Warm again

  Its pretty warm out today, probably get by without a coat. The clouds to the east, over the moors and hills look sullen though so not sure how long this nice weather will last. I don't think I've put the central heating on at all this week, that should help with the bills.

  I got the complete book of hand spinning today, not had a serious look at it yet. Its pretty thick so will take me a while just flicking through it. Looking forward to reading it this afternoon, relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee or two. I probably have the time to set up the drum carder but will wait until tomorrow when I can have all day at it, and all day Sunday too.

  Found the part of the socks that had the pull in them that made me frog them, a single strand of ply had snapped. I've done a flying sort of repair on then and carried on knitting. I didn't really want to unknit them again, even just a row or two. I think they will be ok, they look fine and the part where its at isn't under much stress.

 Hope you all have a great day, take care folks.

Another Book

  Got a new book today, Spinning, Dyeing and weaving. Haven't had a full look yet but was reading bits about dyeing before, its got natural plant dyes in it. I'll have a proper read of it later. Read bits and pieces in the tartan book, it has the clans tartan and a little history. Unfortunately the instructions aren't great. The second book that come free with it is pretty good though, helping me understand a little better. It does seem I will have to mess around a bit to get vertical stripes, at least the rest is easy with the heddle.

  I haven't threaded the new loom yet, glad it came with some work on it as it does look a little confusing. I might spend the weekend playing with it, it is so easy to use though, push up, thread, push down and thread. The loom came with instructions this time and a pattern booklet. The pattern booklet isn't great but I have the basics down so will try one with a vertical stripe.

  I ordered a kick spindle yesterday. I've been uhmming and arrring about buying one for a couple of days, there not cheap. After a few days thinking about it I decided ya. There goes my spinning wheel savings. I'll let you know what its like when I get it, so looking forward to spinning with it.

  Started another Iphone sock yesterday too, not 100% sure about how the pattern will turn out for the back. I've played around with it some and decided to give it a go. I still haven't finished off the backpack, I really should get the last few bits finished on it.

  Got some washing on the line, its cold out but lovely and sunny. I think this autumn, fall, is going to be nicer than the summer we had here.  This is my favorite season though so I might be biased.

Waiting on the post

    Nearly finished the Iphone sock cosy thingy. Cast off the front part and started the flap with no problems, a lot like doing the heel flap on  a sock. I swapped over form the basket weave pattern to the crossed arrow cable I was using for the front, folded over it will be upside down but lined up right and it will look good. I need to put a button hole in somewhere and then it will be pretty much done. I might do a Iphone picture post on Saturday, the other Iphone one I did.

  My needle craft book I won from janeweston came today, haven't had a good look at it yet but it looks very detailed, is big and heavy too. It doesn't look like it has any weaving in it so will have to buy another book on weaving. The tartan book I'm bidding on I think is more about patterns than a how too.

  Still waiting in for mister postman, the book didn't come from the post office so I now know its the yarn that is due. I'll be able to get on with the Christmas presents as soon as it arrives. The dogs a little miffed about waiting in for the postman too, he loves his walks.

Spun a little, knit a little

  Well I did some more spinning with the oatmeal bluefaced, really need to be careful pre drafting it as it falls apart very easy even though its pretty thick. I think I've gotten the hang of it now, just need to draft more whilst spinning. The roving's are very long compared to the other tops I've spun so its pretty slow going.

  I also did some knitting on the Iphone sock cosy thing, the ones with the cabled crossed arrows. I had sort of forgotten about it with the dog fitting. Think I'll get it finished by tomorrow, going to do it with a cabled flap I think. Did a few more rows on the backpack straps, again.

  I didn't win the ebay book, price went too high. Have bid on a tartan book today though. I will learn to weave tartan, I'm determined about that. Not sure why,theres no Scottish blood in my veins but there is plenty of Irish and a bit of Welsh.

  Got my mild bottled yesterday as well, tastes wonderful straight from the bucket. 4% with a final Gravity of 1.002. I think I'll be getting more of this stuff.

  Weathers nice today, got a load on the line to dry. Not sure how much more I can line dry this year. I hate putting damp clothes on the line when its freezing cold out but hate drying in the house. Do have a tumble dryer but haven't used that in years, goes against my frugal nature.

The Postman Never Rings Twice

   I'm sure the postman hides around the corner waiting for me to go out when ever he has something for me that will not fit the letterbox. Now I have to wait until Thursday to see what goodies he was bringing me. It could be the book I won or the yarn I've ordered.

  Bidding on a spinning book on ebay but don't want to bid to high because there are a few books I want. Looking at weaving and dyeing books too. I need to rejoin the library or get rich.

  I'm going to have another crack at the oatmeal bluefaced latter today, see if its any better. Will probably order more fleece tops as well this week, not sure what to order though. I really did like the white bluefaced but this oatmeal isn't being nice. I might order something I've not spun before so I can learn more. I do have one dog brush, waiting on the other one, so I suppose I could order some washed but uncarded fleece to play with.