In my journey to become a weaver, I know that I really ought to stay focused and practice until I feel proficient with each new thing that I try – different techniques, yarn, loom, etc. But there are so many wonderful things to explore that I am easily side-tracked. The Parrot Plumage Crimped scarf from […]
It was so hard to say goodbye to everyone at the end of the Retreat weekend! I truly enjoyed every minute of our time together. Fortunately, I had another few days before I had to say goodbye to Vermont. We went back to Donna’s home to de-brief, and to make some instructional videos. Donna and […]
The Vermont Fall Retreat took place at the Trapp Family Lodge, in Stowe, VT. Yes, it is owned and operated by the von Trapp family of “Sound of Music” fame, and we spent lots of time checking out framed memorabilia that lined the walls. I learned a lot about the family’s true story and came […]
The best things about my job as a knitting teacher are the people and the places where it takes me. I flew into the Burlington, VT airport on a gray, snowy day, a few days before teaching at the Vermont Fall Retreat along with organizer Donna Druchunas from Sheep to Shawl. Before and after the […]
I had a terrific experience with knitters at the Sheep to Shawl Vermont Fall Knitting Retreat, and I have lots to share from that experience, which I will tell you about in the next few days. One thing I especially want to share is that thanks to help from Donna Druchunas and Dom Cotignola, I […]
Is there a more versatile yarn than that produced by Brown Sheep? You can get wool, cotton, blends of the two. Superwash or in it’s natural state. Too many colors to keep track of (but never too MANY colors!), great price point and customer service. Whatever you want to make with fiber, there is likely […]
Yesterday was filled with a busy work day and a Presidential debate (NOT a good time to practice new skills!). Today, when I picked up my work to tackle Day 4’s challenge, I was happy to find myself falling easily back into cord-making. Today’s challenge was making a cord with pre-strung beads. Look at what […]
Adding beads to the cord, now. I don’t have beads large enough for the worsted weight yarn, so switched to the leftover yarn and beads from the Rock the Kasbah shawl. The finer yarn is trickier to work with, and I had to practice on tension, but it didn’t take long to get my rhythm. […]
It took me a few tries, but once you get going, this cord is amazing. It looks just like i-cord, and is much faster to make. I used Lamb’s Pride worsted, always my go-to yarn for trying something new. My hairspin lace loom works great. I know this is the first step to making cord, […]
My friend Jennifer, aka Stitch Diva (www.stitchdiva.com) has started a 7-day Lucet challenge. Every day she will send an e-mail with instructions on braiding with a Lucet. If you don’t know what it is and don’t have one, no worries, she teaches you how to make one with stuff you have around the house – […]