Monday 17 November 2014

Our Christmas Show


I'm really excited to be doing our "Christmas Crafts at Quarr Abbey" this week. It has become an annual event I share with my sister and friends.
Please pop over to Jude's blog where she has written a lovely post telling you more about each maker.
and click on the link to Quarr Abbey here
 Since we sold our little yacht this year Skipper has been able to find a little more time to get some lovely wood turned items made so he is joining us with a small selection of his work too!
We have all been very busy preparing and making lots of wonderful new items. It is such a lovely venue so I'm looking forward to displaying my new weaving. I shall have plenty of hand woven and knitted accessories to purchase along with home ware, knitting kits and hand spun yarn. I will be demonstrating spinning yarn on my wheel and as always have my knitting needles to hand.
If you are on the island it would be lovely to see you.  My on line shop will be closed while I'm at the show, but I will be adding new stock for December so please pop over to folksy by using the link on the right or click on the folksy button.

Thursday 6 November 2014

New Equipment- Part Two- Fringe Twister


This is my little Fringe Twister made by Ashford. It makes light work of  twisting the warp ends on my hand woven scarves. I clip the wool ends I wish to twist in the device and turn the small level  away from me, counting how many turns as I go.

I'm finding between 12 and 20 gives me a nice twist for my yarns.

When I have the right tension and twist on each section I transfer two wound warp ends into the same clip and then turn the level in the opposite direction so as to wind the two wound strands together. Thus making a neat twisted fringe.

This makes for a secure tie off as well as a lovely soft and textural finish for the warp ends. Now my olive green and soft brown hand woven scarf is ready to be completed. I shall "full" it by washing to soften the wools together and create a wonderfully warm, snuggly, cosy textile perfect to wear close to the skin on a cold winter's day.