Psst...

We moved!!

Come join Into The Whirled at it's new home: www.intothewhirled.com

Packing my bags!

And getting my ducks in a row....

Come on over to www.intothewhirled.com

It is one stop shopping!

Please be sure to adjust your blog readers.

Tour de Fleece - Day Four

7.6.2009

...Yes, I know today isn't really the 6th, I am a little behind in picture posting. Two ounces down, two to go before plying!



Fiber: 64's Merino wool top named "Dinoflagellates"

Insert really annoying beeping sound...

We interrupt your regularly scheduled coverage of the Tour de Fleece to announce that the Phat Fiber Sampler is giving away a free four ounce carded batt in the Mercer's Pier Colourway.



Please direct your attention to the following LINK and put your name in the hat to win this oh so luscious, lofty, doublewide Falkland wool batt.

We now return to the regularly schedule program...

Tour de Fleece - Day Three

7.6.2009

Last batch of pre-tour-spun singles plied up:



Fiber: Assorted fiber from round two of Swap for Scraps
Weight: 6 ounces
Yardage: Unknown at this time

Tour de Fleece - Day Two

7.5.2009

This morning I plied some pre-tour-spun singles:



Fiber: 64's Merino wool top named "Spoons are smug"
Yardage: Estimated at 167 yards

Tour de Fleece - Day One

7.4.2009

I was able to get a couple hours of spinning into today, probably the most amount of time I will be able to commit during the entire tour. Oh, and just to make it official: My personal goal it spin at least 15 minutes everyday.



Fiber: 64's Merino wool top named "Dinoflagellates"

Bears!!

So I am driving home from Knit and Spin night and I realized that I have not posted to the blog in some time, suddenly the phone rings...

(Don't all good stories start like that?)

Anyway, it is James telling me all about how the dog scared off a bear. Cool, good dog - earn your kibble little one...

Then, with a loud bang, we both realize that the bear is back. Did I mention that our dogs nickname is Peanut - yea, exactly, not so scary as one might imagine.

Let me just set the scene: Our trashcan is up against the side of our house pretty much right next to the front door - but to get from said trash can to front door one would have to go down a set of porch steps, turn right and turn right one more time. So as you can imagine, even though the trash can is just feet from the door - we do have a little safety barrier.

So anyway, back to the phone call and the loud bang. I will do my best to keep this short: The bear came back, helped itself to some delicious table scraps, littered trash all around the neighborhood and then went about its business.

Or so we thought...

After about 30 minutes on the road I arrive to the house. Being concerned that a bear was about (and really curious how much trash we had to clean up the next morning) I drove around the neighborhood searching. Not once, but twice I drove around our block making sure the bear was gone. Then feeling safe, and seeing that James had left all the lights on for my arrival I pulled into the driveway and opened the door.

Sitting in the car I listed for any noises, watched for movement and waited for James to open the front door. Greeting each other as loudly as possible, we decided that all was safe.

Or so we thought...

As I approached the porch steps about to hand my spinning wheel off to James we both heard the craziest noise. It can only be described as clapping, or better yet horse hooves hitting the ground and a painful wailing noise. Looking immediately to our left we say a HUGE black bear headed right for us. Needless to say we both squealed like school girls and ran into the house.

Having found the camera and locked all the furry ones away we peaked out the front door and spotted the bear trying to (or at least so we though - yea see a trend with that phrase?) climb the tree a few feet back from the trashcan.

As we watched (and videotaped) we realized that she was NOT happy that we were so curious. But it was strange - she never went further then that tree. Teeth chomping, wailing and pacing, she simply refused to go any further then the tree...

The we saw why; Momma bear was not alone.

You guessed it, there was a bear cub up the tree.

Needless to say, the second we saw that second face - that cute little baby bear face - we slammed the door (yes there was a little school girl screaming at that moment too) and watched from our side windows as they sauntered off away from the house and into the woods.

Here is a clip from the nights excitement:

Swap for Scraps - Round III

For those of you registered and partaking in all the goodness that is Ravelry: Round III of the Swap for Scraps has begun!

Have no idea what all the excitement is about? HERE is a short post about the first time I joined the swap, and HERE is a post about the finished product spun up from the scraps I received.

Great, now that you know what I am talking about...

Guess who is hosting this round?!
Good guess! I am so excited to play swap host!

Over the next few weeks I anticipate the arrival of some 30 or so packages of fibery goodness from around the world. It is then my privilege to open each and every one, fondle, admire, tear apart into little bits of squishyness, then repackage into random selections of scrappyness!!

If your interested in spinning some scrappy-crazy yarn, I highly recommend joining! All the details are listed on Ravelry.

2009 Hudson River Stitch & Spin

Check your day planner!

The Hudson Valley Stitch and Spin is just over a week away! You have plenty of time to get your project and picnic planned and packed. Yea, sorry about that - I got on a roll and ran with with it.

For those of you considering attending, here are the details:

Date: Saturday, June 27 2009
Time: 12-5 p.m
Location: Dutchman’s Landing Park, Catskill NY 12414
Directions: Complements of Google Maps

Pure talent!

I just wanted to share with everyone that, well, I like stuff...

Especially like handmade stuff.



Now that everyone knows my little secret, I want to share with you some beautiful hand embroidered magnets that I received as a gift from one very talented artist by the name of Alison Tauber - aren't they precious!! These little gems are only 3/4". Tiny, perfect, hand stitched bits of awesomeness.

This women is so talented, and it does not stop at embroidery. Rather then me telling you how awesome she is and how incredible her shirts are, or how delightful her hand sewn pillows are, or even how exquisite her scarves are, why not stop by her shop and and decide for yourself?

8:04 minutes

The June Phat Fiber videos are up in YouTube!



...boxes go on sale today, Sunday June 14, 2009 HERE

Falkland wool top and batts in the "Mercer's pier" colourway debuting in the June Sampler will soon be listed in the shop!

Time to start training...

... for the Tour de Fleece of course!!

Now, before I say another word, if you are unable to access that link it means that you have not yet joined Ravelry; and that just makes me sad. So, join the party and get yourself a Ravelry account. In a few days you will see what I am talking about....

Now, where was I? Ah yes, the Tour!

I read about the Tour last year, told myself that I would do it this year, then promptly forgot about it! Thankfully an awesome customer linked my name to a forum message and I found my way to the main message board for the 2009 Tour. I promptly joined the group, offered up some prize donations and poured over the rules and the forum posts.



So here is what is involved:
1) Join the Ravelry group
2) Join a team, join two, or not - the choice is yours
3) If you have a Flickr account, join the group

Here are the rules for those who are considering the race:

1) Spin every day the Tour rides, if possible. Saturday July 4th through Sunday July 26th. Days of rest: Monday July 13th, Monday July 20th. (Just like the actual tour)

2) Spin something challenging Wednesday July 22nd. (The Tour’s densest mountain stage with 5 mountain passes)



Oh, and last but not least, there are PRIZES!

Okay, now that you are all informed, I need to choose my team and decide my challenge. See you on the Tour!

A little colour from the studio...

So amidst the insanity that took place this week I was able to get a couple days in the studio. I am SO thankful that things will slow down after this weekend; even if it is just for a few weeks...

I just wanted to share some photos from a batch of four individual colourways for a custom order based on a sample (an undocumented one at that) I sent off to a customer.

Hopefully one of them hits the mark!



Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Phat Fiber Sampler & The American Red Cross

Just a quick post...

I wanted to do my part in spreading the word on the incredible idea that the creators and contributors of the Phat Fiber Sampler have brought to life: The Super Box. In a nutshell, a massive box of samples has been assembled for one lucky drawing winner. But the awesomeness does not stop there - to get a chance at winning this you need to do a good deed: Donate at least 5.00 to the American Red Cross. Each 5.00 donation = 1 drawing entry.

Now, I bet that your wondering how to partake in this drawing...

Simple:

Step 1:
Visit the Red Cross website and donate to either your local chapter or a fund of your choice.

Step 2:
Forward the email receipt you get from The Red Cross to sooperbox@live.com

Step 3:
Keep the number(s) you will be assigned after your forwarded receipt is processed by the the fine folks at Phat Fiber HQ.

Step 4:
Look for a special video number drawing on the Phat Fiber Blog at the end of the June to see if you're the lucky giveaway recipient!

Been meaning to share this...

So, do you remember when I joined the swap for scraps?














Somehow those little bundles of randomness sneaked to the front of the line. Wow, they were so much fun to spin!!

After showing James how pretty it all was - many, many, many times - I swear; that man is saint, I filled the satchel that hangs on my spinning wheel with bits'o'prettyness. Every time I reached into that satchel and pulled a bit of fiber out it was such a surprise!

I have since decided that my fiber stash needs an expiration date - if a bump of fiber is not spun by X date; it will be torn apart and tossed into a scrap bin to be spun into crazy yarn. Same goes with ITW fiber - anything that does not sell within the allotted time on Etsy will be torn down into samples or bits to be sold as scraps.

For those of you have never broken free from the daisy chain of fiber - go ahead, get crazy, tear it up, you won't regret it.

Phat Fiber Sampler!

For those of you who have not yet heard of this awesome sampler, here is the link: Phat Fiber Sampler - Go on, go check it out, I will wait.

So, you found the site, did you check out the Blog with all the giveaways and reviews? Go on, go on check it out, I will wait some more.

So in a nutshell: the sampler is a box of goodies that is made available for sale on Etsy once a month. Independent fiber artists contribute samples and promotions making for an incredible opportunity to learn about new artists and get a feel for what they create before shopping. In addition to samples the box contains business cards and coupons to aid and enhance your next shopping endeavor.

Just to warn you, when the boxes are made available for purchase - they go FAST. Here is a link to the mailing list to get a notice of the date and time they will be listed.

So why am I telling you all of this?


Because I am a contributor to the June box - themed "Oceanic"


A total of 50 handpainted Falkland wool top samples in a never released 'mercer's pier' colourway are packed and ready to ship to the sampler HQ for distribution. In addition, I am sending a four ounce carded batt for giveaway to some lucky PF blog reader!

Be sure to check out the Phat Fiber Blog for your chance to win!!




... did you really think I would show you the colorway?

Lime & Violet baby! L&V!!

How cool is this?

I honestly feel like someone just handed me of of those shiny gold statue awards. Now to go write my humble acceptance speech....

Or finish the laundry and scrub the toilet.

Oh whatever, I was on Lime and Violet!!

Thanks ladies!

Parents are awesome...

James and I were lucky to play host and hostess to my parents this week, it was just a few days but those days were awesome! Sadly they drove off this morning to spend some time at my sister's. Oh well, guess I have to share.

While they were in town I got to play show and tell with Mom, actually one better, I got to teach mom about what I do in the dye studio. Although I asked her every 10 minutes "are you sure you want me to keep going" she never tried to escape. Quite the contrary, she seemed to absorb every single detail! And for those of you who have not actually met me - I have LOTS of those details to share - some call it obsessive, others, well, they choose more creative words...

Would you like to see what we collaborated on?

First up was some painting! I have been working with a awesome customer on the west coast to recreate a colourway I created before I started to document my dyes. After seeing everything hanging on the drying racks, I think I hit the mark. Here is what Mom did with the same colours I used to create 'Born Again' ...

Introducing 'Judy Bloom'


Next up is a batt named 'Pootsie Muffin'

After learning all that is involved in creating a batt, Mom decided that we should set the price at $175.00 USD. After a great deal of debate (and review of the pricing matrix and excel documents - told you I obsess on every detail) she let me set the price. Rest assured, you can find the batt a a significant discount in the Shop.

She thinks your getting a bargain...

It is so nice to be home again!

Remind me to tell you about the past couple of weeks!

But right now I need to jump right back into the swing of things...

I am posting some new pictures to Flickr as I type this, then will add them to the Ravelry database, then - yes, then - I will have some new items on Etsy. Some, not lots. I assure you that pounds of dyed top are waiting to be carded into batts!

Here is hint of today's Etsy listings:

A little something to hold you over

I just needed to get these posted before I hit the road...

See you in two weeks!!

Has it really been a week?

....since the Clermont Sheep and Wool festival?!

This week has been insane!

Before I say another word - I want thank everyone who found me on Etsy. This past week has been more then I could ever have imagined! You people are amazing - way to make a girl feel loved!

Without subjecting any of you to a play by play of every email, Etsy sale, conversation or Ravelry post - considering every member in my family has already been through that - it is safe to say that this was perhaps one of the most exciting weeks ever!

So, what have I been up to?


That is the guest bathroom - wall to wall wool. Sixteen pounds to be exact - the last four are waiting to be rinsed. I promised - LOTS of pictures to follow. It's time for me to stop with all my chatter and add some color to these blog posts!

But...

Not yet. Starting Tuesday, I will be away for two weeks.

As I do not want anyone to wait for their order or wonder why I am not answering an EtsyConvo; the shop will go into Vacation mode Monday May 4th and reopen Friday May 15th.

Thank You.

um. WOW.


I wish to Thank everyone who wandered into my 'lil corner of the world at the Clermont Sheep and Wool festival. Your comments, complements, words of wisdom, squeals of delight, and yes; purchases, reminded me how incredible the fiber community is. Thank you.


Humble appreciate aside - Saturday was A W E S O M E .

[11:00am Saturday morning]

I could probably type for hours and not come close to describing how fabulous the day was or how incredible the people were. And I think that was is what it is all about - the people. Yes, I made sales, and appreciate them more then I can even begin to express, but, I got to meet so many like minded, creative, interesting, wonderful people. I look forward to seeing many of you again!

[4:30pm Saturday evening]

Before I head over to Etsy to open my shop doors, I one again thank everyone for their support and give a special thank you to the love of my life, James; a man who even on two hours of sleep managed to unpack the Jeep, assemble the display crates and calm my nerves all in the same hour. Thank you.

Friends of Clermont silent auction!

While at the Chancellor's Sheep and Wool festival this weekend, be sure stop by the silent auction. Eight ounces of Falkland handpainted wool top from i.t.w awaits your bid...

just in: business cards!

Only 5 more days until the Clermont Sheep & Wool festival!!

Things have been hectic around here to say the least! Figured I should stop in and let you that things are going really well. I still have pounds of fiber to send through the drumcarder, plus a couple pounds of beautiful Border Leicester locks to dye up. But I will share those tidbits later...

Today, I share my new business cards/sample tags!


My hope is that the card will ultimately act as a spinners sample card and perhaps bring an extra value to a small piece of paper.

2009 Chancellor's Sheep & Wool - Booth 29

See the title? See it?

Not only I am attending the Chancellor's Sheep & Wool festival in Germantown NY - I will be participating as a vendor! Crazy huh?

Originally I had intended to simply attend and see the layout of the property, make lists of things that I would need as a vendor in 2010, take notes on effective booth layout; you know, research and prepare. Well, on Monday I changed my mind. I just felt that I needed to be part of this years event and I knew that if I did not make the commitment - I would regret it.

You may not hear from me for a couple weeks - I have so much to do! Before I get lost in pounds of fiber, here is some information on the event:

Date & Time: Saturday, April 25 11:00am - 4:30pm
Raindate: Sunday, April 26
Location: One Clermont Ave - Germantown, NY 12526

Clermont State Historic Site website
2009 Chancellor's Sheep & Wool website
Map and directions to Clermont State Historic Site

m.i.a already?

Yes, but for good reason! I have so much to tell you, but so much still to do. So what does one do in this situation? Share a picture of one of the latest drying racks until I can compose another post. So without further ado:

little things

They always say 'it is the little things' that [insert thought provoking idea]....

Well, they are right.

So, obviously I am starting my own indie fiber arts business - what may be obvious to some, and not others is all that actually goes into getting the word out. The internet is HUGE. There are blogs to write in, twitters to tweet upon, flickr's to post pictures to. The list is almost endless - and to top it off, logo's do not design themselves.

Well, guess what I learned yesterday: It is the little milestones (or to keep with the theme - 'little things') along the way that remind us as to why we take on such responsibilities.

Last night, I returned home to find that for the very first time - someone other then myself not only used my company name, but took a picture of fiber that I created in their home and went so far as to post in on Ravelry with links to my under construction Etsy shop! Wait, it does not stop there - remember how I mentioned that whole "flikr's to post pictures to" thing - well, they posted that picture on their flickr account!

[Oh and if your wondering - yes, I did take a screen shot]

I embraced that excitement and, well, maybe got greedy for more. Off to Etsy I clicked. And yes, there was love. Three to be exact. Three people heart my little work in progress!!

[And yes, I took a screen shot of that too]

... it is after all the little things that make it all worth while.

segue to Scraps!

Wow, what a perfect segue from yesterdays post to today's post...

Lets talk scraps.

While surfing around Ravelry last night I stumbled onto a group started solely for the purpose of stash enhancement through scraps. What an amazing idea; the brainchild of this individual. The idea: Send in 4 or 8 ounces of fiber, a few dollars for return shipping, wait a couple weeks, stalk mailman relentlessly and when all is said and done - receive an equal amount of random one ounce bits in various colors and fibers.

Think crazy quilts, think colour with reckless abandon, think about yarn that is so littered with colour it makes you smile.

So, this morning I packed up these:

Now, I wait....

finally, Spring has arrived!

The idea started last fall. Gifts to nature

It started when I neglected to actually decorate with the decorations I purchased from a local farmers market. I picked up some beautiful dried indian corn to hang on our front door - needless to say it never made it off the rocker on the front porch. Instead, as the days grew shorter, and the nights grew colder, critters found their way to the corn and helped themselves.


With spring upon us, it was gifting time again. Thanks to a wonderful idea I read here, I found my gift! With all the dyeing and spinning and carding that takes place in my studio, my scrap fiber collection has started to grow significantly. It's so simple: all it takes is some scrap yarn, some fruit netting, and some colourful fiber scraps - bundle it all up, hang it from a branch. Look forward to having the prettiest nests in town!

Things to do:

1. Register as Yarnie on Ravelry.

Done! For those of you on Ravelry, you can find my fiber HERE

Chores aside, I have been trying to figure out exactly how and what to post on this blog. If I can keep myself in line, I have decided that I will share the progress and details of of starting this little fiber arts business endeavor. Perhaps others can learn - just as I have from many of the blogs and forum posts - something about starting a business or dyeing fiber and all the things that fall between the two.

Flickr!

You may have already noticed the neat little slide show up in the right corner that links to my Flickr acounnt; but, I decided to give you a link anyway!

So go check it out, lots of fiber in its colour glory!

Testing....

Good Morning!

Just a quick note to test out the layout of the blog.