Fun with a Crock Pot

This is one of my latest creations! I learned to use my crockpot to kettle dye fiber and I’m having a blast with it! This fiber came out so absolutely beautiful with the mild variations of greens and yellows, and it’s so soft and fluffy. There’s another fiber that I dyed that I have been unable to photograph. This one I’m calling Glades Gator and will be part of the Miami Collection on Deco Handspun. Why Glades Gator? Well take a look…

This is an image I took while in the Everglades, and I think it’s very fitting name for this fiber. Be on the lookout for the next fiber in the collection, and I’m thinking I may be dyeing some tonight as well.

In other news, UPS left me a really nice package on my doorstep yesterday and inside was this

I’ve been wanting this Lazy Kate for a while, because plying and winding things onto balls with the Lazy Kate my wheel came with is nearly impossible! The thing just spins out of control and drives me nuts, so I dished out some cash for this. Of course, this wasn’t the only thing in the box. There was also this…

I’m already having fun with this. That will be another fiber that will pop up soon on Deco and it’s looking beautiful so far. I’m thinking of calling it “Bayside Twighlight”. You’ll see why soon. I’m also in the process of spinning up some great yarn in Superwash called Key Lime Pie. Wait til you see it! I’ll try to get pictures of it from the bobbin tonight.

On a more personal note, since I’m in between semesters right now I have all this time for playing with fiber that I’m taking advantage of it and I’m learning as much as I can. My best resources thus far have been the internet and trial and error, and I’m looking into some books as well. I’m excited because this is something I’m really enjoying. Playing with fibers, dyeing them pretty colors, spinning them into luscious yarns, and then turning them into something wearable is so incredible to me. I like being a part of this creation process. I like knowing that I can take something like raw fleece and turn it into clothing that will keep me and my family warm or comfortable, and I hope that I’ll be able to share that with you guys through my blogging.