Will it ever stop raining?

Call this summer? Well actually I did get a sunburned back last Sunday on a spinning day. We were under an awning outside and I didn't realise my back was in full sun. I am quite dark and rarely burn so I don't pay much attention to such things. It was also the sunniest day in ages and had to be enjoyed. Now I am peeling and shedding skin like a snake (incidentally my chinese horoscope sign).

My son, Conrad, went back into hospital Thursday night had a new central line fitted and has begun his second session of chemo. His partner, Caroline, has external exams in accountancy this week. I have everything crossed for them both.

Caroline is into red at the moment so I thought she might like Amanda's squatty sidekick. It was a relatively quick knit - a couple of evenings. I used Lopi instead of the recommended worsted weight as I wanted the bag to come out bigger and I know lopi felts well. I was captivated by the orange one made by kafn8me and had to make one. Here are shots before and after felting. For scale there is a sheet of A3 paper behind it.







I have also been collecting some stuff together to post on Etsy (but haven't got round to it yet) Firstly some handspun yarn from mohair I clipped from my goats and dyed myself. This is spun without carding just teasing and letting it find its own thickness. It gives a chunky boucle type yarn when plied that is very soft and shiny. Click on the stack to see the other colours.



I have also been dyeing Blue Faced Leicester tops. These are so soft still after dyeing. At the bottom of the stack is a naf photo of some BFL boucle yarn. I have been experimenting with fuschia and orange as my Secret Pal is into them at the moment. I want to try this in self striping sock yarn too. I need to make a long skein for that though (8m)which I do outside BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN DRY ENOUGH!!!!




And I saw a picture of these little darlings in a back issue of Vogue Knitting (I think) and ordered the back issue of Spin Off that they were in (Summer 2006) because I just have to make some. I got the issue this week and have cast on to make one for my pal. They are so cute.

Back Soon

I have been trying to update for a few days but the weather forecast has been predicting storms which have finally arrived. I have been offline mostly though to avoid risking my connection. I must get offline now so catching up will have to wait again. See you ASAP.

Am I thick or what?

Don't answer that!

Before I went to the UK my SP10 emailed to say there was a parcel on the way.

When I got back there was no parcel from my SP but a really sweet anonymous parcel that I was sure was from Amber, because there was a little elemental with it, kind of her trademark.

My camera has run out of batteries (weird ones) so until I can get some more I am reduced to taking photos on my computer desk near the mains cable.




Lots of yummy fibres to spin, a moon goddess and a scentilicious bar of soap which is fast disappearing.

Now those of you more logically inclined would think 'Ah, then Amber must be my SP' but I just sat at home wondering if I should email my SP to tell her that her parcel hadn't arrived yet. Doh, it took an email from Amber confessing she was outed before I twigged.

Look at these fab buttons I bought.




Don't know what I will use them for but I couldn't resist them. They have a huge range but not sure where they can be bought. I got these at Wonderwool.

I made quite a bit of dosh at Wonderwool selling dyed mohair and wool and reinvested it in undyed Blue Face Leicester. The idea is to dye it up and sell it on Etsy. So watch this space - but don't hold your breath.

If I haven't been able to thank all the people who were so kind recently please consider yourself thanked. I loved Lorena's suggestion of getting something from the Fuck Cancer website. Why be subtle? They have lots of stuff for sale but I had a little giggle at the 'Fuck Tourettes Syndrome' merchandise