style knitting on my right, Continental style on my left, and it's all coming along a treat! The undulation is developing beautifully, and the back is now mercifully tidy; three pattern repeats now done, only 17 to go.

I'm so glad that I decided to start this, as stranding and Fair Isle are two techniques that I really want to employ in my work. It's no secret that I've long been a fan of Kaffe Fassett, and if I'm ever going to be able to produce work as colourful as his, then both techniques are going to be essential.

I'll take some photos of my progress this afternoon, and put them up on Ravelry. And I think I'm going to start dreaming of the other colourways that I can use to make this scarf; a graduated one in purples and blues would be lovely, with a dark grey background/border: mmmmm!

Finished objects

Finished objects
Originally uploaded by SaraLeeBranch

Some more finished objects! There's a range of handspun (though not spun by me) and commercial yarns here; also knitting and crochet.

Finished objects

Finished objects
Originally uploaded by SaraLeeBranch

Just a few of my finished objects. These are lightweight scarves - the top ones have been knitted using bamboo and utilise a number of different stitches; the lower ones are feather-and-fan / Old Shale and fishtail lace, using Colinette's Banyan yarn.

Start wearing purple!

Purples
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Here's my latest spinning project; a purple merino and silk mix. The darker colour is a purple merino and silk blend from Wingham, and I've plied it with a hyacinth coloured merino that I bought on eBay. I started this last week at Talybont show, and finished it this afternoon; all I need to do now is set the ply, and it'll be ready for knitting. It's incredibly soft, as you'd expect, and it's made a lovely variegated yarn - I hope it knits up nicely.

Jombolom at Poll an Staimh

Jombolom at Poll an Staimh
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

I've just spent a few days on the Isle of Skye, where the light was so perfect that I couldn't resist snapping a photograph of one of my Noro scarves on the shore.

My mother (sitting), Shan y Lliwdy and Bontfaen maid

My mother (sitting), Shan y Lliwdy and Bontfaen maid
Originally uploaded by LlGC ~ NLW

One of my favourite photographs in the collection. Yes, it's stereotypical, but again, it's one of John Thomas' works, so it's a reflection of the people he found on his travels.

The idea of knitting in Wales intrigues me. We're known for our sheep, our wool, our weaving, but I've yet to find evidence of a knitting tradition akin to that of Scotland and Ireland. There are occasional patterns that come from Wales, but apart from that - nothing. Was our knitting tradition simply functional? I think it very strange. If you know otherwise, please let me know.

Penmachno Woollen Mill

Penmachno Woollen Mill
Originally uploaded by LlGC ~ NLW

Another photograph from my locale; Penmachno woollen mill is in the next valley from where I grew up, and sits alongside the young Conwy river. It's now been turned into 'residential units', so I believe, which is a shame, because its woollen products were famous - though perhaps eclipsed by those of the nearby mill in Trefriw.

Taken in 1952, this photograph is stunning. I love how the light falls across the fabric, and picks out the warp threads above. I wanted to post this because I'm off to the National Wool Museum tomorrow, and with any luck, I'll know a bit more about this whole process by the evening.

Newtown Women's Institute knitting comforts for the troops

Newtown Women's Institute knitting comforts for the troops
Originally uploaded by LlGC ~ NLW

If ever there was a craft-based photograph that would make me smile, this is it! As the note says, this is David Lewis, helping the war effort in Newtown. He's wearing a balaclava of his own creating; do you think the women are smiling at that, or the novelty of his being the only male knitter in the town? In any event, it's a joyous photograph, and I love it.

Capel Garmon natives

Capel Garmon natives
Originally uploaded by LlGC ~ NLW

I'm sure most of you know where I work from day-to-day, and although I'm not directly involved with any of our collections, I occasionally stumble across a gem that catches my eye, and makes me think about my crafting work. Here's one.

John Thomas was a photographer who travelled around Wales simply documenting what he saw. Capel Garmon isn't all that far from where I grew up in North Wales, but I associate it with an amazing burial chamber, rather than wool work. This photograph is arresting, though; there's a look of determination on each face, and you know that these women are industrious and hard-working. When I look at this photograph, I wonder whether they were producing wool and fabric for themselves and their families, or did they sell their products in the shop behind them? You can see bolts of fabric there, and a woven rug, so it's not impossible - but who knows?

There are a couple of other photographs that I want to share with you; sit back and enjoy!

Calum and Sky

Calum and Sky
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

I've always been fascinated with tartan, but I know practically nothing about it. Going to my cousin's wedding last month, I was reminded what an amazing fabric it produces; most of the men were wearing kilts in a variety of tartans - this picture here shows Calum wearing the MacKenzie Clan tartan, which is entirely fitting.

I've just found the website of the Tartan Authority, and I've been fascinated with the resources listed there, and all the information that it contains.  I think my favourite is the article about designing tartans - have a look at the genius that is the Financial Times tartan! - and whilst I don't think I'll ever do this for real, I can imagine how much fun it must be to play around with graph paper and felt tips!

Real Men Knit

You've probably all seen this, and I'm sure I'm woefully behind in hearing about it, but this is wonderful:

Real Men Knit

Useful fonts

Thank you to Claire for the heads-up on these two very useful fonts: StitchinKnit(Tm) and StitchinCrochet(Tm).  I haven't yet started writing my own patterns, but when I do, I think these will be invaluable.

Saturday is light blue

Light blue merino and silk mix
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Last month, I attended my first meeting of the Ceredigion Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, a society that meets once a month in Aberaeron. After buying my wheel, I knew within a couple of days that I wanted to join the Guild, as it's the best way that I'm going to learn the craft; my first meeting confirmed this as a good move. From the moment that I arrived, I was welcomed with enthusiasm, introduced to all the members, and showered with advice and encouragement.

The Guild is wonderful. The meetings are held in the Community Hall, which also houses the Guild's well-stocked library. There's a bring-and-buy stall (stocking plants, equipment and fleeces), as well as a bookstall, but the most important aspect is the cameraderie. I was invited to sit with the Joy spinners, and within no time I had a crowd of people clustering around me, just saying hello and inspecting my work (in nothing but a friendly way, of course). I felt as though I was fitting in straight away, and, my confidence bolstered, I decided to move onto some more adventurous spinning when I got home. This photo is the product of the next day's work.

Not only that, but I was amazed at the variety of skills and talents that surround me here in Ceredigion. Rural crafts really are alive - nay thriving - and that's such an inspiration.

The next Guild meeting will be held next Saturday, when we'll be visiting the National Wool Museum, a place that I love very much: I can't wait!

Noro Scarf VII

Noro Scarf VII
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

I've been at it with the Noro again. Well, I can't really help it because, as I've said before, it's so soft when you work it and the colour changes are wonderfully unpredictable. I made this scarf - my seventh - earlier this year, but I've only just decided who's going to receive it. They're a little bit special, and it takes some thought before I know who needs to own one.

This colourway is relatively masculine - not too much; just enough. It's going to its new home tomorrow.

Truism

Celui qui se perd dans sa passion a moins perdu que celui qui perd sa passion.  (Alexandre Jardin, Le roman des Jardin)

Spinning: 30 Mehefin / June 2010

Spinning: 30 Mehefin / June 2010
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Yesterday, I took possession of a box of goodies from Shiela's shop, including some carders, power scour and toolkit for my wheel. I'd also bought The Ashford Book of Hand Spinning by Jo Reeve, and it's a revelation. I've learnt how to combat twist (tread more slowly), how to regulate my drafting so that it's more even, and the different kinds of yarns that be spun. I couldn't wait to delve back in, so I headed for my stash of roving, and this is the result. You can see a teensy bit of overtwist there, but that's because I'd let go of the yarn to take the photo! I'm delighted that it's coming together so nicely, and I'm feeling more confident about joining the Ceredigion Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers next week.

A History of the World in 100 Objects

I've been following The British Museum and BBC's A History of the World in 100 Objects series with much interest, and imagine my joy - literally - when I found this contribution that was submitted by The Devon Show! That's my wheel! I'm not surprised that it was added...

Blended yarn

Blended yarn
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

I've had a hectic couple of days, so today was put aside for concentrating on learning to spin properly. Of course, it's going to take a while before I manage to produce a smooth, even yarn, but even today's effort was much better than Friday's. I've learnt that the key to good spinning is to relax one's posture, to draft - or tease - the fibres gently yet firmly, and to control the twist with the right hand; not easy when you're a beginner, but it clicked soon enough.

I started with some merino, which was lovely and smooth, but I got too much twist into it. Learning fast, I then turned to some Corridale, which was quite difficult to draft, but made a lovely dark brown yarn. Then it was back to some merino, in purple this time, and that spun quickly and smoothly. I've now plied the Corriedale and merino together, and I just need to set it. I'm really pleased with the resulting yarn (even if the colours are a bit iffy together); it's a little bit slubby, but that will add texture, and there's quite a lot of it, which was a bit of a surprise.

So, where to next? I'm going to practice, practice, practice, until I really know what I'm doing, and having fun with different colour blends. And then I get to knit it all up, of course :)

Blueberry Angoras

Blueberry Angoras
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

The idea of spending Friday in Pembrokeshire, my favourite county, had begun formulating earlier in the week when I'd found out that Blueberry Angoras is located right on the border with Ceredigion, about an hour's drive away. I'd been getting my head clear about buying a spinning wheel, and although their website has no information about prices, I thought it would be a good idea to go along, meet the people, and ask about wheels and courses. And, more to the point, they're in Pembrokeshire. 'Nuff said.

The welcome we received was warm, and unexpected. As soon as I stepped through the door, Sylvia flicked the kettle on, and sat me down to talk about wheels and looms. Before I knew it, she'd set up a Joy wheel for me, and started me spinning, and within 10 minutes she had me plying a sample of yarn; I was so thrilled!

And I discovered something astonishing. When I was at Wonderwool Wales a couple of months ago, the first thing that I saw when I entered the building was a lady sitting in the coffee area, spinning some wool. She looked so content that I went over to talk to her - don't ask me why; it's not something that I'd normally do, and I certainly knew nothing about spinning at that point. She explained to me that she'd bought the wheel as a present for herself, and I remarked that it looked like such a joy to use - and she exclaimed, "That's what it's called!" I was invited to try it, but I was so scared that I'd mess up her beautiful work that I declined, and was happy to just watch her instead. This was the moment that I decided that I had to learn to spin. And Sylvia told me that she knew who this woman was, and that she'd bought the wheel from her that weekend: small world...

Having decided that I was going to buy a Joy, Sylvia then showed me how to card some wool, and explained about the different looms that she has, and I've promised to go back for a weaving lesson. And I really couldn't resist buying some angora whilst I was there, and decided on some glorious raspberry and heather yarn.

This was such a wonderful experience. Sylvia was very patient and generous with her time, and I would have been completely lost without her help. I can't wait to go back!

Knitted flowers

Knitted flowers
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

I've owned Lesley Stanfield's 100 flowers to crochet and knit for a while, but haven't really felt brave enough to tackle any of the projects. However, having seen Sue2's brooches at the weekend, I thought it was high time that I gave it a go. Using Sirdar's Balmoral DK in Clarence Pink and Polo Pink, I started with the dahlia and moved on to the floribunda rose and I'm really happy with the way they've turned out. I originally considered felting them, but I think I'm going to leave them as they are, as they're quite big and blowsy.

I think the most realistic flowers in this book are those that have been crocheted, so I'll need to dust off my crochet hooks and get going with some of them. I'd like to add them to the bottom of some of my scarves, or needlefelt them into some of my other creations - the possibilities are endless!

Brooches

Brooches
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Yesterday afternoon I spent a lovely hour or so at the Festival of Quirks and Crafts in Pontrhydfendigaid. I had no idea what to expect, but I'm such a sucker for this kind of thing; I love looking at what other crafters are doing and we usually end up having a good chat.

The festival itself was quite small, but there were plenty of activities going on, not all of them totally PC ('Button Sewing', 'Ironing a shirt' or 'Man Carrying a Woman Race' anyone?). How 'Coin Snatching' actually manifests is anyone's guess, but I suppose this constitutes the 'quirk'...

I was delighted to find a wood turner there and with any luck he'll be making some buttons and pins for me, and I could have spent the whole afternoon with the hawks and owls. The stall that really caught my eye, though, was Sue2; she makes lovely knitted and felted items, and I couldn't resist buying these flower brooches and a brooch-making kit. I'll be having a good look at the website later on - and I'd urge you to do the same (go on! You know you want to!)

Ribbons

Ribbons
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

The past month has provided a number of opportunities for stocking up on some new supplies. I bought these ribbons at the Urdd Eisteddfod, and these ribbons from the Toko Gallery in Aberystwyth. My original intention was to combine them with my knitting - by threading them through some of my lace scarves - but I think this is going to be overkill. I've had a bit of a re-think and I'm going to incorporate some of them into my cards - to find out how, then you're going to have to wait to see :)

Somehow, I think Sue is going to approve of my latest purchases.

Silk and Bamboo

IMG_1660
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

This was a little bit of an experiment. I've been making lots of Spring/Summer scarves using bamboo, which is just such a delight to knit, and I thought I'd try to add a bit of texture to one of them. I've added silk to both ends, one by combining it with the bamboo, the other by just knitting on in the chunky thread. About half-way along, I've added a panel of thinner silk, which really shows off the stitch pattern. The silks came from Oliver Twist, who had a stall at the Wonderwool Wales festival, and I've got another six hanks to experiment with.

Anglesey Project

Anglesey Project
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Another recent project. This is handspun, hand-dyed yarn, this time from Felt Studio UK. Again, it was a lovely, soft yarn to work, and I thought the colourway would make a long-ish, fairly narrow scarf. The added sparkle plied in with the yarn lifts it to being a glam-ish item, and the dyed lengths make nicely spaced colour changes. It's a fun item, and I really rather like it :)

Lascaux

Lascaux
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Here's a little neckwarmer that I made yesterday. I bought some glorious Blue Faced Leicester handspun, handpainted yarn from Spinning Streak, and had just enough of it to make something small. It was such a joy to knit, not only because it had been plied with some silk and felt so glorious, but the colours are just divine. I love artisan yarns because it's just such a thrill to look at how the colours are developing as you work. That this yarn is called Lascaux is just icing on the cake.

Now I need a couple of buttons to finish it off. I'm very specific about this; I want some little turquoise wooden toggles - shaped like claws. I may have to wait a very long time before I find the right ones, but that's ok.

Cardiau / Cards

Cardiau
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

These were the very first items that I developed and sold, so, inevitably, they're the last that I blog about! I started making cards about 4 years ago, but they were nothing more than an occasional hobby and I certainly didn't think about selling them at that point. My first designs utilised oriental papers, but over time I've used scanned (licensed) images, stickers, stamps (both off-the-peg and commissioned) and the occasional photograph. I try to use recycled and recyclable materials (for example, the 'cellophane' wrappers are in fact compostable sleeves), and each card is unique.

I currently sell some of the cards on Etsy, but to be honest, it's not really the most efficient way of doing it because it involves photographing and describing each individual card, and that's very, very time-consuming. My cards are also available from the National Library of Wales, Toko or direct from me.

Drop Spindle

Drop Spindle
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

My latest foray into yarncraft. I'd seen various drop spindles at the Wonderwool Wales event last month, but was far too weighed down with other purchases to really justify buying one. I browsed about online, and found this great combination that arrived this morning; armed with this and a couple of online tutorials and I think I shall be away in no time. As it happens, I have quite a lot of roving stashed away that I bought for some felting work that I wanted to do; I might spin it instead.

Kidsilk Haze

Kidsilk Haze
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Another lovely find! I have tens of knitting and crochet books that I keep for inspiration; I don't necessarily want to make everything within them, but they often have tips about tricky yarns, interesting ways of combining techniques and beautiful colour arrangements that you might not normally consider.

I've been a bit fearful of using Rowan kidsilk haze because it's very fine and it sheds like crazy, but I really like its ethereal quality. I bought this book yesterday because it's had nothing but positive reviews (and I admit that I really like the colour of the mittens on the cover too!) and it's truly delicious. There's a section on using this yarn, on combining it with other yarns, and little tips that should make it a joy to use. And for once, I really, really want to make most of the items featured inside.

Barbara G. Walker

Barbara G. Walker
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Barbara G Walker has to be the fount of all knowledge on knitting stitches and patterns. No matter where I look, she's always quoted as providing information about this or that pattern, which has subsequently been adapted by a more contemporary designer. But - oh my goodness! - if you're trying to find copies, they're all horribly expensive! Fortunately, I've found the two volumes that I really want to consult in a local library, and AbeBooks had a couple of reasonably-priced copies that I've just bought.

These are wonderful books, and utterly essential for every knitter. I'd even go so far as to say that if you have these, you won't need to buy any other kind of stitch compendium. There are so many patterns that I want to try to replicate in my scarves, so I think I'm going to be busy for a little while yet.

SecretPostClub May / Mai 2010

SecretPostClub May / Mai 2010
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

This was the first month in which I'd participated in the Secret Post Club, and wasn't quite sure what to expect. I get a bit nervous about things like this because I feel I'm never going to follow the rules properly or will send something that the other person will loathe - but if you don't venture, you won't gain, right?

Anyway, I needn't have worried. Mrs Shilts seemed to like the things that I sent her (and if she didn't, then she was very gracious about it!), and my parcel, from carolinesweetie hit all the right buttons: chocolate? Tick. Fudge? Tick. Lavender bathsalts? Tick. Bookmark? Tick! Yes, yes, yes, on all counts! Thank you both for making my first month so memorable, and on we go towards June!

Chickens!

Somerset knitters knit jumpers for bald chickens.

Fishtail

Fishtail
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

I seem to be doing a lot of knitting at the moment, even though some of those projects are a bit hit-and-miss (I've frogged more than I care to count). However, my stock seems to be selling well at the National Library of Wales, and I'll be taking some more items in tomorrow. This is one of my latest creations - a fishtail lace scarf made using Colinette yarn. The colourway is beautiful, and I've been very tempted to keep this for myself, but no - to the shop it will go! I've put up pictures of the other scarves here - enjoy!