The Magickal Ewe

Year Long Mystery Shawl KAL

2010-02-10T18:52:00.003-05:00

Acronyms are fascinating aren't they? Up until now I've gone my entire life without knowing what a CAL or KAL was. I wonder now how I ever managed without either of them. They are so addictive.

A CAL is a crochet-a-long and a KAL is, you guessed it, a knit-a-long. There are many KALs and CALs. Many of these available by subscription from local and online yarn stores, designers and of course Ravelry. There are mystery KALs too and these are so addictive.

You see I get bored knitting. Eager to start a project, I am even more eager to finish it. It has to go fast or I put it aside. This is one of the reasons I have mostly crocheted instead of knitted. Finishing things is never a problem when I crochet. Knitting for me is another story.

I do have to stop adding new projects to my Rav notebook, really. Un-hunh, yes I mean it!

But I was scrolling around the forums on Rav yesterday and found another mystery shawl kal. This is a free kal, nothing to buy. The first clue came out in January but sign-ups are still allowed until February 13th.

Ya know I had to right? I just couldn't help myself. I joined the group and downloaded the first clue. I'm not that far behind actually. The first clue is only 52 rows and there is still time in February to catch up with February's clue.

I chose Gems Merino in fingering weight in a lovely medium olive green. I have some other shades so if I need to do a graded colourway I can. Stitches have been cast on and I'm 13 rows into the clue. Because of my hands I have to stop and rest every couple of rows but I can see the pattern developing. It is so exciting!

What I think I like about kals especially mystery kals is that you get the pattern in small chunks. I can do small chunks and I love the anticipation about what comes next. I think I might actually finish this one.

If you are interested in doing this kal you had better hurry. Sign-ups close on Feb. 13th. Head on over to Ravelry and look for the group 2010 Lace Sampler Mystery KAL.

10 Shawls in 2010

2010-02-09T10:40:00.000-05:00

When Ravelry started up I joined thousands of other knitters and crocheters and signed up for a free account. I learned about Ravelry from the discussion group for the Etsy Hookers Team. There were so many new users wanting to join that there was a queue with only a relatively small number being accepted each day. It was kind of fun checking to see where you were in the queue.

Eventually, my application for an account was accepted and I was in. It offers a great place to network with others pursuing like interests. Each account comes with a database for storing information about your stash of yarn and fiber; your projects that are works in progress and also to queue up projects you want to work on.

However, to be honest I did not do much with the account once I got in. I checked back every now and again but really did not get 'into it'. Until this year that is.

I wanted to challenge myself in 2010; to find something that would be fun and different yet still within my range of ability to accomplish. I popped into Rav. to search their pattern database. While I was there I took a look at the groups section.

I found a group called 10 Shawls in 2010. The premise is that members will challenge themselves to knit or crochet 10 shawls in 2010. I had just subscribed to my first mystery kal as well as my first lace shawl so this group really appealed to me.

My first shawl was completed in January. It was crocheted from a free pattern called Sezession I and was designed by Rodger Murry. I used two balls of Patons Decor in a variegated colour called Country Roses.

This was a very simple shawl and worked up quickly. It made a great start to my challenge giving me a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

I've queued up other projects which will be more technically challenging like the Evanstar mystery kal. Never having done any lace knitting before this project should satisfy my urge to learn some new stitches and try new techniques.

New Year, New Layout

2010-01-25T23:59:00.003-05:00

Something wierd happened a few weeks ago. My layout went crazy. It may have been that the author of the layout who was graciously hosting the images used changed the filenames or their photo host account went dormant. Whatever happened things from my end did not look good.

It took me a while to figure it out. I tried to upload a new template and lost just about all of my widgets. So I'm starting all over. I have instructions from Amanda at Bloggerbuster (where I got my old theme) on how to edit this layout to add some cool features.

In the meantime please pardon my dust as I try to spiff this blog up again. Maybe this time it will be even better. TTFN.

Oh yeah, Happy New Year everyone! May it be gentle and kind to us all.

Disclosure Policy

2010-01-25T23:11:00.001-05:00

This policy is valid from 19 December 2008

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org/

Happy Holidays!

2009-11-20T21:22:00.003-05:00

How to Select Paint Brushes for Silk Painting

2009-10-23T11:55:00.001-04:00

When painting, having the right kinds of brushes makes a world of difference. This is especially true for silk painting. Silk is a delicate fabric, and using the wrong brushes could have devastating effects. Besides that, the paints and dyes used on silk are very different from the paints used on canvas and other materials.

Experienced and frequent silk painters often have a veritable arsenal of brushes. They have rounded brushes, flat brushes, thin brushes and flat brushes. Many are dedicated to a specific brand, and they often prefer those with animal hair as opposed to synthetic bristles. The brushes they use tend to be quite expensive.

It's true that animal hair brushes offer certain advantages over synthetic ones. They have a softness that simply can't be reproduced with man-made materials. This allows them to soak up much more dye, making it easier to fill in areas large and small. It also makes them safer to use on fragile silk and silk blends.

Many professional silk painters use sumi brushes with bamboo handles and goat hair bristles, which become stiffer in the center and soak up more liquid than regular brushes. Sumi brushes have been used by Chinese silk painters for centuries.

But for beginners, it may not make sense to spend a lot of money on high-end silk painting brushes. Until you decide whether or not you want to do silk painting on a regular basis, it's probably best to use less expensive brushes. Synthetic watercolor brushes work reasonably well for silk painting. They may not hold as much paint or dye as natural ones, but they will not harm the silk. They should do fine for your first few projects.

Foam Brushes

No silk painting brush collection is complete without some foam brushes. The larger ones work very nicely for coloring in large areas, and they're especially useful when applying fixatives and primers. You can also purchase smaller ones (which look similar to eye shadow applicators or cotton swabs) that are great for applying resist and creating details with silk paint.

Foam brushes are usually very inexpensive. However, most of them must be replaced frequently. If you find them useful, it might be best to buy them in bulk.

The sizes and types of brushes used by one silk painter might be completely different from those used by another. The brushes you'll need depend largely on your preferences and the techniques you use. Just remember that there is no one brush that will do everything you need to do. In order to be successful at silk painting, you'll need at least a few different sizes of brushes, and probably a couple of different types.

Beginners' Silk Painting Projects for Children and Adults

2009-10-22T11:52:00.001-04:00

Silk painting is a unique and beautiful technique. Silk was once frequently used in paintings in the same manner in which canvas is used today. Using silk as the basis for a masterpiece is less common now, but silk may be used to create a wide variety of projects. Here are a few that are appropriate for beginner silk painters of all ages.

Silk Scarves

The silk scarf is a luxurious accessory, and it makes a wonderful gift for almost any woman. And when it's painted by hand, it takes on an even more special meaning. A silk scarf is a great first project for those who would like to try their hand at silk painting.

One of the great things about silk scarves is that they do not necessarily have to have an elaborate pattern. Dyes can be used to give them a tie dyed look. This is great news for newbies, because working with silk dyes and paints can be rather tricky at first. Simple abstract designs allow you to get a feel for how these mediums interact with silk without having to worry about precise detail.

Shirts

Silk shirts may be larger than scarves, but they too look nice with less defined patterns. As long as you choose colors that complement each other, there's little chance of ruining the shirt. This is a good project to move on to once you've gained confidence with scarves.

Suncatchers and Ornaments

Stained glass suncatchers add a touch of color to any home. But did you know that you can make suncatchers out of silk, too? You'll have to learn to use resist to keep colors in confined areas and apply dyes so that they are of the correct intensity, but with the small size of most suncatchers, you won't lose a lot of silk if you make a mistake.

You can also make ornaments for Christmas and other occasions in much the same way you make suncatchers. You'll need little more than a small frame, some silk, dye or paint, and brushes. You can find kits to make these items at some craft stores, as well as online.

Greeting Cards

Making silk-painted greeting cards requires some assembly, but otherwise it's as easy as painting a scarf. You can use resist to create some definition, or go abstract with dye only. Cards designed to hold painted silk usually feature a cutout of some sort of shape, so it's hard to go wrong.

These projects are great for learning the basics of silk painting. And when they're complete, they make lovely gifts. If you love the look of painted silk, why not give one of them a try?

Fun Halloween Craft Ideas

2009-10-16T11:29:00.002-04:00

Kids always have fun making crafts, especially holiday-themed crafts. Here are some fun Halloween craft ideas for your kids to make this year.

1. Trick-or-Treat bucket

Supplies: ice cream bucket, construction paper, markers, crayons, glue, glitter (any craft supplies)

Directions: Use construction paper to draw ghosts, pumpkins, scarecrows, etc. Cut out your decorations and glue them to the outside of an ice cream bucket.

2. Trick-or-Treat goody bags

Supplies: small brown paper bags, Halloween stickers, markers, treats (candy, pencils, erasers, bubblegum, etc.)

Directions: Decorate paper bags in Halloween themes using your art supplies. Put treats inside bags. Fold the top of the bag down and tape shut with a Halloween sticker.

3. Tiny pumpkins

Supplies: acorns, orange paint, and green paint

Directions: Lay acorns on a sheet of newspaper. Paint the bottom of the acorns with orange paint. After the orange paint dries, paint the top of the acorns green (for the stem of the pumpkin). Allow to dry thoroughly.

4. Spooky Spiders

Supplies: black construction paper, cotton balls or cotton stuffing, black pipe cleaners, small bowl or saucer, and a stapler

Directions: Using black construction paper, trace around a small bowl or saucer. (Cut out two circles per spider.) Place stuffing or cotton balls on first circle. Lay second circle on top of cotton stuffing and staple half-way around. Insert 3-4” pipe cleaners on each side, then staple the second half of the circles together. Bend pipe cleaners to make the “legs” of the spider.

We're having a GiveAway!!!

2009-10-13T20:02:00.005-04:00

We're having our first Giveaway ever!!!

We are featured on Live, Life, Yarn. Here is the link http://roses7184.squarespace.com/

Our GiveAway begins tomorrow, Oct. 14th.

http://roses7184.squarespace.com/blog/2009/10/14/etsy-shop-feature-the-magical-ewe.html

Go now. Enter. Good luck!!!

Make Your Own Halloween Greeting Cards

2009-10-13T11:45:00.002-04:00

Making your own Halloween greeting cards can be a fun exercise for the entire family, but especially for the kids.

There are several ways you can make these cards. One way is by downloading Halloween designs from the Internet and pasting them onto blank greeting cards. In addition, there are also templates online which you can print out and have your kids color for their cards.

Another way, and more fun for the kids, is to simply use construction paper and crayons and let them be as creative as they wish. They can draw pumpkins and spiders; bats and witches; ghosts and goblins, whatever their hearts desire. Then cut them out and paste them onto black construction paper. They can write their own greeting inside and send the cards to friends and relatives.

The kids can also use pictures taken in their Halloween costumes and paste them on the front of a blank greeting card and write their own message inside. Think how proud their grandparents will be once they receive these cards in the mail.

Halloween stickers can also be purchased at your local card store and used to decorate the envelopes.

If you or your kids are familiar with Print Shop, you can make any type of Halloween card you choose. Print shop allows you to place images and text on the front, inside and back of the card. Your kids can make wonderful and colorful cards using this software.

Considering the cost of postage these days, perhaps you may wish to have the kids draw their greeting cards and you can then scan and email them to relatives or friends as well.

Whatever method is chosen, kids will have a great time creating greeting cards for friends, relatives, and mom and dad too. Save the cards for your scrapbook, so that you can recall the wonderful memories of Halloweens past, present, and future.

Please support us by visiting http://TheMagickalEwe.etsy.com for all your spinning, needle felting, felting, crocheting, and knitting needs. SOAK is appearing on the Dragon's Den Wed. Oct.14th. We have SOAK. Trial Kits are only $3.00

How to Make a Pumpkin Seed Autumn Mosaic

2009-10-12T12:06:00.003-04:00

Mosaic is an ancient art form that involves creating images by arranging small pieces of various materials into a pattern. Examples have been found that date back as far as the 4th century BCE. Today, mosaics new and old grace art museums, and they have also been incorporated into the décor of homes, businesses and places of worship.

Traditionally, mosaics have been made out of colored glass or stone. But you can make a mosaic out of almost any small, flat object. For fall, pumpkin seeds are a fine choice. They are small enough to make patterns with, yet large enough that you don't have to labor over every detail. And if you carved a pumpkin for Halloween, you should have plenty of them to work with! Here's how to create your own pumpkin seed mosaic.

What You Need

* Pencil
* Poster board
* Clean, dried pumpkin seeds
* Several small disposable containers (margarine bowls work well)
* Plastic fork or spoon
* Tempera or poster paints (dark colors work best)
* Waxed paper
* White craft glue

Instructions

1. Using the pencil and a light touch, draw a picture on the poster board of anything you like. For autumn, colorful trees, turkeys or cornucopias would be good choices. Make the drawing large, and keep it fairly simple.

2. Place a handful of pumpkin seeds into one of the containers. Drizzle one color of poster paint onto the seeds, and stir with the plastic fork or spoon to coat. Spread the seeds out onto a piece of waxed paper.

3. Repeat step 2 for each color you wish to use, making sure to use a different container for each color. Allow all of the pumpkin seeds to dry.

4. Glue the colored pumpkin seeds onto the poster board with craft glue to complete your picture. Let dry.

Tips

* Most mosaics are made using plaster. You can use plaster to create your pumpkin seed mosaic if you like. Just remember that plaster sets very quickly, so you will have to work fast.

* If you don't have enough pumpkin seeds to complete your picture, you could use dried beans. Lima beans can be colored with the same technique you used to color the seeds. Or you could use beans that occur naturally in different colors, such as pintos, kidney beans and black eyed peas.

* It's okay if there are some bare spots in your mosaic. It may be difficult to completely cover your design. It's easiest to cover it well if you do the outline of the design first, then fill it in, and do the background last. It may also be helpful to arrange the seeds before gluing them down.

Please support us by visiting http://TheMagickalEwe.etsy.com for all your spinning, needle felting, felting, crocheting, and knitting needs. SOAK is appearing on the Dragon's Den Wed. Oct.14th. We have SOAK. Trial Kits are only $3.00

How to Make a Pine Cone Turkey

2009-10-11T12:04:00.003-04:00

Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings families together around the dinner table. Since turkey is the traditional main course, it's no wonder that so many Thanksgiving decorations are designed around a turkey theme. This pine cone turkey makes a lovely centerpiece. And if you're so inclined, you could even make one for each guest and use them as place card holders!

What You Need

* Large, plump, dry pine cone
* Acorn
* Craft feathers in various colors
* Red and yellow craft foam
* Pencil
* Scissors
* Glue
* Hot glue
* Googly eyes
* Clay

Instructions

1. Place a small amount of clay on the side of the pine cone that will sit on the table. This will prevent the turkey from rolling around.

2. Remove feathers from bag. You will probably have to fluff them before using. To do this, gently run your fingers down the length from end to tip.

3. Dip ends of feathers in glue. Arrange them in a fan pattern on the top of the wide side of the pine cone to form the turkey's tail.

4. Use hot glue to attach the acorn to the top of the narrow side of the pine cone. This will be the turkey's head. Let glue set.

5. Glue googly eyes onto the acorn.

6. Draw a triangle on the yellow craft foam, and a teardrop shape on the red craft foam. Cut both out. Glue the yellow piece onto the acorn for the beak, and the red piece for the wattle.

7. Draw feet on the yellow craft foam. Glue them onto the turkey in front of the clay. Let glue and clay dry.

Tips

* To use as a place card holder, glue the end of a craft stick into the center of the back. Write the guest's name on a blank address label, and stick it to the front of the stick. Stick another address label to the back of the first one to keep it from sticking to anything else.

* If you don't have any craft feathers handy, there are a few things you could substitute. You could cut feather shapes out of different colors of construction paper or craft foam. Or you could bend colorful chenille stems into feather shapes.

* If you want to make a miniature version of this craft, just use a smaller pine cone, cut small feathers out of construction paper, and substitute a brown circle of construction paper for the acorn.

* You may need to place a piece of card stock on the bottom of the clay to keep it from staining your tablecloth. Or better yet, glue it on when the clay dries so that guests can take their turkey home and display it with no worries.

Please support us by visiting http://TheMagickalEwe.etsy.com for all your spinning, needle felting, felting, crocheting, and knitting needs. SOAK is appearing on the Dragon's Den Wed. Oct.14th. We have SOAK. Trial Kits are only $3.00

How to Make Festive Indian Corn Napkin Rings

2009-10-10T11:57:00.001-04:00

AHow to Make Festive Indian Corn Napkin Rings

Autumn is a beautiful and colorful time of year. Fall flowers, the changing leaves, and seasonal crops all contribute to the vibrant colors of nature. These items provide the inspiration for a variety of crafts.

One of the most interesting of fall crops is Indian corn. Unlike most corn, its kernels come in lots of different colors. This makes it a welcome addition to cornucopias and other fall centerpieces. But you don't have to have the real thing to incorporate its unique look into your Thanksgiving table decorations. These napkin rings bear a striking resemblance to Indian corn, and they are easy and inexpensive to make.

What You Need

* Construction paper (ideally orange, brown or another fall color, but any color will work)
* Pencil with an eraser
* Scissors
* Tissue paper in yellow, orange and burgundy
* White craft glue

Instructions

1. Place a piece of construction paper lengthwise. Draw a line about 1 ½ inches from the top to make a strip. Cut out.

2. Cut the strip in half.

3. Cut a piece of each color of tissue paper into 1-inch squares.

4. Spread a thin layer of the white craft glue over a 1-inch section of the construction paper strip.

5. Twist a square of the yellow tissue paper around the eraser end of the pencil. Push the twisted paper down onto the top corner of the glued section, and carefully remove the pencil.

6. Repeat step 5 with another piece of yellow construction paper placed next to the first one, and then with a piece of orange or burgundy tissue paper. Continue using two or three yellow pieces followed by an orange or burgundy piece until the glued area is completely covered.

7. Cover another 1-inch section of the construction paper strip with a thin layer of craft glue, and continue adding pieces of twisted tissue paper. Repeat until all but ½ inch of the strip is covered.

8. Bend the strip into a circular shape, with the tissue paper on the outside. Glue the ends together. Let dry completely before using.

Tips

* Each strip of construction paper makes two napkin rings. You should be able to make enough for all of your guests with a piece or two of construction paper.

* For best results, store the napkin rings empty and lying on their side until ready to use. This will keep the tissue paper from getting flattened.

* Be sure to roll napkins tightly so that they will fit easily into the napkin rings. If the glue does not hold, and you don't have time to glue them and let them dry again, try stapling the ends together.

How to Make a Thankful Tree with Handprint Leaves

2009-10-09T12:00:00.002-04:00

On Thanksgiving, we get the family together for a big, delicious dinner. We remember old times, and catch up on what's currently going on in everyone's lives. And, if we stick with tradition, we take time to reflect on the things we're thankful for.

Unfortunately, the idea of giving thanks is often forgotten during the holiday festivities. But there are ways we can encourage our children (and other children in the family) to think about the good things in their lives. This “thankful tree” craft works nicely, and it's also fun to make. Here's how to do it.

What You Need

* Brown kraft paper
* Construction paper in orange, red, yellow and brown
* Pencil
* Crayons, markers or pen
* Scissors
* Cork bulletin board
* Thumbtacks or stapler with staples

Instructions

1. Using the pencil, draw a tree trunk with branches on the brown kraft paper. Make it large enough to fill up most of the bulletin board. Cut out and tack or staple to the bulletin board.

2. Have a child trace his or her hand onto a piece of the construction paper and cut it out.

3. Have the child use a marker, crayon or pen to write his or her name on the handprint, as well as something he or she is thankful for. When finished, tack or staple the “leaf” onto the tree trunk.

4. Ask each child to make a leaf, or more than one if so desired. Arrange the leaves on the tree so that it is evenly covered.

Tips

* If you don't have a bulletin board, you could attach your thankful tree to a door or wall. If doing so, use thumbtacks for best results.

* Adults can participate as well, but their handprints may be too large if you're using a small bulletin board. To remedy this, you could simply cut smaller leaf shapes and have them ready for your guests to write on when they arrive.

* If you don't have enough handprints to cover your tree, have children make leaf rubbings by placing a leaf under a plain white piece of paper and rubbing the side of the crayon over it. Cut them out and add them to the tree to fill in the empty spaces.

* Want a more authentic-looking tree? Place a small tree branch into a flowerpot and fill with sand, marbles or rocks so that it stands up straight. Use a hole punch to make holes in the handprint leaves and tie them to the branch with string or twine, letting them hang down a bit. You could even add a string of white miniature holiday lights if you like. This makes a lovely centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table!

Dollhouse Miniatures Hand Painted Pantry Cupboard Folk Art Style

2009-08-14T14:39:00.008-04:00

I was going to give this Hand Made and Vintage seller a boost and blog about her wonderful doll house miniature pantry that I've had my eyes on for a while now. Sorry. I truly am sorry (hah!). I can't do that now and you are all out of luck! Go Fish!!!

My daughter and I decided we weren't going to let this item pass into any other hands but ours. It is so gorgeous. Superbly painted in the old folk art style the cabinet opens up to reveal lots of little shelves where you can store all your pantry accessories when they are not out on display.

I'm a big fan of grab bags and I've bought a few as we were in need of accessories for displays. We have little plates and bowls and cups and saucers, a baby dish and cup, platters and cans - all needing to be store safely away when not used in a display. So this cabinet is just ideal for us and our country style house.

Guess you'll all have to move faster next time. By the way this seller has a magnificent quilt rack complete with quilts up for sale. Maybe I'll blog about that tomorrow and give you a second chance to beat us to the paypal button!

Oh yeah, her shop is aLoveofVintage.etsy.com

Doll House Miniatures New Shop Opening

2009-08-14T00:15:00.006-04:00

The Dolls Tea Room openned its doors today on Etsy.com with one very luscious walnut coloured cabinet! The cabinet has 2 working doors with lots of storage space for your 1:12 scale doll's favourite knick knacks.

TheDollsTeaRoom.Etsy.com will primarily stock miniatures - dolls, doll houses, furniture, food and all the accessories you can imagine so do stop by often and check out all the new additions.

The owner is putting together a series of collectibles for the holidays that will be sure to have tons of oohing and ahhing.

Fabulous Learn to Needle Felt Kits on FuzzB

2009-07-30T14:39:00.004-04:00

Have you been dazzled by those wonderful felted sculptures and wanted to try making some yourself? Have you been wanting to learn this technique but didn't know where or how to start? Well, look no more!

I am so happy and excited to announce that I have found the most fabulous how-to kit now on sale at The Magickal Ewe. You get absoulutely everything you need to complete 3 darling little needle felt sculptures.

You begin with project number 1 - a harvest pumpkin. It looks so realistic! Project number 2 is a mischievous little calico kitty and her friend a grey mouse. Positively delightful.

There are 2 versions of the kit, both for sale in my shop. The basic kit is for the pumpkin project only and contains fewer needles. The deluxe set has both projects, a needlefelting tool and a set of 5 needles. You also get a foam pad and all the wool roving you will need for your craft projects. The instructions are easy to follow.

So if you have been wanting to try needle felting this is your perfect solution. It also makes a great gift for any crafters on your list.

Ask about our layaway plan.

Spinning

2009-07-05T15:43:00.005-04:00

A very long time ago while at university, I took an arts and crafts course for primary/junior teachers. It was designed to pass on just enough of the fundamentals to teachers so that they could then incorporate the arts and crafts into their art curriculum . Of necessity much of the course included tips and tricks for creating the needed tools as cheaply as possible.

One of the crafts I learned there was how to spin fibre using a drop spindle. Spinning is a lot of fun and very, very relaxing. It also requires only a minimum of visual acuity and is not physically challenging. Despite what you may have come to believe you do not have to make a major investment in order to get started. So it makes a great craft if you are, like me, facing a number of physical and financial challenges to your own personal arts and craft program.

Remembering the fun I had taking that course made me decide to try spinning once again. A self-confessed fibre addict I love playing with new yarns and am drawn to new textures and colours. This was sure to be a rare treat.

I needed a spindle. There are a number of things you can do to make your own at home if you can’t afford to buy one. You can even make one from elastic or hair bands, a pencil and a dvd. Spindles vary in price but can be purchased for as little as $9.00. I decided to buy a type of spindle called a support spindle. The seller called hers 'little Jakie'. Support spindles have a point that is rested in a bowl or against a table top.

The lady who sold me the spindle included a few 'fingers' of cotton for me to practice on. Even though I'd learned many years ago how to do this, the fingers tend to forget and need to be gently reminded what they need to do. The cotton was oh so very easy to work with and spun so beautifully. I definitely want more of this fibre!
I bought an ounce of synthetic cashmere fibre from a local fibre arts seller. I found this a little slippery and a little more challenging to spin. I kept forming a 'death grip' on the fibre with my drafting hand (the hand that feeds the fibre to the spindle). Consequently I ended up with nubbies and nubbies of nubbies. I got better with the last bit of this that I'm working on and would like to do more of it - maybe enough for some oh so cool arm and leg warmers.

Kitty fur. I tried to spin the fur collected from my little tabby cat. Unfortunately she is a short hair and the fibres are teensy weensy - just a little short of what can be easily spun.

Bunny fur. This is on my next to do list. I have 2 ounces of white angora to spin up for a knitting project. This will be my first real time challenge as I must spin it so that I end up with sport weight yarn.

Wish me luck. And oh yeah, keep the bunny fur out of your nose until next time...