Emerald City Hat

How cool is this. My first knit hat from my very own two ply hand spun with some colorwork no less.



I like and it will keep me warm this winter for sure.

I cast on 80 sts with the size 7 needles then did 1 inch or so of k2p2 rib. Then switched to size 9 needles. I still have some yarn left but likely not enough for another hat unless I spin more yarn about the same weight.

V Stitch for Me Stitch Hat

Made from left overs from the froggy blanket for my nieces little one.

I used an US I hook (5.5 mm) and Red Heart Soft lavender, dk purple and teal.

Handspun by me!

My first 2 ply yarn! Before dyeing:


Spun from Merino wool roving on my Ashford Traveller. I didn’t keep good notes on my Z twist singles. Singles spun at 6:1 ratio. I didn't change the ratio for the plying as I didn't know that many do that. The yarn as a whole is a heavy worsted and in some places bulky with 8-9 wraps per inch. I’m not sure if I plied right or not. I found it hard to get the yarn to take up. I let the twist build up in the singles then fed it. So I guess there was some take up but it wasn’t like I thought it would be. I kept repeating that checking everyone once and while to see if the yarn was balanced. I tried to check to see how many revolutions I needed to get the twist I wanted in the ply. It was somewhere between 3-4.

After the dye bath:


So I'm calling this yarn Emerald and Purple City.

Dyeing Method crock pot with 3+ oz of Jacquard acid dye stuff 1/2 yellow and 1/2 blue also included was a skein of Paton's SWS which you can see below.



It's interesting how this took up the dye. It has more of a heathery look to it. It dyed pretty evenly too considering I kept it in the skein then turned it into a hank to dry.

Purple Craze Hat and Scarf Story

First I had roving that I spun into singles:



Then I added dye which created Purple Craze:



Then with my hook I made the Purple Craze Hat and Scarf:



Both are made using a 9mm hook and half double crochet. On the Scarf I crocheted into the the back loop on the front of the work and into the front loop on the back of the loop. I also made a "key hole" so the flower motif acts like a button. The flower was made with my handspun and Elann Luna. I might add some beads to the hat and scarf to bling it up a bit but that will have to happen later as I have lots more holiday yarning to do.

Rennasiance Festival

I'm not having much luck with my fibery photos. I do have several to share from our Renaissance Festival Fun.

The Duel:


Very cute yes!




Sir Marcus the Victor

Archery Fun:





Sillieness:






Fighting in the Barbarian Pit:




Sheep:

I came back!

I didn't get the photos taken today of my finished hat a scarf that I wanted to share. So I hope to share them tomorrow along with my pecan brew.

I did go to the Renaissance Festival in Kansas City. Dear hubby gets comp tickets so we got in for free. Now ain't that nice! It almost makes the day affordable. I saw some fun spinning demos and beautiful bobbin lace that I should have taken pictures of. I don't think I will take that hobby up but is sure was beautiful. I'm good with crocheting, knitting and spinning. Jade was interested the card weaving so she might give that a try. Corbin had a grand time sword fighting with the barbarians.

I'll share some pics of the festival too if they are any good.

That's all for now. Another video for your viewing pleasure here.

So - I've been thinking about blogging again

I thought so hard I'm actually here. I've been having some fun lately spinning and dyeing yarn. I'll have to share soon. If I think hard enough maybe I'll be back. I harvested some pecans today so I can dye some yarn a lovely brownish red. I hope.

I'll be back. Maybe. No Promises.

For now for you viewing entertainment go here.