tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29392625691436815472024-02-19T03:47:52.716+00:00jombolomjombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-65583284159523781412011-06-19T22:12:00.000+01:002011-06-19T22:12:33.411+01:00WeekendersMy intentions were <i>excellent.</i> I was going to make a folk doll. I was going to spin some wool. I was going to dye some fibre. It's funny how an encounter with a pigeon will put paid to one's plans for the weekend.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLfeIONNfeIa_0TOjnQYVMi-CdAgZNqQjKWHC9HNoSzpGq1HgbBJrFB2sV3axNfU2jJcbRGY_sn0lTwEoBxz8ET7Y-Fg_EBJHhQkMNAyaCzTwkSthAIHLm01DXpsAjPCz3RILLsaaBIpP/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLfeIONNfeIa_0TOjnQYVMi-CdAgZNqQjKWHC9HNoSzpGq1HgbBJrFB2sV3axNfU2jJcbRGY_sn0lTwEoBxz8ET7Y-Fg_EBJHhQkMNAyaCzTwkSthAIHLm01DXpsAjPCz3RILLsaaBIpP/s320/IMG_0646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ah well. My logwood and cochineal dyes have arrived, as has the alum. I've oiled and serviced my sewing machine. I've ironed all my fabrics. All good things, but not as good as <i>actually</i> making something. <br />
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So have a picture of my stall at Musicfest's Strawberry Fayre, held a couple of weeks ago. Just to prove that, occasionally, my weekends <b>do</b> go to plan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyqzjpHthyphenhyphenuPqiehvFvMt_kr7S7bFfQPTyPCi1pz3no2pW2ll5FAKHCYOMA6bQ8fe1w9AR1ItRrGfRc_R6FZj5VblGGlDD6gbV1IYkCXZi5mFe8flLnBdJwKzgKGwIR9NRwTnBMeIuLhM/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyqzjpHthyphenhyphenuPqiehvFvMt_kr7S7bFfQPTyPCi1pz3no2pW2ll5FAKHCYOMA6bQ8fe1w9AR1ItRrGfRc_R6FZj5VblGGlDD6gbV1IYkCXZi5mFe8flLnBdJwKzgKGwIR9NRwTnBMeIuLhM/s320/IMG_0616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-54577266713594846032011-06-18T17:54:00.000+01:002011-06-18T17:54:43.221+01:00Paper - Scissor - Solvent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNHWisTpVDnUxnxhI-KQQY-FyWIeoXvyE72ghXZWe1dFPbElDsPbKU_8iQDrGi85VLKvgR4j7OdQEBOIJMl-Lhfsj0hYPiU614RMMsGUjdLVPyQfJms2tcsOo0oBwHOhPyxkoOTr8Q1nk/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNHWisTpVDnUxnxhI-KQQY-FyWIeoXvyE72ghXZWe1dFPbElDsPbKU_8iQDrGi85VLKvgR4j7OdQEBOIJMl-Lhfsj0hYPiU614RMMsGUjdLVPyQfJms2tcsOo0oBwHOhPyxkoOTr8Q1nk/s320/IMG_0648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>More years ago than I care to recall, I used to be interested in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quilling">quilling</a>. I was given a quilling set for my birthday, and I spent many a happy hour rolling, gluing and shaping these thin strips of multi-coloured paper. However, living in the most rural part of rural Wales (which explains a <i>lot</i> about my interests) and those days being of the pre-internet age, it was impossible to replenish my supplies, so once the paper was gone, that was it. My tools have languished in a toolbox for a couple of decades, but I've started to see a resurgence in paper craft of late, and thought there might be a way to combine my love of Japanese papers with more modern quilling. I'm no longer interested in making quilling embellishments or cards (oh-so-80s! *<b>shudder</b>*) but I <i>do </i>like the idea of making paper beads and jewellery. So I present my first quilling in <i>mumble-mumble</i> years...these are strips of paper from glossy magazines, which I'm testing before moving on to my more precious materials. The next step will be to vary the shape of the strips.<br />
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Oh! And as an added bonus, it turns out that they're <b>excellent</b> cat toys too.jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-43076657975510346182011-06-14T22:14:00.002+01:002011-06-15T10:55:44.573+01:00Dyeing Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Onwards to Saturday, the <a href="http://www.wsdceredigion.org.uk/">Ceredigion Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers</a>' annual dyeing day. Again, this was something that I hadn't tried before, but had wanted to since visiting <a href="http://www.shilasdair-yarns.co.uk/">Shilasdair</a> last August. Some preparation was required, so I'd spent the preceding fortnight spinning up 200g of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluefaced_Leicester">Bluefaced Leicester</a> yarn (my favourite!), and mordanting it a couple of days before the meeting. I was really nervous about this as I don't like handling chemicals, but I got my camping stove out into the garden, rubber gloves firmly on hands, and began heating my alum solution. The wool was dropped in an hour later - another scary moment, as boiling wool is normally something you <b>don't</b> want to be doing - and there it stayed, simmering away for another hour.<br />
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Two days later, and it was time to get dyeing. It's a lengthy process, requiring each natural dye to be simmered for an hour, then strained and reheated before adding the wool for another hour. I'd separated my wool into 13g skeins, hoping I'd have enough to try each one of the natural dyes on offer, with a couple left over for the acid dyes and indigo. And so it was. At the allotted time, our skeins were dropped into the steaming vats and we waited impatiently to see whether the colour had taken. Everyone had brought different combinations of wools and both alum and tin had been used as mordants, so the range of hues produced from the same solution was astonishing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNpvHc4YNqs6b629P_3D9pqh1aFF-3UXGyu4GbKden-R7MlAwTjzmqiBHrkRu5f5Hv5x6IyUJNUWyUAPTTGk9l0p9WRPZf6jMNG9r9cQ-UYoDuTXb4VEor4cUtBO2AqnAtVFcCzZ58qvX/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNpvHc4YNqs6b629P_3D9pqh1aFF-3UXGyu4GbKden-R7MlAwTjzmqiBHrkRu5f5Hv5x6IyUJNUWyUAPTTGk9l0p9WRPZf6jMNG9r9cQ-UYoDuTXb4VEor4cUtBO2AqnAtVFcCzZ58qvX/s320/IMG_0633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Six hours later, and I was returning home with the skeins in the picture, the dyes being (left to right):<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">logwood</div><div style="text-align: center;">logwood exhaust</div><div style="text-align: center;">blackcurrant (complete with seeds!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">cochineal exhaust</div><div style="text-align: center;">cochineal</div><div style="text-align: center;">madder</div><div style="text-align: center;">dyer's greenweed</div><div style="text-align: center;">horsetail</div><div style="text-align: center;">onion skin exhaust</div><div style="text-align: center;">onion skin</div><div style="text-align: center;">gorse</div><div style="text-align: center;">indigo</div><div style="text-align: center;">acid dyes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know when I'll be trying this again, but I'm certainly not afraid of the process any more. I'm very taken with the cochineal, logwood and onion skin dyes, and whilst I love the indigo, I know its preparation is a bit more complicated (requiring hydros, caustic soda and careful reduction).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So. Yes. Dyeing. There we have it. This is what I learned:</div><ul><li>It's nothing to be afraid of, as long as you weigh everything and use the correct percentages of mordant and dye.</li>
<li>Using natural dyes takes time as you need to make sure the solutions come up to temperature and that you don't shock the wool. </li>
<li>Acid dyes are easy to use, as they're set in the microwave, and the results are vibrant.</li>
</ul>For more information, I'd certainly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Guide-Natural-Dyeing-Lambert/dp/1844485277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308084993&sr=8-1"><i>The Complete Guide to Natural Dyeing</i></a> by Eva Lambert and Tracy Kendall (2010).jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-62853283536013104462011-06-13T23:28:00.001+01:002011-06-13T23:30:41.110+01:00Friday's Folk DollsIf it's Friday, then I must be making a folk doll with <a href="http://www.marialalic.co.uk/en/home.html">Maria Lalić</a>. I'd registered for this workshop on a whim. Whilst I've made numerous quilts in my time, I don't have an innate talent for machine sewing, and my distinct lack of confidence can be traced to a whole school term when I tried - and failed - to sew a skirt in a cotton fabric that would do nothing but fray and unravel. I'm a reluctant sewer, though I'm hoping to get over it. So my first step was enrolling on this course, hoping that Maria would look kindly on my tortured efforts and that I'd have something semi-decent by the end of it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e7OuI3CjVnKHztOr2Mp7wwoj1-jEGo3-7k7fpbrXCrjwNCkWgF0-Q20C6-fKgFJ1HLXRcvVL3IsLJWFU2_Q52RbVYltRydt3cFgK-THyhbzgCBNV3K9Wbq1I_qzSgAF9ZAUXFUJd6Ckm/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e7OuI3CjVnKHztOr2Mp7wwoj1-jEGo3-7k7fpbrXCrjwNCkWgF0-Q20C6-fKgFJ1HLXRcvVL3IsLJWFU2_Q52RbVYltRydt3cFgK-THyhbzgCBNV3K9Wbq1I_qzSgAF9ZAUXFUJd6Ckm/s320/IMG_0621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Once again, the class was small, with six of us, Maria, and an adorable little dog ensconced happily around our worktable. We set to work, cutting out the dolls' bodies, sewing and stuffing the arms which were then positioned and pinned in place. Mercifully, Maria is of the 'don't think about it, just go for it' school of sewing, assuring those of us whose approach is more timid that everything will work out fine in the end (it does). Bodies were then sewed, stuffing stuffed, and then the all-important drawing-in of the facial features: once again, a deep breath, an artistic flourish, and their characters are set.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih638zq_4VMoqDDBXfIht0Ru17mRBpUDUaaQ9JINhzAPIsnhKAxZYfUezhgQ9HDArRHb664lyMaQjAHbBPcmBqP2xyZhtETqZoZCfYW_fuZGOBli3nc7Pq-nhjPx87Xg0O0xGSfdFgQFFw/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih638zq_4VMoqDDBXfIht0Ru17mRBpUDUaaQ9JINhzAPIsnhKAxZYfUezhgQ9HDArRHb664lyMaQjAHbBPcmBqP2xyZhtETqZoZCfYW_fuZGOBli3nc7Pq-nhjPx87Xg0O0xGSfdFgQFFw/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />
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Inevitably, the legs on my doll ended up being way too wonky - this is where the quick unpick is your friend - but I managed to get them attached properly after a quick lunch break. Then it was time to decide whether we'd be making a Welsh Lady or a Mumma Doll; opting for the latter, I then set about making a dress and gilet, adding Mary-Janes and styling her hair. It was at this point that I realised that my doll seemed to have something of a Japanese style about her; it was definitely unintentional, but I was really pleased!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qpIQruv-Ldi0AE_Azr72-EmdXBjUU1c4uLxKaAOO89iPtRUrY-7KsZAapnz2vYeYaimqp0qGIUbbt6SOxfoL6L8z66L6OTZH39dKcYg1DLSFEYQzHs7OWCH3OQPhcSwYZAk4pgP-xMg0/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qpIQruv-Ldi0AE_Azr72-EmdXBjUU1c4uLxKaAOO89iPtRUrY-7KsZAapnz2vYeYaimqp0qGIUbbt6SOxfoL6L8z66L6OTZH39dKcYg1DLSFEYQzHs7OWCH3OQPhcSwYZAk4pgP-xMg0/s320/IMG_0630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0NElUmTkpCa9jLum-VXK50g9Csc6-9wq4iFm2KYwRaVBQKNgwiUl7gVl_4YZdgRWWT956KW8dmwRzTnMbfAxzPinlQUlwKN4j3mC92xL-YI5To4XGWu62GZbG370emqIO2rEvRh-FyAT/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0NElUmTkpCa9jLum-VXK50g9Csc6-9wq4iFm2KYwRaVBQKNgwiUl7gVl_4YZdgRWWT956KW8dmwRzTnMbfAxzPinlQUlwKN4j3mC92xL-YI5To4XGWu62GZbG370emqIO2rEvRh-FyAT/s320/IMG_0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The final stage was creating display boxes for each doll, adorning the outside with scraps of the fabric used for the clothes. I was as surprised as anyone to realise that I had actually made a doll. Whilst my sewing won't win any awards, it's far better than I could have hoped, and - crucially - the doll isn't falling to bits. As with the woven scarf, I now want to make another one, refining my technique, and seeing where I can take this new skill. Diolch, Maria - another fantastic course!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mR2E4parn2arr7HDLiuV1OYB-Z-bQBwvp-Cxw_qqltiTAIgnT01RIxDwfgeOL9sziNxXcz3MPoceRrwa6ZdxPJ9biLZg0Osq6PhGvki4wdNLQ89lYMGFdAo-8MDdp9CsYO3SIU52yOYD/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mR2E4parn2arr7HDLiuV1OYB-Z-bQBwvp-Cxw_qqltiTAIgnT01RIxDwfgeOL9sziNxXcz3MPoceRrwa6ZdxPJ9biLZg0Osq6PhGvki4wdNLQ89lYMGFdAo-8MDdp9CsYO3SIU52yOYD/s320/IMG_0632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-50590813700310213312011-06-11T23:02:00.001+01:002011-06-11T23:03:25.200+01:00Weaving for PleasureI've wanted to try my hand at weaving for a while, but I've spent the last year concentrating on my spinning and knitting. When I saw a rigid heddle loom course had been organised during the Wool and Willow Festival I made immediate enquiries, hoping <i>desperately</i> that it hadn't already been booked up. It hadn't. I smiled with glee; I really <i>was</i> going to learn how to weave!<br />
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The course was being taught by Joanna Kingston of <a href="http://www.esgairfibres.co.uk/">Esgair Fibres</a>. A quick Google search revealed that I'd bought one of her woven scarves earlier in the year, when I was looking to buy something special for my mother's birthday; I couldn't wait to meet her, as I'd really admired her use of colour and texture.<br />
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We were a small group of six, and Joanna soon had us seated at an array of rigid heddle looms - mine was the 32", though I was going to be weaving a scarf of some 7 - 8" across. Our first task was to choose our warp and weft yarns - no easy task given the delicious selection that Joanna had brought with her. Initially, I'd considered using some of my own handspun, but as I wanted to learn <i>exactly</i> how weaving works I decided that I'd stick to commercial yarn for this session, and could move on to my own yarn when I'm ready to start experimenting. In the end I opted for a linen mix for the warp and a variegated red Noro bouclé for the weft, neither of which are too dissimilar from the materials I've been using in my knitting.<br />
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Warping the loom took around two hours, but Joanna took us through each stage methodically and calmly, thus reassuring us that this is not something to fear. The secret to good weaving is good warping. It's important to take your time. Knot everything securely. Check your tension. Check it again. If something's slightly off, re-do it - it's worth it in the end. Unlike knitting, weaving isn't very forgiving if you make a mistake with your warp (and missing one of the slots on the reed is a definite no-no). Slow down. Concentrate. Get into a rhythm. Enjoy the process. It's wonderfully meditative when you get into it...<br />
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There was just enough time to get going with the actual weaving just before lunch. I was amazed at how quickly the piece began to grow; when you've been used to fine or relatively complicated knitting, you're resolved to the fact that you're not going to see a finished product for a considerable time. I was determined to finish by the end of the day, as I really wanted to learn every stage of making a scarf, and wanted something wearable to take home with me. So it was a case of head down and weave away:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGqE-pKPFJmXsL9ab21sbJM_AUPhPgacUCw1U2IaPlqU2Ul-FijTnDGN7YOogMGlDy8zNdzjRwe2tIYOVAYcUjDTwVK_vw_cfJ76IfOlBWjVSRcw9xr6jqHCHMdtJVY8kLDk_roPNHsBd/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGqE-pKPFJmXsL9ab21sbJM_AUPhPgacUCw1U2IaPlqU2Ul-FijTnDGN7YOogMGlDy8zNdzjRwe2tIYOVAYcUjDTwVK_vw_cfJ76IfOlBWjVSRcw9xr6jqHCHMdtJVY8kLDk_roPNHsBd/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really couldn't tell you where the afternoon went. All I know is that those four hours were pure bliss. Each one of us attempted a different style of scarf, and it was lovely to stop and have a chat to see how each one was coming along. I also had a wonderful time nattering with Joanna; it's not often that I get a chance to wax lyrical with a fellow yarn addict, so when that opportunity presents itself, there's no stopping me. I can't help it: I'm obsessed. She's also very patient and generous with her knowledge. She knows the pleasure of weaving and wants others to share in that experience - if you ever get the chance to attend one of her workshops, then you really should.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here it is, the finished article:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzwgrwRMzJ8OBEI3_FLC0223h2ACQWPVlXmlEUWlEVGQzkCN7IKIVazlVkHBFBiqknM7vkQovWO6ZlDpM1w2v4_Tv7sJ_4-JTz61-QsPb6FCS-brTOBNE-XvzF5GKs3dY9c51AT6TVSsQ/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzwgrwRMzJ8OBEI3_FLC0223h2ACQWPVlXmlEUWlEVGQzkCN7IKIVazlVkHBFBiqknM7vkQovWO6ZlDpM1w2v4_Tv7sJ_4-JTz61-QsPb6FCS-brTOBNE-XvzF5GKs3dY9c51AT6TVSsQ/s320/IMG_0622.JPG" width="155" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ya3xOmRwTBN0v-BUILb6Ax5fgBj5J5bZB3cUyogWBeqVhwtSTOAS3pCcFD2v9UvfWi7drNlaxYtMVkG3-RC7J3k1bygSlL8VbHedLte-HGy9ukn5d0V7SaGcynmLeNZxKMKNfb547Uj4/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ya3xOmRwTBN0v-BUILb6Ax5fgBj5J5bZB3cUyogWBeqVhwtSTOAS3pCcFD2v9UvfWi7drNlaxYtMVkG3-RC7J3k1bygSlL8VbHedLte-HGy9ukn5d0V7SaGcynmLeNZxKMKNfb547Uj4/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4i2wzXx29UrsFfDgg8xspYpQFRqAGvcMNLLlBVCivYNuxnaX4Y3gCVGCcEK0e-9gDq_lAo8-HcEOUJHYC6it2EwnDT73tDJdQZ7UlRh0YzWGWSe4MffhPuFJe5a04g0wYGvZJVcfAe7m/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>I'm <i>ridiculously</i> happy with the end result. There's always a certain amount of trepidation attached to learning a new craft, but a good teacher will give you encouragement and constructive criticism, leaving you itching to start your next project. I can't wait. <br />
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(Later on, I found that I'd appeared on the Festival's blog: <a href="http://woolandwillowfestival.blogspot.com/2011/06/workshop-bookings-for-wool-and-willow.html">here</a>'s the photo.)<br />
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</div>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-44424361543356086862011-06-10T22:57:00.000+01:002011-06-10T22:57:34.734+01:00Wool and Willow 2011 (i)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4pSNN3UavUWShQs5C48nBz5anwpgTVMQXNNg8GYda1PQQOiYvQALTJy281Lh4TibE2Q0yF1WM19WMH-oecqhguHpFtMVNrHMTu0lC1uWNM5DplVwJZ5tNWg6d7abdNB2gHTjIGgKnE58/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4pSNN3UavUWShQs5C48nBz5anwpgTVMQXNNg8GYda1PQQOiYvQALTJy281Lh4TibE2Q0yF1WM19WMH-oecqhguHpFtMVNrHMTu0lC1uWNM5DplVwJZ5tNWg6d7abdNB2gHTjIGgKnE58/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I've just spent two wonderful days at 2011's <a href="http://www.woolandwillowfestival.org/index.html">Wool and Willow Festival</a> in Llanidloes. Based in <a href="http://www.llanidloes.com/minerva_arts/index.html">The Minerva Arts Centre</a>, the festival is a celebration of sustainable fibre crafts and textiles, with information, demonstrations and a marketplace. I was familiar with some of the exhibitors (<a href="http://www.zalingai.co.uk/">Zalingai</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ruthfully">Ruth Packham</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/therainbowroom">The Rainbow Room</a>, Tecstiliau Melindwr, and <a href="http://www.naturals.ukpc.net/woolWillowShopRoot/Index.php5">Hay's Wool and Willow Shop</a>), but it was wonderful to see some new producers, specifically <a href="http://www.lesleywickham.co.uk/">Cwmchwefru Farm</a>, <a href="http://www.esgairfibres.co.uk/">Esgair Fibres</a> and<span class="market"><strong> </strong></span><span class="market"><a href="http://www.marialalic.co.uk/">Maria Lalić</a>). But I wasn't here just to buy. I was here to attend two courses and try out some new crafts.</span><br />
<span class="market"><br />
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<span class="market">More tomorrow...</span>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-50905991490197840122011-05-28T21:04:00.000+01:002011-05-28T21:04:39.970+01:00Mantra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-ofyGHa1i0iR22KtXaBwdIJIGNN5yTuMr-Ei4nL0Fv7bxJFkFmdg2FpWiEOZhhFZN3589Y7AFSI7-qMrfPvMgmcsbYyiW1Rb5gaB1vm0VTv7r3ShJMP-B2NLVRZ5fiRZ8dyPG1aPMpsR/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-ofyGHa1i0iR22KtXaBwdIJIGNN5yTuMr-Ei4nL0Fv7bxJFkFmdg2FpWiEOZhhFZN3589Y7AFSI7-qMrfPvMgmcsbYyiW1Rb5gaB1vm0VTv7r3ShJMP-B2NLVRZ5fiRZ8dyPG1aPMpsR/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-51836185600563706152011-05-27T18:18:00.001+01:002011-05-27T18:19:24.778+01:00Fair Isle Rapids (3)Yes, I <i>did</i> finish the Fair Isle Rapids scarf that I started before Christmas, though it did sit unworked in the corner for a while when the 'flu chased my concentration away. I <b>loved</b> this project, even though it took me a couple of goes to get the hang of the stranding, and as soon as I got used to the pattern, it worked up very quickly.<br />
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Here's the finished scarf being blocked:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkD_BnFzCjkdGY0VG0nk9MB22LsT3jyfb5SL00G-nC7XNlU1xs3_LV_w8UNP6V2BAh0WR6vwsaLOZg0ZmCPp0iclFLIpaFtuHuetcyFllUZTxaS-exZtA0YXai1T-kheSO4NZReO14kqr/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkD_BnFzCjkdGY0VG0nk9MB22LsT3jyfb5SL00G-nC7XNlU1xs3_LV_w8UNP6V2BAh0WR6vwsaLOZg0ZmCPp0iclFLIpaFtuHuetcyFllUZTxaS-exZtA0YXai1T-kheSO4NZReO14kqr/s320/IMG_0412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This is where you really see how clever the pattern is; it does look like a river and its rapids, and I'm still in awe of its designer, <a href="http://www.kieranfoley.com/Home.html">Kieran Foley</a>.<br />
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Some quality checking:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRvPgmFzUAe5nxmjVFpSyW4vlE7P0wyd290vJ_WZV-Q6FKYugvvUQ2Mo5cMGDdVc2EazmQtEMKm6QPP6piStvssBsq40de_smC0eYGiMgi6zYBbBSf11hFC7ZVladkJa7Vtig4aZxs76c/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRvPgmFzUAe5nxmjVFpSyW4vlE7P0wyd290vJ_WZV-Q6FKYugvvUQ2Mo5cMGDdVc2EazmQtEMKm6QPP6piStvssBsq40de_smC0eYGiMgi6zYBbBSf11hFC7ZVladkJa7Vtig4aZxs76c/s320/IMG_0409.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Here's the finished scarf, all ready to go to its new home:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzFVJ7u1Thh34UW5k6U9OeWDpHSBkWiywEXA6MZd4WZkZ80FUjEHQVi-uxUg-DwKGNZR0bJ7YjKTUKKP0JO7ATfNE6vK3pYrqhzTmibUyunezRDkBwWNAgzxxlJiJcV4bIT-lh-SclYML/s1600/IMG_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzFVJ7u1Thh34UW5k6U9OeWDpHSBkWiywEXA6MZd4WZkZ80FUjEHQVi-uxUg-DwKGNZR0bJ7YjKTUKKP0JO7ATfNE6vK3pYrqhzTmibUyunezRDkBwWNAgzxxlJiJcV4bIT-lh-SclYML/s320/IMG_0417.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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And then I made another one!jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-5144172275226617342011-05-24T21:38:00.001+01:002011-05-24T21:39:22.020+01:00Just lookingWherever I go, I try to keep my eyes open for little details that may spark some inspiration when I start creating something new.<br />
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Sometimes, it's an unusual or unexpected colour scheme:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEird-SrVkg2PM1QnyI9aJOba954k5hMUrc988E0STCQMMvFtuCxiBq0kSqr6GepLtlJVbudk4iSMJ30my13ELqyxIdqXUGitB0u_xDvyjhYhHyN5ubu37ivePDpBsJ43i6O8fpmknrfmoPs/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEird-SrVkg2PM1QnyI9aJOba954k5hMUrc988E0STCQMMvFtuCxiBq0kSqr6GepLtlJVbudk4iSMJ30my13ELqyxIdqXUGitB0u_xDvyjhYhHyN5ubu37ivePDpBsJ43i6O8fpmknrfmoPs/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" width="179" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes, it's a pattern:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbe0n1KOTuc_sjzjvnM0Ph7bhvaoHf-hfn7M4VO7HfSl7NdM3XFitrFXJqSKFsqcfauTy3XhrfFKyK0_ZXaCy5d25FRwyLwvp-4_Lzm5gLF8EjLc-C7jkXlJKkJyOKBlaLf_NkEbZkHZg/s1600/IMG_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbe0n1KOTuc_sjzjvnM0Ph7bhvaoHf-hfn7M4VO7HfSl7NdM3XFitrFXJqSKFsqcfauTy3XhrfFKyK0_ZXaCy5d25FRwyLwvp-4_Lzm5gLF8EjLc-C7jkXlJKkJyOKBlaLf_NkEbZkHZg/s320/IMG_0573.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes, it's a fragrance or a flavour:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72whg6gNwmlryH-UhhMFKoKO1JKk9nPFa2SqkKTn_L51sCNr0yc00KKtSsILEY7tfwHKcuMGqvjz_Yk1zgY5I3FtpFbznLGquSXw_jM9BCxN-snnMbGAc5qT9UCvHB9zxtCpOE5Kr3q6H/s1600/IMG_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72whg6gNwmlryH-UhhMFKoKO1JKk9nPFa2SqkKTn_L51sCNr0yc00KKtSsILEY7tfwHKcuMGqvjz_Yk1zgY5I3FtpFbznLGquSXw_jM9BCxN-snnMbGAc5qT9UCvHB9zxtCpOE5Kr3q6H/s320/IMG_0598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>More often than not, however, it's heart-stopping, breath-taking, luminous natural beauty.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5sJrnaWp4-SBJVarSgDY-mANerO8mQ9Fow8Tn7cH76Ph8L6H1MvSMeLdU89qor54R8s68_2A7Ja_FzUYzv9OK5lNSsB4Cl1reZvWixVLRmgXhNAD8qlQO6Dyd0mJlODrp-bL0A03xG0E/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5sJrnaWp4-SBJVarSgDY-mANerO8mQ9Fow8Tn7cH76Ph8L6H1MvSMeLdU89qor54R8s68_2A7Ja_FzUYzv9OK5lNSsB4Cl1reZvWixVLRmgXhNAD8qlQO6Dyd0mJlODrp-bL0A03xG0E/s320/IMG_0539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-64099470771143817982011-05-23T20:35:00.000+01:002011-05-23T20:35:06.463+01:00Checking inI haven't written on the blog for a <b>long</b> time, and if you're still patiently waiting for a craft update from the wilds of the west, I promise to deliver very soon. Whilst I may have been quiet, I haven't been idle. I've been spinning with intent, determined to try as many different fibre types as possible, and have been challenging myself with complicated, fiddly and - at times - frustrating knitting, all in the name of progress. 80 projects completed in a year? I think I'm getting there. <br />
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So this is just a quick hello; a tentative peek above the parapet to see whether there really is anyone still out there. jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-56810035162717371952010-10-18T22:30:00.001+01:002010-10-18T22:32:13.928+01:00Talybont Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZnoETjbSzGj_rNINrWdkDs-IbUpN9xcfpvkA5zg19JGbfF2zhi3wuR0LoT7HHfkUkbmyr04bDBZhR1efon1lGIYndxguiPWrY7G1YIZ3PGFU-rhqhIl0M_4IvXEd8G9ITGfTMLJ6ZNbC/s1600/talybont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZnoETjbSzGj_rNINrWdkDs-IbUpN9xcfpvkA5zg19JGbfF2zhi3wuR0LoT7HHfkUkbmyr04bDBZhR1efon1lGIYndxguiPWrY7G1YIZ3PGFU-rhqhIl0M_4IvXEd8G9ITGfTMLJ6ZNbC/s320/talybont.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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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.jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-81506026460815141692010-09-26T15:44:00.000+01:002010-09-26T15:44:39.817+01:00Fair Isle Rapids (2)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UR-_03b-4j6Cr4IstbwjWPUxRkKpi2JD-D4d-qY77vUs2Y40_3V-DRcLnCpE9AbEdQBZNeV27xYcOR1rQTINljUneoq64d2S7Vs5HHbqqTgxc56yQp5VQrS1_mZQDKtYYB5A6_Ky8bFw/s200/IMG_0128.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fair Isle Rapids: 2.5 pattern repeats</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UR-_03b-4j6Cr4IstbwjWPUxRkKpi2JD-D4d-qY77vUs2Y40_3V-DRcLnCpE9AbEdQBZNeV27xYcOR1rQTINljUneoq64d2S7Vs5HHbqqTgxc56yQp5VQrS1_mZQDKtYYB5A6_Ky8bFw/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJyDNBtGS7X3wxCxrUBIzp4OfXdVFg-G-JIWiMJCqNvzrOjFTXFE83o0dgy2QygYobqD7kZbOMyGdgioKCSaP1zZ9esXsnuD9pkezgF9k7cHAfKrCH7-1IslQFdRlD-P5ed_j2xAK-kYX/s200/IMG_0130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fair Isle Rapids: stranding on the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJyDNBtGS7X3wxCxrUBIzp4OfXdVFg-G-JIWiMJCqNvzrOjFTXFE83o0dgy2QygYobqD7kZbOMyGdgioKCSaP1zZ9esXsnuD9pkezgF9k7cHAfKrCH7-1IslQFdRlD-P5ed_j2xAK-kYX/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-26705837840078256762010-09-26T15:35:00.003+01:002010-09-26T19:45:25.665+01:00Chart workBeing a novice chart reader, there are two things that I've just discovered:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUjTdMNPtrlir889DhCPBYuhKNKBGaMrETPBYAobaW168M8Hkppx3ckbmc3mN1GNRt5OxVr2cAsZccgqO2SnCi6WEwBET5XAGiZ8QNqC105SlQEmeCGbC-nEQW-pH4mS-2d3Kdrb4y2Oe/s200/il_430xN.155270907.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chart markers:<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fripperiesnbibelots?section_id=6371113"> fripperiesnbibelots</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ol><li>Using a chart makes knitting <b>so much easier!</b> 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.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fripperiesnbibelots?section_id=6371113">Pattern safes / chart readers</a> are a <b>must!</b> 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: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fripperiesnbibelots?section_id=6371113">pattern safes / chart readers</a>. In essence, they're like bookmarks, held in place by a couple of magnets - and these ones, by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fripperiesnbibelots">Fripperies & Bibelots</a>, are just perfect.</li>
</ol>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-57974565144086658522010-09-26T12:03:00.001+01:002010-09-26T12:03:35.446+01:00Fair Isle Rapids<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24365116@N02/2310427485/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2242/2310427485_b02c4eb6f6_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24365116@N02/2310427485/">Fair Isle Rapids</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/24365116@N02/">knitlab</a></span></div>This is my latest project (the photo, the scarf and <A HREF="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTfir.html">the design</A> all belong to <A HREF="www.kieranfoley.com/">Kieran Foley</A>, 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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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 <A HREF="http://www.kaffefassett.com/Knitting.html">Kaffe Fassett</A>, and if I'm ever going to be able to produce work as colourful as his, then both techniques are going to be essential. <br /><br />I'll take some photos of my progress this afternoon, and put them up on <A HREF="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jombolom/fair-isle-rapids">Ravelry</A>. 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!<br clear="all" />jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-61952242425385497912010-09-19T15:06:00.001+01:002010-09-19T15:06:01.287+01:00Finished objects<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/5004491514/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/5004491514_6a93166315_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/5004491514/">Finished objects</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ziedu_mate/">SaraLeeBranch</a></span></div>Some more finished objects! There's a range of handspun (though not spun by me) and commercial yarns here; also knitting and crochet.<br clear="all" />jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-41077413795898770892010-09-19T15:04:00.001+01:002010-09-19T15:04:42.735+01:00Finished objects<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/5003880867/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5003880867_c5e9374a30_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/5003880867/">Finished objects</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ziedu_mate/">SaraLeeBranch</a></span></div>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.<br clear="all" />jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-53482723113821424612010-09-05T19:01:00.001+01:002010-09-05T19:01:03.142+01:00Start wearing purple!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/4960419763/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4960419763_374c359019_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/4960419763/">Purples</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ziedu_mate/">ziedu_mate</a></span></div>Here's my latest spinning project; a purple merino and silk mix. The darker colour is a purple merino and silk blend from <A HREF="http://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/">Wingham</A>, 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.<br clear="all" />jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-19442972733164707322010-09-04T22:22:00.001+01:002010-09-04T22:22:15.070+01:00Jombolom at Poll an Staimh<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/4957251042/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4957251042_8d56e7ac89_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/4957251042/">Jombolom at Poll an Staimh</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ziedu_mate/">ziedu_mate</a></span></div>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.<br clear="all" />jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-24074984549031645662010-08-13T21:24:00.002+01:002010-08-13T21:25:36.088+01:00My mother (sitting), Shan y Lliwdy and Bontfaen maid<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/4327397689/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4327397689_4afe1881c4_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/4327397689/">My mother (sitting), Shan y Lliwdy and Bontfaen maid</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/llgc/">LlGC ~ NLW</a></span></div>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. <br />
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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.jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-64320786624360043752010-08-13T21:09:00.002+01:002010-08-13T21:10:02.250+01:00Penmachno Woollen Mill<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/4422003815/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4422003815_c4a8097460_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/4422003815/">Penmachno Woollen Mill</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/llgc/">LlGC ~ NLW</a></span></div>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 <a href="http://www.t-w-m.co.uk/">mill in Trefriw.</a> <br />
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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 <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/sets/72157622046184631/">National Wool Museum tomorrow</a>, and with any luck, I'll know a bit more about this whole process by the evening.jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-51234490918816976272010-08-13T20:53:00.002+01:002010-08-13T20:53:51.455+01:00Newtown Women's Institute knitting comforts for the troops<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/4346388180/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4346388180_cff95304fe_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/4346388180/">Newtown Women's Institute knitting comforts for the troops</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/llgc/">LlGC ~ NLW</a></span></div>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.jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-54540017831874599252010-08-13T20:40:00.003+01:002010-08-13T20:43:10.689+01:00Capel Garmon natives<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/4308421725/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/4308421725_a96f2c6383_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/4308421725/">Capel Garmon natives</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/llgc/">LlGC ~ NLW</a></span></div>I'm sure most of you know <a href="http://www.llgc.org.uk/">where I work from day-to-day</a>, 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. <br />
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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?<br />
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There are a couple of other photographs that I want to share with you; sit back and enjoy!jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-4933384892945075952010-08-12T22:10:00.005+01:002010-08-12T22:19:30.872+01:00Calum and Sky<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/4860668120/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4860668120_84d87ce00e_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/4860668120/">Calum and Sky</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/ziedu_mate/">ziedu_mate</a></span></div>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 <http: 4860734950="" in="" photos="" set-72157624528535899="" www.flickr.com="" ziedu_mate=""><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ziedu_mate/4860734950/in/set-72157624528535899/">wearing kilts in a variety of tartans</a> - this picture here shows Calum wearing the MacKenzie Clan tartan, which is entirely fitting.<br />
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I've just found the website of the <a href="http://www.tartansauthority.com/">Tartan Authority</a>, 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 - <a href="http://www.tartansauthority.com/tartan/the-growth-of-tartan/tartan-today/tartan-design/designing-a-tartan">have a look at the genius that is the Financial Times tartan!</a> - 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!</http:><http: 4860734950="" in="" photos="" set-72157624528535899="" www.flickr.com="" ziedu_mate=""></http:>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-44929482039938463732010-08-11T21:18:00.000+01:002010-08-11T21:18:35.569+01:00Real Men KnitYou've probably all seen this, and I'm sure I'm woefully behind in hearing about it, but this is wonderful:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jYa_rJyG18&feature=related">Real Men Knit </a>jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2939262569143681547.post-2499181282849147552010-08-07T21:25:00.000+01:002010-08-07T21:25:56.628+01:00Useful fontsThank you to <a href="http://eternalmagpie.com/blog/">Claire</a> for the heads-up on these two very useful fonts: <a href="http://new.myfonts.com/person/Adriana_E._Hernandez/">StitchinKnit(Tm) and StitchinCrochet(Tm).</a> I haven't yet started writing my own patterns, but when I do, I think these will be invaluable.jombolomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17104921383244614925noreply@blogger.com0