Forty Shades of Green

I have just started working on this fleece,  again a huge fleece with such a long staple it is easy to mistake it for pure Wensleydale.  This yarn is made from several different dye lots but all using the same dye.  The shades are very different but when they are blended on the drum carder the yarn comes out a fairly even shade,  I blended it with a green Angelina to give it plenty of  sparkle.   I have called it Forty Shades of Green because of the colour and the sparkle make it  'Country and Western' and also the late Johny  Cash stayed in Markree castle for several days and recorded some songs there and so this is a tribute to him

A Dyeing Mistake

The dyeing of this yarn went a bit wrong.  I was hoping to get a really strong pink with a little dark blue but I must have had too much water and the dyes mixed too much and so I ended up with shades of purple.   A nice colour but not what I expected.   Next time less water and make sure the dye bath does not boil so fast.  Could be worse some colours would have come out a murky brown!

Bogway Hand Spinner

I found this at the British Wool Weekend.  A great little gadget that you can use anywhere (almost)  to spin yarn.  This really is suitable to take with you, small and easy to use.   You can spin and ply on it and it all happens on your knee so you really could use it on the bus or train,  maybe not Ryan Air.  I am delighted with it because now I can bring my spinning with me when I am on holidays or a short break and it is no more intrusive than knitting.  Sold by Low Lands Legacy  www.lowlandslegacy.nl

From Fleece to Yarn Workshop

Another workshop coming up. Covering preparation of fleece for spinning, spinning and using lots of types of dyes from natural to food dyes. A nice relaxed atmosphere and suitable for total beginners and for those who already work with wool and want a chatty fun weekend and to pick up a few tips.   Running on 12th and 13th October full details on the Markree Castle Hotel website, www.markreecastle.ie.  All bookings through the Hotel.