Studio update, summer 2013

When last I showed off my studio, it was September, 2012. Almost a year ago. Damn.

It looks significantly more lived in, now. As you'll see. I feel extremely fortunate to have such a happy, me-centered place in my life. And now, a photo tour. 

I'm still working on a genuine organizational system for the place; it's an ongoing process, for sure. Having been using this space for almost a year now, I've come to feel more than comfy here. Wish-list: install another pegboard; clean out some of the materials I don't need (unlikely); get a better lightsource for evening time. All pretty minor though, right? 

A quick weekend in Seattle

Have you ever been to/heard of the gum wall beneath Pike's Place Market? Despite having been to the market many times, I had not. It is surprisingly beautiful, and totally disgusting. Wonders never cease. 

To the Source! Cedar Haven Farm, Estacada Oregon

So, this past weekend I had the opportunity to get some very nice raw fleece from Cedar Haven Farm, a mere 20-some miles from Portland. Lynne, the proprietress, was kind enough to give me the full tour of the place, and to give me lots of options to choose from, from among her Shetland sheepies. 

The sheep were great to meet, and I got to feed them peanuts. They were pretty happy about that. 

Sorting and evaluating the fleece possibilities. I ended up with three full fleeces, plus a bit of Sophie the llama's hair. 

My purchases, loaded up and Portland-bound. Only drawback: my car smelled a touch sheep-y for a minute. 

And look--here are the sheep from whom I got my fleece. Luna's was her first shearing, so it's baby-soft. And Dayne and Maija contributed lovely wool as well. 

Here is some of that nice and soft Luna fleece, washed, dyed and drying. I was doing small batches to check out the results--I am especially fond of the sweet pink color, and will for sure be doing more of that, later on. The charcoal grey on the left is some Romney fleece, from an earlier purchase.

Look for some exciting new batts and handspun coming out of my studio, and into my shop, very soon. 

Handspun Crocheted Rug, a work in progress

So: I have something like 22 of these handspun crocheted circles so far. They're a mix of various wools, and some mohair, and a little bit of all the other stuff that tends to go into my spinning. I'm gonna, eventually, make them into one massive, possibly felted, area rug. I'm thinking a chocolate brown border would set things off nicely...this pattern is an idea.

Now, I need to start piecing it all together, and consider just where, exactly, this creation will live once its done. For what it's worth, these are a bit less yellow than the night-time lighting in my apartment would lead you to believe. 

Some little bits of summer, so far

From a visit to Philly, last month (above and below)

Multnomah Arts Center's ceramic studio, entrance.

Where I was lucky enough to spend my July 4th--Lake Trillium, in the shadow of Mt. Hound.

Detail shot of a damned sweet mural in Eugene, Or. 

Off-brand Barbies at the Goodwill outlet--$1.59 a pound, if you need any.

Spinning update, early July 2013

Hi there, neglected blog! Check out some of what I've been up to over the last few weeks. 

 BFL singles, ready for plying.

Freshly spun, in natural charcoal Romney, BFL, merino, and mohair.

Recycled hot pink angora/wool, plied with charcoal Romney, BFL and silver sparkly bits.

And...some mighty bright process pics drying/setting the twist (above) and the carding station/rest area for recently completed yarns (below).