I celebrated my birthday this week. I was tempted to get myself a new wheel for my birthday; but, there isn't really much wrong with the old one except a few things that I find bothersome (oh, Lendrums, why must you rely on rubberbands to function?)...I might still get a new wheel at some point, but for now I will stick with the one I have--reliance on rubberbands and all. I was considering the wheel because I have been doing a crazy amount of spinning lately.
So yes, my birthday (was good, I got lots of crafty books and a pocket video camera, because who doesn't love a camera that fits into one's pocket?). There were others celebrating anniversaries of living this week as well. I remain convinced that May is *the* month to be born as some pretty incredible women I know celebrate their birthdays this month (Risa and Rangsiwan celebrate the same day as I do!). A very good friend of mine from college celebrates the day before I do. Let's call her Kathy, mostly because that is her name. Anyways, for Christmas last year, Kathy gave me a kilo of New Zealand Perrendale wool (that is like two pounds). It was gorgeous undyed fiber screaming for dye. And a local friend has a dyeing studio in her basement.
So I dyed it. All of it.
I was pretty pleased. There was one 4 ounce bit that came out with some unfortunate tinting, but I will make it work.
When Kathy came to town for a visit recently, I told her that I was giving her some of the fiber she gave me for Chistmas for her birthday--but dyed and spun (some would call that gauche, I call it industrious), she loved the dyed wool. So truly, it's the gift that keeps on giving (family, take note).
I hope she likes the handspun yarn. I told her I would try to spin it at worsted weight--that's what she asked for (which is a little bit of a challenge for me at the moment...everything I spin wants to be sport or dk). I think it was pretty; but, obviously, I am a wee bit biased. Oh look, novamade yarn (literally!) in Spring Dream.
Some of the other wool I dyed has a high degree of fabulosity as well. Novamade dyed perrendale in Autumn Day (ohai, I like to name things with seasons!).
I love dyeing wool and spinning it up. I did promise K that we would not have a dyeing studio in or near our house though. Apparently, the dyeing studio was the craft line he was just not willing to cross. Considering all of the crafty equipment that is taking up space in our house right now, I sort of don't blame him.
At Maryland Sheep and Wool, I bought almost 3 pounds of undyed superwash merino (I also met up with friends and readers, hi!). I am not even going to bother putting up a picture of the fiber...undyed white wool, ooh. It's a good thing my friend, NueroKnitter lives around the corner and told me that I could use her studio anytime!
i know what you mean about the rubberbands. what a pain!
i love the dyed fiber! you have such a great eye for color. :)
happy belated birthday!
Posted by: opal | May 15, 2009 at 04:22 PM
Happy Birthday to YOU!
Posted by: Vicki | May 15, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Your dyeing looks fantastic! And Happy Birthday, too! :)
Posted by: Steph | May 16, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Have a Happy Birthday! Looks like you are off to a good start!
Posted by: Barb | May 16, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Happy Birthday! It all looks like SO much fun! Woot!
Your yarn is beautiful, btw. But seriously, look at those two cuties you have by your side?! Precious. Baby Disco is getting so big.
Posted by: SpiderWomanKnits | May 16, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Happy Birthday! That green yarn is gorgeous!
Posted by: Oiyi | May 16, 2009 at 06:52 PM
We missed you today, but understand that dragging little ones to a formal dinner and speech is not a fun enterprise. It was nice talking to K. Hope you got to Boston in time. Since I look for baby blanket kinitting patterns that require little thought or skill, I can only stand in awe in all you and your partners in crime do, but I love reading your blog and I drool over the colors you produced in the dyeing lab. Your skill behind the camera (or in front of it) amazes me as well.
Posted by: Deborah Kindel | May 17, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Happy Birthday to you! And I got my Spring Dream, so Happy Birthday to me! You make, make me happy.
Posted by: kathy | May 18, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Happy [belated] birthday gorgeous!! I love what you're doing with yarn lately. x
[PS: Do u live around the corner from Gail??!]
Posted by: Nora | May 20, 2009 at 06:01 PM
I am so impressed with the colors and the resulting yarn. Nice pictures. The dyeing studio (as you call it) is open anytime!
Posted by: Neuroknitter | June 11, 2009 at 02:29 PM