Dyeing, not dead

I don't think I've ever let my blog go this long without posting. But I do think there will be less posts for awhile. I will post as interesting things come up.

My etsy shop keeps me busy as does Ravelry and dyeing. Also, I want to re-vamp the blog a bit to reflect my new fiber passions as well as sewing.

Speaking of sewing. I'm still not sewing much that's interesting. But I did agree to costume a show in June for which I will be making sand/dirt creatures, clowns, and other odds and ends. It'll be good to sew something besides hems and shoulder seams. Sewing for the theater usually wakes up my sewing mojo for "real" clothes too. We'll see.

In sewing, I'm also working on a design for a "spindle transportation mechanism" (a spindle bag.)

Of course I've been dyeing pounds of Shetland and sometimes Icelandic. I also ordered my first full Shetland fleece and will be taking a class in what the heck to do with it next weekend.

I passed my 1st blogiversary a couple days ago. How things have changed!

I originally blogged to increase my sewing business - it didn't do that at all, but I learned I loved to have an outlet for writing, and making so many blogging friends. Not to mention how much I've learned by reading others' blogs on a regular basis, and how inspired I continue to be at how much jaw-dropping, beautiful and creative work there is out there.

And a year ago I never imagined I'd be spinning. I'd admired handspuns at fiber fairs but balked at the prices and passed by spindles and wheels with barely a glance. And as to the hordes of people leaving the fiber fair with huge garbage bags full of fleeces....I wondered why they'd want to bother going through so much when they could just buy the yarn and start knitting!

I guess I still don't know why even though I'm one of them. I guess that as you appreciate something you want to get further and further into the process of its creation. There is also some kind of intangible connection to the past, or maybe not even the past, but some deep-seated instinctual part of myself that needs to create things from raw, natural materials. Like gardening is for some people I think.

And there is still so much to do. If I could pause at 41 years old I would b/c I'm afraid I'm not going to have time for everything. Here are some of the other things I want to do:

• blow glass
• make jewelry and sculpture with metals, glass, gems
• make pottery
• weave
• rug hooking (I'm working up to that one now)

There are probably things I'm forgetting but it's just as well!

Thank you!

Thank you SewIKnit2 for nominating me as one of the blogs which bring you inspiration and make you appreciate the blogosphere !

I won't have any trouble nominating 10 more (I read almost 100 blogs and they all inspire me!) Here are some I've been reading the longest, lately, and/or that inspire me in some specific way:

Miss Celie's Pants
Couture et Tricot
Field Trips in Fiber
Life Happens Be Positive
Real Life: Live and Unscripted
Sew-Mad
Adventures from the Sewing Studio
Pins and Needles
Knitting in Color
Neither Hip Nor Funky

What's Going On

Well, the poll results on my blog content are in. About 40% prefer sewing only and the other 60% a variety. I've decided that I'll post on knitting and dyeing and spinning as it relates to my business and/or as interesting things come up.

Coming soon: Fair Isle Fiber and Design by thesecretpocket at etsy.com. (What do you think of the name?) The plan is to include a few fair isle patterns and hand dyed Shetland fibers in small amounts. Shetland is the wool traditionally used for fair isle knitting, and it's fun and easy to spin. I hope to achieve dyed rovings that when spun up, will result in beautifully heathered yarns. I am also researching natural dyeing, though I would be more likely purchase natural dyestuffs than grow them in my garden. Unless I can find dye recipes for clover and crabgrass.

You (knitters and spinners) will also be able to buy directly from the blog...as long as I can figure out how to insert the paypal widget. My son will be home for spring break...that might be a good time to add that.

As for sewing, right now I have about 15 pants and skirts to take in. I'm struggling with pants for a client. I just finished making a dress into a skirt. And I am repairing a leather jacket lining and cuffs on a winter parka. Nothing exciting. However, I do have to put together a thing on using the Dritz bound buttonholer for our ASG group, so I'll photograph that. And a new round of beginner's classes starting up soon, so as I prepare for those I hope to be able to share some tips with you.