All Fiber Arts!'s topics - tribe.net

ah just caint figger id oud!!!

2008-04-20T03:58:48Z

i want to make a hat to cover my just starting dreaddies ( ie messy and fuzzy!) for my baby shower, and i really have one i like a lot, but i cant seem to get it right! :(
can anyone help me figure out how to make one sort of like the ones pictured on this website, i want to make one like the secret garden one, or close as possible...

www.sandandskycreations.com

its under for sale, then hats!!!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Boys don't knit

2008-04-02T20:35:54Z

http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/?q=node/432

A book with a cute story about a young boy and a man knitter who comes to his rescue and saves the day! (...) The book, last printed in 1990, is a simple story but has a nice way of demolishing the myth that men can't and don't knit.

"Boys don't knit" by Janice Schoop

( I personally do not have this book, but looking at the link it looks cute)

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 7 replies

step-by-step books from the 1970s

2008-03-10T02:54:16Z

Well met, my fellow fiberholics,

A friend has a chance at getting a 20-volume set of books call "Make it yourself: step by step guide to needlework and other crafts" that was published in the 1970s for a great price. She asked me if I know anything about this series. I am unfamiliar with it.

Does anyone know anything about this series, and is it worth the trouble of a 20-min. car ride to go get it? Can anyone recommend it?

Thanks

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 3 replies

Felted hair accessories

2008-03-06T16:51:39Z

Hi everyone!
So happy to find this tribe. I am recently addicted to fibers, and I love chatting about them and sharing project information with people. You can see (and buy! =) my work here:
http://chelonia.etsy.com.
I make felted hair accessories, mainly short "dreadlock" hair ties. I would appreciate any feedback you have.

So far I have been felting my "dreads" by wetting the fiber down with soapy water and rolling it. I was not achieving the firmness I wanted though, so tonight I picked up a 36-gauge felting needle and tried that. The result is great, but the process is SO tedious. It take me about 10 minutes to needle felt each dread, and I have approximately 15 dreads on each tie... I don't have the patience. Anyone have any suggestions? I purchased a 32-gauge needle that will be delivered soon, and hopefully that will help. Otherwise, I will experiment with different wet solutions to try and improve the results using the rolling technique.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 3 replies

NATURAL DYES

2008-02-18T06:22:57Z

a textile studio called EARTHUES in seattle specializes in natural dyes. you can buy color kits, indigo kits or seperate color extract. its an ancient process and all their dyes are organic and fairly bought. indigo, madder, logwood grey, logwood purple, cochineal, weld, fustic, cutch, quebracho red are just some of the dyes that they have. they come from the earth and are non toxic! you can call their studio if you have natural dye questions! love life and the earth
EARTHUES
www.earthues.com
206-789-1065

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 3 replies

weird comments

2008-02-05T08:35:02Z

When doing a demo with the fiber, there are always people who ask the strangest questions. Or give comments that just leave you speechless.
What are the strangest comments you got?

These are my toppers from yesterday:
* ( drop spinning)
- "Hey look... its some sort of Indi'n toy..."

* ( a 15-ish year old girl fondling the felted slippers)
- "are these real?"
~ (???)... define real? Yes, those are real slippers...(?)
-"and how about this" ( felted bag with long outerhairs of sheep. So it is still shaggy)
~ What do you mean by "real.."?
- Is this real animal?
~ Yes, the sheep got a haircut and I made it into a felted bag. 100% wool.
- "IIIIIIIIiiiiiiieeeeeeuuuuuuuwwwwwwwwww" ( dropped it and ran off)

( ?????)

- "what is that" ? ( pointing at the raw wool)
~ that is a fleece, straight from the sheep.
- " what is it made off"?
...

and of course the classic:
- Look honey, they are making wool over here...

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 14 replies

New member, intro and question

2008-01-30T11:40:56Z

I've been knitting for 4 years now, self re-taught after Grandma tried years ago and couldn't get it to stick. Just picked up spinning in the last year or so and rushed right out and ordered and put together my first Ashford Traditional *sigh*, and have just this autumn started my affair with weaving. I try to knit projects for friends between going to college and being a dedicated punk-rock, Susie-homemaker-wannabe for my boyfriend of almost 2 years (I refuse to knit him a sweater until I've got a ring on my finger, and he probably wouldn't wear one if I knit it, anyway. He's all tough-looking, but thinks Lamb's Pride or even some of Rowan's merino blends too scratchy to wear. *grin* I think I'll keep him.)

Now my conundrum:
I've never scoured a fleece before. I purchased a gorgeous chocolate brown romney/corriedale(?) fleece in September, as well as a chocolatey alpaca fleece, and have been terrified to scour them for fear that I will felt them. They are so beautiful, I would weep bitterly if they were ruined. I have some great scour soap that I purchased at the event where I found the fleece. The lady that sold the scour to me looked at a staple of my fleece, said it didn't have much grease, and to just try to do it in my bath tub, separating the fleece into small sections and place them in lingerie bags.

Any advice? I think I need encouragement more than anything, I just hate to have that fleece sit and not do anything with it. I can hear it whispering to me at night "... A sweater. A lovely, long-sleeved, boatneck sweater... Make me into a sweater..."

Any advice will be much appreciated! Thank you.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 5 replies

Linen question...

2008-01-11T21:01:51Z

On top of everything else I'm doing, I'm trying to find fabric for an Elizabethan Middle Class costume and Landsknechts (German Mercenary) women's costumes that I am making for, well, ME!!! I work at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale. Does anyone know where to find good, relatively reasonably priced heavy weight linen? I can find one of my colors in 6oz/ys but I'm not sure if that's going to be heavy enough and I can only find one of the two colors that I need. Any assistance you can give would be great!

Thanks!!!

~Andrea

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 6 replies

new crafty tribe

2008-01-11T09:58:47Z

i started a new tribe for crafters.
all are welcome!
saraswati creations

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Tatting

2008-01-02T23:47:20Z

How many tatting fans do we have here? I have been tatting for almost 6 years now, and I recommend the silk thread, the smaller the better.
http://www.threadgatherer.com/fibers/snc.shtml
This site is a wonderful site.....
Do you know of any other great sites to buy good thread???

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 20 replies

Berkeley Farmer's Market Holiday Craft Show

2007-12-18T16:21:51Z

Hi All,
Just wanted to remind all that this Saturday is the last day of the Berkeley Farmer's Market Holiday Craft Show. I will have natual and dyed spinning fiber, hand spun and commercially spun natural and hand dyed yarn, and handmade clothing accessories. If you are in the area, I hope to see you there. It is at Civic Center Park, MLK & Center street, from 10-4.
Happy Holidays!
Sabrina

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

new here

2007-12-08T22:03:00Z

hey all, I'm miyo and just found this tribe.
I'm a fabric dyer by trade working within the fashion and theater industry. Parsons Fashion grad and all around crafter.
I have a dyeing tips and tricks post in Reconstructed Clothing.

have quick question:
Have any of you gone to and participated in the Maker's Faire?
I'm curious. I'd love to go this summer to SF and see it for myself.

For the last 2 years I've been experimenting latch hooking raffia into my clothing designs. I'd like to one day create a collection of raffia dresses for Burning Man and then burn the entire project at the end of the week. My knees grow weak even thinking of destroying the hundreds of hours involved making it but at the same time excited to create a temporary beauty which can never become a commodity.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

help needed

2007-12-06T19:20:15Z

I want to make some felt hats with yarn and roving. I can knit but I don't really want to make them like that. Also can I use any yarn ??? I have a lot of weird yarns that are not long enough for any projects. Hints or advice would be welcome. Thanks to all.- Cyn

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 3 replies

Dyeing up a Storm!

2007-11-29T09:43:19Z

Hi All!
How has everyone been doing? I have been great. Yesterday I went on a dyeing spree. I don't think I have ever dyed so much in such a short amount of time all by my self.

I dyed 7 ounces of natural silk & superfine merino, 2 4oz silk sliver, 6 oz carded mohair, 4 oz superfine merino & yak, 2 4 oz baby llama, 2 4oz of baby alpaca, 3 3 oz of corriedale, 4 oz of superfine merino and mulberry silk, 2 silk hankies. and 18 skeins of yarn ranging from 100 to 420 yards. If my camera were working I would take a picture.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

Newbie...yes, another one!

2007-11-29T09:41:19Z

I'm marion/artmixter, a Scottish artist living in Norfolk, UK, with husband and four and a half cats, not to mention a substantial stash of fibers and cloth and beads and paint and... I'm sure you get the picture! I've got an etsy shop http://artmixter.etsy.com and my main blog is http://artmixter.blogspot.com, if you'd like to see some of my work. Looking forward to getting to know more textile peeps here!
marion

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 5 replies

If your Creative too , I have a Tribe for you .

2007-11-04T16:26:33Z

My Deer ‘s, If your Creative too , I have a Tribe for you .
Art and Hand made in USA.
This is a tribe for visual arts, and Hand made items made in USA…

if you wish to show off your work and put a add or web page this tribe is for you …

all Accessories hand made from Gourd Art, painting. Any wood work . ten work ,
bead items to sewing , it go’s on and on .

so if your in the USA and you make it and wish to show it off and sell your items ,
love to have you …

you never know some one may fine you here and buy your items …

come on in and have fun …
tribes.tribe.net/handmadeinusa

Ps.
Don’t forget your web link to your items
so every one can see them …& A e-mail
so if there interested, they can get in touch with you ...

Have Fun and be Creative ..

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

New Toy!

2007-10-29T17:29:16Z

Just had to brag a moment. Today I received a new spinning wheel! It's a gorgeous Kromski Symphony (with walnut stain) and it spins like a dream! I'm so happy with it I could squeal like a little girl! :)

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 5 replies

Looking for stories of how needlearts affects our lives.

2007-10-03T17:32:22Z

How has needlework affected your life? I'm looking for STORIES ABOUT NEEDLEWORK, particularly needlepoint, for a collection to be published in mid-2008.

This is a great chance to share your love of stitching with others. The stories can be about how you learned to stitch, a wonderful class, a great (or failed) project. You can write about teaching others to stitch, what needlework means to you -- whatever you like!

If you have a great needlework story, I'd like to consider it for the book. It should be engaging (so you want to read more). They can be thoughtful, heartwarming, poetic, witty, or even mischievous.

Let the world know about your love of stitching!

Stories should be 1000-1500 words and should be sent to stitchedwithstories@gmail.com (dedicated mailbox). Please feel free to pass this request along to others who might be interested.

Keep Stitching,
Janet
http://www.napaneedlepoint.com
http://www.nuts-about-needlepoint.com - blog!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Finger licking good

2007-09-20T21:13:06Z

http://veganyumyum.com/2007/06/knit-night-cupcakes/

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

Card Weaving

2007-09-12T20:40:16Z

Has anyone done card weaving? I have started some and was wondering if anyone has some tips?

Thank you,

Cindy

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 5 replies

KnitSanity.com

2007-08-26T08:13:46Z

Hey there everyone!

I am a young knit designer from Santa Cruz, CA and I would be delighted if you would all checked out my website: www.knitsanity.com.

All the best wishes,
Christina

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

looking for a rep/agent to sell my surface designs??

2007-08-12T16:22:34Z

so after many discussions with myself, I am getting back into making textiles & surface design prints etc. I am looking for a company/agent to rep my goods. I just wanna make my art and pay someone a fee to do all the legwork and sell to companies who buy the deisgns. I spent 2 hrs googling last night and came up with nothing. I checked apparelnetwork, fashiondex etc. I know they exist.
Any one have an agent they can set me up with or point me to someone....

Thanks!!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

CALL FOR ARTISTS!

2007-07-31T07:22:57Z

The first of three Barnsdall Arts Markets will occur on Sunday, August 19th 2007 from 11am - 5pm. The event is free for the public to attend, and welcomes those of all ages. The event will take place in the lower parking lot of Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90027.

The event will feature a variety of local artists showing and selling their works. It is cosponsored by the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council and presented in cooperation with the Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Los Angeles. The Los Feliz Ledger is the media sponsor and future shows will be held on October 21 and December 16.

There will be over 40 artists exhibiting everything from paintings, sculpture, glasswork, textile art, ceramics, photography, handmade paper goods, wood works and more. The day will also include a family art workshop available at no cost. A variety of light snacks and refreshments will also be available for purchase.

CALL FOR ARTIST VENDORS - - - -

ARTISTS - If you would like to receive an application to sell your works at Barnsdall Arts Market, please email: julie@alittlebirdytoldme.com (if you have requested an application already, we apologize for the delay as we are still finalizing the application. It should be sent to you soon!)

We are also looking for food and snack vendors. We are interested in a coffee/tea vendor, a juice vendor, a pastry/muffin vendors and a fresh fruit/nu/snack vendor. Please know, we do not have power on site so vendors must have their own generator or can work without electricity. Interested food vendors can email: julie@alittlebirdytoldme.com

----------------------

Updates will be added to the Barnsdall Art Park site at: http://www.barnsdall.org
Please also visit the BAM myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/barnsdallartsmarket

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

dyeing sneakers

2007-07-13T06:20:41Z

hi there!
nifty tribe you've got here!
I just joined specifically to ask for help with my sneaker-dyeing project.
I've been reading about natural dyes and mordants and different fabrics and colorfastness and my head is spinning!
By "natural", I mean things like cabbage or woad or mushrooms or tea etc.

I have these white canvas sneakers that I would like to dye. The upper is 100% cotton canvas and I don't believe it's pre-shrunk.
Orange would be awesome. Purple or a pretty purply-blue would be great (not dark blue).

Questions:
Do I *have* to boil/simmer my sneakers? or is there some cold-dyeing process you know about?
They'll shrink, won't they?
If I wear them on my feet (after they've cooled a bit) while they dry, will that minimize shrinkage?
Besides shrinking, do you think boiling will melt any glue and cause my sneakers to fall apart?
Which natural dyes work best with cotton?
Is this just a totally stupid idea???

thanks so much for any suggestions!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 10 replies

angora rabbits

2007-05-27T05:05:43Z

Has anyone here kept them. I'm sure they make great pets, but do you really get any fiber off of these little bunnies?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 11 replies

SEEKING Fiber Studio Apprentice in Vallejo, Ca.

2007-05-13T00:47:49Z

Fiber Studio Apprentice Position

Art Fibers, a well-known and very unique yarn shop is looking to hire a full time apprentice for our dye studio. The job duties would include but are not limited to, assisting current textile artists with preparing yarn for dying, and cleaning duties. Any previous fiber experience (knit, crochet, dying, etc.) is appreciated, but not necessary.

The ideal candidate would be a great listener, great team player, respectful of others, motivated, cautious, able to concentrate on task at hand, and able to accept constructive criticism. Job applicants should also be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and not possess any allergies to fibers.

The job is located in Vallejo, current employees carpool from Oakland and Berkeley.
Pay for the position is $12/hourly with a chance for advancement.

If interested, please email resumé to:
yarn@artfibers.com

For more information regarding our company please visit our website:
www.artfibers.com

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Cotton spinning workshop in L.A. area

2007-05-08T00:47:03Z

Hi all, I'm posting this to some of the tribes where I think there may be spinners who are interested in learning to spin cotton on a charka wheel that I am hosting a charka spinning workshop at my home on June 21 in Newbury Park, with Eileen Hallman. If you are interested please message me asap, as I'll be leaving for Europe in 2 weeks. We still have 5 spaces available for students.

thanks! Elizabeth

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Silk painting in the USA

2007-05-06T11:08:39Z

Hi My name is Sharon and I am a silk painter who makes hand painted silk scarves and clothing. Are there any silk painters out there in this tribe that live in the US? Thanks.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

New here-question about indigo

2007-03-23T21:06:53Z

Hey all....just found this and loved all the comments about dyes. I've used madder, marigold, pokeweed, coreopsis and bunch of others. My absolute favorite though is indigo. Nothing beats indigo. I want to grow it. Has anyone? I will be moving to a farm soon and will have lots of space, and decent soil. Zone 5 climate. Would love to hear others experience with growing a dye garden.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 4 replies

I'm new...

2007-03-16T15:25:44Z

... well, new to tribe. I finally gave into the peer pressure and have joined up - now I need people. I enjoy weaving (both on inkle loom and big loomages), I als knit, crochet, sew, oh yeah, and I work at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwindale, CA (10 years now). So yeah, that's me. Hello!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 3 replies

new to felting w/ big project in mind

2007-02-16T20:59:42Z

lying in bed this morning i had an amazing idea, to use my plaster pregnant belly cast to make a felt "cast"
i've been thinking about it all morning, and looked at a few felting sites
but i'd appreciate any help/advice
i figure i should probably cover the plastercast in tin foil or something, and then just make a huge thick piece of felt, and work onto the cast to shape it....
but what do i do about the egdes? cut them off later, can i pull bits off when it's still wet?
and will it really hold its shape? when hung on a wall, or maybe even worn? or will it need structural help?
anything else i need to know?
how much wool will it take?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 5 replies

batik/ wax removal

2007-02-16T05:05:58Z

I'm working on a batik on cotton fabric. I've ironed out most of the wax between pieces of newsprint paper, but there's still a stubborn residue. Should I try boiling the rest out in soapy water or is there a better method that I'm missing?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

anyone know what faux cashmere is made of?

2006-12-26T15:36:46Z

anyone know what faux cashmere is made of?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

nalbinding

2006-12-20T23:34:19Z

I started a new tribe about nalbinding. Then we can share creative idea's and stitches.
Feel free to join if you are interested:
http://tribes.tribe.net/nalbinding

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 4 replies

Mushrooms!!

2006-12-20T18:59:20Z

Natural dying with mushrooms:
http://www.sonic.net/~dbeebee/web_mush-history.htm

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

New to Tribe

2006-12-16T12:35:29Z

Hi, I'm new to tribe.net and just found your group. I'm in to natural dyes, nalbinding, several types of weaving, and I'd like to learn how to spin wool on a drop spindle. I'd also like to get back into surface design soon.

I really enjoyed seeing the photos of artwork. I look forward to seeing some more!

Amanda

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 6 replies

new member

2006-10-23T17:11:25Z

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to give a quick hello to the group. I found Tribe less than a month ago and just found your group this evening. I hand-dye silk in yardage for costume design as well as for veils, sarongs, scarves, and evening wraps. I also sew skirts, harem pants, and zill bags. I usually do this by word of mouth, I haven't attempted the e-bay thing just yet. The thought of e-bay is scary (at least to me) because I do this for the love of doing it, not to earn a living. Other artistic pursuits that reach the spotlight every now and then are knitting, crocheting, quilting, and needlepoint as well as being a graphic designer (that's the one that really pays the rent ;-)

Nice to meet you all!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 4 replies

I'm brand spanking new, or newbie

2006-10-23T12:09:25Z

I just joined the Tribe network and am looking forward to meeting other fiber artists! Check out my Off Da Hook AWE!Some Crochet blog at

http://gina_renay.blogs.com

to get a better handle on my foaming at the hook madness!

peace of da stitch,
GinaRenay

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

hemp jewelry closures?

2006-09-24T19:12:17Z

I'm trying to figure out how to make adjustable closures (slip knots) for hemp jewelry (macrame). Any input?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

knitted ferrari

2006-08-18T22:10:57Z

I saw this in one of my other groups...
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006270608,00.html

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Tatters?

2006-08-06T23:48:20Z

I just started tatting and am looking for other people to tat talk with. Peoples experience and such.

So are there any tatters out there? How long have you been tatting?

I learned using a shuttle, how about you? If you use shuttle and needle what do you prefer?

Any fun patterns/anecdotes?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 10 replies

Needlepoint?

2006-07-17T00:27:22Z

Is anyone involved in needlepoint in the tribe? Just curious - my sister has a new needlepoint kit site, http://www.amhdesignonline.com/ (very cool photo album and notebooks), and I wondered if it would be of interest.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Indigo, madder, marigold

2006-06-25T01:08:04Z

Does anyone here grow their own dyestuffs?
I've done marigold (easy), privet, dandelion from the yard.
I'll be in zone 3, any suggestions?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 6 replies

Travel spinning wheels

2006-06-19T14:34:21Z

I don't know if what I want existes, But I have to ask. I am looking for a traveller spinning wheel that also has a large orifice for making bulkier yarn. Does anyone know about one?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 11 replies

Woad vat?

2006-06-16T22:51:40Z

Hey all, I need to dye some wool yarn woad blue. But, looking at the instructions, I felt a bit daunted. Anybody in the LA area got a vat going? Want to get one going? We could set one up here at the LA EcoVillage and keep it going indefinitely.
Looking for a woad dye buddy.......

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

Anyone a member of ANG? American Needlepoint Guild

2006-05-22T20:41:51Z

Hi,
Anyone a member of ANG? American Needlepoint Guild???

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Needdle felting

2006-05-22T16:21:46Z

Found this one. I hope , one day, I will be half as good. *drewl*

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=76818.0

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Hair art

2006-05-09T15:31:48Z

During the 18th and 19th centuries, one art form was making jewelry and ornamental objects from human hair. Instructions for making them were printed among other places in Godey's Lady's Book, and it was common for ladies especially during Victorian times to make jewelry or hair flowers as a momento of a loved one. The jewelry was made as a token of love and remembrance of a family member and each piece had a story behind it.

http://www.victorianhairjewelry.com/victorianhairwork.html

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

DMC Flower Thread

2006-05-08T02:42:31Z

Since DMC stopped making flower thread I'm buying up what i can. Any body have some DMC Flower Thread they are willing to sell please let me know.

Thanks

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

Hi Iam a new member who needlpoints

2006-05-07T22:29:44Z

Hi ,
Iam a new member who needlepoints and create her own designs....

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 3 replies

using fabric ,embroidery and crochet to make quilts

2006-04-26T13:02:24Z

I am making quilts out of fabric and using machine embroidery and crochet to embellish it was just wondering if any one else is trying this method thanks

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

Seeking advice about yarn winders...

2006-04-23T09:21:38Z

Greetings!
I am seeking advice about whether anyone makes a 'quality' yarn winder... you know, the kind you clamp to your table and use to convert pull skeins to nice, evenly tensioned 'balls'.
And if yes, how much will I have to spend to get a good one?

Thanks so much!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

Craft SWAP!

2006-03-21T15:16:53Z

Just introducing my new tribe 'Skill Swap' (http://tribes.tribe.net/skillswap)

"For people who want to learn new skills! A network where you can post suggestions for a skill swap in your local area... i.e you post what skills you specialize in and in return what you would like to learn and with a lilttle luck you'll find a match and can help each other out! "

I've posted a topic on craft swapping in London but am trying to get people from all over the world to use it! So spread the word! (-:

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

Yarn, Knitting Needle and Trims at Manufacturer's Prices

2006-03-19T15:50:11Z

Hi all,

Sorry it seems like whenever I post here, I'm selling something, but it's my same friend who's got some good deals going.
I've also been out of town a lot, visiting my ailing mom, so I haven't had time to post too much anywhere.

I love knitting. I've got two blogs devoted to it. I also have patterns in both SnB books.

If you're interested in the sale stuff, click on this link: http://www.sussknitkits.com/parts
My friend Jill, is the CEO of MarketMakers, who produced and marketed Suss Knits Kits by L.A. knitting designer Suss Cousins.
She amassed a whole bunch of high-end stuff, she's unloading dirt cheap.

So what's everyone up to? I'm working on socks, a sweater for my DH and a bunch of scarves I sell at a local boutique.

Hope to hear from you all soon,
Ellen
http://naturallycurly.blogspot.com

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

Ombre (gradient) Dyeing

2006-02-06T00:20:41Z

Going to be dyeing 15 yards of charmeuse sandwashed silk for a dress.

Dress is a Frederick worth duplicate for Lady Curzon.
Original http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseAction=SM.nav&UUID=DB5563A8-C34C-48B7-9511936786E23DD7
What I'm doing http://twilite.org/gallery/fashion_helix/worth_curzor

Any tips/tricks recommendations for ombre? Useful sites?

Thanks!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

London crafternoon!

2006-01-18T09:54:47Z

I am looking for a London based person who can teach me how to crochet/spin/weave. In return I am happy to teach you any craft related tings I know e.g wet felting or how to make anything from my website www.ruby-rouge.co.uk.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

flourescent dye?

2006-01-12T17:20:38Z

i'm looking for a flourescent dye that will react in black light
i want all colors, blue would rock my world though!!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 8 replies

Dye Recipe

2006-01-04T06:21:25Z

Hi I am gettting ready to dye some fiber and wanted to know if anyone has advise on dye recipes. Everything I have found so far uses the entire jar of dye at one time, and I don't want to do that. I want to make small batches of dye. Any advise?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 4 replies

basic question about tie dye

2005-12-19T22:51:24Z

How do you layer colors? I mean, all my life I have wanted to know. I know I got the best results from fabric tied with rubber band, soaked wet with plain water first before soaking in dye... but how do you achieve getting the other colors...layered....reds, yellows, purples etc..

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 4 replies

Vintage Santa Face Stocking?

2005-12-13T15:29:29Z

A woman came up to me last night at my local knitting group with a stocking some woman had made for her family years ago. The woman has since passed, and she would like to try and re-create the stocking.

I could probably borrow the stocking from her and count out all the stitches and recreate the pattern for her. But frankly that’s a lot of work if the pattern is already available out there some where for me to just give her. Unfortunately, my google-fu is failing me this morning, so I turn to you wonderful people for help

The leg of the stocking was knit flat; the top was white with red letters for the child's name. Then green leg with an intarsia Santa face, it was then seamed and the foot was done as a normal sock.

A few notes: it was rather small, only about the length of my fore arm. It was knit with worsted or finer yarn. The face was centered over to top of the foot part. The foot part was MUCH smaller in proportion to the leg. There were three bells attached to the toe of the stocking. And Santa's beard/eyebrows were done in the most amazingly soft fluffy angora like yarn, although I'm not sure if this was explicitly part of the pattern.

http://www.yarnia.com/sachstpavilo.html this is very close to the face on the stocking, fuzzy beard and all, although nothing else is remotely close.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Intro and invitation to a yarn sale

2005-12-06T19:58:02Z

Hi all,

Nice to meet everyone.
I'm Ellen, primarily a knitter, would love to learn to crochet eventually.
I have a knitting blog at http://naturallycurly.blogspot.com

Also wanted to spread the word of my friend's yarn sale next weekend.
I just joined so I didn't know how to get the sale sent here.
If you go to the sale section and just put in "knitting", I think you'll find it.
If not, just email me and I'll give you the info.

My latest love is the book Loop-D-Loop and I am inspired by the artistic nature of Teva Durham's designs. Haven't decided what to make yet, but I just love reading the book.

Nice to meet you all,
Ellen

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

designing with cables?

2005-11-14T21:47:03Z

Hi all! I'm trying to design a throw for a friend of mine with a celtic knot theme to it, but I haven't been able to find a pattern for it. I have a picture with a grid that I thought should be able to be transfered to a knitting pattern, but I know that i've tried I realized I'm totally in over my head! Does anyone know a good way to create a celtic knot pattern that can be knitted? Thanks!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 4 replies

Help shearing rabbits

2005-10-27T17:04:44Z

Hi I need help shearing my angora rabbits. I have a buldging disk in my back and this is making it near impossible for me to shear them. The procces is very much like cutting hair. I am in Oakland Ca, if anyone is interested in helping me out please message me. I will be posting this message in my other tribes also.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

Fiber Festival in Torrance, CA

2005-10-26T18:23:47Z

Fiber Festival
Sunday, November 6, 2005 more on this date
10:00 - 4 pm
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
3350 Civic Center Drive
Torrance, CA 90503
www.schg.org/festival/

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Spinning and Crochet classes

2005-10-16T17:40:26Z

Hello,
If you want to learn how to Crochet or Spin Yarn I will be having classes this Friday and Saturday at the Rock Paper Scissors Collective. The classs are 2-3 hours long and are located on Telegraph at the corner of 23rd. In Oakland, CA.

Friday the 21st at 2pm will be beginning crochet. Class fee is $20 and materials is $10. IF you have your own light colored worsted weight yarn and a J crochet hook, you can bring them and not pay the materials fee.

Saturday the 22nd at 2pm will be beginning spinning. Class fee is $20 and materials is $20. IF you have your wool roving and a drop spindle, you can bring them and not pay the materials fee.

If you already have craft that you are into, there is a group on Monday nights that is meeting at the same location from 6-8.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Dying Yarn or Fiber

2005-10-09T02:10:18Z

Anyone want to dye my fiber or teach me to dye or have a dye day together? I can pay or trade sevices or we can just enjoy each others company while playing wiht fiber. I am in the East Bay in the SF area.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

Books! Books! Books!

2005-10-07T20:38:23Z

I love buying books and just went on a book buying spree with my boyfriend. I bought 5 crochet/knit books and they are soo inspiring. I am wanting to crochet everything I see and write a bunch of patterns to make my own book! Right now I am working on a great set of socks and a bag that I don't know if I like or not.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

patterns!

2005-09-26T07:37:26Z

I have some very beautiful and old patterns,anyone interested in sharing,trading? Also,anyone who knows of any old magazines still in publish,or not so old, please let me know. Please contact me @flutterbye2259@yahoo.com
Thank you, Chelle
...

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Art vs. commerce

2005-09-24T11:36:22Z

Do any of you sell your work? If so, how do you balance the creative process with the need to produce? Lately I find myself bogged down in teaching and pattern making and my work is becoming stale.
Any experience to share?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 21 replies

Fiber gifts

2005-08-23T15:20:01Z

I'll admit it -- I'm a *REALLY* slow knitter. It's all my mother's fault, really. She's a perfectionist, and so therefore I am too.

Takes me forever to knit anything (although I managed to knock off a scarf this weekend) so I'm already thinking about gifts. As in, you guessed it, christmas. *gasp!*

But my questions to you all are:

Do you ever let the giftee know ahead of time? I find I usually have to, because I need measurements to make sure the garment fits.

Do any of you who spin decide to go "all out" with gifts, and give handspun garments? I gave one handspun hat last year, which went over phenomenally well. :-)

The reason I ask is I'm wanting to make a nice alpaca/wool blend sweater for my brother, who recently graduated college (pride moment: he's an aeronautical engineer!) and he deserves something really nice. He's been hinting that he wants something handknit, and I don't mind putting that effort in for him, but I don't think there's any way I can keep this a secret from him because I need his measurements, not just a shirt size.

I'm sort of considering doing handspun for him, but am not entirely sure how long that will take me... I haven't ever spun enough yarn for a sweater at one time.

Ah, dilemmas... *sigh*

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 15 replies

New Tribe

2005-08-10T16:50:46Z

If you have a crafting talent or know of an organization or someone in need of a handcrafted item, please check out the Crafty Angels Tribe
http://tribes.tribe.net/cratfyangels?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B3eb9741d-bafa-4ce4-9a08-2fcd24154e67%5D&r=10513

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Needlepoint/Tapestry

2005-07-25T19:52:21Z

Does anyone do any work with Tapestry/needlepoint? I'm just starting a new project and I've never done it before. I have a Ren Faire banner made out of cloth that I am reproducing in needlepoint/Tapestry format to (hopefully) last longer than the current banner did. Anyone have any pointers?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

African beads anyone?

2005-07-06T18:22:19Z

If you have ever thought of it....let me know and I can maybe source for you.....

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

packaging help

2005-06-09T23:39:19Z

I've just completed my first collection of digitized machine embroideries. The multi-format CD will go in a DVD case. I've uploaded the label for this case and I'd really like your opinion. It was difficult to come up with an Irish phrase that is easily pronounced. The title means "Irish light" as in spiritual light or life-giving sunlight.
I'd really appreciate it if you all could give me suggestions for improving this label. Thanks.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 1 reply

Top 10 Dumbest Reasons to Raise Sheep

2005-06-06T06:54:17Z

I couldn't resist inagurating this new Tribe with one of my favorite bits of silliness:

TOP 10 DUMBEST REASONS TO RAISE SHEEP:

1. Sheep will have a calming influence on my life.
Some sheep have been known to give off a special "peaceful grazing" aura, and many shepherds have observed this phenomenon. But sheep can have other, more negative influences as well. Experiences such as "Rams Fighting", "Sheep Sick/Dying For No Reason", "Fence Breakdowns and Escape" all have been proven to erase any calm from your life.

2. Sheep are simple creatures to care for.
Sheep are ruminants, a type of animal with multiple stomachs and an interesting digestive process. This allows for many more opportunities for them to get sick, often by organisms with interesting names (including the well-known "Clostridium Perfringens Type B"). It is important to know your local land use requirements for Farm Animal Disposal.

3. Sheep will provide me with a second income.
This statement is partly correct. If you manage your flock well, and market your wool or breeding stock, you will no doubt earn income. Unfortunately, this "extra" income will be more than overshadowed by the multiple expenses your small flock will generate. If your definition of second income means "getting closer to retirement", then try telephone sales instead.

4. Sheep will connect me with the land.
You will be connected to your land as you dig dozens of post holes for your sheep fencing; as you kneel in frozen mud to tend an abandoned lamb; as you are knocked down and trampled as your flock charges into a new field.

5. Sheep will mow my grass for me.
Sheep can mow, fertilize and even deadhead in a multi-tasking way. Unfortunately, they will not limit their mowing to grass. They will graze and browse on vegetables, flowers and even an occasional toxic plant. Push-mowers do a fine job of trimming grass, and they rarely get diarrhea. They also can be stored in sheds for months at a time.

6. Sheep will give me wool, so I can spin and make clothing and gifts.
If you raise sheep, it is entirely possible you will be too busy to sit and spin. Or too tired to spin. Or too injured to spin (see Reason #4). It is no surprise that most spinners DO NOT own sheep!

7. Counting sheep will help me sleep
Actually, counting sheep has been proven to jolt even the weariest shepherd into the *Awake: Danger* state of mind. This frequently occurs during lambing time, when your count of "any day now" ewes comes up short. Freezing weather and darkness increase the chances of how many sheep are missing. Counting sheep can also prove very wakeful when your neighbors report sightings of coyotes or cougars.The Peeking Sheep.

8. Sheep are easier to manage than other livestock
People who raise cattle, horses or swine disagree with this, as do the partners of those who raise sheep. As one feed store employee remarked, "sheep are born to die".

9. "Mary Had A Little Lamb" was my favorite nursery rhyme.
Unfortunately, Mary developed problems with paranoia after years of being followed by her lamb. She spent many years in therapy as a result, dealing with additional issues involving animal co-dependency. She was finally able to admit in group that the lamb's fleece was never as white as snow. She is now a personal trainer and owns an iguana.

10. But lambs are sooo cute...
If sheep did not start out as cute lambs, there would be no more sheep.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 4 replies

heavy metal fiber artist....

2005-06-06T03:57:36Z

Hello everyone. Im new to the group. Most of the fibers I work with are copper wire, telephone wire, and whatever else I can scavenge. I grew up carding wool for my mom. She is a spinner/weaver, and somehow I feel like weaving fibers must be in my genes. I started weaving baskets when I was ten mostly working with reed and cane, and gravitated toward natural vines as I grew older. Then in collage while studying for a degree in sculpture, my weaving habit was attacked for being too crafty and so I gravitated toward copper and telephone wire to appease there prejudice. I love weaving in all kinds of fiber. If you want to see my eclectic creations they can be viewed at
http://copperweaver.com

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

Who made...

2005-05-25T16:53:32Z

...that GORGEOUS mariner's compass quilt?

I've been drooling over it...

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies

Showcasing beautiful yarn...

2005-05-13T16:33:30Z

I have 3 skeins of a beautiful wool-acrylic blend. The colors are warm, rich, and varigated, and a bit of gold tinsel runs through the blend. It's a bulky yarn, 15/18 guage on size 10.5 needles and each skein consists of 72 yds. I knit and crochet and am looking for a simple project that will showcase the yarn. Any ideas?

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 4 replies

Time flies...

2005-05-02T14:34:53Z

There's just not enough time in the day! All these projects I want to start, complete, or plan, and just no time to do it!

Anyone else have the same gripe? Come whine with me! :-)

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 6 replies

Trade Beads and Beyond tribe

2005-04-22T05:01:23Z

Hi Everyone,

You're invited to join my new Trade Beads and Beyond tribe:

tradebeads.tribe.net/

It's a marketplace, gallery, and information exchange for tradebead and adornment enthusiasts. Feel free to post pics of your work, collections, and more.

Cheers,
Mark

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Out of the dyepot... and into my yarn stash!

2005-04-15T03:35:23Z

Oooh, I've had a good run the past couple days!

http://i.xanga.com/Nexxus23/t/101_3948.jpg

http://i.xanga.com/Nexxus23/t/101_3937.jpg

Anyone else doing some dyeing lately? Come post your pics!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 14 replies

45 fine and fanciful hats

2005-04-09T15:53:35Z

Has anyone here knitted a hat out of Anne Zilboorg's "45 Fine and Fanciful Hats to Knit" book?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1579900097/qid=1113061866/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/102-9626213-5221741?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

I just picked it up at the library, and I love a couple of the patterns, but was wondering how they knit up according to real knitters. Any errata I should look for? Are the charts easy to follow?

I haven't done much fair-isle so I have very little experience to draw on.

Thanks in advance! :-)

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 0 replies

Crazy project

2005-04-04T18:16:08Z

So what's the craziest project that you've ever attempted? Either time commitment to it or something that evokes a plain "You did _what_?" responce.

My duzzy is this wedding quilt that I'm making this weekend for my best friends wedding on Monday. Problem is that I don't have a working sewing machine -> hand stitches and the wedding is well... Monday. (No, I am not an awful planner they did actually just schedule it the Friday before). We'll see if I can pull of a quilt in two days, which will be literally years faster then I've made one before. I think I'm going to stick to big panels.

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 11 replies

Welcome to All Fiber Arts!

2005-04-02T05:49:47Z

This tribe is here for all fiber artists, no matter what your specialty is we're happy to have you here!

I'm the tribe moderator, and I knit, spin (drop spindle), and dye wool. I'm hoping to get into cotton and other plant fibers soon, once my stash has been depleted a bit! :-D

So sit down, take a load off, grab a cuppa joe or a nice iced tea, and visit a while.

Thanks for coming to All Fiber Arts!

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 19 replies

Dyeing non-white wool

2005-04-01T17:54:40Z

I have been gradually spinning a pretty good quantity of fine three-ply medium-gray wool yarn, and I am considering dyeing it. The wool is kind of heathered, some dark hairs and some almost white. Anyone have experience dyeing this sort of thing? How did it turn out? I figure I would have to stick to pretty strong colors--maybe madder and logwood, since I have them on hand--and of course I would expect the final color to look pretty dark and perhaps interestingly uneven. Anybody have experience doing this? How did it turn out? What would happend with a yellow dye?

(Funny: showed this roving to my young cousins and they said it looked like I was spinning "grandma hair")

posted in All Fiber Arts! - 2 replies