Skeins - undyed and hand dyed wools and yarns

Sunday, 28 March 2010

Drying wool outdoors!

Today has been the first this year where I have been able to get some wool outside in the wind and sun to dry - the forecast for this week is rain and snow so that was Spring then!!

I have had a quiet weekend in the studio customer wise but have managed to get so much wool skeined and dyed ready for Wonderwool Wales at the end of April.

Some other news is that I am looking into the possibility of selling some of the yarns Jane Thornley uses in quite a few of her projects - both the people I have contacted are more than happy to supply me wholesale with their yarns so my empire might be expanding across the water!

Thursday, 4 March 2010

unravel 2010

Last weekend I travelled 'down south' to Farnham to attend 'unravel 2010' both as an exhibitor and to do a Broomstick crochet workshop. It was absolutely brilliant. The event was very well organised and the people so friendly. I have already said I would like to go next year.

Things are nearly sorted with the Jane Thornley workshops for this year - have booked a cottage for the whole week for Jane and her lovely husband John as it was a) cheaper than a B & B and b) thought it would be nicer for them to have the run of a cottage and not be confined to one room and sitting in a lounge with lots of other people. This way they can eat in or out as the mood takes them. Jane is doing 4 one day workshops with 3 different topics so that should cater for various levels etc.

Labels: courses workshops dying, freerange knitting

Friday, 29 January 2010

A Positive 2010

This year is going to be GOOD!

I have so much to do - so many things planned (well in my head).
I am doing Farnham Maltings - UNRAVEL 2010 and running a Broomstick crochet workshop on the Sunday. Plus there is Wonderwool Wales, Woolfest and possibly Harrogate and Ally Pally if I get my finances in order.

I have also got Debbie Tomkies (DT Craft and Design) doing a Sock Workshop plus anything else we get asked for! Pauline Fitzpatrick running a beginners crochet and Freeform crochet workshops. And then JANE THORNLEY will be back in October for 3 whole days of her teaching magic with yarn!!!

All details will be on the website as soon as possible.

Labels: courses workshops dying

Saturday, 16 January 2010

2010 events

I am busy trying to sort out dates for ths years events and workshops - less time for dying sadly but so far I have got a sock workshop sorted, Farnham Maltings, Wonderwool Wales, sent off for Woolfest, talking about another Free form crochet workshop with Pauline Fitzpatrick, free range with Jane Thornley in October and much more.

I have also joined forces with two other local textile artists Linda and Jo to do Derbyshire Open Arts in May this year. We will be all at the studio the last Bank holiday weekend in May showcasing the work we all do. The studio will open from 10 - 5 Sat, Sun and Bank Holiday Monday.

Labels: courses workshops dying

Monday, 4 January 2010

Another New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

2009 was certainly a busy one for me - moving into the new studio, starting to sell commercial yarn as well as Skeins own brand, Wonderwool Wales, Woolfest, the starting of Fibreholics, the Jane Thornley workshops and to end the year Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show. I have enjoyed all of it and it has certainly given me somethings to build on for 2010.

So what is new for 2010.

More wool, more workshops and more shows.

I am planning to open the studio for an extra day - especially if my part-time job ends in April- even if I am offered another 12 months contract I would like to do fewer hours so I can concentrate on the studio.

I am also looking for other fibre artists to increase the range of products I stock - other hand dyers, spinners and anything to do with fibres and textiles - anyone interested?

I am also looking into doing more natural dying - using everyday things around me as inspiration.

A big thank you to the Knit and Knatter group who have consistently supported me and encouraged me in my endevours - without you I wouldn't have got this far.

Labels: 2010, dying wooll orders studio, dying yarn

Saturday, 3 October 2009

Freeform Crochet Workshop

Today I have had the second workshop with Pauline Fitzpatrick who was teaching Freefrom crochet. There were 5 students and they all made totally different projects. Stella came from the next door studio and worked in plastic bootlace type stuff and added wool into it. Pauline taught her how to do hairpin crochet and she made some amazing pieces that reminded me of the human spine!!!

The others did alsorts using various techniques and yarns creating different shapes. Very inspirational. Hopefully there will be pictures later.

The Fibreholics Uk project is flying along now. We are getting ready to start collecting the samples for Round 3 - round 2 having sold out of all the large fibre bags and there are not many of the small fibre or yarn bags left.

Labels: crochet, fibreholics dyeing drying, freeform

Friday, 18 September 2009

Back to normal!

After going to Hawes for the August Bank Holiday fair up there( very, very windy and wet!) then as week in Cornwall (not to wet but still windy!) I am back trying to getting things sorted.

Although I am at Hayfield Country fair this weekend I am literally on my own doorstep and it is an ideal way to advertise that the studio is open and what is coming up etc. I had a pice in the local newspaper about the Weds and Thurs Knitting groups plus a bit about Skeins etc - which was really nice plus it cost me nothing but a bit of time to email the guy!

I am putting quite a lot of time into promoting the workshops as they are another way of letting people know that I am here etc.

I have also managed to get some dying done this week and as the weather is nice its good to get it outside to blow in the wind and sun wool always feels better when dried outside.

Just before my hols I received an order of 50%wool/50%Silk DK which is really beautiful even in the natural colour and it almost seems a shame to dye it but I have to get my skates on and design something to use it in ready for Harrogate in November - panic.

Labels: courses workshops dying, harrogate, skeins

Saturday, 22 August 2009

New Signs

After numerous comments that the studio wasn't visible and culdn't be found I have eventually got the sign put up on the 'sticky-out' sign and on the dooor. They look really good despite the fact that I couldn't fit the sheep part of it on. I have already had a few new visitors and hopefully this is the start of plenty more! The next step is to get the opening times put on the bottom half of the door as I never thought of that and it is quite important with me not opening every day!

I have spent today doing some dying for an order and it was nearly dry a it has been a really nice day (well it is nearly the end of August!) I have also spent the week taking delivery of the latest samples for Fibreholics UK and they are really good with a huge variety of types of fibres and colours. We are hoping to go for 14th September ofr this round.

Finally I am looking forward to the first workshop of the Autumn sason with a Sock Workshop with Debbie from DT Craft and Design. If anyone can take the fear out of knitting socks - she can.

Labels: drying, dyeing, fibreholics, sock, workshops

Sunday, 19 July 2009

I am now 'over 50' officially!

I am now officially 'over 50' and have celebrated in style with family and friends in various places.

This year has been so different. I have eventually reached one of my longest ambitions and that is to own and run a woolshop - well I am nearly there with Skeins Yarn Studio opening 3 days a week. I have my own yarns and some commercial yarns to balance it out. The knitting group is getting bigger by the week and although numbers can go up and down it is always a different crowd who turn up and I am grateful for their support and encouragement.

As always I am on the look-out for different yarns for hand dyeing and have just taken delivery of some 50%Silk and 50%Wool which is a lace weight but slightly heavier than the original batch I bought. This has 800metres per 100grams but has turned up in all manner of skeins sizes which has made it a nightmare to put on the website. Hopefully next month I will take delivery of a DK weight of the same fibre content and then the month after an Aran weight.

So what is left that I want to acheive. Well, I really want to learn to spin and have my own wheel (thats where all my b'day money is going!) I would also really like to be able to give up working part-time and run the studio as a full-time business and possibly move into a ground floor place so that there is disabled access etc. I can only hope and be truly grateful for the support of my husband , family and friends who all think I am a WOOLLY person but put up with me just the same!

Monday, 22 June 2009

Fibreholics ready to post off

Kate from Green Eyed Monsters spent Saturday afternoon surrounded by lots and lots of lovely fibre and yarn and it is now already to post off to those who want it and hopefully these photos will tempt you.



	Sunday, 28 March 2010 Drying wool outdoors! Today has been the first this year where I have been able to get some wool outside in the wind and sun to dry - the forecast for this week is rain and snow so that was Spring then!! I have had a quiet weekend in the studio customer wise but have managed to get so much wool skeined and dyed ready for Wonderwool Wales at the end of April. Some other news is that I am looking into the possibility of selling some of the yarns Jane Thornley uses in quite a few of her projects - both the people I have contacted are more than happy to supply me wholesale with their yarns so my empire might be expanding across the water! posted by Carole at 19:57 0 Comments Thursday, 4 March 2010 unravel 2010 Last weekend I travelled 'down south' to Farnham to attend 'unravel 2010' both as an exhibitor and to do a Broomstick crochet workshop. It was absolutely brilliant. The event was very well organised and the people so friendly. I have already said I would like to go next year. Things are nearly sorted with the Jane Thornley workshops for this year - have booked a cottage for the whole week for Jane and her lovely husband John as it was a) cheaper than a B & B and b) thought it would be nicer for them to have the run of a cottage and not be confined to one room and sitting in a lounge with lots of other people. This way they can eat in or out as the mood takes them. Jane is doing 4 one day workshops with 3 different topics so that should cater for various levels etc. Labels: courses workshops dying, freerange knitting posted by Carole at 18:35 0 Comments Friday, 29 January 2010 A Positive 2010 This year is going to be GOOD! I have so much to do - so many things planned (well in my head). I am doing Farnham Maltings - UNRAVEL 2010 and running a Broomstick crochet workshop on the Sunday. Plus there is Wonderwool Wales, Woolfest and possibly Harrogate and Ally Pally if I get my finances in order. I have also got Debbie Tomkies (DT Craft and Design) doing a Sock Workshop plus anything else we get asked for! Pauline Fitzpatrick running a beginners crochet and Freeform crochet workshops. And then JANE THORNLEY will be back in October for 3 whole days of her teaching magic with yarn!!! All details will be on the website as soon as possible. Labels: courses workshops dying posted by Carole at 21:24 0 Comments Saturday, 16 January 2010 2010 events I am busy trying to sort out dates for ths years events and workshops - less time for dying sadly but so far I have got a sock workshop sorted, Farnham Maltings, Wonderwool Wales, sent off for Woolfest, talking about another Free form crochet workshop with Pauline Fitzpatrick, free range with Jane Thornley in October and much more. I have also joined forces with two other local textile artists Linda and Jo to do Derbyshire Open Arts in May this year. We will be all at the studio the last Bank holiday weekend in May showcasing the work we all do. The studio will open from 10 - 5 Sat, Sun and Bank Holiday Monday. Labels: courses workshops dying posted by Carole at 20:32 0 Comments Monday, 4 January 2010 Another New Year HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! 2009 was certainly a busy one for me - moving into the new studio, starting to sell commercial yarn as well as Skeins own brand, Wonderwool Wales, Woolfest, the starting of Fibreholics, the Jane Thornley workshops and to end the year Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show. I have enjoyed all of it and it has certainly given me somethings to build on for 2010. So what is new for 2010. More wool, more workshops and more shows. I am planning to open the studio for an extra day - especially if my part-time job ends in April- even if I am offered another 12 months contract I would like to do fewer hours so I can concentrate on the studio. I am also looking for other fibre artists to increase the range of products I stock - other hand dyers, spinners and anything to do with fibres and textiles - anyone interested? I am also looking into doing more natural dying - using everyday things around me as inspiration. A big thank you to the Knit and Knatter group who have consistently supported me and encouraged me in my endevours - without you I wouldn't have got this far. Labels: 2010, dying wooll orders studio, dying yarn posted by Carole at 18:46 0 Comments Saturday, 3 October 2009 Freeform Crochet Workshop Today I have had the second workshop with Pauline Fitzpatrick who was teaching Freefrom crochet. There were 5 students and they all made totally different projects. Stella came from the next door studio and worked in plastic bootlace type stuff and added wool into it. Pauline taught her how to do hairpin crochet and she made some amazing pieces that reminded me of the human spine!!! The others did alsorts using various techniques and yarns creating different shapes. Very inspirational. Hopefully there will be pictures later. The Fibreholics Uk project is flying along now. We are getting ready to start collecting the samples for Round 3 - round 2 having sold out of all the large fibre bags and there are not many of the small fibre or yarn bags left. Labels: crochet, fibreholics dyeing drying, freeform posted by Carole at 19:44 0 Comments Friday, 18 September 2009 Back to normal! After going to Hawes for the August Bank Holiday fair up there( very, very windy and wet!) then as week in Cornwall (not to wet but still windy!) I am back trying to getting things sorted. Although I am at Hayfield Country fair this weekend I am literally on my own doorstep and it is an ideal way to advertise that the studio is open and what is coming up etc. I had a pice in the local newspaper about the Weds and Thurs Knitting groups plus a bit about Skeins etc - which was really nice plus it cost me nothing but a bit of time to email the guy! I am putting quite a lot of time into promoting the workshops as they are another way of letting people know that I am here etc. I have also managed to get some dying done this week and as the weather is nice its good to get it outside to blow in the wind and sun wool always feels better when dried outside. Just before my hols I received an order of 50%wool/50%Silk DK which is really beautiful even in the natural colour and it almost seems a shame to dye it but I have to get my skates on and design something to use it in ready for Harrogate in November - panic. Labels: courses workshops dying, harrogate, skeins posted by Carole at 19:40 0 Comments Saturday, 22 August 2009 New Signs After numerous comments that the studio wasn't visible and culdn't be found I have eventually got the sign put up on the 'sticky-out' sign and on the dooor. They look really good despite the fact that I couldn't fit the sheep part of it on. I have already had a few new visitors and hopefully this is the start of plenty more! The next step is to get the opening times put on the bottom half of the door as I never thought of that and it is quite important with me not opening every day! I have spent today doing some dying for an order and it was nearly dry a it has been a really nice day (well it is nearly the end of August!) I have also spent the week taking delivery of the latest samples for Fibreholics UK and they are really good with a huge variety of types of fibres and colours. We are hoping to go for 14th September ofr this round. Finally I am looking forward to the first workshop of the Autumn sason with a Sock Workshop with Debbie from DT Craft and Design. If anyone can take the fear out of knitting socks - she can. Labels: drying, dyeing, fibreholics, sock, workshops posted by Carole at 20:14 0 Comments Sunday, 19 July 2009 I am now 'over 50' officially! I am now officially 'over 50' and have celebrated in style with family and friends in various places. This year has been so different. I have eventually reached one of my longest ambitions and that is to own and run a woolshop - well I am nearly there with Skeins Yarn Studio opening 3 days a week. I have my own yarns and some commercial yarns to balance it out. The knitting group is getting bigger by the week and although numbers can go up and down it is always a different crowd who turn up and I am grateful for their support and encouragement. As always I am on the look-out for different yarns for hand dyeing and have just taken delivery of some 50%Silk and 50%Wool which is a lace weight but slightly heavier than the original batch I bought. This has 800metres per 100grams but has turned up in all manner of skeins sizes which has made it a nightmare to put on the website. Hopefully next month I will take delivery of a DK weight of the same fibre content and then the month after an Aran weight. So what is left that I want to acheive. Well, I really want to learn to spin and have my own wheel (thats where all my b'day money is going!) I would also really like to be able to give up working part-time and run the studio as a full-time business and possibly move into a ground floor place so that there is disabled access etc. I can only hope and be truly grateful for the support of my husband , family and friends who all think I am a WOOLLY person but put up with me just the same! posted by Carole at 19:48 0 Comments Monday, 22 June 2009 Fibreholics ready to post off Kate from Green Eyed Monsters spent Saturday afternoon surrounded by lots and lots of lovely fibre and yarn and it is now already to post off to those who want it and hopefully these photos will tempt you. posted by Carole at 20:30 0 Comments
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