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Summer Sun

The kind that shines and warms, casting shadows and causing contrast-y photos.

We finally got some.

Here’s my proof-

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The berries are finally ripening-

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And I finally weeded what veg is still hanging on in the garden-

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Meanwhile, the sheeps were mostly hanging out, chewing their cud in the comfy shade of the shed-

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All except Griff, of course. He tends to kind of do his own thing 🙂

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Sadie the sunshine pup was all ready for a game of ball-

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Chickens were out on patrol-

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And it’s amazing how fast yarn dries outside when it’s warms out! Here’s some recently finished Edgar/Griff (top), and Felix/Frank, one of my first bulky attempts on the new Pirtle-

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It’s supposed to cloud up again tomorrow.

But I think I got enough sunshine units today to carry me for a little while.

It’s brought me back from the brink of serious crankiness.

Whew. That was close.

My New Friend Pirtle

So the wheel has a name!

Thanks to the fine folks on Ravelry, I’ve come to know that he’s a Pirtle.

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So, he’s a 70’s-vintage guy, one of about 200 made by a retired Air Force engineer.
I’ve named him Hank.
Hank Pirtle.

And I’ve just combed up another batch of Frank/Felix to spin up all nice and bulky on him.

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In addition to getting a feel for Hanks irish tension system, I’ve managed to get a start on a another vest for John The Shepherd, of Marietta Shetlands:

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I took the cable motif from the Hand in Hand men’s cable vest pattern by Kathy Zimmerman. I think it’s working out nicely- it’s curvy, and large enough to stand out in the dark yarn, but still manly and subdued.

No outside photos this week. It’s July, but feels like October.
Ick.

No summer yet.

New Developments

New roof on the old half of the sheep shed! (near side in the photo, for hay storage)

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Not quite ready to pack in hay for next winter yet, but we’re getting there.

The sheep are impressed with the progress so far. They’ve been supervising very closely-

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In other news, we’ve got nothing in the way of cherries this year (boo), but little quinces (yea!)

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and a few pears

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I just love how the little pears grow upside down on the tree. They look so cute and perky.

And…..

(drumroll)

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Introducing Mr. Bulky Spinner!

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Isn’t he handsome?

Here’s a closer look at the flyer-

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Cool, eh?

It’s bobbin-led, of course, so it is really different from spinning on my other wheels, but I’m starting to get the hang of it.

Gonna make me some nice think squishy yarns.

🙂

Long Weekend

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Didn’t have a whole lot of time for fiber fun this weekend, but I don’t think I’d shared these recent spins with you yet-

Above, clockwise from top we’ve got Frank/Felix soft spun singles, a pearly grey Romney two-ply from Sand Hill Farm, and a fun blend of Frank/Felix, white alpaca and blue and wine colored mohair.

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I am really in love with the F & F singles. They are a beautiful creamy opaque white, and so soft and lofty.

Work up really quick, too, from hand combed top!

And just in time to be put away for the summer, here are the finally completed sweaters!

3/4 sleeve colorwork raglan:

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roll-edge natural shades raglan:

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and Huey and Frank Oregon vest!

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New project: socks for Oscar (my nephew)!

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Have a great week-