Have almost finished the first pair of socks knitted from the sock blank ‘scarf’ which I hand painted. It was painted with 3 colours then steamed to set the dye. I don’t like the colours at all but at least I’ll have a warm pair of socks at the end of the experiment. Had to have a friend help me graft the toe on sock no 1 but I fully intend to have go myself on sock no 2.
October 27, 2011
Hand dyed sock blank socks
October 26, 2011
East Sussex Guild Weavers, spinners and dyers exhibition 28th 29th October
Our bi-annual exhibition takes place in Lewes Town Hall this Friday and Saturday. Amazing exhibition of work as well as traders from around the country. Items for sale made by the members of the guild. Refreshments served throughout the day with homemade cakes available too.
Just £2.00 entry, students and children free.
October 22, 2011
Teeswater curly locks for Blythe doll hair
The beautiful fleeces I purchased in Yorkshire are in the process of being transformed into lustrous colourful locks. It’s time consuming, washing the fleeces but what a transformation! I’m especially loving the way the Teeswater morphs into these amazing spirals.
I’ve dyed about 8 different batches now, the falling leaves and pewter have to be my favourites so far, although the Barbie pink locks have been popular with Blythe doll collectors. I had never heard of Blythe dolls until a lady in Thailand purchased some locks and I inquired as to what she was going to do with them (I’m nosy I know). Anyway she sent me pics of the first doll to be re-rooted and she was so cute I could see why they are collected around the world. My pink curls made for stunning ‘hair’.
The washed and undyed curls of the Masham will make great beards for Santa and the natural black Wensleydale will be great for felted gnomes. It’s great when buyers show me what they have done with the fleece, I have a better understanding then of their needs.
Of course all the locks can be spun into a worsted yarn or woven on a peg loom or tapestry frame.
