What stunningly beautiful yarn! I too am trying to figure out what I need to do to de-stress and so far knitting's not working. One of the first time's this has ever happened to me; can't read, can't knit, still too cold to play in the dirt and plant good green things. I sympathize with you and am happy that you've found your solace or relief in the fiberly goodness that is spinning.

Beautiful spinning. I long for a wheel. But until the fates permit the purchase, I drop spindle.

Green with envy.

OOOhh, it's so pretty! What a great way to relax, and you have something useful now, too. Beautiful as always.

Spinning therapy to the rescue! I wonder if spindle therapy might work the same way.

Oh, how beautiful! What a great way to spend a day relaxing, and now you can make a beautiful pair of socks. Gorgeous.

That is completely exquisite. I own a wheel, but still haven't gotten space enough or drive enough to really use it as it deserves. So I focus on the knitting. Which is okay with me.

Glad that the stress is easing.

Wow...beautiful spinning and yarn. And what a lucky recipient your friend is.
I have a wheel that I stare at longingly from time to time...still haven't figured out how to make anything useful with it and I end up more stressed than when I started. Perhaps I should say I just haven't taken the time to learn...I'd have to drop some knitting to find that time and dropping any knitting is hard.
Glad you're feeling a bit better and thanks for the eye candy that is your spunlovely yarn.

OK. So why would you want to weigh lint?

The wool you spun is fabulous. I wish I were the lucky recipient.

Glad that spinning reduces stress. A nice person like you deserves some respite.

Wow...beautiful spinning and yarn. And what a lucky recipient your friend is.
I have a wheel that I stare at longingly from time to time...still haven't figured out how to make anything useful with it and I end up more stressed than when I started. Perhaps I should say I just haven't taken the time to learn...I'd have to drop some knitting to find that time and dropping any knitting is hard.
Glad you're feeling a bit better and thanks for the eye candy that is your spunlovely yarn.

There is something about gradient yarn like that, that amuses and thrills me to no end. I will squeal and ooh and aah (over the monitor, I have never seen it in person) and wax poetic about items that can be knitted in such a way that the colour gradient goes from one end to the other. And my family stares at me like I need a foil helmet. I like coming here and reading your blog and knowing that somebody else nees a foil helmet too - snork!

Wow sweet yarn.

There is something about gradient yarn like that, that amuses and thrills me to no end. I will squeal and ooh and aah (over the monitor, I have never seen it in person) and wax poetic about items that can be knitted in such a way that the colour gradient goes from one end to the other. And my family stares at me like I need a foil helmet. I like coming here and reading your blog and knowing that somebody else nees a foil helmet too - snork!

Wow sweet yarn.

Greetings from the UK! Have followed your blog and wonderful books (can't wait for the next one!) Absolutely love the colours of your yarn. The only time I've seen similar colours is Colinette yarn-four of us fanatical knitters are heading to their place (in Wales) in March-they'll have to force us out of the shop! Also love the Bohus-looks great! I use knitting for destressing too;only thing that works :o)

Greetings from the UK! Have followed your blog and wonderful books (can't wait for the next one!) Absolutely love the colours of your yarn. The only time I've seen similar colours is Colinette yarn-four of us fanatical knitters are heading to their place (in Wales) in March-they'll have to force us out of the shop! Also love the Bohus-looks great! I use knitting for destressing too;only thing that works :o)

Wow sweet yarn.

stress sucks. (ask me how I know...) Spinning doesn't. Absolutely beautiful stuff, and I can't wait to see what your friend does with it.

Greetings from the UK! Have followed your blog and wonderful books (can't wait for the next one!) Absolutely love the colours of your yarn. The only time I've seen similar colours is Colinette yarn-four of us fanatical knitters are heading to their place (in Wales) in March-they'll have to force us out of the shop! Also love the Bohus-looks great! I use knitting for destressing too;only thing that works :o)

This is really really very beautiful yarn, how lucky the person who will be wearing these socks!

I live in the Netherlands, and it seems global warming has banned winter from these parts, at least this year, so I was very happy this week to have the possibility to work in my vegetable garden, doing some tidying up, harvesting some carrots.. a very basic but great way to de-stress!!

Oh dear, I've accidentally posted 3 times!!! Kept getting error messages :o(

Spinning therapy is like no other. Luscious yarn. You and Jo at Celtic Memory Yarns both have the purple going on today. Love me some purple!

You've inspired me to try that kind of more-or-less monochrome gradient with my own wheel. Really sweet stuff, that.

Worrying is a specialty of mine, so I am glad to hear you're doing okay! I clean house when I'm stressed. Not sure why. I've even been known to clean other people's houses, which is just odd (imo).
That's lovely yarn you spun, I like the way the colour changes from lightest to darkest, it should make for interesting socks.

Spinning therapy is like no other. Luscious yarn. You and Jo at Celtic Memory Yarns both have the purple going on today. Love me some purple!

You've inspired me to try that kind of more-or-less monochrome gradient with my own wheel. Really sweet stuff, that.

Boy, those fibers are even more lovely than your description suggested they were! And the finished yarn is definitely a thing of beauty, designed to banish stress!

Yes, yes, the wheel is such a good de-stresser... My girls (5 and 7) like to pedal on it (drive band not on the bobbin, usually) "for fun" but I notice a subtle calming effect it has on them as well.
The sock yarn is looking wonderful :)

That's it. I'm getting a wheel. I want sock yarn like that.

I'd say "I told you so", but that would be smug and snarky, so I won't. *grin*

I love spinning to relax and destress...it helps that the wheel is in the OTHER part of the house--no feline assistance or canine craziness, no computer...ahhh...

Glad it helped, and dang! You spin such gorgeous yarn.... :)

That's it. I'm getting a wheel. I want sock yarn like that.

That's it. I'm getting a wheel. I want sock yarn like that.

Ooooh. I just started spinning and those beautiful colors and fibers are completely inspiring! I feel better just looking at it!

Oh but purple is my favorite colour tooooooo!!!
Sigh.....
Glad things are better, or that you are feeling better. You will post pictures of the socks won't you?

That yarn is simply gorgeous. Some day I hope to spin like that.

Oooh. I just started spinning and those colors and fibers are completely inspiring! I feel better just looking at them!

Love, love LOVE the colors of that yarn. I must learn to spin someday.

I'm so glad you're feeling a little better. Stress sucks.

so, *so* beautiful!

& glad to hear things are becoming more manageable for you.

You know, people (who will remain nameless) keep telling me I have to try this spinning thing....... Beautiful yarn!

Wow! Lovely yarn Stephanie. You're so lucky that you can spin your own yarn.

The yarn is beautiful! I'm so glad you're feeling better and posted to let us all know.

That yarn is gorgeous. Be sure to share a pic of the socks!
Glad you are feeling better. I find walking(the walk of fury) helps with life's stresses. Also playing vintage David Bowie (Changes, or Pressure, for example) music REALLY REALLY LOUD !

It's always best to turn our obsessions from stressful to the therapy of fibre. By being creative we get to know ourselves better. And such beauty at that!

That is gorgeous stuff. I can't believe you're going to give it away. (At least tell me you're saving it for Christmas presents...)

That yarn (& the fiber you spun it from) is so gorgeous I actually gasped when I saw the photos. The socks will be absolutely stunning!!!

wow!! that's beautfiul!! but dang, you enablers are everywhere!! at the rate I'm going I'm going to have to start throwing furniture away so I can start spinning!! :)

Oooh, beautious! And what a wonderful way to reduce stress. So glad you are *almost* stress free again. I'd love to learn how to spin, but the idea of a wheel would add stress to my life and I'd get wool rage (sorta like road rage behind a different type of wheel)

Maybe when the kidlets are more or less grown and not demanding my attention/showering me with sticky kisses every 5 minutes ;)

That is beautiful yarn! I really love it.

amazing stuff - that purple yarn. A friend gave me "fleece" for my birthday last fall to inspire me to learn to spin, but you, dear girl, have DONE it. I'm mailing that puppy off to be washed and processed post haste.

As for the worrying, hang in there! Priest at our church says that's why Easter ALWAYS follows Good Friday - if life sucks, then it certainly ain't over!

Boychild and I are sleeping over at Grandad's house tonight so we (ok, I, can make him his Birthday Breakfast tomorrow) My wheels are still there. Think 'boy will go to sleep quickly so Rachel can practice' thoughts for me, would you?

Definitely bookmarking this for future reference, both for bad relief and for when I get courage to try it myself. Thank you for sharing.

delicious yarn. And there's nothing better than creative distraction for stress. Hope all is better sooooooon.

Ooo..that is simply gorgeous!

Heya, looks great! I've been wishing for some meditative, repetitive motion (can anyone say sock knitting?) myself the last few days, but unfortunately, the source of my stress has been a super-infected cat bite (yes, we still have the cat) on my left index finger...and spread to my whole hand...so NO KNITTING. And all that time in the hospital...and NO KNITTING. NO KNITTING since WEDNESDAY, now. I'm. Slightly. In. Withdrawal. And without a good source of stress relief. (Although being told that the agressive use of antibiotics just in time has preserved my finger...there was doubt...was a pretty good stress reliever.) Books only cut it so far, boy. Keep posting for us poor invalids who need vicarious stress relief! Gorgeous yarn.

I have one word for the yarn you spun: yummy! I look forward to being able to spin consistently enough for sock knitting. :)

Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Stress sucks, even (or perhaps especially) when it's "normal" stress.

The Dizzy Ewe taught me how to spin!

Beautiful wool and yarn that it ended up as. I think these fiber crafts we do (spinning, knitting, crocheting etc.) are all relaxing and repetitive, and that's why we like them. They give us peace, or at least the patience we need :)

Spinning therapy is like no other. Luscious yarn. You and Jo at Celtic Memory Yarns both have the purple going on today. Love me some purple!

You've inspired me to try that kind of more-or-less monochrome gradient with my own wheel. Really sweet stuff, that.

Do you...um, weigh lint often?

Very cool yarn.

I tried yoga a couple of times but I put my back out, which kind of added to my stress level. I want to try it again and just not do the thing that made my back go out, but I haven't had time or energy, what with the two jobs, which probably just means I really need yoga. Oy.

I wish my meditations would have such a beautiful (and lasting) result.

Wow. I'm speechless with how wonderful that yarn looks. I need to learn how to spin sock weight yarn!

I like the concept of the gradations of color and fibers.

Doncha just love the drug dealer's scale? I got one after Claudia posted it, and LOVE weighing my fiber life in tenths of grams.

Ooops. Outed as OCD.

I like the concept of the gradations of color and fibers.

Doncha just love the drug dealer's scale? I got one after Claudia posted it, and LOVE weighing my fiber life in tenths of grams.

Ooops. Outed as OCD.

Dear Stephanie,

I just caught up on your posts, which I have missed since "Represent" went up. I haven't read the comments; it's hard enough keeping my two-year-old off the laptop so I can get through the posts. But you mentioned something about doing your book-launch event at every stop and I just wanted to say: Please!! I have been trying to figure out how to get to N.Y.C for the launch ever since I read your post, but not having any ideas that seem even remotely sane. They don't have to be completely sane, but remotely would be good. Twelve hours in a car (not including stops) with a seven-month-old who hates to travel doesn't seem remotely sane. I'm willing to attempt it for such a worthy cause, but if you were going to be doing something similar a little closer, that would be wonderful. I heard you're stopping in Illinois, that's only one state away. I'm in Indiana. Anyway, that would really be great. Although I have always wanted to see New York City...
Regarding hats: What if everyone grabbed a bunch as they headed out for the yarn crawl, and passed them out to any homeless people they happened to meet on the way? Then maybe you could finish the yarn crawl at a specified location and they could return any hats they hadn't given away, which could be donated to some of the shelters or soup kitchens in the area. Say, if the end of the yarn crawl was Central Park for the sock photo? Anyway, just a thought.
Pardon me for just jumping right in. I've been reading for over two years, and forget sometimes that I've never posted.

Spinning has a soothing effect on me too. When I spin and try to think at the same time, I screw up. It's the ultimate zen experience. Living in the moment without thinking too hard about what you're doing.

I never did manage to do this with yoga.

Just as one woman's answer to the pensive person wondering whether spindling might not work as well: depends on the person. Wouldn't for me -- the spindle is way easier to throw across the room. God bless Johann Jurgen; this anti-Luddite loves her wheel.

P.S. That yarn is beautiful!!

Ah, there's the difference. You get stressed, you spin beautiful yarn.

I get stressed I get loaded on hooch (Bailey's is the usual choice), blitzed on sugar (dark chocolate, so it takes a lot of it to get blitzed), and possibly sated with a honkin' pile o' nacho nastiness.

Then I think about knitting or touching my drop spindle. And because of all the prior stress-relieving techniques, thinking is all I manage before sleep hits me.

Good to know you're feeling better! And if you want to feel *great*, you should visit us in I-O-W-A (oh, like I was going to let that opportunity escape me).

I. Must. Do. That!!!!

That yarn would make me feel good as well..hint hint! :-)

I know this is off topic, but I thought of you & your girls with these arm warmers. This is our local yarn stores blog & she made arm warmers off similar ones in the movie Bridge to Teribithia.
http://www.loopsknitting.com/blog/
~Jules

I know this is off topic, but I thought of you & your girls with these arm warmers. This is our local yarn stores blog & she made arm warmers off similar ones in the movie Bridge to Teribithia.
http://www.loopsknitting.com/blog/
~Jules

I know this is off topic, but I thought of you & your girls with these arm warmers. This is our local yarn stores blog & she made arm warmers off similar ones in the movie Bridge to Teribithia.
http://www.loopsknitting.com/blog/
~Jules

I know this is off topic, but I thought of you & your girls with these arm warmers. This is our local yarn stores blog & she made arm warmers off similar ones in the movie Bridge to Teribithia.
http://www.loopsknitting.com/blog/
~Jules

Ah! Stress! When properly managed it's quite the little motivator. When it gets the better of you though, watch out. I'm glad for you that you found a productive and creative outlet. It's better than a bottle of Screech although that has it's benefits too. :)

Ahhhhhh, creating beauty from stress... That's how I got started knitting two years ago! Lovely spinning, Steph.

Ok-I love to knit socks-a sock knitting machine??
I would love one to crank out some Christmas socks at the last minute(is there any other minute?). So, do you know where to find one and how much yarn money I have to part with to get one?? But it will never replace the Zen I feel when knitting on 4 DP's or a long circular. I promise.

Ok-I love to knit socks-a sock knitting machine??
I would love one to crank out some Christmas socks at the last minute(is there any other minute?). So, do you know where to find one and how much yarn money I have to part with to get one?? But it will never replace the Zen I feel when knitting on 4 DP's or a long circular. I promise.

Wow, that is some beautiful yarn! I wish I had a friend that spins :) I'm glad to hear that spinning helped with the stress.

Yup, spinning will calm you down. I managed to get my big lendrum saxony wheel fixed, and made it thru 1st week (and 2nd week and 3rd week, the most stressful time for university staff) because of it. I can hear the tension bands popping when I sit down at it.

Shoot, it's so pretty that just looking at it sometimes helps.

Very nice yarn...

When stress doesn't dissapate with knitting for me I go for making pysanky. I don't spin --yet--and concentrating on those eggs and the colours just obliterates the whole world around me . What a great releiver. Spinning must be just the same for you. Keep spinning and you'll feel better and your friend will be over joyed with the results I'm sure by the look of the mauves and purples and blues, they area ll my favourite colours too. Thank you for posting .

Oh, your yarn is just amazing! I am currently working on dying some roving for socks, I think I might try the method that Laurie described. I love the way those yarn balls look when they're graduated like that!

I love the shades of colour in the finished yarn but I'm wondering about the content. Do the different fibres behave differently once knitted up? Are they all merino blends? If silk is inelastic would it be wise to avoid placing it at the ribbing at the top of the leg? And if merino pills and wears easily should a blend be positioned on the heel?

You see, even in the midst of mouth-watering loveliness like your delicious handspun yarn I can find something to worry about! And it isn't even MY spinning!

If you'd asked worriers to represent instead of knitters we'd have filled Ontario by now.

Love that spinning! And it isn't even Tuesday!

You've given me spinning inspiration. Thank you. (The fact that it's purple didn't hurt.;-))

Stephanie, I'm glad your stress has lessened and you are in a better place.

That yarn is FANTASTIC! I am working on my ::::first:::: pair of socks and I am envious of that yarn. Knitting socks is awesome. I am in love. I was afraid, as I was knitting the cuff, that my sock and I would have our first fight (potentially ending in divorce) as I learned how to turn the heel. Well, all is well in sockland as I learned how to turn and gusset and am now into the foot area! I cannot tell you how happy and excited I am. Now, I need to finish this, then turn and gusset the other and look for some beautiful sock yarn...to start another pair! I don't think I will be able to find yarn as beautiful as your yarn, Stephanie, but any will be fine as I work at learning this exciting craft! Connie

I love your new yarn... I am so impressed each and every time you spin and end up with hanks of colors that go from one to the next and are marvelous (your scarf for example).

I am in the market for a scale.. could you share some information about yours?

I feel relaxed just looking at the picture...

OOOOOh! so pretty! It will make for spectacular socks!

I just started my second spinning project in pinks and purples. It really is relaxing! It is the first thing I do when I get home from work now.

What a lovely idea. I am still experimenting with spinning, and sampler kits are the order of the day. But what to do with them? Hats, mittens, and yes, socks. Beautiful yarn, your friend is very lucky.

Those colors are absolutely gorgeous, I wish I were going to be able to knit the socks up with them!

I've been spinning some hopefully sock weight yarn, but haven't been able to spin in ages. I tore the cartilage in both of my hips and as such spinning with my double treadle wheel would be a very bad thing right now. The temptation though... oh dear. It hasn't stopped me buying roving though!

Sorry to sound silly but does 2ply for you mean a worsted weight or lace weight? I am in Australia and find all the different terminologies hard to interpret sometimes.....the yarn is so lovely - can't wait to be able to spin like that!!!

Lovely yarn! I don't spin, but it's stuff like this that makes me want to learn. However, since I hardly have time to do the knitting I want to do, I think spinning will have to wait until I can actually retire for real (not this sorta stuff I'm doing now).

As for the spinning therapy, it makes me wonder: How many psychologists would be put out of business if more people took up spinning when stressed? :)

My goodness, that's a pretty yarn! I want some!

Oh wow.. that's just stunning. I'd love to learn to spin someday if it ever meant I could make things like that. :) you are a woman of many talents (as if we didn't know it), and I'm glad it helped relieve some stress, too!

That darkest one looks a lot like what I just bought at SPA. I need to learn how to do that.

I'm glad things are looking up.

That yarn is truly yummy. Spinning is good therapy.

People like me who don't spin and never will really appreciate people like you who do spin and make such lovely looking yarn.

Hope the ooglies of worry are receding.

That is so very pretty! My new wheel was getting it's poly coat this week. I get to use it tonight for the first time! I hope to spin like you some day! Socks (or anything for that matter) from my own handspun yarn will be great!
I am glad it worked to calm you. Stress seems to be in the weather.

That is so very pretty! My new wheel was getting it's poly coat this week. I get to use it tonight for the first time! I hope to spin like you some day! Socks (or anything for that matter) from my own handspun yarn will be great!
I am glad it worked to calm you. Stress seems to be in the weather.

That is so pretty! My new wheel has been getting it's poly coat this week, but I get it tonight after the kids are in bed! I hope to spin like you some day! Home spun anything will be great!

They will be great socks, and I am clad it calmed you.

That's absolutely gorgeous. Purple is my favourite colour. :D

I just started my first pair of socks this week, AND started learning how to do some hand spinning with a spindle I made myself and some mandala wool I bought at Tandy Leather. So far, I've made a very pretty sock cuff, and some of the ugliest, slubbiest, most falling apart yarn EVER. But it's mine, and I love it. :) Thanks for inspiring me!!!

That's absolutely gorgeous. Purple is my favourite colour. :D

I just started my first pair of socks this week, AND started learning how to do some hand spinning with a spindle I made myself and some mandala wool I bought at Tandy Leather. So far, I've made a very pretty sock cuff, and some of the ugliest, slubbiest, most falling apart yarn EVER. But it's mine, and I love it. :) Thanks for inspiring me!!!

It looks like a mandala from end on......how beautiful!
Mary

It looks like a mandala from end on......how beautiful!
Mary

It looks like a mandala from end on......how beautiful!
Mary

GORGEOUS!!!!

Ah, spinning to nurture the spirit! Ghandi spent part of every day spinning. I am sure it made his path more clear. It surely will make beautiful socks!

I was at a knitting guild meeting once, where the program topic was spinning. the presenter spent the entire time explaining about different types of fibers, dying, passing around samples for us to feel, etc. It was very interesting and informative and I felt very relaxed. How surprised was I when she finaly sat down to the wheel and started spinning...the entire room breathed a huge sigh of relief...we just sat, watching the wheel, hypnotized, hoping she wouldn't stop...I can see how, during a stressful time, spinning yarn would be calm, soothing...I'll also note, that as I read your entry, talking about how you spent time organizing your wool etc., I kept expecting you to end it by saying that something had gone wrong...looks like it's all working out! The yarn is beautiful, I would love to see the finished socks. I hope your life gets back in order soon.

Ah, spinning to nurture the spirit! Ghandi spent part of every day spinning. I am sure it made his path more clear. It surely will make beautiful socks!

as a spinner i can attest to the "centering" ability of spinning. Of course, i spin like you knit, when i am happy, sad, stressed and otherwise. The only flaw in this spinning method is the huge amount of stash i end up with relative to finished items!

I admire that you make a plan for your spinning...i do not. Glad you feel somewhat better...hoping you will feel much better soon! Everyone should learn to spin!

Lordy begordy, that's some fine sock yarn! Who knew that spinning to keep the gremlins away could yield such lovely results.

I'm happy to hear that things are looking up a bit. Take good care!

Now that Knittybaby is almost one and actually sleeps (that is, not on my lap or the sling) I've fianlly gotten back to my wheel. I was telling a friend just today how much I want to spin my own sock yarn. Thanks for sharing. Very inspiring!

I have a spinning wheel that has been heartbreakingly collecting dust since it's purchase just over 2 years ago because I went to school for massage therapy (you think I like using my hands?) With school over and business starting and this utterly inspiring post, I shall dust it off and happily clug (it must be a word) my way through some novice spinning. Thanks for your initiative! And by the way, as a parent of small children, I have to share my personal mantra, "This too shall pass," where 'this' is whatever irrational behaviour is in vogue at our abode. Cheers!

What a lovely purple meditation! I have to agree with everyone above -- spinning is a marvellous de-stresser. I'm really glad that it's working for you and I'm glad that you posted to tell us that you're feeling better. I know, it's not Tuesday, but maybe if you give yourself a chance to spin a little more tomorrow, you'll find yourself at the end of that worry thing.

Blessings

I have to take a cue from you. School called, no room at the inn. Father in law called, must have treatment in Boston and I must organise it. Work called and I have three times as many deadlines in half the time I thought.

I bought roving today at my LYS. Fleece Artist silk and merino, just in today. Must. Spin. Also, ordering FL sock kits to make a sweater out of them. Stockinette. Small needles.

I also highly recommend calling someone you've e-mailed for a million years and never actually talked to in person. I talked to Rabbitch today. I feel SO much better. Stress is still as high as it goes, but dude. I am SO not the only one who causes coffee accidents just by being in the same room with a cup of the stuff. Kindred spirits are so necessary when the shit is rough and deep.

Beautifl-- I'm a beginner spinner and I'm hoping one day I may be able to spin something so gorgeous!

I just manage to convince myself that you are mortal like the rest of us, albeit with an awfully good way with the written word, and then you go and pull this kind of shit. It's very humbling, I tell you. A bit inspiring, but mostly just humbling.

Amazing. I'm just starting to spin so when I saw your description of dividing the roving and spinning matching singles... well, it's a skill that I hope to develop in my lifetime. At this point, I'd just like to get to the point where spinning is relaxing instead of stressful. I feel like I'm swinging a golf club for the first time. There are so many things to think about, it's all new, and none of it feels natural. But I digress. Your sock yarn is beautiful, just beautiful. Thanks for showing me what's possible.

Lovely yarn. Lucky friend.

Ooooohhh…is that all yummy! You're the reason that I bought a wheel, and you're the reason I'm going to start spinning again. Gorgeous gorgeous stuff!

Mmm, very lovely! I hope the spinning helped lower your stress level.

Simply beautiful; what a lovely purple outcome.
Hmmm...a lady who parks in my work parking lot had a spinning wheel in her truck. I asked her why she spins; she said, 'mental balance'. BTW, I just supported Blue Mountain - they are at Stitches West and I was very happy to have a reason to spend extra $$ at their wonderful booth.

Ahhhh. . . spinning makes it all better, at least for awhile.

Ah, Spiritual Spinning: how to combine fiber and faith. I've got a great weaving meditation I'll try to put on my gallery site. And...this is the information on how to reach me.
ruth@dizzyewe.net or (909)944-5567

Okay, so all my cyber-gurus have gone to bed. But eventually, look at www.dizzyewe.com for the meditation. Other pics. at dizzyewe.com/gallery. Thanks Stephanie, I glad ewe enjoyed the fibers!

Stephanie, that is beautiful yarn. I am jealous.

That is beautiful yarn.

so glad things are improving. I often find that distraction is the best solution.
fabulous yarn - very clever you. must get me one of those scales.

That's some lovely sock yarn! Your friend will be very happy I'm sure ;)

I'm glad you're feeling better. The spinning is so beautiful I can't wait to see the socks. I need to learn to spin. I'd love to be able to, probably help my stress level too.

oooOOOooo puuuuuurple! That is some fine sock yarn. Truly deliciously scrumptiously lovely! I also have been turning to my wheel to destress. Something about the rhythmic whirring calms me right down. Thank you for sharing your spirit with us!

Oh, so pretty! How wonderful that must've been to make.

Lovely, lovely yarn! I am coveting your scale; what brand/model is that? I'm trying to find one that weighs tiny amounts accurately without spending a sweater's worth of yarn money.

The very reason I learned to spin, best meditation there is. So hope you are feeling better soon and it all works out for you....
Chin Up! Love Tye x

such lovely purpley goodness. i love it.

The yarn is beautiful. I also deal with life's stresses by spinning or knitting. It's unfortunate that not everyone realizes how relaxing it can be. If more people followed the example of Gandhi, then maybe all of us would have less stress. Just a thought.

These fibers are fantastic. I have purchased two of the colorways and am in love. She does have a site where you can see others in the series. Check Ruth's blog at dizzyewe.blogspot.com.

Hi Steph,
Hurray!! I can see this page finally.
I am so glad you finally found a way to channel yourself into a positive quiet/calm.
I also spent part of the day spinning sock yarn. Consistently drafting that thin wpi for the singles sure does take concentration and the color changes are a pleasure to watch. Your yarn looks wonderful. My fav colors too.
namaste,

Hi Steph,
Hurray!! I can see this page finally.
I am so glad you finally found a way to channel yourself into a positive quiet/calm.
I also spent part of the day spinning sock yarn. Consistently drafting that thin wpi for the singles sure does take concentration and the color changes are a pleasure to watch. Your yarn looks wonderful. My fav colors too.
namaste,

I ADORE THAT YARN! I cannot wait to see the socks that result from that!

I would totally weigh the handy lint lying under my couch if I had that scale, just to know.

Brilliant spinning, and I love the concept of light-to-dark sock yarn. I say 'brilliant spinning' with the utmost respect for those who spin and with almost no spinning knowledge. I don't really know what goes into the process, but the product is beautiful.

In other news, we had our own thundersnow here last night. It's a great attention-getter.

Steph,
I had my first real spinning lesson yesterday (spindle) at my lys. My friend Carol sat down with me and taught me how to draft the fleece and control the spin. My 9 yr-old son, Will, helped keep the spindle spinning. What she shared with me is a rich, rich gift...a little window into the wonderful, sharing world of knitting and spinning. I can see that it helps the stress melt away. We are so blessed.

Ang

I would totally weigh the handy lint lying under my couch if I had that scale, just to know.

Brilliant spinning, and I love the concept of light-to-dark sock yarn. I say 'brilliant spinning' with the utmost respect for those who spin and with almost no spinning knowledge. I don't really know what goes into the process, but the product is beautiful.

In other news, we had our own thundersnow here last night. It's a great attention-getter.

Steph,
I had my first real spinning lesson yesterday (spindle) at my lys. My friend Carol sat down with me and taught me how to draft the fleece and control the spin. My 9 yr-old son, Will, helped keep the spindle spinning. What she shared with me is a rich, rich gift...a little window into the wonderful, sharing world of knitting and spinning. I can see that it helps the stress melt away. We are so blessed.

Ang

That is very nice, it looks almost edible, but people are worrying about you now...good luck, hang in there, courage, etc.

That is gorgeous yarn. I gotta spin me something like that sometime; you often inspire me to stretch myself a bit, and thank you.

I was beyond delighted to find that Blue Moon Fiber Arts was at Stitches West, and as they went to ring up my purchase I asked them if they could take credit cards again. The lady laughed (a tad ruefully), and was appreciative of how many people rallied around after you posted about their nightmare. I now understand why you love their sock yarns--their colorways are just exquisite.

Yes! Purple is a divine color. Your friend obviously has stupendous color sense.

LOL! I love it! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who takes part in Spinning Therapy. Whenever I'm really grumpy, nasty, suffering from PMS or just plain out of sorts, my husband and son will gently and kindly suggest "Why don't you go and spin for a half an hour or so." By the time my half an hour (or longer LOL! They just shouldn't add the "or so" on the end there!) is up, I feel a million times better. Whatever was bothering me will have been put into perspective, and my crap-o-meter will have been reset. Plus I get some cool yarn out of it. Never underestimate the power of meditative spinning! Great yarn BTW. I hope you can get a picture of the socks and put them on your blog. Happy Spinning!

Lovely yarn!

Is the hat collection going to happen? I am coming all the way from London, UK :-D and would happily bring over all the hats I know my friends would knit. Shall I tell them to get the needles out?

A word about stress, from recent personal experience. Find thee a friend with a hot tub and a fully stocked beer fridge. An outdoor hot tub on a fine Canadian winter night is surprisingly wonderful. Soak, vent and sip for no more than one hour, then straight to bed. Best sleep I've had in weeks.
Lovely yarn.

That yarn is ridiculously gorgeous. Make your friend send pictures of the finished socks for us all to view.

Simply beautiful!! Stephanie, that color combination is incredible and it will make a lovely pair of socks!

I hope "That Laurie" will be willing to share her pattern for her gorgeous sweater.

Please find time for yourself and I hope the issues resolve themselves soon.

Hmm. It sounds like you're suffering from TMJ aka Temporal Manipular Join Syndrome, which was the subject of my latest blog entry, Time Warped. I'm always finding out that I've done Tuesday all day, when other people on my side of the world have been doing Wednesday or vice versa. I think it has something to do with quantum physics and it's NOT YOUR FAULT, Stephanie. Blame it on quarks or neutrinos or even Black Holes and let the Universe take the blame. And if you can, let the Universe do the worrying too. It has a lot more Time. Anyway, I hope things have resolved themselves as smoothly as possible and I love the yarn. Spinning makes me dizzy, but I admire the ability in other people, the way I admire the ability of sheep to grow wool. Lovely talent, but I don't have it.
Lill

Funny story about your scale......I'm a nurse in an inner-city pediatric hospital. We use those scales to weigh diapers (the used kind). I couldn't, for the life of me, figure out why they kept disappearing. One day, I wondered out loud why a person would steal a scale that only weighed in grams?!? My smirking co-workers filled the naive new kid in......the drug dealing kind. Live and learn.

Beautiful. You're making me drool.

Ohhhhh, wow! Deep sigh of admiration!

So glad to hear you're doing better. Spinning such lovely colors -- cream to lilac to purple -- very restful.

The wonderfully graduated colors of sock yarn are why I am (attempting - no, scratch that, positive thinking only allowed here) casting on my third pair of socks, which will, by all that's holy, be a nicely knit, no holes pair that are wearable.

And I want that sweater pattern. Wow.

So glad to hear you're doing better. Spinning such lovely colors -- cream to lilac to purple -- very restful.

The wonderfully graduated colors of sock yarn are why I am (attempting - no, scratch that, positive thinking only allowed here) casting on my third pair of socks, which will, by all that's holy, be a nicely knit, no holes pair that are wearable.

And I want that sweater pattern. Wow.

So glad to hear you're doing better. Spinning such lovely colors -- cream to lilac to purple -- very restful.

The wonderfully graduated colors of sock yarn are why I am (attempting - no, scratch that, positive thinking only allowed here) casting on my third pair of socks, which will, by all that's holy, be a nicely knit, no holes pair that are wearable.

And I want that sweater pattern. Wow.

That sock yarn is to die for. Or, well, relax about anyway. Beautiful work. Inspirational even.
There are so many knitters spinning away out there in cyberland I feel like I'm missing out in a big way.

That's what I need to be doing, too. Back to wheel, tired soul.

Cool yarn! I'm going to try to remember your idea of spinning it in a color progression and try that myself someday!

I'm glad you found a way to de-stress a bit. There's nothing like spinning to relax a soul; I usually spin for a while before I go to my weekly yoga class (which usually means I have to explain why I have all that fuzzy stuff stuck on my pants, as unspun fibre is remarkably attracted to yoga attire). Visualizing spinning is the best way I know to help me go back to sleep when I wake up at 2 am and my mind goes nuts onme for a few hours. Take care of yourself and don't wait for Tuesdays to spin!

I love me a good punching bag at the gym when I'm stressed. Especially when it's the mad kind of stress.

Your spinning is beautiful and the socks should turn out great.

So beautiful. :) I just recently found the joys of spinning and can't wait til I get good enought to make socks. I love the graduated colors. Can I say again how pretty that is?

I've been lurking on this blog for months now, and I'm finally posting a comment...this yarn is absolutely beautiful! I'm continually amazed at the fact that fiber in all of it's many forms has such a calming effect on so many of us...but I have to say, your handspun is an inspiration! Seeing the photo might just be enough to get me to give it a try!

Ah...! Fibery goodness, an elixer that cures so many things...thanks to the knitting/spinning goddesses...and sheep. Glad you are feeling better.

Oooo. There are no words. Happy!

I need de-stressing too - constantly - but haven't gotten to the spinning yet.

And grad classes keep getting in the way...

Now that is how to deal with stress. Find something that slows you down, calms you down, and occupies your mind fully rather than letting it wander back to your stress. On top of it all, you've made it into a gift for a friend. I'm impressed, it's life lesson to me - next time I'm stressed, I'll turn it into something nice for a friend!

Your yarn came out so lovely that I am sitting here wishing that I could go to my wheel and spin. (Can't because I broke my ankle last week - on my birthday and had surgery and plates and screws and casts and stuff - but I wish that I could.)

My Number Guy got me a digital gram scale last year and I love it. So what if the knitting peeps call me a geek - I program, I *am* a geek. :o)

Great timing! I just bought a spinning wheel yesterday and four complementary colors of fiber. I am planning to do exactly the same thing as you show so I am inspired now. So you spin all of one color, before starting the next one? Is that right?

Ooooh, you've got me drooling at that yarn! I got my very first spindle and fiber (Blue Faced Leicester, hand dyed by the lovely folks at Carolina Homespun) this weekend at Stitches West. I feel like I'm about to enter some secret spinning society . . .

Great timing! I just bought a spinning wheel yesterday and four complementary colors of fiber. I am planning to do exactly the same thing as you show so I am inspired now. So you spin all of one color, before starting the next one? Is that right?

Some of my favorite words in the English language: violet, lavender, purple, amethyst, tanzanite, iris, aubergine, heliotrope, indigo, lilac, periwinkle, grape...

That is some utterly fine sock yarn you made there, missy. You have a very lucky friend. Stress isn't fun, but is seems to be serving some part of your yarn stash very honorably.

That is a very lucky purple-loving friend.

Very nice...and you sound much less tense already:-)

Boy, I sure do wish I was that friend. What exactly is a friend?

That yarn turned out beautiful! I love purple, too. I know what you mean about spinning is therapy. Last week I hurt my back, and during the week discovered that spinning helped relax my back more than simply knitting. So, I got a lot done this weekend. A really nice, soft gray, shetland 3-ply. Hope the stress goes away!

Oh wow! I wish I knew how to spin.

Please, PLEASE, please post pictures of the finished socks!

The purples are just lovely. (I briefly had a flash back to my sister who had a pre-teen crush on Donny Osmond, who, in the 1970s always wore purple socks. I'm sure he has grown out of that...though my sister still has a soft place in her heart for someone who is "a little bit rock-and-roll". )

Very nice...and you sound much less tense already:-)

It was so nice of you to make that yarn for me! Did you need my address, or do you have it already? (Otherwise, how would you send it to me?)

Awesome sock yarn! Awe. Some.

Copy cat from Ballarat! Spinning seems to be so good fro stress, though sometimes I get stressed cos i want to finish spinning and have yarn to fondle and admire and not know what to do with ;-)
I've been doing a similar thing with some striped merino - I've been breaking it into component colours and spinning them in a gradient. If we move to the USA, I just can't wait to get into the amazing spinning stuff available there!
Your yarn is so pretty :-)

I do so enjoy the comments, ladies! I'm preparing a presentation on Ladies' Lot in Life, 1850-1900 & I've found that many things involving a treadle comfort us women: spinning, cradles, bellows (for the hearth) -- that's why women so often tap their feet or swing a leg, we're spinning! It's a self-soothing action inherited from our female ancestors and their great-grandmas.

sigh...
Makes me wish I could spin. Like I didn't already. >< I too would love it if you could get the knitter to be to send in a photo or two. I bet they're going to be gorgeous.

I can think of few other obsessions/meditative escapes that have so much benefit than knitting, and, apparently, spinning. It benefits the doer and also the fortunate recipient with a creative work of art that is often both beautiful and practical; and not ephemeral!
Settles my stress level right down, anyway!

Have you listened to "Ray Sings Basie"? The music (some) of Ray Charles has been digitaly mastered with the current Count Basie Orchestra on a CD. The first two: "Oh, what a beautiful morning" and "Let the Good Times Roll" will make you smile and de-stress....guaranteed. I'm sure spinning would work beautifully with it as well!

That looks like a neat scale! I just bought a couple of them for my spinning group -- but the company refused to take my cheque (when they said they will). So we ordered with a credit card, and then they wanted photocopies of the front and back of the driver's license AND the credit cards! What kind of business does that?? It's one of the big ones in Vancouver, which I won't name, but they sell scales of all kinds.

You sure look like you are having fun!!

Tallguy, some people use such scales for ... ahem ... weighing and measuring illegal powdery substances. I'd bet the government requires this safeguard from the company (even though it's illegal to copy a driver's license). It's a pain in the arse for a humble spinner and dyer to purchase either and electronic gram scale or a real old fashioned gram scale.

Wow....that is beautiful! I wish I was your purple loving friend! I am A pruple loving friend after all.

AND YET ANOTHER REASON TO COME TO CLEVELAND:

THE POLICE will be here on July 16. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m.

You can even stay at my house.

dear knitters and steph and jamey

come early october the postal service will
issue holiday knit stamps by nancy stahl
big party planned perhaps the knitters
could make blocks make that big afgan
and local events in suppot of issue
check out the usps site click on stamps for 2007
october something to do and plan a really big show smithsonian here we come

Those cool colors would help me relax too. Nothing like some great fiber to calm you down.

The yarn is yummy . . . makes me want to throw away the purple self-striping I just bought! I'm just finishing "Yarn Harlot", and I have an addition to your comments on knitting errors. I can't tell you how many times I have discovered a cable cross going the wrong direction, or missed all together, usually discovered after I have completely assembled the sweater. However, I decided it is a valuable clue for identifying the garment should it ever be stolen. "Yes, Officer . . . at the lower left of the front, the second column of cables, four crosses up, there is an 's' curve instead of a cable. That should prove it's mine!"

You know, just looking at your spun yarn makes me feel all cozy and peaceful. Soon I will have a spinning wheel, must pay for wedding first!

Just to let you know in case it is your web site that I've been having all kinds of problems getting your site to come up on here. NOW it may be my server but just wondered if anyone else is having the same problem--at least you 'd know.

Just to let you know in case it is your web site that I've been having all kinds of problems getting your site to come up on here. NOW it may be my server but just wondered if anyone else is having the same problem--at least you 'd know.

Melissa mentioned Gandhi. Here's a link to a picture.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Gandhi_spinning_Noakhali_1946.jpg

Lord a'mercy, that's beautiful yarn you made. My handspun is currently sneering at me from afar, demanding that I ply it up more prettily this time.

The yarn is lovely, and excellent therapy.
The balance (or scale): spinners, illicit-substance providers, and scientists! I've got a few of those babies (some that weigh to 0.0001g, and not the same model as yours) at work....

your spinning is breathtaking and the colors remind me of a late winter sky as the sun is going down. Just beautiful. I just finished plying some romney in a color that is reminiscent of your mix... Of course, yours is much more stunning!

A few words to the spelling police: Bite me and get over it! (I think I spelled all of that correctly!) Blogs are communicative in nature, and there may be errors occasionally. Deal with it and move on---it's called acting like a grown-up! And, a bit more on that note, be a grown-up who's not a coward! A fake email address?! Are you kidding me?! If you're going to be a critic, at least stand in the kitchen and take the heat! YOU GO, HARLOT!

OH...I love purple...I want to be your friend? What do you say? I am fun...really I am...just ask my mom LOL.

Great Yarn...

Marly
www.knitthing.blogspot.com

I needed to laugh, so interrupted my yarn dyeing to read your blog. Went on to see where you'll be on tour (I'll be in NYC 3/22)and noticed Alaska. You might not bless Jayme, the wonder publicist, for sending you in June if the famous Alaskan mosquitoes are out....speaking about getting bitten on the arse. Hope the new book is a great success.

Very good site. Thanks:-)

Nice site. Thanks!

Cool site. Thanks!!!

Very good site. Thank you.

Very good site. Thank you.

Very good site. Thank you.

Good site. Thanks:-)

Exclusive Agreement – An exclusive authorization to procure a loan

Exclusive Agreement – An exclusive authorization to procure a loan

Cool site. Thanks!

Good site. Thank you!!!

Very good site. Thank you.

Good site. Thank you:-)

Good site. Thank you!!!

Nice site. Thanks:-)

Nice site. Thank you.

Very good site. Thank you:-)

Good site. Thanks.

Nice site. Thank you!

Cool site. Thank you!

Very good site. Thanks!

Cool site. Thanks:-)

Good site. Thank you!

Good site. Thank you!

Good site. Thank you!

Cool site. Thank you!!!

Cool site. Thank you!!!

Good site. Thank you!!!

Cool site. Thank you.

Good site. Thanks.

Good site. Thanks.

Nice site. Thanks.

Cool site. Thank you!!!

Cool site. Thank you!!!

Good site. Thank you!!!

Cool site. Thank you.

Good site. Thank you.

Nice site. Thanks:-)

Very good site. Thanks:-)

Nice site. Thanks!

Very good site. Thank you.

Good site. Thanks!

Good site. Thanks!

Good site. Thanks!

Cool site. Thank you:-)