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Sweater Pieces!

Hadn’t blogged about this previously, but I’ve just finished the pieces for a special request sweater-

It’s a long cardigan vest, kind of like this but without sleeves.

Its the first time in a long time that I’m working with commercial yarn (and superwash, to boot!) and it does behave a bit differently from my handspun. Now that I have it washed and blocking, I think that it has grown too much lengthwise. I might have to make some adjustments.

Stand by for minor sweater surgery.

Today I spent a good part of the afternoon doing final preps for the WSU Country Living Expo that will be happening next Saturday.

I’m teaching two classes this year- Basics of Wool Processing, which I’ve done a couple of times before, and Spinning Wheels 101– a new offering this year that I’m pretty excited about.

But between the two classes, there are a lots of materials that I need to bring!

For the Wool Processing, I bring my drum carder, combs, hand cards, flicker brush, dog brushes, lots wool samples to illustrate different characteristics, and bunches of wool for people to play with.

But for the Spinning Wheels class, I had to do a little more prep- carding wool for everyone to work with.

I’ve asked that people bring their wheel if they have one, but I don’t have any idea if anyone will, and I want everyone to get some hands-on spinning time. So I’m bringing wheels!

Sophie the little Serbian, Hank the Pirtle bulky spinner, and a borrowed Ashford Traditional.

Wasn’t sure how they were all going to fit, so today I did a trial run with packing up the Subaru.

Not bad, actually!

Hank and Sophie both sit nicely in the backseat,

And I found that the Ashford fits nicely laying down in the back, resting safely on a foam pad to save her the bumps and vibrations of the road. So think this is going to work!

But Sadie is bummed out. No room for car pups.

Sorry Sadie 🙁

I am excited about the classes. Teaching two 2-hour sessions doesn’t really leave me any time to do much else (like attend some of the other workshops!) but hopefully at least I’ll get some time for lunch and to check out the trade show.

It’s cool to be able to talk about wool all day and not have people roll their eyes and think that I’m a total psycho.

Maybe we should do it more than once a year! 🙂

I’ve always been a sucker for a cool gnome.

And look who showed up on my doorstep earlier this week.

That is his classic look.

But he’s pretty versatile. Check this out:

And the crazy guy came with a pet, too.

He better keep that under his hat and away from Boo kitten!

Any ideas for a Gname? 🙂

PS. Photo Man has been collaborating with some new friends.
Check out the Little Sheep Gang