Tag: wool

Shave ‘Em Two Save ‘Em Circle Vest

On By CarynIn Craft

I crocheted several more rows onto LazyTCrochet’s circle vest pattern, past the “plus size” listed in the instructions. I followed the general feel of the pattern up to that point, and crocheted until I ran out of my hand-spun Teeswater yarn. It was still feeling small and tight.

Photo description: Circle vest crocheted from hand-spun Jacob and Teeswater wool showing three color variations, dilute calico cat photo bomb

I do have more Teeswater roving, but need to spin it up. I decided to tie off the row and weave in the ends, then give the vest a good soak with some gentle fabric wash. I laid it out to dry on a homemade PVC and nylon mesh drying rack.

Photo description: same vest laid out to dry

The stitches relaxed and the vest increased in size.

Photo description: same vest after blocking

It is now a wearable garment. The wool feels softer after blocking and has a beautiful drape. I call this my “Shave ‘Em Two Save ‘Em” vest because both Jacob and Teeswater sheep are on the Livestock Conservancy list of Heritage Sheep. Jacob is Threatened and Teeswater is considered Critical.

Photo description: same vest hanging on a cedar hanger to show the drape

I’m rather excited that I have created something I will actually wear and supports farmers raising endangered heritage breeds.

Achievement

On By CarynIn Cats, Craft
Photo description: calico cat sitting on crochet made with wool

Izzy the calico cat has been trying to lay on the wool vest I am crocheting for weeks. She finally found me distracted and cuddled in. I did continue to work on the piece and just rotated her as I went. She still stayed put. Purring.

Spindle case

On By CarynIn Craft

I wanted a travel case for my tiny Turkish style spindle, so went digging through my cupboards. I found a stainless steel can cozy that was just the right size, but didn’t have a lid.

Photo description: metal can cozy with open lid, curious dog in the background

I measured the space and used my laser cutter to cut and engrave a piece of thin birch plywood. I sealed the wood with modge podge (white glue), which also holds the circle in place.

Photo description: same can cozy with a wood insert graved with my logo of a tree and roots

The can fits nicely in the bottle pocket on the side of my purse and fits a handful of wool and the spindle inside.

Photo description: Femto spindle by Turtle Made inside the repurposed can cozy

And yes, I really did pull it out and do some spinning waiting in the line at grocery store!

Photo description: spindle with in progress spinning with a grocery cart in the background

Tiny spindle

On By CarynIn Craft

Squee! I ordered a femto spindle from Turtle Made on Etsy, which is a 3D printed Turkish style spindle that is teeny tiny!

Photo description: 3D printed spindle with dark green shaft and neon green arms sitting on my hand

With a spindle this tiny, the obvious choice is to spin as thin as possible. I have some green dyed Corridale mix wool from AnnieWhere that I used to get started.

Photo description: same spindle, wrapped with single spun green wool thread

The spindle works amazingly well for something so small. I plan on finding a case for it and have it be my emergency spinning kit. The emergency would be if I am out and about without a project! Or need to meditatively spin anytime, anywhere.

I missed my anniversary

On By CarynIn art
Photo description: number 7 in yellow wool on a background of green dyed wool

Happy 7th anniversary to my blog, a couple days late. One of the traditional gifts for a 7th anniversary is wool, so I grabbed some off my counter (yes, really) and staged a photo. I also realized that I have four in-process spinning projects at the moment. Hm. I’m not going to count the number of other works in process, let’s just say that it is over three.