Poppy Flower Fibers

This blog has MOVED

2010-04-18T13:29:00.004-06:00

Hi all!

Poppy Flower Fibers is being re-branded under my new yarn line Wabi Sabi Yarns. While PFF is still available on Etsy, it will eventually be available in the Wabi Sabi Yarns store once it is up and running.

So come on over and follow my new Wabi Sabi Yarns blog! There will be pattern offerings, KAL's, news, and more! Would love to see you there!

Link to new blog: wabisabiyarns.com/blog

Knit Test Socks

2010-02-09T10:33:00.008-07:00

Thanks to generously test knit for me by limejuicy and Casdena for test knitting these beautiful socks for me to display at Stitches West! Yarns available at Wabi Sabi Yarns etsy store.

Clockwise from top left: Lavender Mist, Mountain Sage, Iris Patch, Brandywine.

Free Shipping!

2010-02-08T10:49:00.002-07:00

FREE SHIPPING FROM FEB 8 TO FEB 14. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. After Feb 14th, the current items will no longer be available as they will be packed and shipped to Stitches. Shop will then re-open in early March.

wabisabiyarns.etsy.com

my first Mutnomah!

2010-01-14T11:56:00.009-07:00

I finished and blocked my first Multnomah shawlette and am very happy with the results. Although I wish I had used bigger needles so that the final result was bigger. Next time, next time...

pattern: Multnomah

needles: size 3

yarn: 1 skein wabi sabi yarns Tallulah Sock

colorway: Aurora Borealis

12 repeats

finished size: 44" x 16"

I was *really* burning out by the end of the pattern and just wanted to get it over with, but now I want to knit another! But I think I'll knit an Aestlight first. I have a hot pink yarn just in mind for it. :D

So this is what I've been up to...

2009-12-15T18:01:00.008-07:00

Yarn!!!!!! I've been a busy bee the last few months creating a new yarn line. Wabi Sabi Yarns. I am really excited about it and enjoying dyeing the yarn so much!!!!! I will be having the Wabi Sabi Yarns store opening tonight at 9pm MST.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the yarns to be offered, with more pics on my flickr page.

Store updated with new fiber!

2009-11-16T13:14:00.010-07:00

Enjoy!

poppyflowerfibers.com

Limited edition CUSTOM Holiday Fiber Club

2009-11-14T11:35:00.014-07:00

Hi everyone!!! Please forgive me for my lack of updates recently. Between focusing on necessary home improvements (danger of the deck collapsing) and branding a new YARN LINE to be sold at retail stores, I haven't been able to be in the dye pots as much as I would like. So I wanted to offer something very special to my loyal customers. A CUSTOM COLOR FIBER CLUB, just for the holidays! The fiber offered will be extra special as I LOVE it so. It will be 6 ounces of the finest Targhee combed top with an average staple length of 4 inches, super soft and bouncy with an approximate micron count of 22. Really amazingly lovely stuff.

You will have a choice of three colorways. Each colorway will be built around one predominant color. Red (a), Violet (b) or Teal (c). These are approximate swatches and please understand that not all monitors depict color the same way. You will have your choice of three primary colors. Each colorway will be built around one predominant custom color. Red (a, top), Violet (b, middle) or Teal (c, bottom). These are approximate swatches and please understand that not all monitors depict color the same way. Once you pick your choice of a main color I will contact you within the coming weeks to work with you on creating your TRUE CUSTOM COLORWAY. We'll talk about other colors you would like to incorporate, depth of shade, etc. This fiber will truly be one of a kind, created just for you alone.

Each fiber will be gift wrapped and include a mini sample skein of my new yarn line, debuting over the holiday season. U.S. shipping will be by Priority Mail to ensure that you receive your holiday fiber the week of December 14th. Space is limited, so lock in your spot while you can! Spaces for this custom holiday club will be opening on my Etsy shop throughout the day and are $28 a spot. If you would like a double or triple helping please contact me and I will create a special listing for you.

Thank you and happy holidays!!!! ~Lisa

poppyflowerfibers

Knitting is SEXY!

2009-11-04T16:51:00.002-07:00

The Knitting is Sexy calendar is being released tomorrow in Denver. The whole idea of this calendar is so fabulous!

And here is the direct link to the Knitting is Sexy website. Have a look!

Fiber update and November Fiber club openings, 9pm MST TONIGHT!

2009-10-14T14:51:00.003-06:00

Tonight, October 14th, I will be having a spinning fiber update at 9pm MST, as well as opening limited slots for the November Fiber Club!!! Come one come all and hope to see you there!!!

Hugs!

Lisa

poppyflowerfibers.com

Introducing Crash Test Colorways!

2009-09-28T15:31:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone,

Well, I’ve been absent for a while while I was awaiting a precision scale and other supplies so that I can now write down formulas in order to repeat colorways. I am in the process of creating a permanent collection of colorways which will be loaded to the store on a regular basis and capable of being repeated.

While I determine which colorways will be permanent, I will be doing a bunch of testing. The test rovings will be offered in my Etsy store as “Crash Test Colorways”, only available in that one Etsy posting as it was a test colorway. Along the way, if any colorways really speak to you, please post here to let me know. I will consider reproducing the most popular ones. :)

BTW, Miss Poppy Flower is doing very well these days. Not up to 100%, but at least to 95% :D.

Socks in September SALE! Plus FREE SHIPPING!

2009-09-01T06:50:00.004-06:00

As part of my birthday-month celebration and to kick off the cooler months, I am having a Socks in September Sale! All sock yarn marked down by 25% for a limited time only, while supplies last. Plus FREE SHIPPING on all sock yarn to Canada and U.S.! Reduced International shipping! Enjoy!

poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Updated tonight, 9pm EST

2009-08-31T17:12:00.002-06:00

I will be adding a few braids of hand-painted Merino combed top this evening. Here's a peak:

Sorry my entries have been so sparse. Poppy is continuing to improve, but fighting some kind of stomach problem. Taking her in to see the vet yet again on Wednesday to try to fix it. :)

Customer Appreciation SALE!

2009-08-13T19:46:00.002-06:00

All 4oz braids of spinning fiber will be REDUCED to $14 as a celebration of Poppy's improving health thanks to my loyal friends and customers.

poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Here's what I've been up to lately in the dyeing pots:

On a Poppy note, she is continuing to improve. I just took her off the pain medication today to see how she does, and so far so good. :)

Fiber club giveaway WINNER!!!!!

2009-08-08T08:45:00.004-06:00

And the winner is.........Beadmomsw on Etsy!!!!! Using the random number generator above, your number 48 was selected!!!! Congratulations! I will be contacting you today to arrange for your custom dye of 8oz Cashmere/Superfine Merino.

Thanks to all who have participated! Poppy is doing much better and the MRI that you helped fund is what allowed the docs to determine a diagnosis and treat her. Without the MRI she would still be in very poor condition. If it were not for all those who participated in so many ways, the MRI would not have been possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. :)

Poppy update

2009-08-05T19:55:00.002-06:00

I started Poppy on the Western med protocol yesterday, despite my reservations. I could not get an appointment with a good holistic vet until next week, and that vet suggested I put her on the steroids for the time being just to give her some relief. She's been on them since yesterday and thankfully her mood and mobility has noticeably improved. I'm still concerned about the side effects, but so far so good, and the holistic vet should be able to give some alternatives or healthy supplementation. It makes me so happy to see her wag her tail again after this month long struggle.

Will update as she gets stronger.

Thank you!!!

A possible diagnosis...

2009-07-31T15:49:00.003-06:00

Immune Mediated Polyarthritis. The vet seems to think all signs are pointing to this since the MRI ruled out any tumors or lesions. The allopathic treatment for this is prednisone and imuran which is very, very hard on the liver. So I have booked an appointment with an integrative vet for Tuesday for some alternatives and/or some ideas of supporting her system if she needs to go on these drugs. I am aware that milk thistle can help her little liver and that fish oils will help with the inflammation, but I want a tx plan from an expert. Just hope they got the diagnosis correct.

2009-07-31T10:13:00.001-06:00

Put a call into the vet again today for the MRI results. Still waiting... In the meantime, hoping her hair grows back soon. She's looking pretty sad.

Miss Poppy got her MRI today

2009-07-29T16:18:00.005-06:00

A pic of poppy from today. The two shaved legs are from Friday's procedure and the neon green wrap is from today's MRI procedure where the IV was inserted.

I just picked Poppy up from her MRI. She's still a little groggy from the anesthesia and has a cute green bandage on her leg from where the IV was, but the tech said that Poppy was a "rockstar" and handled the procedure beautifully. The next step is for the radiologist to review the images to make a determination. This should take 2 to 3 days. I asked the tech if she could give me any kind of clue and she told me that they thought that there were a few areas that looked "suspicious" but that they really couldn't read them accurately and that I needed to wait for word back from the expert.

On a note of relief, the front desk turned out to be uber sweet when it came to paying for it and took my down payment with the agreement to pay the remainder next week. This is a super enormous help.

Continued thanks to everyone. Every day someone emails me with new information, new suggestions, financial support, you name it. I am so appreciative. It has inspired me, along with a suggestion from a fiber friend, to create a Miss Poppy fiber club series with colorways inspired by Miss Poppy's favorite things, including updates of her journey and hopeful progress.

xoxo Lisa

Today's Poppy scoop

2009-07-28T21:06:00.009-06:00

Talked to the vet again today and she believes that an MRI is imperative and needing to be done within the next 48 hours. They are aware of my current financial struggles and are allowing me to put down a down payment with a post-dated check for the remainder that they will cash next week. This is a huge help considering the estimate for the MRI is now at $1600 (they want to flush some dye through her body in certain areas if necessary and some other thing or panel). It's interesting the way they do it. She will be anesthetized at the vet's, then taken by doggie ambulance with a doc to a people's hospital where they will do the MRI. I'm comforted to know that she is having it done at a human hospital. I would think that the techs would be very good there.

So the contributions thus far are going to enable me to make that down payment on the MRI which is remarkable. It's such a help. I'm going to do my best with raising more with maybe some auctions or some different raffles to cover the rest. And of course stocking the store with more fiber hopefully by Friday or this weekend.

Thank you all once again!!! You people are phenomenal!!

xo Lisa

Poppy update

2009-07-27T21:12:00.002-06:00

Talked to the vet today and am very frustrated. I don't think she knows what the heck she's talking about. She said her joints showed some inflammation. No, really?! Poppy is still running a fever, still hobbling around, still in a great deal of pain and she wants to give it a couple of more days. Some more time on anti-biotics which are doing *nothing*. Writing this is making me heated, so I'm going to wrap it up now. I'll be talking to her again tomorrow and pushing for a better answer. She still did not have a firm diagnosis for me and MRI is still likely.

Thanks for all the support, peoples. I am deeply touched by how many people have been coming forward in so many ways to help both my pup and me.

Prize Drawing to support Poppy's MRI!

2009-07-27T15:09:00.019-06:00

Hi Everyone! I will be giving away two August Uberlicious Fiber Club memberships to one lucky winner. August's Uberlicious fiber is 4 ounces of hand-painted 80/20 SUPERFINE 19.5 micron MERINO/Mongolian CASHMERE combed top. So the lucky winner will be receiving at least 8 ounces of this luxury blend, hand-painted by me AND get to choose the colorway. This is an $80 value and will ship to you free of charge.

Thank you so much for your support! Poppy and I both appreciate it.

Poppy today

2009-07-26T10:58:00.007-06:00

poor girl's fur has been shaved on all 4 legs due to the procedures. will talk to the vet tomorrow about how long i can delay the mri until i raise the money and if she can survive a delay.

follow poppy's fundraising story and progress here.

Poppy needs your help

2009-07-25T20:52:00.016-06:00

(pics of poppy in better days)
My pup, Miss Poppy Flower, is seriously ill. After multiple blood tests, multiple x-rays, and a procedure which extracted synovial fluid from her joints and is currently being cultured, the docs are gravely concerned. This once 45 pound dog is now 28 pounds and continuing to lose. The docs think an expensive MRI is in order followed by surgery and rehab. I am asking for as much help as I can get because I have a pretty good idea that it is going to be a long and costly haul. My last pups illness set me back $10k. eeek! But I would be forever grateful even to raise just $1k so that she can have her MRI. I have never done this before. Never asked for $$ online, never asked for money from friends, but a friend gave me the suggestion after her kitty was very sick and she had to raise $$ for her kitty's vet expenses. If it wasn't for my bills from my last pup's decline from October to March, my surgery in April, and now Poppy's two back-to-back illnesses which began in April this wouldn't be an issue. The last few months have just broke me.

Thank you all for your consideration. Anything you can give, even $5, even $1, would help so much. And social networking regarding this cause would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!!!!

Follow Poppy's story, fundraising, and progress here.

Introducing hand-dyed YARN and update tonight!

2009-07-22T18:16:00.002-06:00

Hey all!

I have a great new addition to my etsy shop. Hand-dyed yarn!!! Dyed in organic tone-on-tone colorways which will not pool. Todays addition being added to the store at 9pm EST will include cashmere lace weight, cashmere/silk DK weight, superwash merino fingering, and superwash merino/tencel fingering. Come on by and have a look! poppyflowerfibers.com

p.s....i'll trim this post later to cut down on the size of the photos. just in a bit of a rush right now. :)

And here are the pics of the fiber being added:

doggie update

2009-07-18T12:32:00.009-06:00

I spent several hours at the specialty vet clinic with Poppy yesterday. She was thoroughly examined by an internal medicine doc, had more x-rays taken, more blood work, and sent home with a month's worth of antibiotics and pain meds while they try and figure out what is causing her pain, fever, lethargy, and lameness. They seem to think it is some kind of "disease", but unsure of which system it is affecting. Could be neurological, muscular, bone, tumor, or other. If the blood tests do not reveal anything she will have to undergo an MRI, CT scan, or surgical consult. Hoping for the best...

As far as dyeing goes, I am currently working on my new line of sock yarn which is very exciting. Layers and layers of rich colors. It's a nice change of pace working with squishy, bouncy sock yarn. I also have some tencel/merino, and superfine merino combed top to dye up.

So that's the scoop du jour. Not much of a scoop. I'm sure a scoop of ice cream would be way better.

Time to do some houseworky stuff.

August Luxury Fiber Club spots opening tomorrow!!!!

2009-07-14T08:19:00.003-06:00

Hi All!

If you are interested in the August Luxury Fiber Club, 15 slots will be opening tomorrow, July 15, at 1pm MST. Slots will be added to Etsy at that time with sales on a first come, first served basis. I am unable to reserve slots in order to make it fair to all interested. The fiber will be shipped out to you no later than August 15.

August’s fiber club will consist of at least 4 ounces hand-painted 80/20 Super fine 19.5 micron Merino/Mongolian Cashmere combed top. Super duper luxurious and I am so excited about working with this blend!

So stop on by the shop tomorrow at 1pm MST if you would like your opportunity at a slot. :)

Thanks!!!
Lisa ♥

poppyflowerfibers.com

more doggie troubles...

2009-07-12T14:21:00.005-06:00

I've fallen out of the TdF for a while b/c there is something seriously wrong with my border collie. I'm not quite sure what b/c the vet couldn't figure it out, so now i have to take her to an internist next week to see if they can find out what is wrong with her. It has really thrown me for a loop and is a bit crushing. I really hope there is something they can do for her.

I also have to focus on dyeing my club fiber, some swap fiber, and some fiber and yarn for the shop. I'm having trouble getting it done with all that's going on and being somewhat of an emotional wreck, but hope to begin no later than tomorrow.

Here's a pic of a yarn I spun several days ago for the TdF. It's BFL from my colorway 1120

14 wpi
220 yds
low twist single
spun modified long draw
fulled

Day 3 Tour de Fleece

2009-07-06T17:44:00.007-06:00

This is my first year taking part in the TdF. I skipped it the last few years because I didn't think I could commit to spinning every day, but I figure even if I fit in half an hour a day, it's still spinning. So day 1 I spun one bobbin, day 2 I spun another bobbin, and today I plied. It's 120 yards of 7 wpi Merino.

Tomorrow I will start another yarn. Not sure what to spin. I've got so much fiber here it's hard for me to choose just one. But I do know I'll be spinning it on this:

It's a 40th Anniversary cherry Matchless, and we are still getting to know each other.

Tomorrow I will be mixing massive batches of dye in preparation for dyeing my club fiber for this month. So tonight, I rest...

SALE SALE SALE

2009-07-03T10:01:00.001-06:00

***15% off SALE on all combed top to make room for my new line of products coming mid-July. While supplies last!**

poppyflowerfibers.com

latest fiber

2009-06-30T12:50:00.003-06:00

I've been dyeing like a mad woman lately, this time out of pure joy than pressure. I've been having so much fun painting tone-on-tone and more organic colorways. I think these are going to spin up into gorgeous yarns and plan on doing some demo yarns myself.

Here's a peek of what I just loaded to the store.

Just got an electric skein winder in and am hoping to have some hand-painted yarn available for Thursday's update.

gettin' a little cray-zay!

2009-06-24T09:00:00.008-06:00

...with the yarn anyway. my emotions are another story, but that's being helped with the assistance of dark chocolate.

i spun this recent yarn from my #1104 colorway. i think it's going to make a *really* fun hat for my *really* fun friend.

i've been having a murphy's law kind of week and will be very happy to have my orders finally shipped and lucky if i have some roving dyed for tomorrow's update. dark chocolate...dark chocolate...

preview of fibers

2009-06-21T14:50:00.005-06:00

I'll be updating the shop at 9pm EST tonight. Here is a preview of a few things to be posted.

Latest yarn

2009-06-18T09:24:00.005-06:00

So I haven't spun a lot of yarn in the last few months because my head's been in the dyepot. I finally get around to spinning, hoping I could knock out a few yarns this week, and I end up spending 4 days on one yarn. At least I'm happy with the results. With all that time put into one yarn, I'd be pissed if it turned out looking like crap.

The skein:

The skein with a mini skein of navajo ply:

The colorway I used. It's an oldie called Calypso that I dyed last year:

And the winner is....

2009-06-17T13:34:00.004-06:00

Kimchi/Elaine! So Elaine, please contact me here, through twitter, etsy, or ravelry so I can send you your prize!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your comments and feedback. I read every single one of them and they warmed my heart. And thank you to those who re-tweeted, blog posted, etc. about my giveaway. There will be more giveaways to come, so please stay tuned. I plan on holding at least one a month, but hopefully two. :)

Thank you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xo Lisa

Ravelry Fiber Swap Club!

2009-06-16T20:39:00.004-06:00

I am so excited I found this Ravelry group! It's a great way to create custom fiber gifties for people and receive custom fiber gifties for yourself. Deadline for sign up is June 21, so sign up now!

Ravelry Fiber Swap Group

Go to the "NEW! Sign-ups for ROUND 5!!" thread towards the top of the posts.

This is not my club, but I love the idea of it so much that I felt compelled to promote it. Plus, I'll be taking part! :D

Estes Park Wool Market

2009-06-15T15:16:00.005-06:00

This post is a couple of days late, but I had an awesome time!

I ran up there for just an hour or so with the intention of picking up some undyed combed top. (need it to dye b/c my big shipment does not come in til next Thursday). Alas, there was no ecru combed top to be had, but I picked up the most amazing CVM/Corriedale cross fleece from Sheepfeathers. The crimp is insane and the color is a delicious variety of cool smokey browns. AND I found out that the breeder is just the next town over, which will be great for scoring more of this stunning fleece in the future.

I also put down a deposit on a **cherry Matchless**. I had tried a Matchless when I was a beginning spinner and since I was then a beginner I couldn't really tell the difference. But when I tried one yesterday, having a little more experience under my belt, I was sold. HAD to have one, and since she had one cherry left to sell it just made perfect sense. Not to my pocketbook, but to my fiber addled brain.

Only went into the goat and alpaca tents (the goat population seemed far smaller this year than last?), and took a couple pics of a beautiful fawn alpaca that stole my heart.

Glad I decided to go up. :)

Beautiful roving giveaway!

2009-06-15T12:43:00.010-06:00

Hi everyone!

Since I have started a new blog I have decided to do things a little differently around here, which includes holding regular giveaway contests! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

The first giveaway will be for 4.15 ounces of beautiful hand-painted Falkland combed top!

Just browse through the blog, find something you like, and write about it in the comment section of this post. A winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, June 17. Remember to post about it to ravelry, twitter, facebook, plurk, your blog, etc to be entered twice in the giveaway! Just post here about your extra social networking post with link to be given extra credit. :)

Uberlicious FIBER CLUB!

2009-06-15T11:46:00.009-06:00

Hi Everyone! I have decided to offer a monthly fiber club. The Uberlicious Fiber Club! What I will be doing is offering a particular fiber (mainly luxury) for the upcoming month, open a limited number of spots, and ship by the 15th of that upcoming month. The colorways will be brand new and will be guaranteed not to be replicated for at least 6 months.

This month you will receive at least 4 ounces of sumptuous 80/20 Merino/Silk combed top. I will only be offering 12 spots. The price for the combed top will be $22 with U.S. and Canadian First Class shipping being $3 and International shipping being $6. It will be shipped to you no later than July 15.

Slots are available on a first come, first serve basis, with slots opening on Etsy at 2pm EST today, June 15.

Thanks all! I am very excited about this new venture! :D

xo Lisa

http://poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Update tonight 9pm EST

2009-06-11T16:04:00.006-06:00

I only have a few colorways to offer as I am plum out of fiber until next week. I wasn't going to go up to Estes Park for the wool fest this weekend, but I just might so I can grab a small amount of fiber to tie me over until my delivery comes.

Here's a pic of what will be offered:

New blog and featured in Spin Off magazine!

2009-06-10T13:53:00.009-06:00

I just got finished transferring my old LiveJournal blog entries over to this blog. Phew! Glad that's over with.

Not a whole lot to say right now. Should be dyeing for the update tomorrow. I'm really low, uber low, on fiber right now and after this is dyed up I'll be lucky to have any for the following update. My crack dealer, e'hem fiber dealer, is delaying the shipment a bit so I'm in a bit of a bind.

What else is new? Ahhhh, I've been featured in Spin-Off magazine's "Get This" section. I tend to keep things of this nature to myself as I am a wee bit shy in this respect, but I have been encouraged to share, so here it is:

Lastly, I have finally gotten my website up and running thanks to the wonderful Miss Velvet. She really came through for me at a time when I was ready to throw my computer out the window. My website is very simple. Just the way I like it. Here she is: Poppy Flower Fibers.

That's about it. Really need to dive into those dyepots. Time to crank up the tunes and get to work.

First update in 2 months (june 02, 2009 lj blog entry)

2009-06-10T13:51:00.001-06:00

I am so happy that my strength has returned and that I am able to dye again. I had so much fun with this lot. Here are some pics of what I will be offering in my store at 9pm est tonight. You can see more pics on my Flickr page. :) poppy flower fibers

march 31 lj blog post

2009-06-10T13:50:00.005-06:00

Hey all! Here are some of the Colorway Compilations I was talking about earlier. I'm pretty excited about them and looking forward to seeing the yarn buyers spin with them. :) available at my store as usual, http://poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com :)

march 29 lj blog entry

2009-06-10T13:48:00.001-06:00

here are some i dyed up recently that are now in my etsy shop. I'm kind of glad that my surgery is only 10 days away. I can feel myself reaching burnout. Should be able to get in a couple more batches of dyeing within the next few days before I need to stop for at least a month. http://poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

last day with miss luna (from march 19 lj blog post)

2009-06-10T13:46:00.005-06:00

26 hours left with my 16 1/2 year old lunagirl. she has an appointment with the vet tomorrow at noon. today we are making the best of it. i purchased some yummy dick van patten's natural balance gourmet foods. this morning was "irish stew", tonight will be "southern style dumplin's with gravy", and tomorrow's breakfast will be "hobo chili with chicken and pasta". she loved this morning's breakfast so i am happy she is enjoying her last meals. also purchased some "human grade" buffalo chew treats. the idea of these totally grosses me out, but she's never had them before so i figure she might as well experience all she can in these last few hours.

took her for a nice drive this morning where she got some time sticking her head out the window and enjoying the breeze. today is a beautiful day, so i expect her to do a good bit of sunbathing on the deck which she loves.

i also purchased a big fat stuffed squeaky toy for my other dog, miss poppy flower. she will be given this when i take luna to the vet tomorrow. i am hoping it will make her happy enough to distract her. she has *never* been separated from luna in her 12 years of life and i know she cries if i even take luna outside the front door for a moment without bringing her along. the vet thinks it would be best to not bring poppy to the euthanasia because she is highly intelligent and sensitive (border collie) and it might really depress her and she might associate the vet's office with the loss of her friend. so she will be staying behind. luna and poppy

march 16, 2009 lj blog entry: Ravelry group

2009-06-10T13:44:00.001-06:00

I've been playing around with my dyeing techniques because I get bored and have to shake things up a little bit. Here are the results: I'm looking forward to spinning some of these up. I'm sure they will yield soft and subtle yarns which will be a nice change of pace. Also, I now have a Ravelry group! devittles, http://www.flickr.com/photos/10373502@N05 , started it up for me. here's the link and all are welcome to join. =D http://www.ravelry.com/groups/poppyflowerfibers-creations

march 12, 2009 lj post

2009-06-10T13:43:00.003-06:00

to be uploaded to etsy tonight, 7pm est. falkland.

march 12, 2009 lj blog post

2009-06-10T13:42:00.001-06:00

here are some colorways that will be added to my store tonight at 7pm EST. They are all Merino. I still have 3 Falkland colorways that are still drying and will add pics later.

Roving dyeing from March 10, 2009

2009-06-10T13:38:00.000-06:00

Need your input into my store update revisions

2009-03-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

I've been getting some feedback lately that customers are having a real hard time picking up fiber during my updates and are becoming a bit frustrated. I don't blame them. Etsy's system of putting something in your cart and the probability of that item being snatched up by someone else before checkout is not the best. So there are a few possible solutions I am mulling over.

1. Dyeing up a higher quantity of the colorways I think might be popular for the updates
-currently I only dye 2 of each colorway and I am thinking of bumping this up to 4 or 6.

2. In addition to having one main update (Thursday at 5pm MST), also posting fiber to Etsy randomly throughout the week.
- I figure this could give people an equal opportunity at getting the fiber.

3. Having two updates per week with about 30 rovings per update.
- not sure about this one. It might be nice to have two updates instead of one, but would it really give people a better chance at fiber and less frenzy? One update of 60 pieces or two updates of 30?

4. Creating a Fiber Club which will enable anyone who wants to pick up some of my fiber to do so.
- I think this could be very helpful to buyers. Maybe a month by month club or a 3-month club?

I would love to have some feedback over the options or combination of options. I really want to come up with a solution that would satisfy buyers so any input would be greatly appreciate.

Time to start my Saturday now. Walking the dogs, packing and mailing orders, dyeing, and then some highly anticipated catch-up on my fave programs. This weekend I need to catch up on Lost, Survivor, 30 Rock, The Office, and a week's worth of The Daily Show and the Colbert report. Phew! Thank goodness for no long commercials on the internet playbacks.

Have a good one everyone!!

a better morning

2009-03-05T07:00:00.001-07:00

after 5 days of this dog not being able to get up on her own and looking in so much pain that the vet agrees it's the end of the road, she wakes up just fine and dandy this morning. not that i'm complaining. it's not the first time she's fooled me. just when i think it's time to put her out of her misery, she comes back. my family jokes that she must know what's coming and pulls herself together just in time to avoid the needle. i love this dog so much, so she can keep faking me out all she wants.

a day of dyeing in store for today.

sigh...

2009-03-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

grueling day. at the vet yet again with the dog this morning. it's looking like she's going to have to be put down soon. pushing the update back a day because i let my emotions get the best of me today. update planned for friday 7pm est. off to sleep...

Twitter has taken over my life

2009-03-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

at least for the last 48 hours.

i go through these phases of enjoying social networking and then needing my space from it. right now i'm back to enjoying it. i had no idea how big our fiber community really is and it's been really interesting seeing all the different work people are doing. tres cool.

i'm still waiting on my fiber to arrive. dum-di-dum-dummmmm. i'm so short on fiber that i don't even have any at this point to spin for myself. i don't know what to doooooooo with myself which might account for how much time i've been spending a'twittering.

luna, my oooooooooold dog is still hanging in there, although she has an infection being treated by antibiotics. i have a feeling that these antibiotics may be interfering with her arthritis meds because she has been very wobbly for the past few days and having difficulty getting up. :( i can't wait for this round of antibiotics to be FINISHED.

76 degrees here today. Cray-zay!

i've been a bad, bad blogger

2009-03-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

it's been so long since i've been here that i forgot how to post. seriously, i had to search around for the "post" link.

i dyed up the last of my fiber a few days ago and am getting antsy. i really want to dye, dye, dye, but nothing left to dye but some firestar. guess i'll do that today. my bumps of fiber should be arriving next week, so until then i will enjoy my time spinning.

not much else going on. i will be taking a leave of absence in mid-April, so will be trying to stock my store until then, and will not be uploading any more fiber after that until April, May, and/or June.

hmmmm, bagels sound good right about now.

oh, also I am now Twittering. I am PoppyFlowerFibr over there. twitter.com/PoppyFlowerFibr

fiberlicious update!

2008-08-23T14:37:00.001-06:00

i've been a bad blogger yet again, but this time i have something to show for it.

update Saturday, 8/23, around 3pm MST. only 2 of each colorway, first come first serve. hope you find something you like. =)

poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

update

2008-07-07T07:40:00.000-06:00

here is an update on my lack of updates. must keep it short because typing is difficult. after a month of dealing with doggie and human health problems, i was ready to update last week when my shoulder was somehow injured. my entire right side...arm, wrist, lower back, shoulder...is entirely jacked up. it's not carpel tunnel, as it presents in the 4th and 5th finger and is most likely an ulnar nerve injury possibly combined with brachial plexus injury. who knows. all i know is that it is very difficult to do much of anything with my right arm and i am doing everything in my power to help it heal on it's own. no docs if i can help it. the nearly 16-year-old dog is doing great and in for more blood work today. have to get off the keyboard now. =)

Life restructuring

2008-06-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

I haven't been around the blogging world much and I thought it about time I post an entry.

Since my last post I have been busy wrestling with mounds of Cotswold locks, petting goats, and obsessing about camera lenses.

pic of a goat:

I have decided to restructure my life a bit, including my business, and have decided to "officially" do the fiber biz part-time. Part-time can mean anything from one update a month to multiple updates a month. It's basically what I've been doing already, but by declaring it as "part-time" it psychologically alleviates a little stress and enables me to tend to some priorities in my life. And also, it will be more FUN for me this way as I will be able to ride the creative wave rather than force it. Sounds so simple, but this decision has given me a great sense of relief as I am a bit of a perfectionist and feel bad when my updates are late. Phew!

Speaking of updates, planning on having one by the end of the week. (crossing my fingers)

Latest dyeing

2008-05-29T09:12:00.000-06:00

So, besides taking care of my vacant dog, I've been getting a little dyeing done. Mostly BFL. Here's a sampling of yesterday's upload to my Etsy store and will be dyeing more today for Saturday's update. BTW, thank you so much for all the well wishes for my dog. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a hard time.

Doggie dementia

2008-05-26T11:45:00.001-06:00

At first I thought all the late-night pacing antique-dog was doing was the result of the full moon. But the full moon has now passed and yet her late-night pacing has worsened. All night long, which means mom is up with her aaaaaaall niiiiiight looooong. Panting and pacing, panting and pacing. Does she have to go to the bathroom? No. Does she have to drink some water? No. Does she have to eat? No, but will never deny a biscuit. So last night in my frustration, I got out of bed for the umpeenth time and went to the living room to sit down and call the emergency animal hospital. I was concerned that she might be in some serious pain and maybe that was the reason why she was panting and pacing. But as soon as I sat down to make the call she laid down by my feet and relaxed quietly, ready for a snooze. So, I hung up the phone, waited a few minutes, and tried to sneak back to bed. No sooner had I laid down that the dog was again pacing and panting back and forth and around my bed. I again got up, sat down in a chair, and the panting and pacing ceased. So, maybe this dog is not in serious pain. Maybe she can only sleep when she is right at my feet. If she wasn't 70+ pounds I would have thrown her in bed with me. So, this morning I googled doggie dementia and apparently pacing is a sign. Thankfully, there are meds to treat this. I'll be making an appointment with the doc tomorrow and hoping to get her on some quick. For both our sakes. I'm now running on a cumulative of maybe 20 hours sleep for the last week and that makes for a sad and bitchy mommy. Poor dog. She's now over 15 1/2 years old, which is oooooooold for a Lab. I dread the day when that painful decision will have to be made. Deeply saddens me. Man's/woman's best friend she has been.

First Anniversary and Customer Appreciation SALE, SALE, SALE!!

2008-05-17T06:52:00.000-06:00

poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

biffel, biffel, biffel, biffel, biffel!!!

2008-05-14T14:53:00.000-06:00

Biffel!!! 20 pounds of biffel on the way to me! I can't wait! It's probably been at least 6 months since I've dyed and spun BFL. Hopefully it will arrive by the middle of next week and I can start dyeing some up for the store (and myself. Ha!)

Also in the mail to me...30 POUNDS of Cotswold locks!!! I think this should keep me busy for a little while.

Update postponed until Sunday, May 11, 5pm MST

2008-05-10T07:28:00.000-06:00

Hi Everybody!

I take my photos outside because my lighting equipment needs improving, and it just so happens that we are expecting rain and wind gusts to 50 mph today. =(

So, I'm going to have to push the update back a day. Tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny with little wind, so it will be a good picture taking day.

New update time: Sunday, May 11, at 5pm MST

In the meantime, here is my attempt to capture the rest of the roving that will be put up for sale. The picture is pretty poor due to the poor lighting and my inability to stay still for that shutter speed, but it's fairly close.

Thank you for your patience!!

Today's colorways (and Sunday's update)

2008-05-09T16:04:00.000-06:00

Here are today's colorways. Well, actually yesterdays that are drying today. I did another batch today which will hopefully be dry in time for Sunday's update. Oh, yeah! Update Sunday, May 11 at 5pm MST. Duh!!!

poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Fiber update-a-rooney at 4pm MST today

2008-05-07T15:43:00.000-06:00

Here is a sampling:

Hope to see you there!!

poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Store update: Wednesday May 7, 2008 4pm MST

2008-05-06T14:09:00.000-06:00

Here's a pic of today's colorways. This batch and yesterday's will be available at my etsy shop, poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com
, tomorrow, May 7 at 4pm MST. All are hand-painted Merino combed top. Approximately 4 ounces each. See you then!

Toilet paper made my morning

2008-05-05T10:20:00.000-06:00

It's a great way to start the day when you find toilet paper in your store on sale for $9.99 marked down from $15.99. $6 off!!! Is this really Monday? Aren't Monday's supposed to suck? Not when you get Charmin on the cheap.

After coming home with my huge bundle of TP and after sorting the Corriedale fleece to wash, I had a big DUH moment. My goal is to dye 12 rovings a day, but I usually get overwhelmed trying to think up new colorways. I'm constantly looking around my house, looking at the clothes in my closet, looking at my dogs' collars, to find inspiration for new colorways. Then I thought, "why not just copy my past colorways?". Might sound like the obvious, and I have on occasion done some redux colorways, but this was a huge "Aha!" for me. I feel like a total dork even admitting this because it's so embarrassing. But what a relief!! I no longer have to "force" inspiration or freak out when it's not there. When the inspiration comes I will create new colorways, and when I am not feeling all that inspired I will pull from my old colorways. Phew!! Now I can breath.

Yesterday's colorways drying:

Store update, SALE roving, and some Seacell

2008-05-03T15:36:00.000-06:00

I put a few things up in the store today. Some SALE roving, a couple of new colorways, some hand-dyed Seacell and Superwash Merino fiber, and some loose, soft bunny Angora.

And I'm letting go of this one from my personal stash:

Ouch! I'm going to miss it but I need to pay the bills, aka The Pusher man, aka my fiber dealer. I need my fix!!

Thank you for looking!!

poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

edit: oooooo! I just got in a bunch of Corriedale just this moment!! 10 pounds of raw fleece! Thank you Mr. Postperson! Soon to be dyed up and carded into batts. And in the next two weeks I have a LARGE shipment of raw Cotswold locks coming that were just sheared less than 2 weeks ago!! As soon as they arrive I will dye them up and post them to the store.

May Day snow in Boulder

2008-05-01T11:53:00.000-06:00

I haven't been around here so long I forgot my password

2008-04-25T15:57:00.000-06:00

I've been busy and not so busy and here's a taste of what I've been up to:

I have several handspun yarns available on my Etsy site, poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com. Wish I had more energy to expend on this blog, but I'm just spent right now. Tomorrow is back to the ol' dyepots for me. I think the break from them has given me some fresh inspiration for new colorways. Yay!!

A few batts for sale at my shop

2008-03-28T15:49:00.000-06:00

Available at poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Thanks for looking!! Now back to work...

work more, surf less

2008-03-20T16:40:00.000-06:00

haven't been around the blogs or forums lately because i've been up to my elbows in fiber. riding the creative wave, so not much time to play on the net. my apologies for not maintaining my blog nor reading others. bad blogger i am. i've got to ride the creative wave while it's in motion, so i have less time to surf the web. be back when things slow down a bit.

tax time is kicking my butt once again

2008-03-14T20:12:00.000-06:00

My tax deadline is tomorrow, and of course I left it to the last minute *AGAIN*. As a result, the items purchased in the last two days are being shipped tomorrow. For those who purchased, I sincerely apologize. Shipping first thing tomorrow by Priority Mail.

After the shipping of packages and taxes, I will be on the batt wagon once again. Received a big shipment of Angelina today and am looking forward to making pretty, sparkley, fibery things tomorrow.

batt update

2008-03-10T18:24:00.000-06:00

I thought I had more batts to upload to my Etsy store, but I think it's a fairly small update. Hope to have more to offer by next Monday. Here's a little taste...luxury batts and crazy daisy batts.

My Big Fat roving update

2008-03-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

So last night, after rushing around like bunny on speed, I finally updated my Etsy store with some 30+ rovings. I also added some absolutely decadent Superwash Merino/SEACELL batts!!

Here's a sampling of some of the items available at my store...poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

And then, finally, some Superwash Merino and Seacell batts! This stuff is sooooo soft and the sheen is just right. Love it!!!

Come on by and have a look!

I'm off for the weekend. Going out of town for a brief respite, but will be back in time for a batt update scheduled for Tuesday night.

Cheerio!

~Lisa

lost sleep, lost roving, lost glasses

2008-02-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

What a week. A sleeeeeeeeepless week. I am very much not an insomniac, but for the last week I'm lucky if I averaged 2 hours of sleep a night, and when I do get that sleep my mind is so active with vivid dreams that I am unable to rest. I feel like I'm running on empty. Like my eyes are wide open to the point of popping out while my body feels like a dish rag.

Over the weekend, when I had a little more energy than I do now, I rearranged my studio and apparently put some painted roving in a top secret place. I didn't think it was top secret at the time, but now that I need to find it I can't. Roving, roving, where art thou?

Then yesterday, I finally got around to getting my glasses fixed only to lose them by this morning. Sheesh! WTF is going on??? Full moon? Weird planet alignment?? Early onset senility?? So I'm blind as a bat until I find them, which is no easy task considering I can't see anything clearly unless it is 5 inches from my face.

Consequently, my store update will be delayed until I find my glasses and find some sleep. And finding that missing roving would be awesome too.

Latest roving and batts

2008-02-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I've been out of the loop. I've been a bad blogger and bad blog reader. But I do have some work to show for it. =o)

Spring a Ding Ding. Hand-dyed, hand-blended Luxury Batt in Merino, Baby Alpaca, and Bamboo.

Be Mine. Hand-dyed, hand-blended Luxury Batt in Merino, Baby Alpaca, and sparly Angelina.

Babble. Hand-dyed, hand-blended Luxury Batt in Merino, Baby Alpaca, and Tussah Silk.

Neapolitan. Hand-dyed, hand-blended Luxury Batt in Merino and Bamboo.

Pillowy Goodness. Hand-dyed, hand-blended Luxury Batt in Merino, Bamboo, Baby Alpaca, and sparkly Angelina.

Hand-painted Merino combed top sampling.

I'm gettin my Mojo back! I'm gettin my Mojo back!!! {Happy Dance}

2008-01-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

My creativity comes in cycles and tonight I got inspired to make some crazy batts using my Supercarder. I wasn't sure it could be done because the Supercarder has such fine teeth spacing and cards so smoothly, but I was able to do it. And I LOVE the results!!! I'm going to make some more, take some pics tomorrow, and then spin them up before putting them up for sale. Even though they are great to look at, I have to make sure they spin up fabulously!! I won't abandon my Luxury Batts, but I would like to add some Funkadelic batts that produces some funktabulous yarn.

Store update

2008-01-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

I posted a teeny tiny update today of some BFL and Superwash Merino roving. These were dyed last week when I had the "blues" but for some unknown reason I used a lot of green. Maybe I was channeling Kermit.

Here are a few pics of some of the rovings I dyed up.

I'm working on getting my batt mojo back. I made one a few days ago that I didn't like and had to stop myself before I wasted any more precious fiber.

I've also got some pretty locks to upload, but my battery charger died and my camera batteries are dead. I have some on order and cannot upload any pics until then. =o(

Other than that, life is rolling right along. Dogs are good. My blues have passed. I'm eating 100% raw vegan once again which helps my mood and helps me to feel happy. Heard my neighbor doing god knows what this morning (I think ya know what I mean) which I'm still trying to shake off. And it's Friday! Yaaaay!

Over and out.

Perdy locks

2008-01-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

I dyed some locks last week and am very pleased with the results. They are Cotswold lamb locks, soft and lustrous with a 6" to 8" staple length. Some of them will end up in my shop this week and some of them will end up on my spinning bobbin. I absolutely LOVE them!!! I will definitely be offering more dyed locks in the future on a regular basis.

Dreams of knitting...

2008-01-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a wonderful knitting dream. I woke up having a strong desire to knit and I *will* today, that is if I don't tip over from exhaustion. I haven't knit in nearly a month because I've been too busy in the dyepots and I really miss it. Right now it's all I can do to fit some spinning in between all the dyeing and fiber prep, which I love to do, it's just very time consuming. If only there were an extra day or three in the week. That would be very helpful. And now I have a loom on the way. It will be interesting to see how I juggle that in. So much I want to do, so little time. A little shot of adrenaline might help too. I've been soooooo tired lately. I think it might be time for a little cleanse to perk me up and get the old bod back to optimal running condition. This car needs a tune up.

How I feel today:

2008-01-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Since it's the 1st of the new year, I guess I should post a little something.

No pics to show. Woke up to -1 degree temps, but it's warmed up to 7 degrees now.

Life is good. 2007 was amazing for me. So much change in the direction I wanted to go. A feeling of peace, happiness, and gratitude for being able to make a living at doing what I love to do. It has not been without it's struggles, especially some of the years leading up to 2007 (2006 was rough!), but overall it was freakin' stellar!

I am very excited about 2008. I have bigggggg plans for this year. I will be the auntie to twin babies...very exciting! It's easy to be the aunt. Not so sure I'd want to be the mom. I am fortunate enough to live in the same town as Naropa, the only Buddhist university in the U.S. with an absolutely amazing curriculum. I'd like to take a few classes there as I am practicing mindfulness more and more. Not an easy endeavor for this multi-tasker. I will be going more raw...raw veggie foods. I always feel better when I am eating more raw and have begun my journey back in that direction over the last week. And I'm going to take a trip to the deep South to visit some dear, dear friends from my past. Friends I have known for at least 15 years and feel even closer to now than the cherished days we spent together.

I am going on my 3rd year here in Boulder and am just as grateful now as I was on the very first day I found this magical place. I feel so fortunate to beeeeeee here, despite the sometimes ridiculously cold temps. But it's Colorado. Colorado, snow, cold. Desert, hot, sand. Complaining that there's too much snow and cold in Colorado is like complaining that there's too much sand and heat in the desert. That's just the way it is.

Happy New Year everyone! Hoping that it surpasses 2007 in its joy, peace, and prosperity.

Store update: Luxury Batts....

2007-12-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

I am now officially addicted to my new Supercarder. I have been glued to this thing all weekend and here are some of the results:

They are various blends made from merino, baby alpaca, angora, tussah silk, and/or bamboo and available at my little etsy store: poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Hope you come by for a look.

10% off all SOCK YARN and FREE SHIPPING 12/26 - 12/31

2007-12-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Everythingmas everybody!

Beginning tomorrow, December 26th through December 31st at midnight, ALL SOCK YARN will be 10% off with FREE SHIPPING for orders $40 or more. I have lots of sock yarn and more will be added as others sell. Prices will be discounted beginning 12/26 at midnight EST. Please wait for revised invoice reflecting free shipping if applicable before paying.

Discount does not apply to cashmere yarn or roving.

Have fun!!!

~Lisa

http://poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Hand-painted fiber update today 3pm MST

2007-12-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have some lovely hand-painted BFL and Merino roving to upload to the store today. I'm not feeling very well today, but will do my best to have it posted by 3pm MST.

Here is a sampling. I still need to upload some more pics of other colorways but am taking a break right now.

Supercarder on the way!

2007-12-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

OMG! OMG!! My Supercarder is officially on it's way to me. I had not mentioned it before here because I wasn't sure if it was going to work out. I purchased a Supercarder that is a few years old and "like new" from a very nice lady in Wisconsin for 30% off the current retail price!!! But, there was a delay in getting it shipped and I was beginning to get very nervous. It's not everyday I send that amount of money to someone I have never met before and know nothing about. But today she emailed me with the tracking number and it should arrive by next Thursday. I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to get my hands on it and start cranking out some batts and roving so that this thing can start paying for itself.

Deaaaaad sexy wheel

2007-12-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm borrowing a Woolee Winder for my new Suzie Alpaca and is she now a looker! The black of the WW flyer looks GORGEOUS against the black flywheel and the wood on the Majacraft WW is even more beautiful than the original flyer that came with the Alpaca. I am so happy with this wheel. It is such a pleasure to spin on such a beautiful wheel. I think I've finally found *the* wheel for me.

Someone remind me to cover the patio furniture next time

2007-12-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Sock yarn update at 3pm MST

2007-12-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've been busy painting up some sock yarn over the weekend and will be posting it at 3pm MST today.

Here's a peek of what will be posted.

http://poppyflowerfibers.etsy.com

Batts for the store

2007-11-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the batts that will be posted to my Etsy store tomorrow. I will probably begin uploading around 7am MST. They are luxury batts with at least 50% luxury fiber...tussah silk, bamboo, angora, and/or baby alpaca.

Batts and an alpaca

2007-11-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

For those who haven't seen what I've been up to on Flickr (and give a crap), this is what I've been doing the past couple of days. Blending up fluffy batts made from merino, baby alpaca locks, and tussah silk, bamboo, targhee locks, and/or angora.

And putting together my new wheel, the Majacraft Suzie Alpaca. It arrived in only 6 days from New Zealand!!!! I am so happy. =o) She spins beautifully, but there is a little bit of a learning curve after spinning on the easy-as-pie Lendrum for the past year.

CYBER MONDAY SALE!!! 10% OFF TODAY ONLY!

2007-11-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

I've marked down all non-sale items 10% for today only. Enjoy!!

I'm a sick, twisted Panda voyeur!

2007-11-25T07:01:00.000-07:00

Yahoo news had a small story with a picture of a baby Panda, so of course I had to open it. That was just the beginning. I found the live Panda cam to the San Diego zoo and can't seem to tear myself away! The big panda is nursing her baby cub, or maybe she's just holding it...it's hard to tell. But I am intrigued and want more! At the same time I feel like this cam is invading the Panda's privacy. The poor Pandas have no idea that their lovely displays of affection are being broadcast all over the net. I'm torn. They're just so darn cute though.

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_panda_station.html

Thanksgiving and baby alpaca

2007-11-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Because I'm obsessed, I felt the need to play with some baby alpaca this morning. I'm combing it to get rid of the debris, short fibers, and fluff it out, then I will be carding it with some merino, angora, and tussah silk. Hand-dyed.

Nice and fluffy after combing
,

Sock yarn update

2007-11-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

Phew, what a long day. Mostly consisting of fighting with my camera. I have some fun sock yarn loaded to the store. Thanks for looking y'all!

sad day, no wheel

2007-11-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today I was expecting my new wheel...a Majacraft Alpaca. I sold my Lendrum last week, and it's already been 1 week without a wheel. Unfortunately, my Majacraft arrived scratched and damaged due to a faulty packing job from the retailer. So, I have to ship this one back to the seller and then they will order me one to be drop shipped directly from Majacraft. I'm pretty bummed because I am itching to spin and *need* to spin up some yarn in order to knit up some holiday gifts. But now my new wheel won't arrive for at least 3 weeks. =o( Woe is me. Yes, there are much worse things in life, but I am sad that I do not have my wheel.

On a good note, I will be receiving the new black wheel that Majacraft just began manufacturing for the Suzie Pro and Alpaca. At first I did not want the black wheel which is why I ordered from a retailer that had a green one in stock. But why the hell not...a black wheel it will be. And maybe I'll even be the cool kid on the block for a while with the new black Alpaca wheel. Oh, to be the cool kid if even for just one day....

So, this is what the black Alpaca wheel will look like. I think it's growing on me:

Store update

2007-11-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

Here's just a sampling. I have close to 20 rovings of merino fiber. Got to run and start updating. Thanks for looking!

2007-11-01T10:48:00.000-06:00

Poppy the dog

Snoooooooooooooooow!

2007-10-21T07:55:00.001-06:00

Pretty snow falling Boulder. Expecting 4 to 8 inches!! Yesterday was 80 degrees and today 32. Tomorrow will be in the 50's and the next day in the 70's. Typical Colorado. Feels like a good day to load the fireplace with wood and chill out.

Photos of snowy Boulder to follow, if I don't become too lazy from sitting in front of a cozy fire.

Snoooooooooooooooow!

2007-10-21T07:55:00.000-06:00

You can't judge a batt by it's cover.

2007-10-17T10:50:00.001-06:00

So, I made 3 batts for a total of 3 ounces of fiber. They consisted of deep plum, hot pink, lavender, and pale peach merino, blended with hand-painted tussah silk and pieces of orange sari silk. The resulting batts were not the most beautiful things to look at, but I had high hopes. So I spun them into a single yarn yesterday, 238 yards, mostly worsted/slightly thick and thin, and I LOVE it! The sari silk added some texture and I spun it woolen so that it is nice and fuzzy. I have plans to knit this into a hat and look forward to seeing how the colors separate and blend as knit up.

And here is a batt for a little project I am working on. It's yak down blended with hand-painted tussah silk. I made a quick batt, spun it, plied it, and am going to do a wet finish on it before knitting up a swatch. I want to knit up a yak hat for a special friend, but since I've never spun yak before I decided it best to do some experimenting first. Here is a photo of the yak/tussah batt. It's pretty simple but it just looks sooooo luxurious to me, and spins up BEAUTIFULLY. I will post photos of the spun yarn once I wet finish it.

Spinning makes me smile. =o)

You can't judge a batt by it's cover.

2007-10-17T10:50:00.000-06:00