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Watching the River Flow

What's the matter with me
I don't have much to say
Daylight sneakin' through the window
And I'm still in this all-night cafe
Walkin' to and fro beneath the moon
Out to where the trucks are rollin' slow
To sit down on this bank of sand
And watch the river flow
~Bob Dylan

"Spinning Around," the BOOK, is moving forward towards completion. We're aiming for a November '09 print date. Once in print, the book will represent the culmination of over 3 years of writing, much of which was fleshed-out on this very blog, and nearly 30 years since I first delved head-first into knitting and the fiber arts. Lizbeth Upitis is our very talented editor who is steering the boat and making sure the boat doesn't tip over. Meg Swansen, of Schoolhouse Press, is the publisher, thus making the boat possible. Michelle Wolfe assists Meg Swansen.

I'll bet there are many knitters out there who know that Lizbeth wrote the wonderful book, "Latvian Mittens ~ Traditional Designs & Techniques."

"Spinning Around" will feature spinning and natural dyeing technique, along with patterns for many favorite Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen pieces of knitwear.

Now for some much needed changes: Beginning now, I can no longer provide lengthy spinning nor dyeing tutorials on the blog. I will, however, continue to post about any projects I'm working on, my family, the Lunar Ladies, and anything else that tickles my fancy. I also invite any spinning or dyeing questions that you may have. If I don't know the answer, I'm pretty darn sure I'll know someone who will.

More news: Chris and I have been discussing offering downloadable technique segments on spinning and/or dyeing. We're guessing that we'll be able to do so sometime in 2010. We'll no doubt develop a website in which to offer these tutorials and will link to that website from this blog.

Also, I have been thinking long and hard about my in-person teaching of spinning and dyeing and have decided to retire. I've very much enjoyed meeting many of you over the years, but the time has come for me to move on to new ventures. Thank you to everyone who ever took one or more of my classes.

Hiccup.

Our David, oldest of the spider, came to stay with us for a few days. He and Chris recorded a duo CD based on Henri Matisse's paper cutouts, "Jazz." David is a violinist and Chris is a pianist/composer. What they created together is a masterpiece. I can't wait 'til the CD is mixed and available. Yes, I AM very proud of my musicians all...that means you, too, Alex!

Here's David (left) and Alexander (right), waiting for "The Vermonter" train to take David back to NYC after his stay in Vermont.

Hiccup.

What you see above are the few, miniature potato plants that make up my '09 crop. I've planted them on a mound near the raised beds I usually grow potatoes and pumpkins in. Something tells me my mini purple taters are going to be quite nice this year. Time will tell...

Here's some pretty lamium that's in bloom.

What did I plant in the raised beds this year? Wildflowers! A whole helluvalotta them. They'll either choke each other out or look glorious together in a few weeks. Obviously I was heavy-handed with the wildflower seed...

Hiccup.

The Lunar Ladies got together at E's house yesterday. Now anyone in the northeast US can tell you that we're getting more than our share of rain lately.

But E's garden seems to be thriving on all this rain, looking glorious. Equally glorious are (l to r) Jenna, Leslie, and E!

Above is a pic of our lovely Elizabeth in her new-this-year greenhouse.

After feasting on green smoothies, cheese, crackers, sesame bites, strawberries, and corn on the cob, the Lunar Ladies settled in for some knitting and crocheting. The spider just watched. I'm really a very solitary spinner and knitter.

Above, you'll see a pretty pink sock that Leslie is knitting for her mom. Leslie, do tell us about the yarn and pattern please.

Maureen, who came later in the evening, is crocheting a pattern that's both knit and crochet for a company she co-owns, The Green Mountain Spinnery. I don't think the pattern, a cardigan, is available yet, but do please tell us about it, Maureen.

Jenna was sewing a fish. But not just any fish. One of the fish that are found in Vermont. And there's a matching faerie that's going to ride the fish, no less. This fish/faerie combo and more such fish and faeries will be part of a 3-woman show in the future. Jenna, please inform us when and where the gallery showing will take place, won't you?!

Elizabeth (E!) spun up some gorgeous Tencel/merino and we all oohed and aahed over it.

And E was working on a mohair, hand-dyed, crocheted, scarf that's really lovely.


And last but not least, E showed us a still-damp ALL LLAMA handspun, knit, rug. It's wonderful!! The llamas who share their lives with E provided the fiber. Tell us more, E, please.

Hiccup.

So what have I been doing? Well, I'm spinning some CVM (California Variegated Mutant) pin drafted roving for another EZ Watch Cap. I had spun the same fiber into EZ's Moccasin socks for the BOOK, and now am spinning it into a lofty, 4-ply for the hat.

Lookee that BIG whorl for some low-twist singles.

I wound the singles off onto a ball winder and then rewound (repackaged), by hand, the beginning and end together...doubled singles...onto another bobbin.

Here's the repackaged, doubled, singles. I'll spin another bobbin of CVM and do the same. Then will 4-ply it all together for a very, very, warm Watch Cap.

People disagreeing everywhere you look
Makes you wanna stop and read a book
Why only yesterday I saw somebody on the street
That was really shook
But this ol' river keeps on rollin', though
No matter what gets in the way and which way the wind does blow
And as long as it does I'll just sit here
And watch the river flow
Watching the River Flow ~ Bob Dylan

'til next time. Happy summer!!! Oh, btw, I'm "spinningspider" on Twitter.