When the sunshines!

sunset2

Originally uploaded by CMHS yarn & designs (laurie wheeler).

Ok, photography isn’t my thing. Since I don’t have the greatest vision in the world normally I don’t take a lot of photos! But, the other day, I had my camera in the car, and it was a lovely sunset…so this happened.

It just goes to show, pretty is as pretty does How could that sun go wrong?

It’s that time of year…

Winter’s on the way out, and the early signs of spring are happening! We’ve had several sunny days in a row that were not bitterly cold! In fact it was a down right balmy 55 degrees the other day (that’s farenheit! not Celcius)….

 So, I’ve begun the spring cleaning, and in this house that means, washing fleeces and getting the dye pots reved up. Today I washed last fall’s yearling mohair fleece and it’s now simmering nicely on the side burner of my BBQ.

Tomorrow I have two Alpaca Fleeces I shall attempt to wash and get dried. It may end up being just one fleece, as these are very good sized and wonderful quality Alpaca! Sheep’s fleece may happen, I need a little warmer weather for those, and I’m back logged on getting those washed up since last year I was short on sunshine. Luckily, The Farmer’s Almanac assures me that shall not be the case this year!

Spring is often when I get more spinning done, many of my projects shift from the crochet side of life to washing, dyeing and carding up various hairs, wools, and blending of fibery yumminess.

Often people wonder why handspun yarn costs so much. So, I thought I would do the handspinners of the world a favor to explain the time, and effort that goes into the wonderful yarns that we produce as a cottage industry.

From Raw Fleece To Yarn…

About 4 hours (or more) of  skirting, soaking, washing, and rining Fleece.

At least 24 hours if not 48 hrs (depending on the air temperature) drying fleece. Which includes turning the fleece to get the air flow just right.

1 or 2 hours picking the fleece with an instrument called a “picker”, which looks like a medieval torture devise. (This helps get out errant vegatable matter and any bits one does not want in the fleece…it also opens the locks). (In the case of Mohair, this can get rid of nasty blackberry thorns).

1 hr  (or more, depends on the person and personal preference and pickiness of the spinner) sorting the fleece into different quality fiber lengths and textures. (Sheep can have many different textures in one fleece.)

2 hrs of dyeing (or more depending on how many lots of dye you are doing…some people like myself will spend a half or whole day dyeing up more than one fleece.)

12-24hrs (or more) drying the fleece.

12 hours of carding (or more…depends on size of fleece, if one is blending colors, or fibers and if with hand cards or drum carder.) Some times people run it through a picker a second time to help open the locks.

For one 80 yd 2 ply skein it can take some spinners 4 to 5 hours.  It depends on the technique of the spinner, the size of the plies, and the wheel.

We guestimated once on a project my friend and I did together that it took us 30 hrs of fiber prep and spinning and another 12 hrs of crocheting to make a sleeveless sweater. (Btw it’s the world’s most impractical sweater as it is a blend of angora rabbit and mohair, even in a lacy pattern that sucker is too hot to wear during sleeveless weather!)

Besides the time, there is also the expense of purchasing the raw fleece (or sheering it!), dyes, water, and electricity (if drying with artificial heat).

When spinners sell yarn that they make from purchased roving, you have the base cost of the roving. The cheapest roving I’ve seen on the market as of late was $1.60 an ounce. It takes approximately a pound of yarn to make enough light weight yarn for a sweater, sometimes more depending on techniques used to make up a garment.

So if you are wondering WHY it costs so much? Well, I forgot to write about the back aches, shoulder stiffness, and tired arms and hands, and mustn’t forget the bad knees! It’s our passion, we love to create yarn for you to consume! So many of us don’t even bother thinking to ask for you to pay for our time!

Is it worth it? Absolutely!

Here’s to spring!

Ode to Granny Squares

Ok, a lot of people have “issues” with granny squares.  They need to get over themselves, and quickly. Or they can keep their cute little mouths shut. Because, most of the detractors against this staple of crochet, a) Cannot crochet them and B) aren’t authorities on fashion or crocheting fashion.

Granny squares and other motifs are the quilting blocks of our art/craft. These babies are versitile and can be stunningly beautiful. You can make them in thread or yarn…they can be large or small. They come in all shapes and sizes. They are quick and easy to make, and can be put into a billion different kinds of projects!

Once again may I remind you that the yarn has a lot to do with it. You have to use your head when making projects. If it’s a blankey how do you want it to feel? If it’s a skirt do you really want it full of holes? Who knows maybe you do! Planning is always the key. Then there is color.

There are a myriad of tomes on color theory, there are several different color theories out there. I’m quite partial to a european theory that makes Green a primary color. Oh yes  indeed, that exists.

There are no universal acceptances on what makes a color beautiful or ugly. It depends on the culture in which you grew up. Look up color and their meanings some times. In western culture black signifies death, in many parts of asia, it is white that signifies death.

In western society white is worn for weddings, in some cultures it is green, or red, or blue.

Some cultures LOVE orange, some love avacado green (which I do not like, if it’s like the dirty avacodo green, now a fresh un-oxidized avacado has a lovely shade of creamy green.) Some cultures love constrasting elements, and others like colors grouped in the same family group.

I’m in the the shake it up baby line of color use, but I do make analogous (same color family) pieces for my western minded clients.

Half of what goes wrong with motifs and granny squares is a) the yarn choice and b) the color combos.

I like to to do several motifs out of two or three colors, and make equal amounts of squares or motifs in a single (complimentary or matching) color.

 Away with the tired comments about granny squares! I for one and quite tired of hearing it…I find it interesting how people can be so brazenly rude about a craft when they have so little knowledge about that craft. I am often stunned by the comments made by those who’s only knowledge of crochet is doing a picot edging on some project they created with sticks. I do not comment on other crafts of which my knowledge base is slim to none, I wish others were as courteous!

 This scarf was made by my daughter last year out of my scrumblinis (it has every natural fiber you can think of in it, except Quivet)…She was only 13 when she made it! Now, is that not fun! If she can do it, you can do it!

Scrumblinis… What the heck are they?

Scrumblinis are little balls of yarn (anywhere from 10 to 30 yards) of handspun deliciousness made by yours truly (and when orders get really high! Some of my handspinning friends!)…

 Scrumblini is a term I came up with small balls of yarn for free form artists. Don’t let that fool you though! This is a great way to try out new fibers, different styles of yarn, and extend your knowledge of working with other than standard yarns that you can buy in any store!

Scrumblini packs may include: Camel/Silk yarn, wool singles, Spuntastik! Elastik! Yarn, Spuntastik! Chenooly, Spunstastik! Knaughty Yarn, Annspun perfect sock yarn, mohair, beaded yarn, feathered yarn, you name it.

It’s not just for crochet, but can be used for trimming items, decoupage, scrapbooking and much much more.

It’s a real steal for only $9.95 (plus shipping)! Why so affordable? I consider it a grand sampler treat! If you really want to treat yourself order the Free Form Crochet Club (or the CLF Yarn Club! as it is soon be called)…and get the newsletter that accompanies the yarn! MONTHLY!

 Spuntastik! Chenooly Yarn, One ply Chenille (rayon or cotton), with hand dyed wool!

Progress Report…

I promise I will have more pictures soon…I am developing the CEEEEEEEEEUTEST felted slipper pattern. This I am afraid will not be a free pattern, mostly because a) I am having to make many of these slippers to figure out sizing, and felting issues and b) I’m going to try my hand at charting these little gems. But, if all goes well I will have several different styles and sell them as a pattern set.

 I’m still paused on the crochet/yarn book, why? I know, I know you want this my friends, but I’m needing a break from it, and I am sitting on two ideas regarding this book and am at a crossroads, it is mostly done…That I can assure you, I just can’t decide on whether to add a certain chapter or write a second book on the subject itself! So, I’m pondering and meditating over the issue. I’m currently leaning towards a whole different book at the moment…so we’ll see where I land in the next few days.

More good news, my daughter’s modeling strike is at an end, I managed to negotiate a contract with her (since she is saving for her own laptop…hehehe) so I shall soon have more wonderful pics of my handcrafted goodness.

Shshshshssh…don’t tell anyone, but I’m currently recording the Crochet Liberation Front’s first ever podcast. We’ll see how that goes…Don’t worry I’ll let you know when it’s up and on the net!

See, busy, busy and more busy! But YAY! I like it that way!

BTW I should hit 15,000 views by the end of the month! MY GOODNESS! I have to say thank you so much to all of you who read this little blog of mine!

Keep on hooking! If you need inspiriation for projects and you aren’t on Ravelry.com sign up today! It shouldn’t take more than a week to get your invitation! Once you do join, hook up with the Crochet Liberation Front Headquarters Group, we’re open, and friendly. Stop by and introduce yourself, jump into the threads, say hi to me, Camanomade, it’s all good!

If you haven’t checked out the Crochet Liberation Front Blog, please do! There’s plenty of inspiration to be seen in those pages as well!

Stitch Stirrers Prompt: Crochet Favorites…

Ah back to Stitch Stirring! I have been remiss, for that I deeply and humbly apologise. My excuse? Well, it’s not an excuse really, I just haven’t had time.

SO without further ado… What is (are) my favorite thing(s) about Crochet…

1. I am very tactile, so I love using all of the yarns. I don’t just love how the fiber feels, I adore it. I love the way fibers blend together for different effects.
2. The three-d potentials. I am very much a frustrated sculptor, so I love all of the potentials that crochet has to offer me. Not that I sculpt with it in a three dimensional way, I just don’t. But, I love how it feels like I am sculpting with the yarn as I make every day objects, or clothing.
3. I really love the way the feels as it slides through my hands and through the hook. I mean that’s just awesome. I don’t know how else to describe it.
4. I like that it is quick. I can do relatively large projects in a short amount of time. I made a pair of felted slippers between yesturday and today. AND started a second pair. I like being able to crochet for a week and have a sweater. Or work up several hats in a night. The same goes with scarves.
5. Lastly, I love the connection it has made for my daughter and I. During those awful pre-teen years when we were at each other’s throats, crochet really was a common ground. We don’t fight when we are crocheting…and now that most of the fighting is gone anyway (yay) we just crochet more and more with each other…we inspire each other and REALLY enjoy the process.

Here’s the Link to Stitch Stirrers! Join us!

A day at Madrona Fiber Festival

Ok… I have a mixed review of the Fiber Festival, at least from a crochet afficionado perspective.

 1) Seeing Myra was awesome, Myra Wood is someone I can’t brag about enough. She is talented, fun, professional, and one of the most lovely people I’ve ever met. If you haven’t got her book Creative Crocheted Lace, get it! Go to her website http://www.myrawood.com and order it there!

2) I purchased a beautiful glass g hook from Ernst Finely Crafted Glass…OMG it’s delightful…it’s so beautiful. I’m tooo tired to scan it right now, I definately will some time this week.  www.glasspens.com  I certified them Crochet Friendly! No bias against us at all! Just glad to make a sale

3) I also purchased another Asciano Hook…actually two, one for my daughter who got a lovely J rosewood hook…and I will get mine in the mail, I’m having a Tulipwood handle have a size c , clover hook head put in it Yummers. It was so hard to decide.

Asciano? VERY crochet friendly! www.ascianofiberartstools.com 

4) Last but not least, I went to Crown Mountain Farms booth! Some of my favorite people. I have enjoyed vending besides them in past years at the Seattle Knitting Expo… I had a lovely time visiting with Klaus and discussing what it meant to be crochet friendly, since he really like the Set My Picot Free T-shirt I had on What was awesome? He was so shocked to think that anyone would be crochet unfriendly! This is a man who loves fiber! He just said that he doesn’t get many crochet customers, so I taught him how to sell his yarn (edited to add: To crocheters) :) And explained why you get less crocheters at an event like Madrona…you’ll have to read a forth coming post on the the Crochet Liberation Front Blog about that…

Anyway, for GORGEOUS handspun & mill spun yarns, WONDERFUL rovings! I picked up two lovely bunches of Corriedale roving (dyed by Klaus), and two wonderful half pounds of baby camel and tussah silk blend roving(one for my daughter and one for me…yes I do spoil her, but she’s good and deserves it)…

www.crownmountainfarms.com

Let’s not talk about how much money I spent today…I’ll just pretend it was all on sale and we’ll all be fine with that, right? Right…

So, here’s the “down side” of the review.

a) I saw more sock yarn than I ever wanted to see in my life.

b) There were only three stores that were crochet friendly, to my definition…and very few that were customer friendly in general. Given I work a booth myself, I have certain standards…No matter how tired I am, it’s smile and say hello.

c) It was awesome to see the spinners there, and I’ve seen the classes, and it’s all about knit knit and more knit…OMG give me a break, there are more things to spin for than knit. I mean be creative, offer classes for spinning needle point thread, heck I’ve done it.

Oh and what passes for lace weight yarn? Most of what I saw was too big for my purposes, even my daughter pointed that out to me…Most of it was what I would consider sock weight. But, hey I make yarn and I’m picky.

Crochet was represented, but quietly…and well that’s a shame. People wonder why we get cranky. Well, here’s why. We are a fiber art or a craft, however you wish to look at it, all on our own. I don’t like the whole “who’s better” arguement, because I think it’s a silly one to have. I just like being able to go somewhere are feel some kind of kinship…the only kinship I could strike up in a group setting, was over weaving…and hey that was cool…even though I am not so good at warping.

With our t-shirts on, my daughter and I were stared at like we were from another planet…I figured that would be the case. I had on a lovely sweater, and she was sporting a beautiful hat I have made…lace crown with tunisian fun fur brim…(the blue brings out her pretty eyes)…We weren’t dressed down, we were making a statement…and it was obvious very few weren’t biased against crochet…

I find that sad. Not for me. I don’t need their approval. I know what I do is lovely and beautiful…I feel sad for the fiber arts community. It’s missing out on a lot of customers, consumers, and creative people when the atmosphere is less than friendly for an art or craft… Man, I wonder how tatters feel? Or macrame artists?

For those of you who tat or do macrame, hats off to you guys, you have it worse than we hookers I must imagine…

Glorious Fabulous Crochet…

Book Review!

I recieved my book order from Amazon.com yesturday, and I was thrilled with my purchases! Not one, but two fabulous books about and for crochet!

If you have a sense of humor, have crocheted it all and done it all, or just want to make fun projects, Kooky Crochet is phenominal! I bought it, because I heard it was a fun book, and I know several of the designers who’s waky and wonderful creations are in the that hallowed home of Edel Kitsch (it’s the german for good kitsch)…

In fact I found THREE WHOLE patterns I wanted to make immediately! WHAT? She who goes patternless, found patterns she wanted to use? Wow! Now that’s saying something

And the ICING ON THE CAKE! Myra Wood’s Classic Crocheted Lace! WOW

It got here just in time for the Madrona Fiber Festival in Tacoma. I’ll be heading out on Saturday to catch Myra doing a book signing! It is phenominal. Myra’s wonderful knowledge, talent, and artistry guides you through the liberating world of freeform lace…You do not, I repeat, do not want to miss out on this book!

If you have a chance to meet Myra, or take a class from her, snap up the opportunity. She is really and truly one of the nicest, generous and talented ladies I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in this industry. Check out her work on Myrawood.com

Happy Valentine’s Day !! Free Pattern

Happy Valentine’s Day dear readers!

I’m afraid I have not slept yet, and no, alas it was not due to a romantic trist with the hubby…I wish it were that! Nope, I have been working on the Crochet Liberation Front Website and trying to re-do my secrets of yarn (c) Website…Getting there. Today is the day! I tell you if I have to CODE ALL DAY LONG!

Anyway in honor of the great day of hearts here’s another cute little freebee pattern!

I hope you enjoy!

Materials:

Sharp Scissors 

Flannel (any color, design, cotton flannel is best, or a loose weave cotton fabric)

Crochet thread of choice

Size 1.75 mm hook (with as sharp a point on the hook as you can have)

Polyfill or Cotton wadding

(A little lavendar oil or scent of choice is nice for sachets)

 Using the little template heart here (click on the picture to get the full size)

Fold material in half, pin heart template to fabric, cut around template (leave about a 1/8th inch allowance). Two equal heart shapes should be achieved.

With crochet thread make slipnot, leaving a three or four inch tail. 

Holding both heart pieces together, right sides facing you, push crochet hook through both layers of fabric at top left edge of heart. Draw thread through and slipstitch, sc into same space (working over the top of the 3 inch tail to secure thread). Insert hook into fabric again (approx 1/16th of an inch) draw thread through sc.  Repeat around heart until you reach the point of the heart, at the point make 3sc into same space. Then continue edging heart in sc as before until you read the lower RIGHT corner of the heart shape (just as the right lobe begins).

Add polyfill/cotton wadding, dab oil onto filling. Stuff the heart full enough to fill out the shape, but not strain the seams. Then, continue edging the heart in sc as before, make 3 sc into same space at the point on top of heart, continue with sc edging until you finish the seam. Insert hook into first sc, slip stitch. Bind off, with sewing needle weave in ends.

Optional! 

To make loop for a hanging ornament, take complimentary thread, or ribbon, thread through top center point of heart, and  knot.

 

Don’t forget the Lulu Store :)

Hey guys! I’m slowly raising my download prices on Lulu, one or two at a time since doing this on dial up is a pain…but it’s time. The downloads will be on sale again in a few months time…

 I’m also working on a couple of new designs. One being the Wylde Irish Rose Shawl…it’s coming a long. 

So if you want a good deal, or a download copy of the Secrets of Yarn Project Guide I/II I’d hop over there today to make sure you get a good deal!