RIHandspun

Miss me?

2006-06-11T09:14:00.001-07:00

OK, show of e-hands, Who loved yesterday's guest presentation at the RI spin guild meeting? ME,ME (jumping up and down waving wildly!)! May I suggest a road trip to URI to see what we might see? Hats off to Renay for putting a wonderful meeting together. Great idea. One of my favorites was the twined weaving pics. That is a must try.
For those of you not in attendance, Dr. Margaret Ordonez from the University of Rhode Island was out guest speaker. Dr. Ordonez manages the Textile Conservation Laboratory and the Textile Gallery at URI. Her computer presentation showed magnifications (some up to 600x) of some of the textiles she has worked to identify fibers in. They were fascinating. We were also treated to a feel of some of the samples, just incredible.
On to commerce; I got a small shipment of beautiful drop spindles in from CO. They are from the people who made my red glass top whorl that many of you have admired. I couldn't be more pleased. Whorls include green glass, picture jasper and more. I also got some solid color romney in dark green, med. blue, bright gold, cran red, and purple. Great for blending, felting, or spinning as is.
Also, Congratulations to Carrie Mac and MR. Carrie Mac on the birth of their new grandson! And, hello to our Canadian voyeur. I need an address to mail your felting fiber and needles out.
Hope to see many of you on Tuesday. su

Miss me?

2006-06-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

fleece and friends

2006-04-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was a quiet and soothing evening at Rhode Island Handspun. Barbara, Cindy, and I got some knitting done while enjoying each other's company. We spoke of sheep and wool and the local availability of beautiful fleeces. Fooled around with a bit of dyeing as well.
Just an aside, is it fleeces or fleece for the plural? I know I can JFGI, but I like to hear everyone's opinion, so.....
Did anyone notice one of our own pictured in the new Spin-Off? Right there on page 26! Also, congratulations to David at the Merlin Tree. His wheels are just lovely and I'm glad to see him being recognized for his talents.
In closing, let me remind you all that you can access some wonderful wool through Barbara at Seldom Seen Farm. The babies are out at both farms and some shearing is already done. su

2006-04-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

Friday made a great dye day. Carrie Mac came out to play and we had a splendid time of it. We tried the pour/paint method on 2 plastic covered tables . We chose some fingering weight blue faced leicester yarn and some pencil roving. Both experiments were successful and we aim to do more in the future. Just wish the weather could cooperate a bit, tough to dry in the rain.
It's that time of year again, time for egg decorating. Is anyone interested in coming out for a Ukrainian egg day? Probably on a Saturday to include as many people as possible. Marlene and Carrie have confirmed interest, anyone else? Give a holler so I know how much to put aside. I hope to see many of you on Tuesday evening for knitting. su

2006-03-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

How is everyone making the shift to a new season? Are you caught in the middle of could be projects for Spring and the heavy Winter stuff you have started? I'm kind of flapping in the breeze on this. My mind goes to cool tops for warm weather, but my cold feet keep me knitting wool socks. I'm also playing more with my spinning. I am enjoying the new Columbine wheel and my thought is to work up some curly stuff in great colors to break it in. This wheel has huge bobbins and a large orifice that can be converted to a smaller one via an insert. If you're around Saturday please stop in and say hey. su

2006-02-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that this Saturday, February 25th, will be a spin in at Rhode Island Handspun. I hope all will be able to join us for tea, talk, snacks, knitting and even some spinning. Have you, like myself, been neglecting your spinning this winter? I've been knitting (OK, and trying to breathe for much of it) instead of turning that wheel. I plan to change that this weekend. I just opened a great box of new fiber for spinning and am feeling quite inspired. Here's hoping that the weather co-operates with us. su CAUTION: arriving before 10:30 will expose you to possible sighting of the dreaded "cow jumps over the moon" PJ's that only Muriel has so far survived.

Darn groundhog...

2006-02-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

I'm sooo glad we have wool. I'm not even cold normally and I need my sweaters. Thankfully, Tuesday knit ins have inspired even more wool projects. Cindy is making THE most gorgeous hat from Grumperinas directions. It's beaded and the design swirls around the head in a lovely pattern. She is also working 0n a sweater and a secret so I dare not elaborate. We were also treated to pictures of Paula's latest aran. She overdyed to a perfecct rust-ish color, a great silk and wool blend in a small grist yarn. I wish I were more talanted in the computer department, because I would link you to her site. I has given me hope that I can make and wear a lighter weight aran without losing the detail that makes it so nice. We have missed Judy, Patty, and Carol R and hope all is well in their worlds. Oh, I also got the replacement Bryspun circs in, so if you have had problems in the past, please note that we now have only the new ones in which the join problem has been fixed. As always, I will replace any problem needles immediately for you , no questions asked. Get ready for a new round of top notch fleecees too, our local farms are welcoming new lambs daily! Best to all and please stop in when you can. su

Did you give thanks?

2005-11-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

Did anyone use the holiday to actually give thanks this year? I neglected to do so until the day after. My main source for gratitude? People, hands down! My family as well as my fiber and cyber friends, that's what makes my world go round. Our post holiday spin-in was needed by all and proved to be entirely enjoyable. Seeing all my knitting and spinning friends and the beauty they bring to being puts me right back in the groove.
I was delighted to have two people here with their second generation knitters and spinners! Bodes well for the future of our craft, no?
What are you most greatful for this year? Let's hear it. Maybe like Ralph, you're thrilled with your finny new friends. Perhaps, like several of us, you are blessed with a new addition to your family. Having trouble finding a bright spot this year? Drop by and we'll help you get one. Honest. su

Oh, Yeah, my blog.....

2005-11-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

My goodness, 2 months? That's a record space-out even for me. So many knit-ins and a couple of spin-ins have gone by as well as some fairs and shop hops. One family loses a child, one new baby is born to our circle, one bride and groom to-be get nearer to their special date. Life to the fullest! Know that your joys and sorrows are ours. Even those who suffer in private are not alone.

Since last we "spoke" I have done some lace knitting (even more lace tinking) and am grateful to Judy, Cindy, Carol R, and Patty for their inspiration. Have also caught the aran bug from Paula and Carrie Mac, though only in my mind as of yet. I'm nearly done with the branching out scarf and like it quite a bit. I have started the frost flowers and leaves shawl as a knit along but have only a dozen or so rounds done.(thanks Carol R for showing me the perfect way to start it) I just finished a knee sock for my granddaughter only to find that I won't have enough of that yarn for the second. Oh pooh, we could have had matching socks!

I have finished my charity knitting for this season. With the help of Chris Sayles of Sweet Briar Studio and her mother Shirley Carr, as well as an anonymous donor who paid for shipping, we sent out 12 Christmas stockings to Navajo children. The stockings are all handmade and include hand knit hats for eight children as well as an assortment of age appropriate toys and goodies for them. We also sent 4 stockings for elders, 2 men and 2 women. We plan to start right away on next year's stockings, so if anyone is interested in joining us, please get in touch. We hope to adopt an entire classroom next year. I also sent 3 what's in my pocket vests, designed by Claudia Krisniski, to the pine Ridge Reservation. I have the pattern for these adorable vests for anyone who would like to knit them for us and I have plenty of Beanie Babies for the pockets. The toys were donated by Patty from Furry Friends pet grooming.
I have also been collecting 8 inch squares for blankets. Shirley Carr has graciously volunteered to sew them together for me, THANK YOU SHIRLEY! These will go to women and children in shelters and to men who are veterans. Thank you one and all. su

2005-09-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

New class offerings at the shop for fall! Yeah! My friend, Chris Sayles, of Sweet Briar Studios will be offering classes in penny rug work and quilting as well as our regular schedule of rug hooking classes. There will be kits available for "make and take" penny projects and those who choose to continue can join our class for the Home and Harvest hanging in Quilters Magazine. I am also carrying fulled wool for hooking and penny work available in yardage and smaller pieces. Classes are available day or evening and are limited to 4-5 participants each. Knitting and spinning classes continue as usual and are usually per student rather than in groups though there is room to vary. Also coming up will be "make and take" needle felting classes for small Christmas ornaments. The new SpinnOff is in as is the new Interweave Knits. Come in to see our kits and finished goods. Hope to see you soon, su

a wee bit short.....

2005-09-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

Lost: 31 steamy, muggy days. Answer to the name "August" . If found please return to....... Izitme? Where are all those summer projects to work on in the warm weather? You know, cotton socks and tops, airy and lacey stoles, and the small accessories that would be such a joy to work in the sauna season. How many did you manage? One, a couple, enough to open a kiosk? I'm at 1 pair low cuff sport socks, short row , toe ups. One bag from a sutache braid type yarn. Two and two-thirds hats for my Navajo project. Ummm, that can't be it, can it? I'm sure I started with 31 days.......Perhaps I've misplaced some... Maybe in the garden or at the office? Could it be those naughty pups lead by that hell hound Belle. Oh well, if you find them or have any extra that you don't plan to use, give me a call. I may just be able to take a few off your hands.......su

Of all the things I've lost.............

2005-08-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Slacking is taking over my life! Instead of office work today, I sit challenging my self to make origami cranes without looking at the directions. When I should be house cleaning, I'm petting my fiber projects and wondering how many more will make the floors cave in. And I can't even say I think it's bad! I love my stuff. I do agonize, however, over the state of my inner self as it is reflected in the habitat I have created around it. If it is truly a reflection, then I am in serious trouble here. I notice 16 days have glided by between posts and I thought perhaps a week.......
I have seen Cindy at least TWICE since her birthday... HAPPY BIRTHDAY CINDY... And have not remembered to give to her the bag of goodies I have collected. I'm going to blame it on the heat, and if you know different, please don't tell me. While I am happy to see that I am still the same child who lived to "make stuff" I can't help but wish her mother would come along to balance her out with a little structure and discipline. Just this week I have attended one class that was cancelled (didn't see THAT message), awakened from a sound sleep to be reminded of a Dr. appt. I would have missed, and managed to miss 2 gigs with friends to do fiber stuff.(sighs loudly and fondles some wool, alpaca blend)

On the other hand, I have started a wool quilt project, finished one hat for my Navajo stockings and started another, gotten a lesson plan together for my toe up- short row- sock class, and done a bit of spindle spinning as well as reading 3 books. Loved the Strange Incident of the Dog in the Night and the Dean Koontz Frankenstein 2nd book. Now if I could only remember what the 3rd book I read was............

Foster Old Home Days Winners 2005

2005-08-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

The following are the blue ribbon winners from the Foster Old Home Days Fiber Arts competition.
ADULT: Best of Show Paulette Galyas. Blue ribbons also went to Carol McElroy 7, Cindy DiDonato 3, Barbara
Thompson 2, Sharon Coleman 1, Christine Sederback 1, John Blauvelt 1, Debra Betchy 1, Cindy Schoefield 2, and
Maria Procopio 1. Many thanks to all who participated to make this an exciting event.

YOUTH: Best of Show Amanda Betchy. Other blue ribbon winners were Katie Fantasia, Elizabeth Procopio,
Amanda Betchy was also the winner of the MARYANNE SARTINI Youth Excellence Award of $25.
Thanks to all in our talented youth group and a reminder that the event is open to all and we welcome your entries next year.

SPINNING BEE: This year’s winner was Katie Fantasia
Congratulations to one and all on a job well done.

Respectfully submitted by Sue DiNola at Rhode Island Handspun Yarns.

Foster old home days

2005-07-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all. It's that time of year again. Foster Old Home Days is on for this weekend. I'm there aft . 4 on Friday to take entries and you can drop some off before 10 Saturday.I hope many of you can come out and support our efforts to keep spinning, knitting, weaving and all of the heritage arts alive. Our youth group grows each year and it's because of the interest and time of each of you. If I can get enough of you together at the same time, we will have a spinning bee and I would like to do a bunny to bootie demo if possible.
I'm also reminding everyone that I'm working on my Navajo Christmas stocking projects now. They need to arrive there by November 1. I plan to make 6 stockings and fill them with hand knit hats, scarves, mittens as well as candy, toys and games. I'll take any assistance you can offer. I'll give you the knit patterns, yarn if you need it, or you can donate from the toy list. These aren't just for kids either, there is an elder program also.
OK, enough begging (for the moment). The new Opal Rain Forrest yarn is in. I have Tiger, Owl, Flaming, Chameleon, and Fish and the Circular Solution storage items have arrived. You can also feast your envious eyes on my HitchHiker next week! I hope to pick it up Friday.
hope to see you at Foster this weekend, su

New Stuff

2005-07-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

Busy,busy me! I'm unpacking a new shipment of Bryson Circulars and the desk top needle threaders from Clover. These are must haves!!! Also in are the short dpns in #2 and #3 for socks. Still waiting for the Rain Forest yarns from Opal and the Circular Solution needle holders should be here soon. Paula seemed to find the Brysons perfect for her lace knitting as did Cindy who is making the shapely shawlette.
The magnetic boards are in with the ruler and strips included and I'm hoping they will help me keep my place with lace work.(I can dream, can't I?) Foster Old Home Days is coming up, the last full weekend in July, 29,30,31. If you have entries, they should be in on Friday evening after 4:30 so they can be judged early Saturday morning. If you have any time over that weekend and would like to demonstrate your craft for others please come by and join us Friday aft 4:30, Sat 10-9, and Sunday 12-4. We would love to have you demonstrate your craft of spinning, knitting, weaving, hooking(rug), quilting, crochet........ su

fiber thoughts

2005-07-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's knit in was inspirational. Judy's ripple socks are beautiful as is her scarf from Scarf Style. The knitting is well done and the hand dyed silk is a marvel! Add to that Patty's smiling presence and projects from Paula, Cindy, and Marie and the evening was off to a great start. Imagine our elation when we were blessed with a visit from Carol R and Debbie. Both of them were working on quilted projects. I was so in love with their stuff that I am planning to get together with them regularly for a quilting jam. There, I've said it and there's no going back!!! Yes another textile form!! Yes I want to learn hand piecing and these two fine artists are just the ones to teach me!!!!. Carol R, are you sputtering?

On the needles.... Easy lace poncho (and they aren't kidding) in my hand dyed wool/nylon in colonial red. Since the neck of this piece was sooooo wide, I started with #2s instead of the suggested #5s . That seemed to help some and I like the texture I'm getting. Other projects are the red opal speckles in spiral rib stitch on #0 , and the trekking red, pink, blue rings in a feather and fan pattern. These surprised me by looking so big when I started and then needing to be up-sized to get over the heels..... I started with 72 sts on #0 and went up to the same # of sts on #2. The leg fits well but bags out a bit at the top of the heel flap. I am continuing the instep in pattern on #2 but doing the sole on #0 in stockinette. No walking on purl bumps for these tootsies!
Also, congratulations to Marlene....YEAH!!!! She has finished all the pieces of her first sweater in her handspun yarn and it is going to be beautiful. She began sewing it together today under the watchful eyes of myself and Carrie Mac and she is under strict orders to be wearing it next week WITH her fuzzy feet slippers. Speaking of Carrie Mac, she brought in the most wonderful baby quilt (hand quilted!) and tee shirt quilt today. Perfect as usual. I'm inspired to make one for the musician in my family with some of those old- school rock tees.
That's all for today except to say Hello and blessings to you MaryAnn! su

hand dyed yarns for sale

2005-06-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a light weight wool with a nylon wrap done is a kelly green, a great plum and a mixed colonial red . All are for sale . contact me at RIhandspun@earthlink.net

2005-06-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sunset is my first photo upload!!!

turtle love and socks

2005-06-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

Let's start with an alert today. Love is in the air, at least if you are a turtle in Rhode Island so please be careful as you roll along our highways and byways. Our turtle friends are criss-crossing to lay their eggs and head back to the water and, as we know, they're none too quick about it!
Now for knitting news. My feather and fan socks are frogged to nonexistence. Seems the lace is much smaller than stockinette or ribbing and didn't fit over my heel. Boo Hoo for me. I think I'll work on the sweater for Fran instead and ponder my next sock a bit more. Also looking for a pattern to do for my granddaughter (I just love the sound of that) for this fall and winter. Of course now that I've seen Cindy's drop stitch tee I'm leaning that way too.......
One of the lists had a contest for colorway suggestions and though I wasn't able to access their site properly so couldn't enter the contest, it did whet my appetite for dyeing and I think I'll do some today.
Also, I'm determined to finish a lace project if it kills me!!!! I think the trick is to only do that when I have time alone to concentrate in a relaxed way. I may fix a spot on the front porch where I can watch my hummingbird pals and knit in peace. Wishing you peaceful knitting... su

of flowers and foldings...........

2005-06-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

What a treat I had. I toured a lovely garden belonging to a most interesting friend on Tuesday evening. Being Latin impaired, I can not name the lovelies I saw , but they were charming. It also doesn't hurt that the green thumbed wonder leading the way is one of my favorite people. Of course, the tour made me late for knitting night which is doubly sad since I host knitting night at MY shop. There waited Paula and Marie with smiling faces showing no signs impatience. If I ever find out how to link to things, the first will be some of Paula's knitting. You must see the pattern work this woman does, much of it her own design. It was good to see Judy and Patty as well as Cindy,Paula,Marie and Barbara. Speaking of Barbara......-that no good, enabling,*&%#$...., er um, I mean that dear woman introduced me to iris paper folding! (just an aside, I did successfully avoid the class so this would not happen) I was up into the wee hours fashioning two cards from origami paper I had and proceeded to spend much of the day looking for and printing patterns for other iris folding projects. My plan for tonight is to hunt down more paper and ... Well you know the rest. Dang! She seemed so innocent with her just completed lace poncho, her new trekker sock yarn and that great smile. You never can tell. (all kidding aside, I loved the pear she did in iris work. wonderful shades of green)
I have so many projects in the works... several socks, (one euthanized due to lack of co- operation) , garter stitch prayer shawl, navy sweater for Fran, as well as dyeing plans and a sweater for myself,and that doesn't even include spinning, painting, or sewing,or hooking. Does anyone else think they should limit themselves to one or two disciplines? I guess that's today's question. Are you one who wants to try everything at least once or are you able to keep within a single field of endeavor? su

2005-06-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ok. It's official. I am sooooo done with this weather. It's already way too hot and way to sticky for me to even be civil. Beware!

My knitting has consisted of a 3 sample experiment of short rows. I took it with me for a knitting group I do and we managed to lose one of the samples (Japanese short row) within the first 5 minutes of the meeting.( I still think Lois is hogging it!) Also am trying to remember how to start two socks on two circular needles, I know I used to know how, just can't remember where I stored that info.
I can't wait to see everyone tonight at our Tuesday knit-in. I'm so nosy about everyone's projects and books and I love to hear the sound of our talk and laughter as well as the clicking of our needles. ( oh, alright, the clicking IS sometimes from dropping the needles, not just knitting with them. Fingers over 20 sometimes do odd things.) su who has a question.... To those of you who do charity knitting, do you prefer to donate on a global level, in your own community, or in the US?

who r u

2005-06-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Which flock do you follow?

this quiz was made by alanna

2005-05-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Now that my eyes have adjusted to the light I think I'll dye today. Since it appears that Mother Nature plans to cooperate it's the least I can do! Did anyone make it to Comington ? I'd love to hear what you were blessed with. My latest inspiration has been from the spin-in on Saturday where Cindy was working on some beautiful black and white fiber(type escapes me as usual) and Paula had that Merlin Tree MOVING. Paula's daughter Daphne however made her Mom look like she was standin' still when she got her feet on the treadles. Miss Daphne tried her hand at several forms of fiber play including spinning, crochet, and pooch petting. Carrie showed some beautiful quilting as well as some spindle spinning that really got me in the mood for both again. Jeez, some enablers just go too far!
I must mention that I went to visit my mentor, Faith Wight last weekend. I made the trek with Muriel and Sandy, both of whom also learned with Faith and have missed her since her move. We found both Faith and Everett in good health and good spirits. We lunched and laughed and cried some then got down to the business of fiber gossip. Have you seen this.... Did you try that..... Is this your own design....How did you?.....Since Faith is the most talented spinner, weaver, knitter I know the questions and answers flowed one way more than the other {:>).
Our loss is CT's gain as she settles into the fiber community there at local yarn shop and teaching center. It was a visit I hope to repeat soon so if you've a mind to, contact me and come along. su, who has a question. Do you know why you knit?

bigshot colorist at work........

2005-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'd like to start by announcing a long awaited FO. Our last kid is finished with college!!!! I know it's true because I attended the event myself and heard the official proclaim it to be so.(Pause here for deafening rendition of hallelujah Chorus) Life is good. To soothe my anxiety the night before, I hit the dye pots late in the evening. I was so pleased with my inventiveness. Wasn't I talented in the color choices I made! After drying the skeins overnight on the porch, I brought them in and hung them next to the dress I had readied for the big event. Color me humble when I realized that the artistic color way I had INVENTED happened to match, EXACTLY, the dress I had prepared. No wonder I liked it so well! Will I never learn.......

If I do say so myself....

2005-05-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

I love Tuesday night knit ins. Cindy and Judy had returned from NHSW with new ideas and stories and Judy and Barbara had attended MSW, also returning with stuff and such. Everyone's project makes me think Ohhhh, I'd like to make that. Barbara and Paula each were working on great hats and Judy showed us, in person, the leaf lace shawl that is knitted with her hand dyed and hand beaded yarn in green,blues and yellows of spring. Did I mention 900 hand applied beads? Cindy is working on a secret-ish project so I will only say Oh-My-Gosh! How is it possible that CNN doesn't hound us for the secret of our excellence? As for myself, I am using red opal prisma in a puffy spiral pattern that I like quite well. I enjoy the conversation and idea exchange as much as the knitting. We discussed mulesing practices abroad as well as some other husbandry issues, where the best spot to add new yarn on a lacy piece was and how best to join the slinky ends, and which far away fairs and shows we'd attend if we could. And a heads up, we discussed a ufo Saturday and a group pi-r- square shawl so if any of that appeals to you- get in touch. Lastly, to those we are missing (and you know who you are) come out and play. Patty, come in from that garden. Carol R, get in the car, and quilt instead of knitting( sung to the tune of sticks and stones). Gail, don't make me come and get you....... su

blog gap

2005-05-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

How time flies, having fun or not!! I've been to the dye pots a bit and am working still with the silk yarn. I wish I were going to the NHSW with all my knit buds, but I am spending a little time with my new granddaughter today. Always a reasonable trade. I have red Opal Prisma on the needles here at the store and gray thin stripes on the needles at home. I'm working on a navy sweater for a client and am considering projects for my mohair and silk. I don't know how much I'll accomplish in the knitting dept. today as our skacel order arrived as well as the new Opal with the petticoat yarn. A reminder that we now carry Interweave Knits, Spin-Off , and Wild Fibers is on it's way. Hope to see you all on Tuesday with your goodies from both fairs. su

Ahhhhh. Silk

2005-05-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

What is it about silk? Next to the skin it is soooo luxurious. At the dye pot it performs so beautifully that you can only keep dying in a frenzy of new and different colors. I'm never satiated when dying silks and silk blends, each batch urges me toward the next. I've been at the purples and greens today and am quite delighted with the results. Kind of makes you feel like an underachiever though when you think how clever those little worms are with their butts!
On the knitting front, I have Prisma socks going in the red colorway I just stocked. I am also finishing some ringed stripe on a gray background. My new non-sock project is the branching out scarf in kid mohair/silk out of my peach and rust colorway. Whether the mohair turns lace knitting into a piece of cake or a case of pique remains to be seen.
su

quiet spin-in

2005-04-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh. Spent a comforting day spinning and knitting with friends. Am much recovered from reading The Kite Runner. Listening to Celtic and folk music, rain pounding at times. I can't believe I have started another pair of socks. This time the new opal Prisma in red. I had to though, I found a new pattern to try. Finally, some spinning time. I haven't spent nearly as much time spinning as I would like to. This time a fine ramboulet cross for the Gunnister Man's Bag. Just wonderful. Hope all of you have had a great day too. That's all (enough) for now. Did anyone make it to Tolland, Ct. today? su

all knit together

2005-04-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

I love the people in my pond!! Here at Rhode Island Handspun, Tuesday evening was spiced with some of our regular(and I use the term loosely) knitters. As I looked around the room, I knew a shepherdess, a former school teacher, a mom/fiber seller/musician, our plant grower and entrepreneur, some who defy vocational definition, and my self, yarn/fiber shop owner, oil seller, and lover of pups. I am awed by the way our diversity brings an inspirational spirit to our meetings. Our differences manifest in the projects we choose, the colors of our yarn. Each finds wings in the other's work. We don't work to make each like ourselves. We truly enjoy the otherness of our circle's components. It complete us as fiber enthusiasts and fuels our desire to do more. On Wednesday evening when we were rug hookers and shawl weavers the atmosphere was one of discovery and exchange. As our weavers were inspired by the texture of the rugs, our hookers were eyeing color choices the weavers had made. We have tackled everything from the untangle-a-thon caused by a nosy beagle, to computer chaos caused by really un-computer-ated operator. Each difference shone as an asset, a capability that was just right for the task at hand. Leadership and underling positions changing liquidly as the situation called for it. If only we could rule the world.........

Testing the waters......

2005-04-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

SPLASH!!! I've landed in the blog pond and am nearly speechless on arrival. Thanks to my friend Cindy, of CindyKnits fame, and the inspiration of my other blogging friends, I am on for the first time. I hope to share some of my knitting and spinning experiences with others as well as snippets of things that make me go hmmmmmm. That's all for now, I have yarn in the dye pots that requires my attention right now. Hope that's not an echo I hear... sue dinola, Rhode Island Handspun