To Dye For Workshop

I cannot begin to express how much fun my yarn painting workshop was. I think it has spoiled me from dyeing by myself. The excitement of the students, their use of colors and the results were perfect! I was amazed at the color combinations. They were incredible. It was interesting to see the unique yarn colors that could be made by primary and printer colors. I need this group of women to get me out of my "autumn" palette. I loved watching the thought process of everyone as they tweaked their colors. It was so exciting. Here is a link to some photos. I will share mine when I can get them downloaded.
I have to admit to being nervous. When you are doing a workshop for pay, you have so many "what-ifs". What if the dye doesn't set? What if I forgot some crucial information? What if everyone is disappointed in the workshop? My Michael was available in case I had to use one of my "lifelines" and "phone a friend". It is so nice to have a family that enjoys the joy that my fiber gigs give me. My Michael seemed as excited as I was and of course, Ben just accepts that this is mom's thing! I don't ever want to have the attitude that, "this is my thing and I will do it whether you like it or not". My greatest joy is the joy that I share with them when I am good at something. They are my first priority.
There will be more classes this fall. I am so blessed to be able to do what I love. Thank you God!
Knitting progress--Not a lot of knitting time this weekend, but a business meeting at church allowed me to be able to work on my new Trenna shawl. I have 8 rows left on my Autumn's Glory. It is now at over 600 sts per row. I hope to do more tonight. I hope to have it finished before the 4th of July holiday. I hate it when projects get to the non-portable stage.

Ready to dye!

I am ready to dye! I went to the Arkansas Arts Center to set up for my workshop tomorrow. I am nervous and quite giddy with excitement! It will a lot of fun. I have been told that there is a waiting list, so it looks like there will be another one soon. It really is an easy process. I can't wait to see the delight of the students over their hand painted yarns. I will post pictures, Monday!
I want to show you a goody that a friend made me--
It is a yarn bell. Beth, my friend the potter, made it. You put it over your ball of yarn and thread the yarn end through the hole in the top. It keeps your yarn ball from rolling all over the floor. I love hand made gifts. As an artist, I know they are gifts from the heart. She is Betlamb on Ravelry, a very gifted potter and pottery instructor. She teaches at the Arkansas Arts Center. If you have always wanted to take a pottery class, you need to sign up for one of hers.


Knitting Progress--I now have 29 rows to go on Autumn's Glory. I had to add 9 more rows to the pattern, so I have completed 19 rows since my last progress report. It looks like I will not be able to finish it this weekend, as the stitch count on each row is over 500. They are very loooooooong rows.

You've got mail!

I was thrilled when the postman came by today. I was waiting for an order of beads from Artbeads.com. These are for a new shawl pattern that I have designed. I have named it "Arkansas Diamonds". I ordered 2 kinds of clear crystal beads and one black crystal. You can make this shawl in white, natural or black. I wasn't sure which color I wanted to do, so I ordered all 3 bead options. Did you know that we have a diamond mine in Arkansas? Did you know that you can dig for diamonds and keep what you find? I love my state. We have some of the most beautiful state parks. Our Ozark mountains are breathtaking. Anyway, here are my beads. Just what I need, something to distract me from finishing my "Autumn's Glory" shawl or light a fire under me to finish it.


I, also, got a package today that I was not expecting. Denise sent me a sweet care package! I LOVE lavender. It is the best smell on earth or at least right up there with cinnamon, fresh bread baking, apple pie, and Ben-gay ointment. I love the scented soaps. I love to keep them by my knitting chair and sniff them periodically. She sent me some lavender shea butter, some lavender lip balm, and three bars of handmade soap (lavender ylang ylang, lavender buds, and lavender chamomile). I feel so pampered!


Knitting progress--39 rows to go on Autumn's Glory.