Friday, November 10, 2006

New Hats
I finished a hat and entered it in the Spindlicity Hat Contest. I used fiber prepared by Linda Diak of Grafton Fibers. She has the most luscious color blends. I wanted to use every color I had, so I spun each up on my Bossie spindle and planned out a pattern that would show off each color. First, I knit 9 points which I joined, then used a combination of Fair Isle patterning with pin tucks inbetween. At the end, I crocheted little curlycues which I sewed on top. It was such fun to create my first pattern by myself. Now I may try and design my own sweater.........
I am continuing to process my Corriedale fleece. It is better now that I can see the end. I figure it is taking me about 1 and 1/2 hours per ounce to wash and card (not counting soaking or drying time). Flicking open the locks to prepare for the carder is the most time consuming part, but I love the pile of fluff I am creating. I have gotten hooked on the possibilities of starting with raw fleece, so I have already reserved a Coopworth fleece from Deer Run Farm for spring.

My son thinks I am crazy, but he is reaping the rewards. Here is a picture of a hat I made for him (he wouldn't model for me). I used the first of my Corriedale fleece (the bright yellow/orange) with some of the Totally Tubular mix made by Crosspatch Creations and Three Bags Full of wool and silk. I love their creations. I just ordered another from Amelia at The Bellwether. I love all the little bits of color and the nebs from the silk noil. My son actually wears this hat, so I know I finally got it right!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Anne,
I love your hats. How creative you are and all from hand spun too.
They are beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Ooh, your original design hat is awesome! (Adrienne from Spindlers list)

Leah said...

Your hat for the contest is absolutely fabulous! The other hat is very very nice as well but wow on the contest hat :)

Kim in NJ said...

Very cool hats. Good luck with the Spindlecity contest!