PattyAnne's Place

Blog moving....

2009-11-03T09:23:00.005-05:00

Hey everyone!

I've decided to move my blog over to my website www.pattyannesplace.com

The actual blog address is... www.pattyannesplace.com/blog/

I hope that you'll join me there!

Today's post involves a little step back in weaving time for me (and maybe you too!)

I Am Now an Authorized Schacht Dealer!

2009-10-29T18:51:00.003-04:00

I am excited. I'm putting the finishing touches (I hope) on my Weaving Website.
You can see it by going to www.pattyannesplace.com

Please let me know if you come across something that is not working!!

Ohhh.....here's a sneak-peek!! :)

OMG Look what I got at a YARD Sale!!

2009-10-26T14:45:00.004-04:00

I'm sooo excited. I got this Mighty Wolf by Schacht at a YARD sale on Saturday when we were enroute to SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair). The owner of the loom had passed away and her daughter was selling it. The loom came complete with photos of the owner proudly weaving on it. Ahhh.... so sweet!

I Need Your Help! :)

2009-10-19T14:23:00.000-04:00

I made this teeny tiny bag as a gift and now am STUMPED. I guess I should have thought this out first but unfortunately I didn’t so now…. what to do????

Does anyone know anything about the magnet closures? Is it too late to use them because they needed to be sandwiched between the weaving and the lining?

I Need help! :)

Let There Be Peace On Earth

2009-10-19T01:25:00.011-04:00

I just have to ..... I just have to do it.... I just HAVE to put up one more video.
Here's why....

Next time you're watching the 6 o'clock news and the videos on the news are constantly showing kids at their worst --- hurting one another and/or breaking the law and you begin to wonder .... are all kids like this .... is there hope?? Flash back to this video.....

Again, kudos to the teacher who ts encouraging these kids!

Ohhh...and this one is for my sister, Jeannie!

OMG....There are sooo many I wanna share! I guess I should share the link and let you find the songs you LOVE!!

Don't Stop Believing!

2009-10-18T17:44:00.003-04:00

I am a former middle school science teacher (both 5th and 6th grades) and have always believed that getting the kids involved in something that they LOVED meant all the difference in their lives....

The theme song I used in my classes year after year after year was "Lean on Me". Basically I used the song to help kids learn to respect and accept one another. (I had no tolerance for belittling or bullying!) Everyday, at some point, we would crank up the tape player LOL and would all belt out the lyrics to our theme song because, after all, we ALL need someone to lean on!!

Anyway, here is a video that I came across on YouTube.

The teacher from the videos below says:
"I work with the PS22 chorus, an incredible bunch of NYC public school 5th graders in Staten Island! The chorus has performed all over New York, and have gained quite a following on the internet.

The PS22 Chorus was formed in the year 2000. We are an ever-changing group of 5th graders from a public elementary school in Staten Island, New York. We are NOT a school for the arts or a magnet program."

Kudos to this teacher!!!

A Fix For Your Schacht Cricket Loom's Heddle

2009-10-15T02:29:00.006-04:00

I found this heddle modification to be very helpful when I worked on patterns and textures on the Cricket Loom.

LMK if this helps!

Uhhhhhh ooooohhhhh .... I SHOULD be asleep -- it is 2:38 a.m. Maybe THAT is why I misspelled my own name in the link on the video!!?? It SHOULD have said:
www.weavingwithpattyanne.com

**** Goodnight **** :)

Weave a Scarf in a Day!

2009-10-13T18:54:00.005-04:00

I am pumped. I am going to teach a rigid heddle class at Yes Yarn on November 14th.

Right now I'm busily making samples of the scarves that students will weave in ONE DAY!!

Here are the yarns we'll be using.... Aren't they GORGEOUS!!!

I have the BEST son-in-law AKA SonnyBoy :)

2009-10-12T18:49:00.000-04:00

A week ago Hassan (and my daughter, Alysia) were visiting AND Hassan drew up plans for a 'studio' for me AND he built it!!! It houses ALL my stuff... ALL OF IT!! YAY!

It is FANTASTIC!! I LOVE it.....

Here is one photo.... I may put up more later....seems for the last week I've had trouble writing on my blog BECAUSE I'm too busy playing in my studio!

Thanks again!!

An American Hero

2009-10-01T14:59:00.000-04:00

I LOVE this!!!

A Baby Blanket on Flip Loom

2009-09-27T23:19:00.004-04:00

I've started a baby blanket on my 20" Flip Loom.

The blanket measures about 17 inches wide and about 8 feet long. I'm gonna cut it in half when done and then sew the two halves together making the blanket about 34" wide and maybe about 34"long.

I THINK I may sew some silky blanket binding on it when totally done. My kids always loved that silky edging.

So anyway, who is the baby blanket for?? No one... it's just a generic baby blanket for someone someday.

Hey... That reminds me of an old jumprope rhyme we used to say:

Fudge, fudge,
Call the judge.
Momma had a new born baby.
It isn't a boy
It isn't a girl
It's just an ordinary baby.
Wrap it up in tissue paper
Send it down the elevator,
First floor STOP.
Second floor MISS.
Third floor TURN AROUND.
Fourth floor TOUCH THE GROUND.
Fifth floor SKEDADDLE.

What the heck did all that mean??? LOL.
Just an ordinary baby??? Ummm... do tell..

Ok, here is the blanket in the works... for that 'ordinary baby'....

Finally.... a scarf woven with some of my handspun!

2009-09-25T15:39:00.007-04:00

I bought this BEAUTIFUL hand-dyed Corriedale fiber from Caron at Freehaven Farm. I'll tell ya what...this fiber is RICH. I mean it... it is R.I.C.H. Love it, LOVE it!!

Anyway, I spun the yarn thick and thin so as to have lots of texture in my scarf.

I used my handspun as weft and Patton's Silk Bamboo for the warp.

I used my Cricket (8 dent heddle).

After weaving I gently washed the scarf in Eucalan and then put it out on the railing on my deck to dry. (I want it to dry quickly!)

PS. Do ya see my pup? She slept for about 20 minutes with her bone in her mouth. I have NEVER seen a dog sleep with her mouth half open and her bone hangin' out of it, have you?????

Yet another scarf done on Cricket Loom

2009-09-24T22:29:00.008-04:00

The colors of this are a bit different in person... the reddish brown color is actually a light tan.

At first I HATED the way this scarf was turning out... I mean the plaid reminds me of a pant suit I had back in the early 70's. I was stylin' then ;) but I'm not so sure this plaid is stylin' now LOLLOL.

Well, as the weaving progressed I liked it more and more.... maybe my eyes were just getting used to it. BTW, hub said it looked like something his GRANDPA woulda worn. Thanks, hub.

Anyway, as time went on I thought...hmmmm...this scarf would look great with a brown turtle neck and blue jeans. Yep, it really would!! I hope the colors come through well enough that you can 'see' how that would 'work'. :)

Once again for this experiment, I've used cheap Hobby Lobby yarn.
8 dent heddle
Scarf width prior to weaving 6"
Scarf length prior to weaving 72"
This scarf from warp to finished product took less than 4 hours.

Clearance Yarn from Hobby Lobby Makes BEAUTIFUL Scarf

2009-09-23T20:53:00.005-04:00

I bought some sale yarn at Hobby Lobby the other day and used it for both the warp and weft on my Cricket Rigid Heddle Loom. You can see the details in the photos below.

Oh, and the 'special' weave is Leno. (You can learn more about Leno in one of my previous posts.)

I haven't finished the fringe yet because I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with it.
Any suggestions??? :)

The scarf took about 3.5 hours to make from warping to cutting from loom.

Scarf made on Cricket Rigid Heddle

2009-09-21T22:30:00.002-04:00

Here is a scarf that took about 4 hours to make from warping the loom to the hem stitch.

For this scarf I used (don't gasp LOL) some Vanna's Choice yarn from Hobby Lobby. Yes, it is 100% Acrylic.....

I love experimenting with ALL kinds of yarn!! No yarn snob here LOL.

Anyway, I used my 8 dent read. Warp: 48 ends approx. 80"long.

At either end of the scarf I have two Leno weaves.

Leno Weave on a Rigid Heddle Loom

2009-09-19T18:27:00.009-04:00

Ok, I don't know about you, but since I was taught using PHONICS when I was a little kid I woulda been taught to pronounce "Leno" as LEEEEE-no. (You remember, don't ya? You divide the word into syllables and if there is one vowel.....) So, anyway, I was all set to say LEEEE-no but then I thought, uh oh, what about Jay LEN-oh. Hmmmm how to pronounce...how to pronounce??? When in doubt, just go back and forth between the two - that's what I did LOL.

Anyhooo, this video will teach you how to do the LEEEE-no or the LEN-oh on your rigid heddle loom (I hope!).

Rigid Heddle Loom - Brooks Bouquet Pattern

2009-09-19T14:13:00.006-04:00

I've created a new video showing how to do the Brooks Bouquet weaving pattern using a rigid heddle loom.

Love rigid heddle looms!!!

Today's Scarf - Cricket Rigid Heddle Loom

2009-09-14T09:56:00.003-04:00

Today's scarf :) is being woven on my Cricket Loom. I am using the 10 dent heddle that I purchased this weekend. (The Cricket comes with an 8 dent heddle.) The scarf will be about 5 feet long and only 4 inches wide. I think it's gonna be a really pretty 'dressy' scarf. Hey, who knows.. I may just put some snazzy beads on the fringe!!

Anyhooo, I warped the loom with 100% mercerized cotton (50epi).

For the weft I'm using a really cool 100% rayon boucle yarn.

I LOVE the feel of this scarf. It is really a lot softer than it looks.
This is a GREAT, FAST way for me to use up STASH!!! Y'all oughta try it!!!

Today I wove a scarf that I LOVE!

2009-09-13T20:55:00.010-04:00

I used my 20" Schacht Ridgid Heddle Loom for this scarf although I could have just as easily used the Schacht Cricket Loom.

For those of you who care about the gory details LOL - I used a 10 dent heddle. I warped 76 ends.

I had a bit of trouble along the way:

1. The 100% wet spun linen (warp) broke several times. Not the whole length of the warp but several plies.

2. I did something FUNKY with the sides of the weaving. It ended up looking like a design element but I have NO idea what I did wrong.

All in all, though, I LOVE how this scarf turned out.

Here are a few photos from the process (including a view of those torn warp pieces and the WEIRD selvages).

Our Meet-up (Knit, Spin, Weave Crochet!

2009-09-11T08:50:00.008-04:00

If you're in our area.... C'mon and join us!!

Have you used this yarn?

2009-09-10T16:07:00.004-04:00

Is it too "girlie" to make a 'man' scarf????

The color is 'wicker'. It's 86%Bamboo, 12%acrylic and 2%polyester. Funny thing is they've titled it "Bernat Bamboo Natural Blends".

This yarn is REALLY buttery soft. I've started knitting the pattern that comes on the ball band and was thinking how much dh would love its softness as a scarf, BUT........... umm...ahhhh.... i just don't know......

What do ya think? Would he look like a girlie - man in it???

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat........

2009-09-09T13:41:00.004-04:00

Well, Christmas IS coming so I'm starting my Christmas knitting etc.

I bought this Noro yarn from a LYS. NICE stuff... softer than most Noro. It is made of 40%cotton, 30%silk, 15%wool and 15%nylon.

I'm knitting my daughter a throw (that's what they call it) in the "Simply Noro" book.

I like how it's turning out and I'm HOPING dd will like it too. I'm just a tad worried about the colors. Oh well, I'm hoping she'll like it no matter what color because she can wrap up in it and it will be kinda like mom giving her a warm hug!!

So, here's the yarn....

And here's the knittin' thus far:

Video for a Brand New Knitter

2009-09-08T13:55:00.001-04:00

I've decided to make a few videos on how to knit for a brand new knitter in our Friday night knit group.

It may be helpful as a refresher AFTER she's had some 'real life' lessons since it is a bit hard to see what my fingers are doing.

Resizing Images for Emails and Ravelry using Windows XP

2009-09-04T18:19:00.001-04:00

Some of my friends have been having trouble resizing their images for either emails or for Ravelry so I thought I'd try to help out with this tutorial for those using Windows XP

Double Knitting and a GREAT Movie

2009-08-31T16:24:00.015-04:00

This past weekend my friend, Robbie, and I went to see a movie. I can't remember the last time I went to the theater and enjoyed a movie as much as I did this one AND I wasn't the only one enjoying it!! Folks in the nearly packed theater were laughing and clapping throughout the show.

The Movie: Julie and Julia

The Plot: Julia Child and Julie Powell - both of whom wrote memoirs - find their lives intertwined. Though separated by time and space, both women are at loose ends... until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible.

One line made me really laugh during the show -- not only was the line funny but I loved the delivery of it. Anyway, the line was spoken by "Julia Child". She says, "If no one's in the kitchen, who's to see?"

Yeah, you're right...the line really isn't funny unless you see/hear it in context! ;)

This weekend I also learned a new knitting technique. I'm not really a fan of SunBonnet Sue (the pattern used for learning the technique) BUT I am a fan of this double knitting!! Lots of fun and turns out a really cool double-sided design.
You can get the free pattern HERE.

Here is a video I made showing how to cast on and get started on the potholder. Some of the video may be cut off here so you may want to click HERE to see the larger version.

Dyeing, Carding, Spindling and Spinning

2009-08-16T18:20:00.008-04:00

Here's the yarn I was working on this weekend up at the Black Mountain Fiber Swap.

It is a combination of corriedale, merino, mohair and silk waste. I purposely dyed and added the silk waste for texture and I love how it turned out. I spun the singles on my Golding Tsunami and plied it on my Ashford Traditional.

Now I have to decide what I'm going to do with it. I think I may weave it (with some other yarns that I've spun) into an interesting "art" scarf sort of like the technique used on the blanket in my previous post. (See the video.)

For the warp I may use the cone of unidentified fiber (maybe wool) that I got this weekend at the swap for $1.00. Pretty isn't it?

Doesn't THIS make you wanna play with your rigid heddle loom!!!

2009-08-16T16:52:00.005-04:00

Sure makes me want to!!! Now I know what I can do with all the yarn I've been spinning!!!

Anyhooooo.... I saw this online and had to share!!! Enjoy! Here is a note from the weaver, "I did two 14 ft warps. Then I cut them into 6 ft sections so that I had 4 rectangles, sewed the opened woven ends shut, assembled and sewed, and then covered the machine stitches with handstitching with– you guessed it– more handspun." She also said her warp was commercial 2 ply shetland that she got from her LYS.

Shrek... a sheep on the lam for six years

2009-08-10T01:24:00.005-04:00

A few years ago.....

A renegade New Zealand sheep that managed to evade shearers for six years has gotten a haircut!

Shrek, the 10-year-old wether, had managed to roam freely on New Zealand's South Island for more than six years before being finally rounded up. (He was living in mountain caves after escaping from his domestic flock.)

Shrek's giant fleece - possibly the largest ever - was auctioned off for children's medical charities. (Former world champion blade shearer Peter Casserly clipped 60 pounds of fine merino wool from the Shrek.)

Wow! That's a lota merino!!!

HUGE sale in Black Mtn. NC

2009-08-09T17:39:00.005-04:00

I'm hoping to find some great GOODIES here!!

If you live in the area, you may wanna check this out!

Clemes and Clemes, Veggies and Knitting

2009-07-28T10:24:00.007-04:00

Soooo sad... I got a new (to me) Clemes and Clemes Traditional Spinning wheel yesterday. It was shipped via Postal Service. Luckily the shipper had insurance on the package because, here's what the flyer came looking like:

I've filled out the claim form for the Post Office. Wonder how long this will take???!

On a happier note, look what's for lunch today....
Yep, some more veggies from MY first EVER garden... can you believe it? The stuff is actually growing! I am not having a whole lotta luck with my peppers yet though. **Crosses fingers **

On the knitting front, I have been knitting some of my handspun using this pattern (from video I found on YouTube). I am not sure I'm gonna like it though.. .it is soooo loose. The directions say to knit two rows in between the YO rows. I have been knitting SIX to try to give the scarf a bit more substance.

I'm eating high on the hog today! ;)

2009-07-23T16:41:00.004-04:00

Yep, it's true. Today I picked my first EVER vegetable that I grew MYSELF! It is a Japanese eggplant and it is YUMMY!!

I'm pretty pumped up LOL.

For those of you who have not read my blog for any length of time, I am a 'city-slicker' wannabee farmer. In the spring I posted a picture of my garden (yep, small 4' x 4' garden) and dontchaknow, someone in MAINE (I'm in SC) kindly said.. um.. PattyAnne, I think you may have your tomato cages on upside-down. Talk about feeling D.U.M.B.

Well, i corrected the dang cages and the tomatoes are doing well (none quite ready yet though). BUT, this little eggplant was ripe for pickin! Wish I had taken a picture of him BEFORE I sliced him up and threw him in the WOK.

Oh well... with out further adieu, here 'he' is!

Double Dip by Three Bags Full

2009-07-20T11:32:00.003-04:00

Last week I purchased some roving from TheBellWether. The GORGEOUS roving blend is a merino cross wool with hand-dyed tencel and hand-dyed silk noil. It is sooo smooth and soft and spins like a dream.

I'm spinning it on my Golding Tsunami. I was going to tell you the wraps per inch BUT LibbyLou (my pooch) gnawed on my wooden WPI tool and I don't see a ruler or yardstick nearby. (If I spot one later I may update this post.)

Here are two shots of the roving and some spun yarn inside of a bowl-type thingy that I knitted and felted last week.

Here's What's for Dinner?

2009-07-18T17:09:00.004-04:00

I dyed up some silk waste and some mohair today in my flea market crockpot. YUM.

The Cushing's Perfection Dyes colors used were Buttercup Yellow, Turquoise and Jade Green.

Gonna add this 'stuff' to some batts (not necessarily together LOL).

Tomorrow will be a FUN day of dyeing at my LYS -- can't wait!!

Targhee Top

2009-07-16T22:09:00.009-04:00

I got some really pretty 100% Targhee Top from my local yarn store - colorway = Northern Lights.

Here's a little info on Targhee from, 'In Sheep's Clothing' by Nola Fournier and Jane Fournier.

The Targhee was developed by the US Department of Agriculture as a dual purpose sheep adapted tot he dry western range lands.

The foundation of the breed was a cross of Rambouilett rams and Corriedale x Lincoln/Rambouillet ewes.

The fleece is fine and dense with very good loft, indistinct but well-developed crimp and short staple length. The staples are blocky in shape with almost no luster.

The extraordinary loft and elasticity of Targhee make it particularly suitable for fine, light, knitted and woven fabrics with good shape retention and crease resistance. In blends with other short fibers, Targhee adds loft and elasticity.

Staple length: 3 - 4 1/2 inches

LOTS of Spinning!

2009-07-12T20:15:00.010-04:00

I got some gorgeous Dorset roving the other day from Kris' Etsy shop (stseraphinaknits).
The roving is called, PAINTED DESERT. I absolutely LOVE the colors!!!

I've also ordered some fiber from TheBellwether. I hope it comes tomorrow!

Anyhooo, I have had a ball spinning the roving (see below). Can't wait to knit it up into a bag for my new camera!! (Oh, I'm gonna knit it and then felt it!) Stay tuned. Since it's knit night tomorrow night at StarBucks I'll probably get started on it then!

Ain't it purty!? (The spun wool is still drying. I wish the colors showed up better online!)

McMorran Balance DVD Kits have shipped

2009-07-12T20:10:00.004-04:00

The first several McMorran Balance Kits have been sent out!

I have had a few people ask what is included in the kit.

The kit includes the following:

McMorran Balance
Instructional DVD on using the balance (and using a Skein Winder and Niddy Noddy)
A small card with some helpful fraction info in case you've forgotten your fractions!:)
A flyer with complete instructions including a helpful worksheet to figure out yards per pound) and yards per ounce. (Below is a small sample of the flyer. You can click on it to see a larger version.)

McMorran Balance Instructions

2009-07-06T12:43:00.002-04:00

Here is a preview that shows how to use the McMorran Balance. (Please note that this is NOT a clip from the DVD.)

DVD Instructional Video - Using a McMorran Balance

2009-07-01T12:03:00.007-04:00

Ok, I gotta tell ya... I LOVE this tool and I betcha all of you spinners/weavers/knitters/crocheters out there will too!!

SPINNERS:

Have you ever been spinning yarn on either a spindle or a spinning wheel and wondered how much yarn you had spun OR if you had spun enough for a particular pattern or project?

Well, you could wind your yarn off the spindle or bobbin onto a niddy-noddy or skein winder BUT you could also use a McMorran Balance!! If you use a McMorran Balance you would know immediately (well, almost!) how many yards you'd spun without winding off! You would know if you needed to keep spinning because you didn't have enough yarn by simply measuring a length of yarn on the McMorran balance!

KNITTERS, WEAVERS, CROCHETERS:

Do you have leftover balls of yarn and wonder if there is enough in the ball for a certain project? The McMorran Balance helps you know this info in a skinny minute!

Have you seen a pattern on Ravelry that you have the 'perfect' yarn for but aren't sure you have enough yarn on the label-less ball of wool? Use the McMorran Balance! :)

******************

This DVD shows (and leads you through) a hands-on lesson measuring yarn yardage using the McMorran balance.
The DVD also shows how to use a niddy-noddy and a skein winder.

McMorran Balance Kit includes:
A McMorran Balance
Yarn samples to use as you watch the DVD
A handy card with printed directions

Check out my ETSY store for more info!

Novelty Yarn - Love these happy colors!!

2009-06-29T16:30:00.006-04:00

I love the way this novelty yarn turned out. It's a great one for beginners to practice!!
First spin a thin singles yarn and then a thick singles yarn. Ply them together. Voila!

Spin Control by Amy King

2009-06-26T12:34:00.004-04:00

Yep, it's true.

I just got a brand new wonderful book which I wish I had had in time to add to the resources section of my, "Spinning with PattyAnne" DVD.

"Spin Control" by Amy King is an excellent book! You should check it out! )

Weaving on a Potholder Loom

2009-06-25T20:36:00.003-04:00

Someone posted these videos on Ravelry. I can't wait to try using the potholder loom with my handspun!!

OK, I'm excited.... DVDs in mail TODAY!

2009-06-24T02:14:00.003-04:00

The first DVD sets of "Spinning with PattyAnne" are shipping TODAY (6/24) -- almost a week ahead of schedule! Oh, did you hear??? There are TWO dvds in each set! Soo much fibery goodness!!

Oh, hey, you first spinners to get the DVD set....please LMK if the roving I use as packing material is useful. I'm hoping y'all will be able to use it for some practice!

I hope everyone enjoys and learns a little something from the DVDs. I sure loved sharing what I know on them!

I would love your feedback on Ravelry and Etsy if you've got a minute!

Psssttt... do you listen to podcasts? Tune in to the barknknit podcast. Natalie is going to review "Spinning with PattyAnne". Thanks Natalie!!

Part Two of DVD (small sample)

2009-06-11T12:53:00.005-04:00

I hope you find this useful! LMK.

You can read more about the video in my previous post OR go to www.pattyanne.etsy.com

Can't wait to hear your feedback!

xoxoxo
PattyAnne

PS. Remember, reserve your copy today. Shipping starts on July 1.

Some of my friends needed some help learning to spin... sooo...

2009-06-08T14:21:00.016-04:00

I made a spinning DVD!!! CLICK HERE to go to my ETSY shop!

I've been having a blast recording the video - getting my teaching 'fix'. Hmmmm I guess you can take the teacher (me) outta the Middle School but you can't take the Middle School TEACHER outta me --- or something like that LOL. And, yes, I am a former middle school teacher!

Anyhooo, if you're new to spinning, this video could be just what you need to help you get started!! I know when I was new, I did searches all the time for YouTube spinning videos. I just couldn't get enough of them!! Well, this new DVD of mine has a bunch of really cool teachings all in one spot.

Here's what's on the SIX part Beginner Spinner DVD:

1. Let's Get This Party Started (Setting up)

2. C'mon Baby, Let's Do the Twist (We'll explore twist "S" and "Z". We'll also discuss too much and/or too little twist and simple adjustments you can make so that your twist is -- just right!)

3. Eenie Meenie Minee Moe - Fiber Prep (Combing locks, carding/rolling rolags, and using a diz to create rovings. Also blending colors with handcards and spinning from handcards!)

4. Spinning Wheel - Got to Go 'Round (Woolen and worsted preps.)

5. Plying Yarn and Finishing Yarn (Palm plying, plying from a center pull ball, plying from two bobbins in buckets and plying from a lazy kate.)

6. Novelty Yarns

Hope you like it! :)

Want the rest of the videos in the series? Click HERE!

PLEASE send me your feedback... as comments. If you don't want your comment posted just let me know!!

I got this comment on Ravelry:

PattyAnne, this is BRILLIANT!!! perfectly clear, lovely to watch, thank you so much for doing this. The new camera angle works just so well, and I learned several new things just in the space of that one brief video! thank you so much for doing this.

I love your reassuring tone, too – every time you say, oh that’s fine, that’s okay, it’s so good to hear! because as a beginner there’s that feeling that it’s important to get everything right,immediately, hah. As if that were possible without a lot of practice.

Thank you, thank you!!

Here's my "Crazy" Yarn!

2009-06-07T00:01:00.003-04:00

I had fun making this yarn! I really used up a bunch of scrap fiber and actually LIKE the resulting yarn. :-)

Now, what in the world do I do with it?!? (Oh, I still have to set it and WHACK it!)

Crazy Yarn - Just havin' fun!!

2009-06-06T21:07:00.013-04:00

Sooo I tried something fun tonight. :) I put LOTS of my odds-&-ends of fiber into a bowl and just grabbed and spun.

Here's what I started with:

Here's what I have so far. (I'll ply tomorrow after the twist has a bit of time to 'relax'.)

Square Foot Gardening

2009-06-03T06:49:00.005-04:00

I read about SFG on a Rav post and decided to give it a try! You won't believe all the stuff I have planted in this four foot by four foot garden!!
Banana Peppers - hot and sweet
Bell Peppers
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Zuchinni
Some other squash LOL
Watermelon
(I hear you laughing!! But honestly people say they DO plant watermelon in a garden like this. I noticed I did do something wrong though... I should have allocated two 12" squares for the watermelon. OH well, I can pull out the marigolds when the time comes.)

So anyhooooo, I put a picture of my garden up on Rav and someone in Maine (I'm in SC) SWEETLY said, "Ummm PattyAnne. I THINK your tomato cage is upside-down or did you do that for a reason?"

Well, I fibbed just a tad on Rav and said that it must have been because I was exhausted LOL. In reality... I thought it went that way although I was surprised there wasn't a nice way to keep that round hoop anchored in the ground at the base of the 'tom' plant.

Well, thanks to the Rav group, I now have 'proper' cages on my plants. The photo, however, still shows my lack of gardening 'know how'. Hey, what can I say? I'm a city-slicker gardening wannabe and this is my FIRST ever garden! LOLLOL.

Wish me luck! I hope I get some good eats outta this garden! :)

Darning a Sock

2009-06-03T06:47:00.001-04:00

WOW! I never knew sock darning was so involved! I always thought you just pulled those first stitches TIGHT so they closed up the hole!

Holy Moly!! Not sure I could make myself do this!!!

Guess who's coming to Freehaven Farm??!!

2009-05-17T14:32:00.003-04:00

Patsy Z (Patsy Zawistoski) and Judith MacKenzie, McCuin!!

Yep, it's true. Patsy Z is coming in November 2009 and Judith in the spring of 2010 (or maybe sooner!).

We are sooo excited!!

Oh, both ladies are sending us some special goodies for either raffles or doorprizes on Fiber Day! We are so happy for their interest in and support of Fiber Day.

Oh, yeah, before I forget.... since we KNOW classes for both Patsy and Judith will fill up quickly .... we think it's only fair to offer sign-ups for all Fiber Day attendees first!! (You get first 'dibs' as we used to say when i was a kid!)

How 'bout this... having two such well-known and beloved teachers in our own 'backyard'!!

Here's a short video of Judith. We hope to have one of Patsy soon too!

Mark Your Calendar

2009-05-04T15:32:00.002-04:00

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday MAY 30!! -- Simpsonville, SC --

A fun filled, busy, fibery day is soon to come - be sure to pre-register ASAP!

You’re going to love meeting all the fiber animals - and watch how they’re ‘turned into’ all kinds of textiles and mementos that will outlive them!

Come join us - and get your hands and minds full of fiber!

Doffer

2009-04-15T23:05:00.003-04:00

Doffer is doing well, He seems to like sleeping in the dog's bed!!

aNOTHER new fiber addition

2009-04-07T08:03:00.006-04:00

Well, it was back up to NC (Perfect Spot Farm) on Monday (4/6/09) to pick up this little fellow and a 'relative?" of his.

This little guy was one of a set of triplets born on 4/5/09. His mom accepted and fed his sister and brother but would have nothing to do with him. We were told he would need to be bottle fed 'round the clock if he were going to survive. (He was less than 24 hours old when we got him and would need to be monitored REALLY closely during his first 48hours.

He spent the 1 1/2 hour drive home from Forest City NC area in my lap very quietly sleeping -- occasionally alert but mostly snoozing. What a good little fella!

Here's a shot of Caron holding him AND driving!

Shhhhh....
.... don't tell anyone but we snuck?? him into our knit group at Starbucks. Latte on the hoof anyone?? Anyhoo....everyone LOVED him.

His 'relative' on the other hand (3 month old male just weaned that day) 'hollered' the whole way home LOUDLY!! BBBBAAAAAAAAA. BBBAAAAAAAAAA He didn't quit crying when we got him back to the farm either.. Needless to say, the little guy was hoarse by the end of the evening.

Some new 'fellas' have been added to the farm!

2009-04-07T07:53:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, Caron and I went up to NC to pick up some BEAUTIFUL angora goats.
Meet Nep and Noil (spinning/fiber terms). I haveta admit that sometimes I call the one Daryl the other one his brother, Daryl. Why you ask? Well, I guess the Yankee in me just cain't say Noil right.. to me Noil rhymes with OIL and where I come from, OIL has two syllables OYE ILL. So I call the fella NOY ILL which isn't quite right. Guess it should sound like Noll. Anyhoo... I was trying so hard to say his name right that I must have really contorted my mouth... Caron was ROFLOL. Humph. :)

So anyway, here they are!! Nep is the darker one and DARYL is the other. GREAT fiber pets!!

New Louet, Spinning and Dyeing

2009-04-03T09:56:00.008-04:00

Not sure if I told you or not but.... I got a new spinning wheel!! I LOVE my Ashford and can do almost anything on it EXCEPT very, VERY bulky, funky novelty yarns. Sooo, I looked online for a Louet which has a nice big orifice through which lots of 'interesting' fibers can be fed.

My first spinning on Louie? did indeed show that one CAN spin thread on a Louet. I've heard it said that you cannot spin fine laceweight yarn on this wheel. Not so... at least for me. :)

My second yarn was spun from some fiber that was included in my FANTASTIC E-bay deal I got on my wheel. I wasn't expecting any fiber but the seller threw in about 3 lbs of merino roving. Nice stuff! GREAT surprise!

Anyhooo, I've been messing with the fiber.. still not doing the chunky stuff yet but did spin up this PURTY stuff and then dyed it with Koolaid. I just LOVE the colors.. so soothing. Anyway, here are the pictures showing my dyeing steps.

I wet the spun/plied yarn with water -- allowed it to soak while I prepared the Koolaid.

I mixed up three colors of Koolaid in some old jars. I put in the complete koolaid package, added 1 cup of water and then 2 TBS of vinegar. Swirled to stir.

I squeezed the water out of the yarn which had been soaking and then slowly poured the Koolaid solutions onto the wet yarn. (I have mine layered in a microwave safe bowl.)

Next, the whole shebang went into the microwave. I nuked it on high for 1 minute. Allowed yarn to 'rest' for a minute or two. Nuked it again on high for 1.5 minutes. Allowed it to 'rest' for a minute. Nuked it on high for 30 seconds.

Then, I rinsed the warm yarn in warm water to remove any vinegar/Koolaid solution still in the yarn. (BTW, you will know when you've nuked your fiber enough when the Koolaid solution is pretty much clear - hardly any color left in it.)

Next the yarn went into the salad spinner.

Finished yarn:

Ok, so what are my plans for this yarn?? WEAVING on either my Cricket Loom or my Flip Loom. FUN!

Fiber Studio

2009-03-26T00:02:00.008-04:00

This sweeeeet studio just makes me say....ahhhhhhhh.........

C'mon in.

Learn more about what we're up to by going to www.freehavenfarm.com

I LOVE this Cricket Loom!

2009-03-25T17:12:00.004-04:00

Got a new rigid heddle loom today!! Caron and I are planning on having classes teaching weaving on a rigid heddle loom (a Cricket Loom) using either handspun yarns and/or store bought yarns.

The cost of the class will include the loom! What a deal!

You can either BYOY (bring your own yarn) or purchase yarn from us for your weft. (We will supply the warp yarn.) OH, you can bring your own rigid heddle loom too if you have one. (We also have Schacht Flip looms!)

Anyone out there interested in attending class? We are in the process of setting up dates etc. etc. so let us know what days/times would be best for you.

OK, gotta get back to warping my Cricket!

I am no longer a 'wannabe' fiber farmer!!

2009-03-21T23:18:00.002-04:00

Meet my newest family member!

He's a French/English Angora rabbit... who will grow LOTS of spinnable fiber!! (This little guy makes me an OH-ficial Fiber Farmer!)

He is a little 8 week old doll. Haven't named him yet. Got any suggestions?

Have you always wanted to learn to spin??

2009-03-20T07:28:00.006-04:00

Caron and I are starting a beginner's spinning class in Simpsonville, SC (tentatively scheduled to begin next week on Tues and Thurs nights from 6pm until 8pm).

Our classes roughly follow Judith MacKenzie McCuin's book, "Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning". In class we'll begin by looking at (and fondling!) all kinds of fiber. Then each student will prep fiber with hand cards and/or a drumcarder and then spin the newly prepared fiber on a drop spindle. (Starting on a drop spindle is a GREAT way to learn about drafting fiber and the drafting zone!). Next, on to the spinning wheel! You will be making yarn in no time!!

Our classes are now being held in our new 'studio' at www.freehavenfarm.com in Simpsonville.

Join us! You'll have a blast!

xoxoxoxo
PattyAnne

PS. If you want more info or want to sign up, email us at

freehavenfarm (at) mac (dot) com

or call 864 862-4802

(If Caron is out tending to critters, mending fences and/or doing other 'farmer' stuff and you get 'the machine' please leave a message!)

Felted Purple Rabbit (and his 'buds')

2009-03-19T07:08:00.004-04:00

I wish you could see bun's eyes. They are soo expressive.
Other than that, he looks more like a ....... not quite sure LOL. BUT he is cute!

Little Blue Man is now 'sportin' an alpaca mullet. :)

2009-03-18T15:59:00.003-04:00

He felt a little nakie without any hair.... (and no hat, right Dafe?).

More Felting

2009-03-18T14:02:00.006-04:00

Here are my newest FRIENDS!

The little blue fella is created out of merino wool.

The bunny holding the spring flower is made out of coopworth.

The little lamb on the far right is made from Corriedale wool that I accidentally felted. See, when I was washing the wool (so that I could spin it), I got the bright idea to dry it quickly in my clothes DRYER. I put the wet wool on a shelf in my dryer so that it wouldn't tumble around as it dried BUT that didn't keep it from felting! Arrggghhh what a MESS! I really thought the warm-ish air just circulating around the fiber wouldn't felt it. Live and learn! :)

Here's what my felted fiber looked like prior to becoming Lambie Pie!

Weaving a cord on cardboard 'loom'

2009-03-13T22:28:00.004-04:00

I had a hard time deciding how to finish my woven bag (see previous video)!!!

I've decided to roll the raw edges of the cloth under forming a casing through which the cord that I'm weaving in this video will be threaded.

~~Keepin' my fingers crossed!~~

Getting my woven bag sewn up.

2009-03-13T16:43:00.001-04:00

A completed weaving woven on my rigid heddle loom

2009-03-13T08:45:00.004-04:00

I spun some Shetland roving... and added in all kinds of acrylic yarns and various fibers such as silk, merino, and corriedale to make a novelty weft yarn.

I LOVE IT!!

I think I'll sew this cloth into a bag to hold my spindles. :)

Needle felting fun!

2009-03-12T10:22:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was needle felting day. Caron and I needle felted some REALLY cute little bags. They're not quite done yet because we have to whip stitch the edges. I put hearts on mine. Caron put a 3-D dog bone and heart on hers. She's making hers into one of those treat bags that you can wear on your belt when you're training your pooch.

We also needle felted two 'critters'. Caron did the sheep. She is sooo good at making her critters life-like. I wish I had a closer shot so you could see the texture in the sheep's wool. Better yet, I wish you could feel him! OH, Caron tried something new this time. Rather than having her sheep be solid wool, she felted over some sweet gum balls.

2009-03-10T23:31:00.007-04:00

I had fun spinning and then weaving this WIP today. I used gray alpaca (thanks Gerald!), and a bunch of miscellaneous pinks I had in my stash thanks to Rhonda.

Anyway, I learned the spinning technique from Velma Pretty easy and fun to do.

I wasn't sure how I'd like weaving with the crazy yarn but I LOVE it. It is just so much fun to weave with all different types of yarns! You just never know what you're gonna get! So MUCH FUN!

I also needle felted this cute little lamby pie the other day.

The Studio

2009-03-10T08:36:00.005-04:00

Yeah! The studio is getting in shape.

Caron and I are going to be teaching classes in this studio. We plan to have weaving classes, needle felting, wet felting, rug hooking, spinning, spindling, fiber prep, dyeing, hmmmm bet I'm forgetting some GOOD stuff!

We will have classes for adults and kids. (I'm a certified 1-8 teacher - taught math and science in a middle school for 10+ years and LOVED it!)

Anyhhoooooo here's the fiber studio! We would love to do something with the floor. Any ideas?

Oh yeah.. this studio is in one room of a HUGE, HUGE barn. This is what can be seen outside the barn!

Cute Little Woven Bag with Wet Felted Flower

2009-03-02T20:43:00.006-05:00

I wove this for the fun of it. (I still have a bit more 'clean-up to do on some threads/yarn.)

This bag is made from my homespun, home dyed bfl.

Both the warp yarns and the weft yarns were about 22 wpi. I used a 10 dent heddle on my flip loom.

The two stripes near the center of the bag are ribbons.

I have lined this bag with a hot pinkish silky fabric.

The flower is one that I wet felted recently.

Here's what's OFF my loom

2009-02-28T16:56:00.002-05:00

In my previous video I showed how to warp a rigid heddle loom.

Here is a photo showing what I DID with the loom I warped in the video.

What is it??? It is a 'sampler' of weft floats from the book, "Textures and Patterns for the Rigid Heddle Loom" by Betty Linn Davenport.

In this photo you can see examples of Weft Float Experiments #1 - 4.

These weft float experiments were created using a pattern stick which created a 'pattern stick shed'.

I've been FELTING

2009-02-27T16:43:00.006-05:00

I decided to make some felt balls -- just for fun....

Then I decided to make some of those felt balls into beads -- just for fun...

And THEN I decided to make some flowers -- just for the heck of it ;) .....

I'll tell ya what.... Making the felt balls is ADDICTIVE. I really like the way they feel and sound when I scoop up a handful of the warm fuzzy things and then let them drop into a wooden bowl.... kind of reminds me of what the lottery balls on TV sound like. Ahhhhhh...... !?

Oh yeah... I felted some soap too...

How to warp a rigid heddle loom

2009-02-22T13:53:00.002-05:00

Ok, I'm certainly NO expert... afterall, I've only had my loom about a week!! But, you know me... l guess I just love making videos. There are a few "flaws" in this one. I'm trying to add mor annotations but youtube isn't cooperating!

Well, here it is..... :) Hope it helps!

Here's the first part of our Fiber Day Video

2009-02-15T16:56:00.006-05:00

Yep! We're still working on it but here's the test run of the video for
Fiber Day at Freehaven Farm.

Click HERE.

www.freehavenfarm.com

We've been BUSY working on FIBER DAY!

2009-02-13T18:39:00.009-05:00

Here's what Caron and I are working on. (Click on the image for a larger version.)

Click HERE or copy and paste this URL into your browser for more details. :)
http://www.freehavenfarm.com/

BTW, we are located in Simpsonville, SC (right outside of Greenville).

Spinning Corriedale Off a Dog Comb

2009-01-27T12:37:00.006-05:00

I would LOVE to have some Forsyth Mini Woolcombs but there is a waiting list and it would be at LEAST 6 weeks until I could get a set.

Well, you know how that is!! I CAIN'T wait THAT long. I gotta get my hands into this corriedale soooo I'm going the 'cheap seat' route.... a dog comb. Hmmmm wonder if it would be better if I had TWO dog combs??

This Silk/Merino Top is a DREAM to spin!

2009-01-23T19:40:00.009-05:00

I bought this Silk/Merino top (13 oz) last week at the Yarn Circle in Murphy NC. (Click on the image to get a larger view!)

I LOVE this stuff. It is sooooo schmooth and the colors are Gorgeous!! The 13oz of top cost 27.60. (Is that a typical price??) Anyhoooo, I am attempting to spin this worsted. I hope to 3-ply it and knit up a pair of handspun SOCKS! Yay!! (Oh, three plying is something that Judith taught us to do!)

While in NC I also bought one pound of corriedale fleece, some kid mohair (actually I think it was called something like 'young adult'), and 6 outdated "Spinoff" magazines. Included in the mags I got were articles by Judith MacKenzie McCuin (our teacher) detailing methods of washing fleece and plying yarn.

Anyway, like I said, Judith was our teacher for a week at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown NC. She was fabulous! She was soooo patient and kind AND I learned so much from her including....

**** once you have your default spinning figured out on your spinning wheel, all you have to do is vary the pulley (sometimes called whorl) in order to get LOTS of different sized yarns. You don't have to adjust your treadle speed at all. Below is a picture of merino top yarns that Judith spun using the pulley changing technique.

Carding Wool - Making Rolags

2009-01-19T14:18:00.001-05:00

Woollen Longdraw

2009-01-19T14:11:00.001-05:00

Spin Worsted-style - The Short Draw

2009-01-19T14:03:00.001-05:00

Wet Felting Wool Over Soap

2009-01-18T10:25:00.003-05:00

Here are a few comments by the maker of this video. BTW, she said that she was using wool that had been carded and combed. I THINK she may have meant to ONLY say CARDED.

I would suggest that you try batting rather than roving. Roving has been combed to be fairly fine and smooth so it might be sliding over the soap rather than grabbing onto itself if that makes sense.

The wool will continue to felt more firmly with use and the soap will dwindle and disappear leaving you with a little felted wool bundle that has a hallow core. You can carefully slice it open to make a coin purse, or cut off the top and add a strap to make a necklace pouch or holder of some kind.

In response to someone asking the author if the soap/wool gets moldy, she responded:

I've never had a problem with it getting moldy. Wool is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobal, so maybe that even helps things. As with any bar soap, it's best to keep it out of standing water in between uses (like on a soap dish that drains).

Llama Shearing Time!

2009-01-18T10:15:00.002-05:00

Hey, my mom held my brothers by the ears a time or two also when she wanted them to "move (or not move) --- NOW"! Hmmmm... do you think this would help when shearing??? :)

Forsyth 4 pitch super fine woolcombs

2009-01-18T09:51:00.001-05:00

I've gotta start my search for combs!!

Forsyth 4 pitch combs, processing Romney fiber

2009-01-18T09:16:00.000-05:00

Processing Romney fiber part 2

2009-01-18T09:13:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T20:19:00.000-05:00

Merry Chrsitmas!

2008-12-22T06:28:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't grow up in Massachusetts but I did grow up 'up north'. This video brings back a lot of fond snow memories.

Merry Christmas!

xoxoxo
pattyAnne

PS. I hope to put some photos of my WIPs and FOs on this blog soon. Hey, maybe my New Year's Resolution should be to quit procrastinating!! ;)

Saw Polar Express in 3D :)

2008-12-20T06:20:00.000-05:00

Card Weaving a Dog Leash

2008-11-03T17:14:00.001-05:00

Productive Weekend!!!

2008-11-02T21:28:00.002-05:00

Caron and I had a blast 'fibering' this weekend. We both got a lot done!

Here's what I accomplished....

2008-10-23T14:32:00.005-04:00

Hello!!

I've been busy spinning, spinning...and knitting... and playing with my puppy.

Here are some the yarns I've spun. Not sure what I'll use the multicolor for... but will use the tan?? for my SIL's scarf. The tan is alpaca. The multi is BFL .

I'm pretty excited... this weekend is SAFF. I'll be going on Saturday and Sunday...taking classes both days and SHOPPING on Saturday afternoon! www.saffsite.org

Libby and Butterflies

2008-09-17T21:15:00.006-04:00

Hello!!

My little darlin' Libby still has me hoppin'. Today was a bad potty day - she had SEVERAL accidents in the house. Well, tomorrow is another day....

On a happy note, she has about 'mastered' the "sit" command and the "down" command (as in lie down).

Soo anyway, one of the times I took her out today I spied this in my backyard. There are 6 swallowtail butterfly larvae on my dill weed plant. When I was teaching we used to raise these "critters" along with Painted Lady Butterflies. FUN stuff. (Be sure to click on the images for larger versions!)

Tomorrow (i hope) I will be posting some GORGEOUS BFL roving that I dyed. Sooo pretty. I can't wait to begin spinning it!!

Until next time,
xoxoxoxo
pattyanne

Libby is Keeping Me Busy!!!

2008-09-04T14:52:00.006-04:00

OMG...it has been forever since I've been here. I have been very busy - working on 5 different websites while watching this baby! This picture shows Libby at 7 weeks.

I wanted a LAP dog....but my friend, Caron, talked me into on of the pups her dog had. Caron's dog is part Bouvier and part great pyrenees. That's the mom's side. The dad is a mix of border collie, lab and possibly some retriever. (Google any one of these dogs - especially the mom - to see how much this pooch will NOT be a lap dog!!!)

My dogs, Codie and Katie are beginning to get used to Libby. Oh, we named her Liberty because she was born on the 4th of July. We just call her Lib or Libby for short.

The picture below was taken after Libby and her sister went kayaking. (BTW, Libby is on the left.)
They seemed to like kayaking pretty well. Both girls swam beside our boats for a short while then slept as we paddled on a calm lake.

Well, I've gotta get back to work but before I do, i haveta tell ya.... I have something new on my needles... I'm making some fingerless gloves out of my hand dyed, homespun yarn. I'll post a picture soon. :)

2008-07-29T21:06:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone!!

I'm sooo glad to have some time to post here! I've been sooo busy on our new Horse website (www.iHorseClub.com). We are having sooo much fun working on it and it looks like the kids/horselovers of all ages - are beginning to enjoy it too.. Yippeee!

Our goal is to make a wholesome, educational, fun place for kids who love horses.

Know any horse lovers? Please help us spread the word!

Ok. I've been dyeing fiber, spinning, and knitting.

Here are a few shots.

New Project is LIVE - - - - - sorta :)

2008-07-03T13:04:00.004-04:00

Hi,

I'm sooo excited!! I can spill the beans a day early!!! Our new site - the project I'm sooo excited about----- is now live (sorta).

PLEASE check it out and let me know what you think. Heck... why not join the club and chime in there too. I'd love it!!

Soooo, what am I talking about??? CLICK HERE!

OH, check out the About Us page too...and Caron's column and the blogs and the writing contest, and ......

Ohhh....one last thing... if you like what you see, please help get the word out. Tell EVERY horse lover you know and/or grab a banner and put it on your website/blog.

Thanks so much!
xoxox
PattyAnne

Where have I been???

2008-07-01T07:34:00.002-04:00

OH MY GOODNESS!! I have been swamped (happily so) with work.

My good buddy DK (over at Flyover blog) and I have been working ourselves to the bone (I wish!) on an EXCITING, new project.

We are going to unveil the project THIS WEEK.

All I can say is if you have a daughter, niece, granddaughter etc. etc. etc. who LOVES horses, you've gotta tell them about this. They are going to L.O.V.E. it. (I sure do!!)

So anyhoooo, check back on July 4th for the details!! Can't wait to tell you!!

xoxoxo
PattyAnne

Socks!

2008-06-19T06:54:00.008-04:00

Good news! I've gotten my first pair of socks done! I am pleased with them and love them as only a mother could. You see, they have a lot of flaws but they are the most beautiful socks in the world to me. :)

I have started on my second pair of socks. This time I've decided to do toe-up socks. I've completed the toe and the foot. I've started the heel numerous times but cannot seem to get it right. I'm following the Lifestyle Toe-Up Socks pattern seen here so if anyone knows of an easier pattern to follow (or can help me with this one), PLEASE let me know.

Here's the deal, on the pattern I can nicely knit THROUGH the part in BLACK below BUT when I get to the directions in RED, it looks like the directions are in Russian as I have no earthly idea what they mean since I'm a new knitter!

Here are the directions:

Time to knit the heel
Knit the no muss, no fuss, no crazy yarnovers short row heel designed by Priscilla Wild and used with her permission. Of all the methods for making a short row heel, this one wins, hands down.
Ignore the needle that holds the stitches that are the top of the foot, time to focus on creating your heel. With the stitches on your "heel" needle, follow these directions for creating a short-row heel.
(This is Priscilla Wild's recipe using 30 stitches. Adjust to the number of stitches on your heel needle.)
30 sts k to next to last stitch, turn
slip stitch (SS) , purl 27( to next to last stitch) turn
SS, k 26, turn,
SS, p 25, turn,
SS, k 24, turn,
SS, p 23, turn,
SS, k 22, turn,
SS, p 21, turn,
SS k 20, turn,
SS, p 19 , turn,
SS, k 18, turn,
SS, p 17, turn,
SS, k 16, turn,
SS, p 15, turn,
SS, k 14, turn,
SS, p 13, turn,
SS, k 12, turn,
SS, p 11, turn,
SS, K 10, turn,
SS, P 9, turn,
SS, K 8 turn
**Go to first stitch next to the first hole , p2tog, (note, you are purling together the 2 stitches on either side of the first hole) pick up 1 stitch with right needle ( put needle through the top loop of the gap and pull through a new loop with yarn, as if you, were picking up instep stitches) in the next hole, between the next two stitches.
Turn,
Slip that picked up stitch to left needle, knit across to stitch next to first hole, k2tog, pick up one stitch in next hole with right needle,
Turn**
Repeat between the** ’s until all stitches are back in work, simply picking up a stitch on the end loop when at the end of the increasing .
Note, once you have done a few rows on the decrease portion, you don’t need to count, just make a hole by turning next to the last stitch of the next hole. On the increasing portion always k or p together the 2 stitches on either side of the next hole, then pick up stitch in the space next to your needle, turn and slip that picked up stitch. The picked up stitches are, in essence, increases filling in a hole and making up for the k2tog decreases that close a hole. This method leaves no loops and no holes.

All I can say is HUH?????
I sure wish I could figure this out because this sock is LOVELY. I'll take a photo of it soon so you can see the beautiful yarn. It's gorgeous!

Well, until next time,
xoxoxo

PattyAnne

I WAS Discouraged

2008-06-07T08:55:00.004-04:00

I'm knitting my second sock and I have made a mistake. I tried to fix it then dropped some stitches etc. etc. etc. I have frogged several rows and still cannot get the dang loops back on my needles. Whenever I put a loop on my needle - ever so gently - another loop gets sucked into a black hole. I carefully rescue that loop with my crochet hook only to have the next loop fall into the black hole.

Do I sound like I'm whining?? I AM.

I need Thorn!!! She rescued me last time. I was just about to frog a project because of that stinkin' black hole effect when Thorn yelled (ever so sweetly) D.O.N.'T. I can help! I can fix that!! Thorn.....where are you???? My fingers are just itchin' to frog these 8 inches of sock.... well, the sock is probably 3 inches now.....

UPDATE!!!! I was sitting in the living room knitting a bit of my orange handspun/dyed when my DH came in and asked where my sock was that I was working on?? He really thinks these socks are cool and can't wait until I'm able to knit him a pair! Anyway, I told him about my disaster with those dang socks and guess what???? HE FIXED them!!! I guess his old fly-tying skills came in handy once again!! I still cannot believe he did it!
Thanks snookums. ;) Mmmwwahhhhh!

See...the needles are back in the loops. Oh, one of his tricks was that he used tooth picks to hold the loops from being sucked into the black hole. YEAH!

My very FIRST sock is DONE!

2008-06-03T17:57:00.002-04:00

I am so pleased that I have finished sock #1. Yahoooo!!
I sure have learned a lot of what NOT to do on sock #2. This first sock is "wearable" BUT I won't be dragging it outta my bag at the knitting meet to show anyone else up close LOL. I had to fudge a LOT to get this baby done. You should see (ahhhh, no, you shouldn't see LOL) the way I did my kitchener stitch. I think it should be called a pattyachener stitch (PattyAnne and kitchener stitch combo!).

Well, here it is. BTW, I just cast on sock #2. I can't wait to get started.

xoxoxo
PattyAnne

What's On My Needles?

2008-05-29T16:07:00.002-04:00

I've got a gorgeous sock on my needles! I really didn't think I'd like this sock yarn UNTIL I started knitting it.

This is my first sock AGAIN. The is the farthest I've gotten yet in sock knitting. I think I'll get this one DONE!! Yahooo. :)

I'm headed out of town tomorrow. Going to Cincinnati to my nephew's graduation party. Luckily I won't be the one driving all the way soooooo I'll get to KNIT my sock.

Maybe when I get back home my sock will be done. If so, I'll post a photo. Wish me luck.

xoxoxo
PattyAnne

Roving to Koolaid Dye Pot to Spinning Wheel then Plied

2008-05-28T10:44:00.007-04:00

My first-ish attempt at Koolaid dyeing (continued from last week) - I'm pretty pleased with it.
I got the BFL roving from Miss Babs. I dyed the roving using yellow and orange koolaid.

Here is the plied yarn which was just removed from the niddy noddy. I will be setting the twist next.

I'm pleased with my first attempt. As you can see my yarn is still thick and thin but I can tell I'm getting better!!!

I love doing this -- all of it -- dyeing, carding, spinning, knitting!!

Oh, by the way, I'm ordering my drum carder today. I'm pretty excited! Yahooo!

xoxoxo
PattyAnne

Meet Rio

2008-05-26T09:16:00.006-04:00

I spent another day at the farm working with fiber. I was carding my alpaca (Alice), and Rhonda and Caron were working on alpaca fiber too.

I got several bats done - thanks for letting me use your drum carder, Rhonda. :)

Sooooo while we were in the gazebo carding, Caron let Rio, a Double Yellow-Headed Amazon join us. This bird is such a HOOT. He can talk your ears off. OH, and sing!? You wouldn't believe this bird!! He can sing opera lol and he can sing "Old MacDonald". He can also impersonate various farm animals.

Thought I'd video tape him for you. He performed just like my children used to do when I wanted them to do something for an audience. Ha!!

Maybe next time he won't be so camera shy!