Spinalcat's Crafty Adventures

Myrtle Leaf Close-up Before Blocking Originally uploaded by Buxtrosion .

Myrtle Leaf Shawl- Halfway Done! Originally uploaded by Buxtrosion . 22 repeats out of 40 completed! 4oz ball of Zephyr is still huge, but somewhat hollow.

Bobbin Full of BFL Singles Originally uploaded by Buxtrosion .

BFL Singles Originally uploaded by Buxtrosion . First full bobbin from the Kool Aid/Easter egg dyed roving. I'm trying to match the sample that ended up as the lovely 3-ply swatch in diameter and twist.

Secret Project Snippet Originally uploaded by Buxtrosion . Just a tiny hint at something I've been spending a lot of time on. It's a gift and I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise.

Just found the Knitting Beyond the Hebrides Online Lace Symposium from May 2006. Lots of nifty little articles, tips, interviews, and fun stuff. Includes an interview with Meg Swansen and a look at the design process for the popular Peacock Shawl.

Lynne Vogel's Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook lived up to my expectations in some areas, but not others. It aims to be a guide through the process of dyeing, spinning, designing, and knitting socks. I found the dyeing section highly useful. The differences between hot pour and cold pour dyeing are clearly discussed with large, clear step by step photos. In general, the photography in this book is one of its best attributes. I also learned a lot in the section discussing how to manipulate a painted roving to obtain a wide variety of effects in the finished yarn. I was a bit disappointed in the scant coverage of the technical aspects of spinning. Vogel prefers singles or 2-ply yarns, while I was looking for advice on how to spin a sturdy 3-ply for durable socks. The sock knitting section contains pretty standard info, but may be more complete than other books. Short-row, heel flap, and several types of afterthought heel are discussed, with information on mending and reknitting...