Google+ What I Made Today: A New Obsession

Sunday, January 20, 2013

A New Obsession


Yesterday I attended day-one of this weekend's Fiber Festival at The Phoenix Rising Center in Thomaston, CT. I taught a morning workshop on spinning Spirit Cords and was available all day to demonstrate how to up-cycle old, worn, discarded, and otherwise unused fabric to create "yarn" for making all sorts of things. I brought along my handmade drop spindle that The Boy made for me a few years back when I gifted some sheep's wool. I never felt like I was doing it "right." So I took a workshop at the Fest and it turns out I had the hang of it after all. Gotta dig validation.


I purchased several ounces of merino wool roving in a rainbow of colors to play with and now I find myself obsessed with the process. I really do love pushing through the challenges in order to learn new skills.


I'm already looking forward to spinning enough yarn to spin myself a Spirit Cord. This will be a Spirit Cord dedicated to my inner Magician, that part of me that loves gathering tools, materials and doing my best to master new abilities that nourish and sustain me.



I have a feeling that I'll want to spin like crazy, some natural alpaca, methinks, to make enough yarn to create a shawl or poncho. But right now, that's a dream. In the meantime I'm focused on the joy of the process, on learning, and on that first Spirit Cord to honor my Magician.

That's what I made today.

Peace.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Love it! I'm hoping to learn some day!

Unknown said...

I have a drop spindle and some wool, but I haven't gotten around to getting the hang of it yet. Spinning on a drop spindle is another one of the old crafts I'd love to master. On my list are also weaving tapestries, sprang, plus getting better at tablet weaving and naalbinding. I hope to get some more time for crafts soon.

Unknown said...

If ever you want to try your hand at a wheel, lemme know. Mine sits here, longing to be used, waiting for me to put down the homework and get crafty. Of course, there *should* be a Red Tent in the very near future. . .

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

Allie, like most things of worth in life, it's simple … yet skillful, and just takes practice. That's where I'm at ~ Practice ~ and I'm planning on the skillful to make manifest!

Linda, you have lists like me, it seems ~ so many wonderful things to experience to see what "fits" and to enjoy the process, too. Plus, you've given me a couple unfamiliar terms to look up. Uh oh … could be adding to my list!

Kathy, I'm soooo making note of this offer. I'm pretty sure I'll be wanting to give it a go. And yes … a Red Temple is ripening, and I look forward to it!

Carol said...

I've bought myself a drop spindle ...but haven't tried it yet... will be dragging it out real soon.

Tammie Lee said...

so lovely to see what you have been up to. your yard is wonderful and i so agree, validation can be awesome!

Brizel Handcrafts said...

obsessive about yarn ? NOT possible. ha ha ha. omg... i know nothing about such things :)

You found some gorgeous colors to work with. No point saying ENJOY- you already are !

ohhhh Imbolc is almost here- i can feel it already.
Happy Days
xo

Maiden Jane said...

So pretty! I have attempted to spin, took classes, etc., but can't seem to master it. Like anything, I'm sure I need to practice!

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

Have fun, Carol!

So lovely to see your kind comment Tammie!

I laughed, reading your comment, Brizel. :) And yes … Imbolc blessings are on their way!

Yeah, Jane … that pesky practice. I have a sense that, if nothing else, I will have a new-found and more-deeply-rooted appreciation for hand spun yarns!

Sharkbytes said...

I got to try spinning once. Didn't do too badly according to the person who showed me how. Nice colors.

greekwitch said...

This is very creative! I always wished i could make any kind of clothes but unfortunately craftiness is not one of my gifts...