Thursday, March 4, 2010

It's March and It's Sunny!

Well, I can't say that I haven't posted because I've been extremely busy! I often just forget to be taking pictures of everything.
And admittedly, I think the Vancouver Olympic coverage took over my life for a while!

The infamous black alpaca jacket is closer to being a reality. Suzanne has finished weaving...7 yards in a week...what a woman! And it is truly perfection.

She had a bit of warp left on the loom when the black alpaca weft was used up, so she wove the last bit with some black wool boucle, so we should have some matching purses!
I might be testing my friendship here...Suzanne has made me 3 mock jackets in cotton sheeting to try to find the perfect fit without any chance of tugging on the shoulders. The textile is slippy and Suzanne is afraid that it may distort the fabric over time if there isn't enough give at the shoulders. I'm learning an amazing amount about textiles and garment construction from Suzanne.


Even Quincy is impressed! "Black alpaca is totally stunning and always in fashion", she says.

Well, I've taken my own woven scarves project off the loom at the studio this week. Hopefully, I can post a picture here soon with the fringes done, washed and pressed.

I have been doing quite a bit of handpaint dyeing lately.

These are skeins of 2 ply sock yarn in 60%alpaca/20%merino/20%nylon blend. I'm pleased with the result and they are on the store shelves now.




This is my handspun 2 ply yarn of alpaca\kid mohair\merino blend. I intend on knitting a shawl for myself. I had handpainted it, but the colours were brighter than I wanted, so I overdyed it with blue.

I'm very happy with the results.

4 comments:

Zenitude said...

I am eager to see that coat. It will be stunning. I love your handpainted yarns. Especially the handspun in the blue green tones.

Norma from Misty Haven Alpacas said...

Thanks!
I love how the handspun dyed as well and I'm anxious to start my shawl.
Have you started experimenting with your acid dyes yet?
Norma

marj. said...

The fabric looks amazing, can't wait to see the finished jackets.
I love Quincy's "snidely whiplash" mustache.
I'm impressed with how your dyeing has evolved, the colours are lovely, clear and bright. I am somewhat envious of your production and resolve (again) to set better goals for myself.

Norma from Misty Haven Alpacas said...

Hey Marj,
Thanks for the comments. It's nice to know that someone is reading these entries.
I was thinking today that it would be nice to do some handpainting and tea with you on an afternoon - whenever one of us visits the other's area. Once you start, it's hard to stop....
Norma