The mogs blog, the meanderings of a cat through yarn and life

Intelligence from book of Qualities

2009-12-10T11:12:00.002Z

This was the page today from the Book of Qualities by J Ruth Gendler

Intelligence

Sometimes Intelligence is safe and sometimes intelligence is dangerous.
When he is in a reassuring mood you leave his house walking lightly and singing to yourself because everything makes sense.
Other days you go to see him and he tears up your notes or sends you back on the road even though you really want to stay home.
If intelligence is in the mood for facts he may interrogate you for hours.
Intelligence does not go to parties much. He is very popular when he does show up. Everyone knows him but no one knows where he will turn up.
You may find him in the upstairs bedroom talking to the children or outside on the back porch telling bad jokes. Intelligence listens well. He is no stranger to silence.
Intelligence is Intuition's favourite lover. It is thought that theirs is an attraction of opposites, but they are more similar than they first appear.
Other people tried to keep them apart for years by telling each of them vicious stories about the other. When you see them dance it is clear they have been through the fire. They like to make up stories together.
Intelligence knows how to use words to make music and how to use words to make pictures. He thinks in black and white, but he dreams in colour.
Intelligence takes photographs with his inner eye. He paints with logic.
Intelligence loves surprises and he is not afraid to change his mind.

In memory

2009-12-10T10:33:00.001Z

10 years ago today my mother died. We didn't have an easy relationship at all until the last few years before she died. It was Mr Mog's influence that reconciled us somewhat although it was hard for me after my dreadful childhood at home (and indeed even beyond that) which was all down to my dad mainly but some to my mum if I am honest. No matter we did make peace and I think had some sort of relationship prior to her death. Although thinking back, when she was ill in hospital and wanted to come home before she lapsed into the somnolent state prior to death she said I'm not coming to your house I'll go to one of your sisters:) Guess we both had an uneasy wariness around each other.
You are remembered mum and tonight I will light a candle as always for you, after all without you I wouldn't be here so some good came from it all.

I'm still very wheezy and very sore but did have some sleep last night propped up on a mountain of cushions. These chest infections always sap my energy and take a lot of getting over, I'm drinking lots of fluids and that helps.
I did win 2 games of Scrabble last night against Mr Mog so the brain is in no way impaired:)

Spinning pictures and new boots

2009-12-09T10:24:00.005Z

As promised pictures of the spun yarn now it is dry. Firstly the Yarn Yard Shetland fibre. I spun 300 yards out of 100gm so I am very pleased with this:) I love the feel of the Shetland and the colours are very subtle.

Secondly the fabulous glittery batt from Laal Bear, I spun 320 yards from this which is the finest I've managed to spin:) Pictures don't really show the glitter but it is there.
This was some Winghams red merino that I wanted to try thick and thin spinning, I plied it with rayon thread.
This I can't remember the name of, I know it is Falklands though. I've forgotten the yardage it will be somewhere written down but my brain is not working today sorry.
The statutory picture of them all together:)
Then as the title said I received some new boots today.
I asked Tracey to make them mismatched again as I love my first pair.

What do you think? Too subtle perhaps?

As you can see they don't match.

They are comfortable though.
Last night was even worse then previous nights, I felt so ill I didn't manage much sleep at all. The antibiotics will take a little while to work I know so it is a pajama day today.

Of this and that and giveaways.

2009-12-08T14:39:00.008Z

The lurgy still lingers and is worse if anything. I rang the surgery today because I can feel it has gone on my chest, after many years of flu etc turning into pleurisy and other chest infections I know my own body and I know when I have to seek extra help.
Now bear in mind all the notices in the doctors regarding swine flu etc and not coming into the surgery. I telephoned to get a prescription for antibiotics, Got told the triage nurse would ring. This was 8am, 9.40 no call so I rang back. "Oh she has not yet started" Was told she would ring after 11.30/ Almost noon came a call, and after explaining the symptoms and how the change in temperature makes me cough more, I have to go in at tea time for appointment. Wonder how they know it isn't swine flu? Obviously not bothered I'll be infectious are they?

Enough of the whinging:) These pictures are of the park recently and then sheep and knitting to tempt you to read further. Yes I know you could scan ahead but you won't will you?
The park is looking lovely in its winter plumage, some of it bare trees but some like the bamboo above still very much green and lush. The way the stems are I think something sleeps in here.

Then the pheasant berry or Chinese nutmeg always looks at its best this time of year. The mixture of flowers and berries remind me of the decorations in my nanny's hat:) Where we used to live the pheasants loved this time of year and were always helping themselves to berries. There was always a deep blood red stain under the bushes where berries fell and were trampled.
This little fellow was meandering along the path enjoying the winter sunshine. He obviously wasn't ready for total hibernation yet.
Neither was he at all bothered by our presence, his nose to the ground looking for food.
Despite the faded glory of many of the trees, lots of them also had new growth on show. A link between decay and life, new growth ready to blossom come the warmer days.
Isn't it lovely when you get the place to yourselves? Although not long after these pictures were taken we were surrounded by dogs and their owners going walkies.
This little chap and many of his relations were busy looking for food, a long while since we have seen so many in one day.
I love the flow of oak leaves across the bench, stopping for a while before resuming their flight on the wind.
Even the chestnut had big fat buds on show.
Don't you like the idea of the moss colonising the concrete here? Threads travelling along meeting up with others as they travel.
Then I did say knitting I believe? Here you see the first sock from my own hand spun, I am so proud of it, like a new parent showing off her baby in the pram:) It reminds me of sock yarns like regia etc with their painted panels but also the colours are very reminiscent of Noro don't you think?

A close up of the garter stitch heel, notice that there aren't(many) visible lumpy bits.
We also have a new sheep joining the moggie homestead. Our last tea cosy is around 10 years old and getting a little sad now. This seemed like the perfect replacement.
Haven't they got cheeky faces?
Now on to the giveaway. I'm giving away 1 skein of hand spun, spun by moi and 1 shawl to celebrate the winter Solstice. If you would like to win leave a comment before 21st December.
Haven't decided if it is 2 prizes or both to one person yet.
Pictures of what you can win in another post. This is by way of being a thank you for reading my meanderings:)

The lurgy continues apace

2009-12-07T16:23:00.003Z

I'm delightfully perfumed with eau de eucalyptus oil, who needs Lush Karma when you can smell so wonderful with oil? I'm afloat with hot lemon drinks and added occasional spoons of honey, dosed up with paracetamol and still snotty:(
Another dreadful night, not much sleep and violent temperature changes. I slept almost upright to see if that would keep the stuff off my chest, it has at the minute. I don't know what hurts more as of course having this makes my other health stuff worse, well it would wouldn't it?
I have had a very short trip out to get fresh air and then home again. I am a firm believer that some fresh air helps , at the least as my nanny used to say it blows away cobwebs.
Not a day for doing much I shall retire back to my hot water bottle and latest book.

Of bobbins and bugs

2009-12-06T13:33:00.003Z

The title says it all today, lots of bobbins to show you and I am full of some bug or other. Typical ENT, sore throat, bunged up nose and sore ears. Oh and a head that is full of cotton wool with it all. I'm dosing myself up and have lots of vitamin c and lemon drinks. Didn't sleep well night before last and last night didn't sleep at all it seemed. Every few minutes blowing nose isn't conducive to good sleep.
But, I'm awake the sun is shining in between the rain showers so it isn't all bad.

Mr Mog is busy planning the design on his Kiwi wheel, I've design ideas for my traveller now, something to do with cats I think but not too many. They would mess with the yarn and fibre if I had too many I think.

I have quite a bit of yarn spun and awaiting plying and I thought you might like to see it.

First up 2 more bobbins of Yarn Yard Shetland roving. You can't see from the picture but there is a subtle shading in this.

Next 2 bobbins of glitzy fibre from the Laal Bear in my colours. Very much amber moggie colours these and the touch of glitter in the batt adds a sparkle to the yarn

Finally Falkland tops from Mandacrafts on etsy. I've another bobbin of this almost ready on the wheel. I like to have several bobbins waiting to ply and then enjoy the way the 2 bobbins turn into 1 hopefully lovely yarn:)

Then a picture of all the bobbins together, I love the colour contrasts here.

First December full moon

2009-12-04T19:15:00.004Z

This was the first full moon for December, the next will be on 31st December making it a blue moon.
The light that came from her was so bright and almost warming despite the frost on the car and path.

The more I gazed at her beauty the larger she became until I felt I could almost touch her.

Full moon lady shine your light upon us
bring your beauty into each person's heart and soul.
Bring light, love and joy to all who behold you
thank you for the light you give to this world and to us.

Moss witches

2009-12-03T19:30:00.001Z

Have just been listening to a fabulous short story on BBC podcasts called Moss witches by Sara Maitland. A very good story:)

Bl0ggers are wonderful and current spin/knit status

2009-12-02T16:24:00.005Z

I love this blogging world we live in, there is so much inspiration but also help and advice when needed. A favourite read of mine Blue Witch posted yesterday about helping friends with their utilities and insurance bills. She suggested that it would be worthwhile anyone checking their usage and current tariff via several comparison websites and how to go about it.
I find her advice very useful so this morning I duly followed her instructions by ringing my utility company and getting my annual KWH usage which is useful for checking costs. Then it was off to the comparison sites recommended.
ALL of them gave my current utility company as the best for dual fuel, but ALL of them also said I could save £220+ per year. Very strange methinks so back to the telephone and ring the utility company I go.
"Oh yes" the girl said, "that tariff has just been released today" When asked why they don't tell their customers she said they never do when they change. I wonder why?
The upshot is I am still with the same company but on a capped tariff for 12 months with no tie in should I choose to change. I save £20 per month in doing so.
Have you checked what you are paying lately? If not then do go and read BW's enlightening post from yesterday. It may save you money also.
Now I promised pictures of the current work on the needles.
Here you see the Solstice Shawl, 3 strands of assorted yarns that change occasionally as you can see. 1 thread is always glitter to celebrate the return of the light at solstice.
The next is a sock in my own handspun:). I am so proud of being able to say that, silly but there you are.

These will be for me I think.

December arrives with a very heavy frost

2009-12-01T15:55:00.003Z

First of December and it arrived with a very heavy frost. The moon last night was so clear and bright, you could see the frost rime around her. we were glad that the winter duvet had come out of store on Sunday. This morning everywhere was white. I love the light you get on days like these, it shimmers.
Mr Mog has almost finished his shed fitting out, despite the very cold weather. Maybe the work is keeping him warm?
It has tried to snow a few times this afternoon a true sign of winter me thinks?
The spinning is going well I am really enjoying seeing the fibre turning into yarn. I'm around half way on the solstice shawl and pleased with how it is coming out. I've dried the latest lot of hand spun and I think I am going to attempt socks for me out of it. Several people have told me that knitting and wearing hand spun socks is far superior to the sock yarns you can purchase. It intrigues me so I want to try the idea.
Haven't felt like going too far in this weather, it is far too cold for me. I'm wearing extra layers in the house to keep warm. We are having lots of what I call comfort food, mashed potatoes, soups and occasional pudding. I don't have puddings too often as I am not very active so don't like to overeat. However an occasional treat is fine:)
This past week we have enjoyed pear cake with custard and rice pudding with dried strawberries.
There is some pear cake left for tomorrow when my son comes to visit, he has a sweet tooth and as it was his birthday this past weekend I'm sure he will enjoy this instead of birthday cake:)
Winter Solstice draws ever near and the turn of the wheel towards the light. I am always a little pleased when November is over and we trip lightly into December. November depresses me for some reason, it always has done. I think the adjustment to the clock makes it worse. Short wet days, as we have had this past month make the month longer.
Today's full moon is one of 2 for December which gives a Blue Moon, I always think of these as special magical times. Normally a blue moon occurs around every 2 years.

Finished projects,shawls and yarn

2009-11-29T13:10:00.006Z

As promised photos of finished projects in knitting and spinning.
This is the second shawl knit from my hand spun yarn. A little slubby and thick and thin in parts but I like that about it. I plyed the yarn with mohair and a glitter thread to add interest.
I was going to thread glittery yarn through the holes but I've decided that it doesn't need it, would be overkill.
Then the silky furry shawl is finished. It is very hard to take a true picture of it, you can't see the sheen or feel the lushness of it.

Think this will be going in the Winter Solstice gift pile
I have also finished spinning my finest yarn to date.
This is Spin a Rainbow from Mandacrafts. 200gm of Falkland tops in shade Heather.

See the finest of the spinning?
From 200gm I spun 571 yards. So 285.5 yards per 100gm, I think that is around double knit:) I see socks in its future.
I also spun 100gm of Yarn Yard shetland tops.

I am equally pleased with this as I obtained 287.5 yards from the 100gm. There again double knit weight I think.
Today is very dark and very wet. Not a day for doing much outdoors so spinning beckons once more.

Busy,busy, busy

2009-11-28T17:54:00.001Z

I'm still here. It has been an odd few days what with one thing and another.

On to more pleasant things. I got my new jumbo flyer yesterday morning and Mr Mog fitted it for me. I've plyed all the yarn I had spun up. 3 jumbo bobbins full and exceedingly fine compared to previous efforts. I'd guess double knit or a shade finer. We will see when I skein it up tomorrow what yardage I have.

I have been knitting and if we have more sunshine tomorrow I'll post pictures. I've made a Baktus scarf, a silky furry large shawl in mohair and eyelash silk. Unbelievably tactile and soft.
Think that is me up to date. We are off to baby sit our 2 grandsons.

Sometimes there are good things

2009-11-24T16:57:00.003Z

2 days ago a friend blogged asking for help for a friend of hers. This pals boyfriend was at the other end of the country and had been rushed into hospital. They found he had cancer of the liver and stomach. His girlfriend(my friends pal) wanted to be with him but was at the opposite end of the country and more importantly had no money. She is a single mum and has 3 children. Works in a hospital nearby where she lives. Hasn't moved down to where her boyfriend is because of the job and her young children. They see each other when they can because he too has a job. My friend put a call out on her blog asking for help for the fare down there. All the people who responded were strangers to the one needing the help but knew my friend. Convoluted or what:)
Within a very short while the sum raised was over £100 all from strangers. The girl concerned hadn't asked for help but got it. I think money is still coming in.
It warms my heart to see the generosity of strangers. All is not lost is it?
As for me a rotten day. Much pain and discomfort:(

It has been a very dark dismal day today and I long for some sunshine to lift my spirits.

I think my spinning wheel leads a double life and other similar things.

2009-11-22T12:25:00.002Z

I think my spinning wheel lives a double life. In fact I am sure of it. I wonder if it spends time in faeryland when I'm not using it? Why I hear you ask? Each time I begin using my wheel I have to adjust the tension it is always too loose. I always leave it on the correct tension for what I'm spinning it makes it easier when I come back to it. It is never correct, always very loose.
We went to see Mr and Mrs Laal Bear yesterday and on both journeys the string came off the wheel and the tension knob was fully open. I wouldn't have thought the motion of the car could unscrew a wooden knob, would you?
I'm putting it down to the wee folk enjoying a little spinning. They probably collect the bits of fleece the sheep leave behind on fences and hedgerows. How else would they have warm clothes for the winter months?
It gets better:)
Since I had my hair cut fairly short some years ago I have never used hairclips or slides. Had no need to really.
Yesterday my fringe was irritating me, it has grown and kept going in my eyes while spinning. I've not yet booked a trip to the local college for a trim so I decided to snip the fringe this morning to help. Just a few centimetres but it makes all the difference. While putting my scissors back in the drawer in the craft room I followed my usual , almost daily , habit of pulling an angel card out of the tub to see what the word for the day was.
I pulled not one but 2 cards, fastened together with a hair clip. Something I don't have in the house.
With all the amazement at this event I forgot to remember the words that came out.
Spooky or what?

Floods and other stuff

2009-11-22T10:48:00.004Z

Dreadful flooding in Cumbria and in Dumfries and Galloway, both places we have lived and Cumbria is where many of our family and friends still live. My heart goes out to all affected by these latest events. To see places you love surrounded by water is dreadful and more so for all the people who have lost homes and possessions. One of the most poignant things to see from a woolly persons point of view was the devastated wool shop in Cockermouth and all the yarn and display stuff floating down the street leaving only a jumper hung up. Many of the people flooded had no insurance as the insurance companies would not insure them after the last floods. They will need all the help they can get to resume their lives.
Back in the 1970s I lived in Fleetwood and we had major floods there. The rescue and relief organisations were hampered by all the ghoulish onlookers who drove from many miles away to watch the tragedy. After speaking to my sister in law yesterday it would appear that this still happens. Why do people have this desire to see other folks misfortunes? If they are going to go there could it not perhaps be for something positive like helping to clear up? It is the same on motorways when there is an accident, traffic on the opposite side to an event is just as bogged down due to the self same thing.
It makes me ashamed to be human:(

On a brighter note;-

We were supposed to be up in Cumbria yesterday at our spinning guild. After seeing the warnings not to travel we decided to be sensible and not do so. We still had a spin in, Laal Bear and Mr LB invited us over for the day. 3 spinning wheels whirred along while Mr Laal Bear made us all a fabulous roast lamb lunch, followed by a blackberry crumble and custard that Laal Bear created. Yummy food and great company. I got to see the painted wheel that Mr LB had done, very very pretty wheel. He is a super artist. He also has a touch of whimsy in his writings if you check out his blog. You will find out things about the fairy folk you never knew:)

I have been knitting as well as spinning. I've finished my first Baktus scarf, a quick easy knit

I'm also currently making a shawl in a mix of mohair from the Woolclip and a furry eyelash yarn. This is the most silky furry shawl I've made in a long while. Very tactile and warm.
Here is a picture of some of the finished spinning. It is waiting for a dry day to set the yarn. The red one I had difficulty spinning for some reason so I did a single slub style and plied it with rayon embroidery thread. Will be great for femme's hair me thinks.
As you can see the upright swift is getting plenty of use as is the windmill one Mr mog made me.

Mr Mog and I decided we could do with a bedding box or chest each to keep our fibre stash in. I'll leave him to show you pictures of the one he has, suffice it to say he now has enough fibre and fleece to fill a chest:) Thanks must go to Laal Bear and Artis Anne for sending him spiralling down the stash route.

Mine is quite a Gothic storage chest , it came flat pack and despite having a very painful back Mr Mog put it together for me.
I managed to find enough fibre to fill it as you can see.

Mind you I think the amount I'm spinning lately is helping to use some of it.

New moon, spinning, Bach flower remedies.

2009-11-19T17:51:00.002Z

Well we are in a new moon cycle, how is it for you? I've not found much lessening of my pain yet but it is early days.
I'm trying some of the suggestions to counter it and hoping for better days.
It has been the most dreadful week here, lots of rain and gales. Mr Mog has injured his back moving and dismantling a shed then laying new flagstones for a new shed that is hopefully here next week. He did it all himself not a good idea but hopefully his aches will soon go.
He appears to have fallen in love with an Ashford Kiwi, especially after seeing some of the pain jobs done on them. Joking apart I think it is the portability aspect he is keen on. Much easier to take to spinning guild I suspect.
I of course am holding out for the elusive Lendrum. I know some time there will be one with my name on.
At the moment I am loving spinning on the traveller, the double treadle helps so much with balancing my joints and it is a pleasure to spin.
Nothing much to show picture wise as some is for Yule gifting.
I'm looking into Bach flower remedies. Don't know a lot about them and to be honest some of the books are way too much information. I think a poster overview may be more helpful certainly initially. Then I can read more on which I am attracted to and why. What thoughts do you have on them?

Thank you:) And still need a Lendrum spinning wheel.

2009-11-16T19:48:00.002Z

Thank you very much for all the encouraging comments and emails I've had. So much healing energy abounds that it is very heartening to be part of it.
I'm trying some of the suggestions received to combat the current pain. BW Yours especially. I'm not normally dependent on chemical solutions as I hate the idea but I did succumb to the various pills offered by the doctors just to get by and keep the pain under control somewhat.
I'm detoxing now and trying to use just oils, healing and positive thinking. I know that I can't get rid of my health stuff and don't wish my life away on that thought. All I want is for the pain to be tolerable and manageable.
Anyways, on with other things. I have just finished reading Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and loved it. I never saw the tv series but had recently re read my Graveyard book by him and this led me on to neverwhere. I'm so pleased it did as I was captivated all the way through.
Not sure what to read next, do I go back to old favourites or start something new?
I am reading a book on Bach flower remedies and their uses as I have been very interested in them for a long while. I don't want to rush in blind and just purchase some without a little knowledge.
I've been knitting and spinning. I'm making a very silky soft shawl at the minute. It is a strand of green mohair handspun from the Wool Clip and a strand of the most silky eyelash I purchased from Jo over in Ireland many moons ago. The shawl feels like silky fur and is so tactile it is unbelievable. I want to wrap myself up in it and it is only small yet.
I am still asking all and sundry if they know anyone selling a Lendrum spinning wheel. I may be able to get one new hopefully by Christmas if they arrive in the country but obviously being an impatient Leo(VBG) I don't want to wait. Plus if I can buy one that someone isn't using that would be all to the good, less cost for one thing.
So dear readers if you know anyone who has a Lendrum spinning wheel languishing at home, do let me know. I promise to take good care of it and spin often on it:)

On pain and it's effects.

2009-11-11T13:34:00.006Z

What do doctors know of pain?
The way it leeches through your veins

Weeks of constant pain. Neck, head, back.
Lots of combinations of pills trying to alleviate it somewhat.
Feelings of discomfort and malaise in all I do.
Trips to doctor and optician trying to rectify whatever it is that is suddenly violently there.
Migraine diagnosis from doctor despite it being nothing like any form of migraine I've had in the past.
Anti-inflammatories given.
Trip to optician, yes eyes slightly changed. Is it enough to cause the severe headaches?
New prescription glasses - picked up today.
Anti inflammatory pills crease my stomach, no use taking pills to counter that as they make me sick.
Cut anti-inflammatory pills from 3 to 2 per day. No difference and still no lessening of pain.
Add in strong painkillers, stomach more discomfort.
Cut anti inflammatory pills to 1 per day, mix in paracetamol. No difference.
Stop anti-inflammatory, stop constant strong pain killers.
New cocktail one strong painkiller per day rest of the day paracetamol.
No stomach problems, that is good yes?
Not much help on back, neck and head pain though.
Question, do i go back? Have not taken anti-inflammatory pills as directed or for long enough so no point there.
Do I soldier on with my self help oils, healing, deep heat cream and paracetamol with occasional strong painkiller when it all becomes too much?
If I do go back it will be more anti-inflammatory pills of a different name - same pack drill same side effects. They will still make me ill. I think I've tried all forms now.
Or, will it be stronger pain killers, for side effects see above and they make me zombified. Is that a word? Who cares it describes it exactly.
What ever I do will not be a full solution.
So do I go the chemical or the natural way? Knowing that either will only alleviate part of the problem.
I would rather go the no chemical route, or just paracetamol. Better for stomach, better for inner child and her mind.
Can I cope doing so when days and nights merge in a red hot maelstrom of hurt, discomfort and pain?
Did I mention pain?
Nights are extremely long when you don't or can't sleep. There aren't as many distractions as the day holds. I can't distract myself in the night with reading, knitting or the like. I do have to try to get some form of rest after all.
My weary body calls out for rest, relief and cessation of the eternal pain.
What to do, what to do.
Watch this space. I WILL crack it some day.
After all it has only been half a century or more of this.
I can cope.
I can fight.
I am not giving up, no not me.
I can't.
I won't
You can't make me.

In praise of creative friends

2009-11-08T17:45:00.004Z

This post is all about friends and their creativity specifically one friend:)
As many of you know i have the most fantastically creative Calligrapher friend Pixie Sue.
Despite being registered blind Sue creates the most inspiring work. We went to visit her today and just look what she made for us:)
The pictures don't show the subtle glitter on the canvas. It radiates an aura of well being and yes calm:)Sue is the most incredible artist, I love her canvases and her books.
I feel so honoured to own this piece. Thank you Sue.

We had a gorgeous drive over to Sues, misty and a little wet for part of the journey but coming back over Bowes Moor and the A66 the skies were stunning. such rich fire colours across the horizon and when the dragons breath started to form it was magical. I love that period at dusk, the twilight when you see things differently. Shapes form and disappear if you gaze at the hillsides. Not if you are the one driving I hasten to add.
So all in all a delightful day with very good company:)

Femmes, shawls and spinning.

2009-11-07T13:31:00.009Z

Thanks for the comments:) No I don't have an etsy shop. I don't make the femmes on a regular basis only when the muse strikes so it wouldn't be practical.The other thing is that I firmly believe they go to those that need them if you understand me? I am always happy to trade for other items though. Not necessarily the most obvious things. For example I was looking for dyes the other day. Also I can always use fabulous beads and charms for making them. You can always make suggestions(VBG)
Well it is pouring it down here today. The roads are flooded and it is black outside. Not a going out day for me I fear. I've finished a shawl or two for you to see though.
Firstly with my own handspun which is always a nice thing to be able to say. This was some fibre from Feltstudio UK, Falkland fibre. I purchased it from a friend on Ravelry who was having a destash.

Only a little shawl but very warm. Haven't blocked as we have had rain for over a week now.
Then I've made an autumn femme for a dear friend of mine. It used my first hand spun art yarn which I helped to make while visiting another friend down in Wales. the femme's name is Enid, a Welsh name meaning tree bark apparently which is rather appropriate seeing the colours I've used.

I've done several pictures with and without flash as it is so dark here. Enid wears a cloak of autumn colours to reflect the beauty of the trees around her.
On her back she carries a broomstick and a cauldron. The broomstick is to sweep away all negativity from the place she wants to set down her cauldron to create.
She is quite at home among the ivy as the woodlands are her natural home.
She wears a colour changing Celtic cross, this reflects her mood as she spins and dyes her fibre for garments.
When not working with fibre Enid can be found enjoying good music and good company, she is a very sociable femme.

Then as I said shawls plural. This is the second one. Made using a mix of wool clip mohair I purchased, again, in a ravelry destash together with some filatura di crosa multicolor in green shades. not easy to show a full picture but it is a fabulous colour in real life.

a close up of the bottom edge.
Here you get some idea of the pattern. I'm pleased with my modifications on my original shawl idea. I'll definitely make this again. I'm thinking of adding beads to the bottom edge.
Then I finished spinning some fibre I purchased from Artis Anne while in Wales. I forgot to photograph it before plying. I plyed with a strand of fine lurex iridescent thread and a strand of dark blue fine mohair.
What do you think?

Enough for? yes you have guessed , most probably a shawl:)

Femmes and Samhain giveaway winner.

2009-11-06T16:03:00.004Z

The following femmes are still awaiting new homes, each link takes you to the appropriate post. post
Mackentia femme of the flames,
Sediana
Marinanna
Hollea
Ilyana femme of the winter sunset
Fireca femme of the winter sunrise
Indigo ocean femme
I'd love them to find new homes for Yule:)
We put the names of all who commented in October into a witches hat and the winner of the shawl is

Earthenwitch:)
Congratulations, please send your address and I'll post the shawl to you.

Maiden to Crone series Femmes #1 RoseTAKEN

2009-10-28T12:17:00.007Z

Introducing the first femme in my moon time series.
Meet Rose.
Rose represents our first flowering. Our first period and the changes that occur then. The Maiden aspect of the Goddess.
Her clothes have the blush of pink still alongside the brighter reds that symbolise her passage into womanhood. She wears a bronze pendant of the goddess to remind her that she too is a daughter of the moon as are her mother, grandmother and all her female line.

She carries a wooden spear or staff as did her mother before her. It links her to the earth and helps to balance her as she begins her journey into fertility.
The 2 hands on the edge of her cloak are a symbol of her connection to the past and also to the future. She is a link in the chain of life.The decoration on her cloak is a reflection of the journey she will take. Not always a straight path but a good path.
She brings new hope and creativity to her new home. Understanding that new beginnings can be a way forward for us all.
Rose will soon be on her way to her new home

Wanted Lendrum spinning wheel

2009-11-03T14:48:00.005Z

I want to buy a Lendrum or would trade for one if anyone knows of one? I want a folding wheel with the 3 flyers for lace, plying and normal yarn.
I tried the lendrum at Artis Annes on our visit to Wales this past weekend and it is so much easier for me to change bobbins especially when my hands are so painful. We had a fabulous visit as we always do. Lots of laughter and good food. Late nights due to said chatting but such fun. Both Mr Mog and I learnt so much while we were there from them both. We now love the idea of spinning from fleece and not just from prepared rovings. It was very exciting to see Mr Mog carding and spinning fleece. He is totally hooked.

Wear Pink Day

2009-10-29T19:14:00.001Z

My blog colours have been changed in honour of Wear Pink Day, the breast cancer campaign tomorrow.
Have you checked your breasts lately? This cancer can affect anyone male or female. Don't let it be you

If Luck

2009-10-13T19:05:00.004Z

If luck had a colour it would be red. Fire of enthusiasm and vitality that makes luck work for you.
If inspiration were a colour it would be blue, blue of the sky as you search it for ideas.
Blue of the sea as the tide comes in to shore.
And if I had a colour I'd love to be RAINBOW shades to colour my life and colour my day.
Yellow to light up the day to come,
orange glow as energies rise,
red as I grasp the day and ideas.
Green to go out and create.
Blue to calm the night to come.
Violet as I look within.
Purest white sends love into the world.
A rainbow of energies swirl through and through.
You have to learn to use them wisely and with love.
Not to overuse and drain your spirit.