Now available in the library, Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece by Gail Callahan.
Another nice book for anyone interested in dyeing their own custom yarns & fiber. Great pictures and interesting technique variations that are well suited to the home or hobby dyer. Definitely worth the look.
Saturday, February 20, 2010 is going to be Problem Solving Day at the shop. If you are having a particular spinning problem–fiber, wheel, technique or whatever–bring it with you and we will try to help resolve the issue. I will be available to custom fit stretchy drive bands for you and P will be on hand to handle spinning or string drive band issues. If you have antique wheel troubles, we will try to assist with those as well or at least try to point you to reasonable & knowledgeable repairmen.
Please feel free to call ahead & bring me up to speed on your situation. That way I can be sure to have the proper tools on hand and don’t run around looking like a chicken with my head ……on backwards!
Had a phone call the other day with a spinner having a take-up problem with her Schacht matchless wheel. It turned out to be something really simple and something that if you get in a hurray….well you may have the problem yourself. Here is a graphic from the Schacht website of the set-up for double-drive spinning.
Notice the direction the bobbin is placed on the shaft–large end towards the orifice.
Now here is a graphic of the set-up for scotch tension or flyer-lead spinning. Notice this time the large end of the bobbin is away from the orifice. One of the great features of the Schacht matchless wheel is that you can spin either double-drive or scotch tension as you prefer. However, if you accidentally get your bobbins in the wrong position it will affect the take-up during spinning…..causing you to sit and scratch your head because it was working on the other bobbin just fine. So, the next time you think you are having a mid-life moment…..check your bobbin.
Respect the Spindle by Abby Franqemont 
is now available in the library.
If your are in to spindle spinning, then this book is for you. Well photographed, it covers different weights and types of spindles and suggests the best uses for each. General info regarding spinning, drafting and plying are included as well as a couple of spindle projects at the end of the book.
Wow. Fall is flying by and it’s already time to make decisions about Roc Day. While meeting in the larger space at the hotel last year was nice and definitely more accessible for town-folk, it wasn’t convenient for us at all. With all the shelf packing and moving, it felt more like traveling to a festival than hosting a gathering.
So-o-o-o-o-o…….we are having our own little Roc Day just like we did in 2008—at the shop. We’ll have the hot water & beverage mixes available. Finger foods are appreciated if you feel inclined. Bring your wheel, spindle, knitting, loom …..or whatever you want to work on and share a day with like minded friends.
Saturday
January 9, 2010
10am-4pm
New books have arrived in the library and are available for checkout.
Teach Yourself Visually Hand-Dyeing
Good coverage of the subject. Offers hints for using different types of dyes and multiple methods for each. Good photographs to illustrate steps.
Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting
Another in the Teach Yourself Visually line of books. Covers basics as well as multiple methods for tops, insteps and heels. Good starting book for beginners.
Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters
Book 2. Offers good alternative methods for custom knitting socks for difficult to fit feet. Patterns included to help address individual needs such as looser ankle fit, instep support or extra cushion.
New Pathways for Sock Knitters
Good patterns and methods. Good book for those that have a basic few socks under their knitting belt and want to progress to an intermediate type pattern.
Spin Dye Stitch: How to Create and Use Your Own Yarn
Well photographed. Good basic info. Patterns are good for beginners but advanced users could work from them as well.
Fiber Gathering
Nice info on the larger festivals around the country. Good photography. Projects are inspired by and based on fibers found at the festivals. While some of the yarns used are small farm produced, most of the yarns featured are readily available commercial type.
Heading out today for the New York Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck. Of course, it’s still raining…….again…….forever……seriously….the mud is unbelievable. I hope I drive out of this weather because I would really like to NOT see rain for several days. I know it’ll be colder but if it’s not raining….it’s worth it.
Hope to see you there!
Thanks to everyone who came Saturday to help celebrate the beginning of National Spinning & Weaving Week. The torrential rains of late caused enough soft ground and mud that we kept the activities inside this year. Those of you who didn’t make it missed a rowdy good time. We had spinners on wheels, spinners on spindles, knitters and more. Project highlights included:
Thanks to Tailgaters BBQ in Harvest for the fantastic food. Here are some photos for everyone to enjoy…
National Spinning & Weaving week is approaching fast. October 3, Saturday, we will have our annual spinning & weaving week celebration at the shop. Everyone is invited to bring your spinning wheels, spindles, looms or knitting and join us under the trees….weather permitting….or in the shop if we get rain.
