Category Archives: dyeing

Off the needles : Low Tide

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I’ve learned a new trick. Last week Mister and I took a few days off to go hide away in a cabin in the woods. Not much preparation was needed for our mini getaway and so I spend most of my time trying to cast off Low Tide before we left – I wanted to bring along something new! I was squeezing out excess water and pinning it to size as the car was being loaded, cutting it a little close to the wire! But, the result – a blocked and dry cardi when I got home! For some reason I hate waiting for stuff to dry, especially when it is yarn, or even more so finished knits!
The work wasn’t quite done though – because of my haste I hadn’t yet woven in ends or decided on buttons. I found these vintage pale bone buttons in an antique store whilst on our trip, and I had a feeling they would work perfectly. I finally got down to it yesterday, hiding away the ends, crocheting the button holes and sewing on the buttons. And I’m a happy chappy.

Low Tide is an interesting project, first working the bodice in pieces, then a little bit of seaming, and picking up of stitches to work down the body. The lace work is addictive and moves quickly over your needles. As previously written I really enjoyed knitting the sleeves, short and cute. I used a yarn that I am trying out as a potential new base yarn. It is a very real yarn, light and warm, but not the softest. It is from a CA small flock farm situated a few hours from me, where Columbia, Corriedale, Romney, Suffolk and Churro breeds roam their pastures. The resulting yarn you might compare to a Shetland fiber yarn, and I would be interested to see how it knits up in fair aisle or stranded colour work. Either way, I love how this cardigan has come out. I love the weight of the fabric, the warmth, the lace, the curl of the stockinette, and of course the colour – dyed naturally using rhubarb leaves as found in the Autumn Collection 2012. It looks as good over a camisole as it does over a long sleeve t-shirt, and I feel like it is the perfect garment for right now – as the weather doesn’t quite know if it wants to cool down or remain warm, each day different to the next, this cardi meets it all, half way.

 

Don’t blink

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Two weeks ago, when preparing to release the new colours of the Autumn Collection, I was captivated by how the colours I have found in natural dyes mirrored those found in the turning of the leaves of our Grandmother tree. As I have previously written, standing in the middle of our ‘world’, you cannot avoid her telling of the changes of the seasons. Enjoying the richness of the turning of the leaves I had fun taking pictures of the golden, bold tones on the ground as well in the leaves that were still holding on, and how they brought out the same elements in the yarn.

Two weeks later our Grandmother tree couldn’t look any more different. Soon all her leaves will be gone, uncovering the lichen dancing along her branches. But the colours, they are still all there, just in a different way. They are softer, calmer and while less golden, I feel like it is the dusty browns and greens are being celebrated.
I feel like at this time of year, when things seem to get so crazy in the run up to the holidays, it is ever more necessary to be present, and don’t blink, for you will miss the changes.

Small steps

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Yesterday, as I finally caught up with the rest of the world and turned my calender over to the correct month, I was encouraged to have one of the more inspired days I’ve had in the last few weeks.

You’ll never guess – I had an afternoon off!! Raising dairy animals is an insane amount of work, and I have had little time to spend with by Annie Claire except for the usual stocking of the shop and emailing out patterns. However yesterday afternoon I had some of my farm work covered for the afternoon [which I think is going to become a regular thing, yay!], and I enjoyed  [what felt like all the time in the world] a few hours locked away in my office surrounded by yarn, sketches, swatches, dye recipes, and ideas for the future.

Things are steadily growing around these parts and I am never short on new ideas – the biggest struggle I have had during the busy times on the farm is to act on these ideas. Strong foundations are a priority and although it is so tempting to launch straight on into new projects [as per the calender] I have been quietly sitting on all these plans, allowing the time to act to present itself. But yesterday afternoon showed me a glimpse. My brain was allowed to totally focus on the thoughts I have been carrying around. Stuff was written down and ideas were organised, swatches were knitted up and new designs finally found their way onto needles. And whats most exciting – new farms with interesting yarns were contacted… Fall, and into Winter, is going to be an exciting time around here…

… and what else is a girl to do with an afternoon off? Well, visit her LYS of course!! [Don't worry I kept my clothes on]. Like 4480 other people before me, I think Colour Affection is calling me! See what I bought?!

Summer Collection 2012 : Dock Root

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Wow, how the clouds did gather, and drenched us with a blowing rain today. It took me completely by surprise.* What storms and wet weather usually promise have exceeded their expectation – lots of kids, 15 actually, born in the last two days. Phew, I’m tired.

Anyway, without further ado, whilst I still can form semi-reasonable sentences, here is the third and final colour of the Summer Collection 2012! [Aren't I glad I took these pictures a few days ago!]

Under the alders, in the south pastures is where the ground it softest. This is where I dig. For what? Curly Dock Root. I didn’t think I would ever use this dye plant as it takes more effort than other plants to harvest. Anyone else find that the busier they get the more ambitious? It makes no sense.
The aim of the game is to loosen the soil about the root and to pull out the root in one, but often they snap. Once gathered you chop the root up into bite size pieces [which look like carrots!] wash, wash and wash again to be rid of the dirt, and soak overnight. Whilst tied up in cheese cloth the soggy roots will steep in with the fiber, and left until the next morning when you are rewarded with a brick grey-brown that holds an earthy warmth.

: : available on etsy : :

More pictures to come of the collection as a whole… and a new pattern!

*I could easily complain more about working out in this rain, it makes everything three times harder, but with another wet day expected tomorrow I have stew in the pot and many-a WIP ready for cosy-in-front-of-the-fire time! Can’t wait!…