Sunday, September 23, 2007

Adventures in Bookbinding


front, originally uploaded by Reesa.

For Tom's going away present, I made him a book and a mix cd. It was my first bookbinding project, but I'll definitely be doing more.

(The rest of the photos can be found here: Goodbye gallery )

Friday, September 14, 2007

Secret Stash Fiber Exchange Questions

1) When is you birthday?

September 19th. I'll be 28.

2) How long have you been spinning?

Almost 4 years. I started with a cheap Ashford spindle, and bought a wheel within 2 months.

3) How long have you been blending your fibers?

About 2 years. I started with hand cards, but now work with a drum carder.

4) What types of blends do you like to make and spin?

I really love to create blends that include luxury fibers. I adore blending silk and cashmere with things like alpaca or BFL. BFL is probably one of my favourite wools to play with, because it creates such bounce in a blend. I make a lot of merino/cashmere/silk blends.

5) What types of fibers do you NOT like? Are you allergic to any kinds of fiber?

I'm not really a fan of soy silk, although I've never tried it in a blend. *suddenly has mad ideas* I LOATHE spinning it alone.

I'm allergic to angora. *sob* No tiny fluffy bunnies for me!


6) What are your favorite colors?

Blues, greens, black, purples, silver, copper- I'm partial to jewel-tones, and robins egg blues.

7) What are you least favorite colors?

Lime green (though I've seen it look great in a mix), some oranges, mustard yellows, camo colours, pink. (I have been known to enjoy all of these in the right blend, but they aren't "me".)

8) What type of yarns do you like to spin? (singles, plied, novelty, fingering, bulky, ect.)

I like to spin singles, plied-sock yarns, laceweight, and I love to ply yarn with thread for that cool pearl/bumpy look.

9) What type of blending equipment do you use?

A Patrick Green drum carder with an extra-fine cloth. Occasionally I break out the handcards, but I don't have the time for them when I could be making LOTS of stuff on the drum. I luff my carder.

10) What type of wheel or spindle do you spin on?

I have two wheels, an Ashford Elizabeth II, and a Lendrum DT folding wheel. I love the Ashford for the look (I am shallow! Whee!), but the Lendrum is my workhorse, my baby, and the wheel I would hands down save in a fire.

11) What do you do with your handspun yarn?

Socks, lace, ball it up and stare at it in wonder...the usual. I like all kinds of knitting. I kind of love little teeny projects like cupcakes and toys, and I have a special weakness for bags (all kinds, not just knitted!) and socks (also not just handknit! I love novelty socks, and wear them almost every day. Just not the toe-y kind. *shudder*)

12) What are your interests outside of spinning?

Writing, reading, music, television, swimming, playing the hammered dulcimer, tapestry weaving, cooking, beading, my pets, altering books and making art journals, and taking baths. I'm ever so slightly hedonistic. *grin*

13) What types of music do you like?

I LOVE music. Almost all kinds. Jazz, rap, and R&B aren't my thing. I especially love fusions of traditional folk styles/instruments/songs with rock, Celtic music, punk, and just about anyone associated with Pete Wentz and the Decaydence label. Favourite bands/artists include The Tea Party, David Usher, Fall Out Boy, Flogging Molly, Bain Mattox, The Clash, My Chemical Romance, Heather Alexander/Alec James Adams, OK Go, Muse, and Carbon Leaf.

14) What types of movies do you like?

Ones that make me laugh. I'd say comedy, but that's different. I loved the South Park movie, but I can't stand anything with Adam Sandler, I hated There's Something About Mary, but thought American Pie was pretty funny...not helping, am I? I also like fantasy and sci-fi, and the occasional (not terribly violent/gory) action movie. I like the Bourne movies, and I can't wait to see Shoot 'Em Up. (Clive Owen has a LOT to do with that. Heh.)

15) Do you collect anything?

Other than yarn, music, and books? Heh. Little sheeps in many forms, art nouveau bits and bobs, and unfinished projects.

16) What types of candy and snacks do you like and dislike?

CHOCOLATE! *grin* I love dark chocolate, though more on the semi-sweet side than the truly bitter. I have been known to enjoy the odd Hershey bar here and there, when I am in no mood to be picky. Not too fond of nuts, though I like pecans and macadamia nuts. (Mac nuts remind me of growing up in Hawaii.)

17) Do you have any food allergies to common "goodies"? (ie: chocolate, nuts, etc.)

I am allergic to walnuts and papaya. (No trail mix, please...*grin* They tend to slip both of these things into it.)

Monday, September 10, 2007

warped


warped, originally uploaded by Reesa.

I wonder what could be going on here? Is that a warping board? And some WARP?

Goodness. I wonder if actual weaving will occur!

Abalone silk


abasilk2, originally uploaded by Reesa.

You thought I was dead, didn't you?

I don't blame you. I was beginning to wonder myself.

This is some luscious tussah yarn I've dyed up in one of my new colourways, Abalone. I've also got new batts, new sock yarns, and some stuff going on clearance! Check it out!