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Trying something new…

and I am gonna rely on my readers to decide whether to keep it or not.

Notice the top of the blog? Under the header. Thats right… its a new nav bar. I can’t quite get it just right, I think… and I am debating… Do I like this better than the big old “about me” blurb on the side?

I truly don’t know.

On the one hand, I can have my “about me” section much more expanded in a separate page without interrupting the flow of the blog… on the other hand, the Nav bar itself is not the greatest.

I can keep trying to adjust it… I had basic buttons up there, but I hated how they did not mesh with the blog… and I am not a graphics person. Buttons would look better, if the buttons looked good. I really would like buttons.

But, I don’t know how to do good ones.

So. do I keep the nav bar, or lose it and bring back the old “about me” blurb on the side? Its up to you, readers. I can’t seem to decide on my own.

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Choices, choices…

… I have quite a few thoughts in mind for the next great blog post.

I have to video the Spinning chapter of The Art of Rolags.

I’d like to do a post about the crafting of my basket… Which, by the way, is moving along… I’ve started the sides now.

I could do an impromptue interveiw post, but that would require that people want to know something about me, and I question that one…

Of course I could do some sewing video tutorials, but I am not sure what readers want to know.

So… What would you readers like to see next on the blog?

A spinning post?
A Dyeing post?
Sewing?
Embroidery (machine)?
A personal type of post?

Do you prefer video or still pictures?
Do you want to know more about me, or would you rather read more about the craftiness?

Of course, when my new LadyBug wheel gets to me, I’ll have to write a post about that… And boy, I can’t wait! Did I menton It is on its way? To the dealer, anyway. Then it will be coming to me, complete with high speed and slow speed whorls, and extra high speed bobbins. Fun toys!

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As Promised… Craft Room Pics!

First, This is just Part of the mess we pulled out of the room. Scary, isn’t it? I also gave away a full trash bag of fleece and fabrics.
Mess
Here is the sewing Corner. Notice the 2 windows? Tons of sunlight for that corner. I am making a basket for the shelf to hold small stabilizers and embroidery/sewing items. In the basket already there is some Merino/Silk I am spinnign right now.
Sewing Area
The Computer Area, which isn’t as messy as it looks… And yes, that is my facebook up on the computer. And yes I will friend you if you like. :)
Computer Area
On the bottom shelves of my book case are 6 show-offs, 1 with FOE, 2 with FOs, 1 with Fibers, 1 with bobbins and carders, OK, maybe 2 with fiber. I also have about 10 pounds of undyed fibers in my pantry.
Bottom Shelves
The top shelf has yet to be touched, but holds patterns and books. I need to clear it out of junk though.
Top Shelves
My personal Yarn stash. Which isn’t to suggest that it never gets used for business… it does, but if I am gonna knit or crochet, it is from this stash. :)
Yarn Stash
And here is the start of the basket I am making for the shelf. boring base, but after it gets about 2 inches bigger on each side, I am gonna start the sides in some brown/white natural hand spun I did early in my spinning adventure. that should lend some visual interest to the peice.
Basket Base

Hope you like my new space. There are still a few kinks, and a few things to finish, but I like it.

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The Indie Dyers Cooperative is a success!

We had a great Grand Opening Day yesterday, with over 70 people in our shop at one point!

Lots of Items were sold by our members, but don’t worry, there is still more to grab. Don’t wait too long though, because you never know when that perfect yarn or gorgeous fiber will sell out to someone else.

There are still a few FFS (that’s Free for Shipping, so a great deal) Lotteries up, so don’t miss your chance at those either.

Also, I am taking suggestions for colors you’d like to see in Rovings, Rolags, and Yarns. No purchase necessary to just give an opinion. My plan is to spend some time this weekend dyeing, so feel free to share your ideas! If I use your color choice, I’ll credit you in the listing!

Oh, and on a side note, though we all wound up feeling ill (we caught what the baby had), we are also all feeling much better now, so I’d like to thank everyone for their thoughts.

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The Next Phase

In my newest obsession… Spinning.

Its coming. well, not yet. but as soon as I can get together enough money.

I want a spinning wheel. like, really really want. Of course, that just goes along with my personality. If you have been following here, you will know that I bounce around a lot. I get what needs to be done done, and I don’t quit anything… but I love trying new things.

But,m I am also the victim of a very small craft and hobby budget. and since I am so new to spinning, I can call it nothing but a hobby, even to my husband, who would happily fund anything he thinks will bring us money.

But, spinning, he thinks, can only take time away from my business. and so cannot be worth doing in his mind.

I explained to him, Spinning is a hobby yes, but everyone needs a hobby, even when their business is something they love too. I love sewing. I love sewing diapers and things. But often, I feel a bit of pressure when doing those now, that things have to be perfect, or be done on a certain deadline, or something like that. nothing wrong with the pressure, it is normal, and I think everyone feels it. but, its nice sometimes to have something you can do JUST FOR FUN.

Of course, when I started the business, part of it was so I would have an excuse to spend time and money on these things I love. and who knows, if I ever get really good at spinning, it may wind up incorporated into the business in some way. But that would not be for quite some time, being as I am so new to spinning.

But that takes me back to my new wants. I love my spindles, and I can’t wait to go to the fiber festival here this weekend. But I am also very anxious to get a wheel, just because it feels like a door in front of me, begging to be opened.

I have done some research. and here is the wheel I am going to try and get:

It is a really simple wheel. The Otium from Heavenly Handspinning, it only runs about $150 plus shipping. but, it has 3 different ratios, and I am told that the wheels from this seller run super smoothly.

I plan that If/when I get it, I will probably paint it, just like I painted my spindle. I could see the wheel in a bright red, or maybe a cool blue… ooohhh… or an emerald green!

The bobbins on this wheel hold up to 6 ounces of yarn, and it comes with 2… you can get more in single packs or in 3 packs from their website, www.heavenlyhandspinning.com. They have a lazy kate accessory as well, and a skein winder.

I want it all.

Hey, heavenly handspinner… wanna give it all to me for free? I’ll review it for you! heh. I am only half kidding here, folks. and the kid is that… they don’t read my blog. but, I am dying for a wheel, and will do mostly anything to get one. This one I think I can afford eventually.

Wheels are expensive. I also love the fidelis from the same seller… and have heard only good reviews about it. but, it does cost a little more, and I really don’t have extra money to spend, so, since the biggest differences here seem to be cost, and look, and the fact that the Otium comes as a kit to put together… well, I like putting things together. and as I said, I’ll paint it, decorate it, personalize it.

By the way, in the few weeks I have been spinning, I have three people asking me for spindles now. THey will eacj get one, too. But I will have to think about what kind of fiber to give them with it… especially since I can barely afford fiber myself.

Oh, speaking of which, take a look at what is on its way to me:

Its Esby by Bohemia yarn Co. on BFL. isn’t it yummy!
You can find Bohemia Yarn Co. on Hyena Cart…. and I can’t wait to see this in person! its so pretty!

Gotta go… time to walk the kids to the library for baby bookworm.

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