Dear Linda Diak,
Remember me? I’m the polite Canadian spinner who keeps politely coming to your Grafton Fiber booth at all of the fibre shows and quietly buying your cool looking batts and then bringing them home and using them for decorative rather than spinning purposes? Ringing a bell?
In any case, I had a couple of your batts that I dearly, dearly loved and I was not at all sure what to do with them, such was their beauty.
Yesterday I wanted to give my new wheel a test drive (Yup. New wheel. An Ashford Joy so I can spin on the road. I don’t know if you know, but I have mentioned before that my knitty friends at Lettuce Knit are the best sort of human beings and threw me a really cool shower for my wedding…but I digress.) and I staggered into the place where I keep all my fibre and this batt was sort of on top (or at least in the “canopy” of the spinning stash) and I grabbed it and brought it down. I opened it out into a big sheet of fibre onto the chesterfield…
and started tearing off strips, working one end to the other, taking each strip in the progression you carded them into and spinning them into a reasonably fine single.
I say “reasonably fine” because as with all new relationships, my wheel and I will need some time together to work out the kinks. Our love affair is presently a little teenaged, and it’s all sort of fast, giggly, and lacking in finesse. In any case, as I reminisced about old boyfriends I Navajo-plied it into a three ply to keep the colours in the order that I spun them and you carded them.
I won’t pretend I did a good job (I blame the tender relationship with the new wheel) but I was still simply gobsmacked by the resulting yarn. The colours. The softness…the ….well Linda, the everything. I was so taken with the yarn that I did something I don’t do (often). I cast on for something with it straight away…forsaking all others. Forget the sweater, forget the gansey, forget the shawl. Me and my new scarf…
Two for the open road.
I devised a quick reversible scarf pattern and I am in love. Complete and total love. I am so entirely smitten with this plan of mine that I feel inspired.
Linda? This inspiration is dangerous. See, I really like the batt I started with. I really like the one or two upstairs too. I like them so much that I want to do this over and over again. I labour under the delusion that the next one will be even better than this one, and I’ve already gone upstairs and tried to find the other ones that I thought I had. (Suddenly, I am deeply concerned that I may have given them away as gifts, and I’m not comfortable admitting to the petty feelings that realization generated. I’m sure I’ll find them.)
Linda, here’s where you can help me. I am likely going to email, call or accost you soon. I have no intention of calling you now, and I truly believe that I am not going to email you and order 20 batts anytime soon. I think I can handle it. The problem Linda, is that we both know that I am a weak person, and that you are probably going to be at Rhinebeck, as am I. While I have every intention of holding myself together, for the sake of my mortgage, my family and my closet space…there needs to be a back-up plan for when my strength fails me when I see this fibre in person, and this is going to be your job.
When I come up to you at Rhinebeck (or SPA, or a thousand other places where we will surely meet) please, please DO NOT sell me that fibre. Do not speak to me, for I am charming and convincing when I need to be, and I will say what I need to in order to procure the goods. Do not trust any of my known allies, and be suspicious of other bloggers purchasing large amounts of your batts, possibly in my favourite colourways – I am not above enlisting other agents to do my bidding. Do not agree to send fibre to suspicious addresses and do not believe me when I try to tell you that I am buying it for someone else and have no intention of using it myself. Reject my arguments that I am only “holding it” and that I am “in control” and “don’t have a problem” or that I am “only getting a little bit” or that I am going to “share”.
I’m not.
Linda, if you feel anything for me at all, I need to be dead to you.
fondly, as ever
Stephanie
(PS. I was thinking just now and maybe we could agree on a number or something. Like …two. Two batts would be fine…right? Two batts at every show. Per month. Something.)
(PSS. Maybe you should mention this to Tom.)
I’m betting you buy at least 3. Any takers??
Just think, Stephanie, if you finish the shawl & gansey soon, you can ‘pretend’ they were done for the wedding. If you ‘pretend’ long enough, it becomes true (at least in my universe). So hold firm (no new yarn or batts) till at least …next week?
What beautiful colors 🙂
Hmm, there go my chances of getting any of her stuff at Rhinebeck… 😉
Wow, that is so gorgeous. Good luck with your new wheel! And stay strong…you don’t need fiber for happiness…yeah, I’m not convicing myself either…
Don’t know if this will work. There is always something or someone who will slip through. I tell friends not to let me buy anything but something will always call my name and be so loud I can’t hear anythng else. Gool luck in limiting your buying.
No wonder you’re smitten. But (and I can’t believe I’m saying such a thing…please forgive me) …but, Stephanie…”stay the course.” Don’t allow your temptations to loosen your resolve. (Mercy such language. I’ve been reading the newspaper too much.)
Linda?
Don’t get in her way. She thinks she means it, and she’s a small woman, so it might seem both courteous and safe to agree.
Don’t do it.
Or don’t say I didn’t warn you.
As a last ditch effort, sell to her but make her promise to give it all to me. Yes, that would probably be all right.
Oh, how beautiful! But since you entered a link to the source, you needn’t worry about your cash flow–I’ll be buying all her output! (Or maybe not–I just looked at the balance in my account…)
Thank you for revealing your source, though.
You know it never occurred to me to spin a Grafton Fibres batt that way. I did it without unrolling it and trying to make sure that all the colours were well blended in the spinning to get a lovely rich depth of colour in what is basically a solid (though it has flecks obviously). Check out the mitten pictures I posted last week if you don’t understand what I mean.
But maybe I need to try this method of producing a variegated yarn (I bought two batts of the same colour just to make sure I had enough to do something sensible with) and make a scarf to go with those mittens.
And maybe you need another batt or two just to try out different ways of spinning it up and see what effects you can acheive… (I’d make a crap AA sponsor, too.)
Get a grip steph! You know they’re going to be sold out before you can beat the crowds off long enough to get your grubby little hands on even one of them. 😉
Your message should have REALLY been to all the shoppers at Rhinebeck that you are going to try and cajole into releasing THEIR batts into your possession. You will probably promise them wonderful knitted things, or a mention in your next book, or the chance to pet the sock, or something.
BEWARE KNITTERS AND SPINNERS! You have been warned!
much love,
emma 🙂
It’s healthy to adore what’s adorable. Never believe otherwise.
Think positive — is there anyone owing you money who needs of reminder of said debt? Start building funds immediately.
hehe steph be strong.
but im betting she buys whats left by the time she gets to linda:)
steph i love you but when you are inspired its scary;)
Do you think that by your sneeky sly means of showing that beautiful wool to us, we will purchase (beg, rob and steal) all that is available throughout the fiber lands, therefore, there will be none for you? Do you think you will be safe? No. We like you too much to see you in what will be obvious extreme distress at lack of having any more….we’ll cave if Linda doesn’t first. There is no way out of this for you. Accept the fate.
I admit I am a yarn pig, because I want the fiber (and I don’t even spin! :D), but I also want the scarf pattern. It is beautiful.
I’m betting on at least one showing up on the doorstep any day now and another four mysteriously following behind as the plane for home gets boarded. Claims of “I don’t know how they got there!”, “It wasn’t me!” and “I’m bringing them back for __fillintheblank__.” heard echoing through Toronto’s bagagge claims area.
Building A. (I’m ashamed that I know that.)
Susan told me to head right to Grafton’s booth. Guess you blew that plan!
God that yarn turned out beautifully. I want to learn to spin so badly, but I don’t have money for food even right now. >.< The last yarn I was able to buy was a thing of Red Heart that was on sale… I hate being poor. The scarf is lovely, I’d love the pattern for it. Oh and I agree about the concept of pretend. If you hurry and finish the gansey & shawl soon enough they’ll have been done for the wedding as far as anyone is concerned… at least in your own mind. ^-^
Dear Steph – give in to the urge to fondle and possess Grafton Batts….
Do not listen to that still small voice of reason – drive it out with the sensuousness of the fiber slipping thru your fingers and the amazing feel of the yarn as you knit it, not to mention the luscious way it feels against your skin.
Find Linda at every event you go to and roll around in her batts, no one else will want them then and you can pick them up for a song – (you can sing – right?)
I’m looking forward to seeing you at SOAR this year and fully expect to see you spinning one of Linda’s batts.
Ha! This made me giggle.
Now stop holding Flat Scout hostage! She needs to be freed!!
Now you’re sounding like those whom you advise not to feel “that” way. Go for it! Oh Yeah, I read your books 😉
I suppose you could organize a scrum of blog readers to prevent you from getting to the booth. Or, as may be the case, you may have slashdotted the booth and so by the time you got there nary a fiber (or fibre) is to be found. I think it’s hopeless, myself, as she is now probably sitting at home, pondering just the right fleece for you and will stash it away until you arrive and then WHOOSH! it will appear magically in front of you when you least suspect it and you will have met your doom. (now that was dramatic!)
Resistance is futile.
You know this.
Stop pretending 😉
I don’t see the problem here, Stephanie. Cash flow? I don’t recall seeing your statement yet that you had sold the kids into slave labour. Sold Joe to the movies? Surely your furniture would fetch a dollar or two? Come on girl, you’re not showing the strength we expect from our Canadian sisters! Take a deep breath. How much did you estimate the house was worth last time you checked?
Jo
Celtic Memory Yarns
I love the pattern & the yarn & the colors! Wow. Are you willing to share that pattern you devised?
I am becoming a spinning fiber addict myself.
And you’re not helping. That is truly lovely stuff!
Well, it’s lovely yarn and a lovely scarf… Maybe all of the other people going to Rhinebeck will beat you to the Grafton Fibers booth, and save you that way.
gasp! I’m not a spinner! and now I feel as though I must become one! that is simply beautiful… *swoon*
Sorry, but the chances of her turning you away from her fibers are not good. Soon all the other fibers will be dead to you instead, and you will want only hers. Time to sell the children.
Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful.
From a soft colourful cloud to a wonderful scarf.
My fingers ache just wanting to touch.
Going upstairs now to pet the stash…..
This is one reason I am thankful to be wayyyy over here on the Left Coast — very little chance of ever getting to Rhinebeck! I have spun Linda’s batts, and understand your predicament completely…
wow, that yarn makes me want to learn to spin. it is gorgeous! love the scarf. will you share the pattern?
I was in the fleece tent last year at the same time as Mamacate and Juno. All I can tell you is that if they get to Linda’s booth before you do, you’ll have nothing to worry about in terms of your own resolve not to buy–there won’t be nothin’ left!
And “you can stop at any time.”
Right.
don’t make me bring the Batcuffs…
I can understand you completely, two years ago I walked into the vendor room at the SPA and across the room saw this great display of color, it was Linda’s booth. I am a lifelong knitter and a weaver of 30 years but didn’t know spinning from farming!
After seeing that display I spent the next year figuring out what I needed to do to be in need of buying one of those (batts)-prior to this if you had said batt I would have thought of night flying thingys.
Not wanting to invest in a spinning wheel to justify buying batts for my ever expanding stash, I learned of spindle spinning and took myself to Cummington fair where Marianne taught me to spindle. I went into a booth and purchased my first spindle. Wanting only to spin for lace knitting I got a Cascade spindle weighing only .05 ounce!
I came home and ordered a batt from Linda and for the past year have been practicing spindling which I find soooo meditative. To date I have 20-30 little cops. I did take two and ply and wash and wind, but I much prefer just spindling.
BEWARE RHINEBECK!!
I am going for the soul purpose of finding some merino/tussah in two colors to be able to eventually knit a shawl from “phrihyrnur Og Langsjol” from school house press.
I am sure I will purchase more batt or roving then I can use in a lifetime and surley one or more will be from Linda. I go to her site and drool frequently.
Hope to see you at Rhinebeck!!
“An Ashford Joy so I can spin on the road.”
Didn’t your mama warn you about the dangers of playing on the road!
Heh. That might be the most Harlotty post yet.
Um, Stephanie, how about two colourways? You know how Linda has the same colors carded in a variety of ways, like a spectrum, then a little more mixed, then blended? That would be ONLY six batts, and they are so quick to spin.
And pick up a few wood crochet hooks from Tom, too. They feel just right in the hand…
And get Linda to tell you stories about her magical, wondrous boys.
Linda, If you are reading this, you’d better start dyeing bats like crazy (and eating your Wheaties)! She wrote three sentences about my sock yarn in July and I sold 35 skeins in a week. All I can say is hang onto your hair! It’s going to be a ride!
i swear, her and her giant mermaid have magical powers!
beautiful! all round!
Will you people STOP with the Rhinebeck thing? It is seriously depressing for me, out here in California…and it is becoming TOTALLY REASONABLE that I buy plane tickets, book a hotel room, rent a car (OK, maybe a small pickup truck) (or just cut to the chase and have a UPS driver follow me around).
Mortgage? What mortgage? Job? Uh, I’m, er…retired? Kids? I’m thinking this would be an EXCELLENT bonding opportunity for them with their father…
(pssst…Steph…you can say you’re buying it for me and I’ll back you up IF and ONLY IF you actually do toss me a bone…)
Then again, the last time I tried to remind you of your professed sorrow for all the lovely things languishing in your stash while you blatantly eyed up other yarns and fibres, I was mocked and made to hold the Curious Creek in an effort to corrupt me. You’re on your own, kid.
Let the ladies know they’re welcome at my home when they’re starving and shivering in the dark because you’ve spent the food, heating and electricity money on Grafton Fibre batts.
Dude. First off, I think your resulting yarn is gorgeous. Second, I just landed a job today for the Ebil Empire (contract, but benefits!), and I may have to celebrate with Grafton Fibers. *G* Third, go you with the new wheel/crush/relationship/hanky panky spanky! 😀
Oh Harlot – Sounds like you need to destash to restash. Time to visit destash.blogspot.com. Yes, I’m saying by selling somethings that are not Grafton Fiber you can 100% fully justify buying Grafton Fiber. You have the motivation, and the means, now is the time to act!
PS — lemme know what you’re selling… it might be just what I need.
That piece is beautiful in every stage of completion. I wouldn’t be able to knit from that ball, it was so beautiful as a ball… I’d hang it from the Christmas tree, and gaze at it. Lucky you– the finished scarf is even better.
Now, where am I going to get the hours in a day to take up spinning?
oHHHHH, now how can you not do 5? It is a good solid # … 5 for each show….That would be ok wouldn’t it?.I sooooo want to get some my self!
I’m so glad you did this post, Stephanie, because I have a Grafton Fibers batt that I bought at Stitches Midwest and I had no idea how to get from batt to drafting. I have a drop spindle and one lesson under my belt, but that isn’t enough to figure out how to get the best effect out of a batt. Thanks for showing me!
Rhinebeck? You’re going to be at Rhinebeck??
Nice link to that spinning site…..I’ll be stalking at the Grafton booth. Not stalking you of course….
Oh now. That’s just not fair. For either of you.
I was right! A new wheel. A new Joy 🙂 I love your teenaged affair – fast, giggly and lacking finesse. LOL
Of course if you buy too many of Linda’s batts, you can always feel good about offloading some to me 🙂 I won’t be at Rhinebeck so I won’t be fighting you for some.
Wow, is that gorgeous. It looks like my favorite all-time all-purpose scarf pattern, the twin rib. That yarn……wow. I haven’t spun any of my grafton batts for fear of ruining their beauty. I must try your method…someday.
I say… GO FOR IT! Sell the children! You can’t take it with you, ENJOY the fiber! You can “quit anytime” tomorrow 🙂 Besides, now that you’ve made us all swoon, Grafton fibers will be sold out by Rhinebeck, you can imagine it’s your willpower…
will you be at SAFF In a few weeks? I will and grafton will be there so I hope to grab some batts on friday before they are all gone. I got my Joy about 3 weeks ago and I ADORE IT!
I just flew with it and had no trouble at all!
So is the joy giving you trouble? Maybe I could help. I had a heck of a time attaching that plastic see-thru thing and in the directions it shows that the sprind shouldnt stretch very much at all. I have been spinning wonderful on my joy and just adore her. I like her MUCH better then my Lendrum which I sold.
– pixie
As long as the ends meet, do whatever. That’s my general policy on these sort of things.
I think your handspun looks great and that scarf is gorgeous.
I love those batts myself and usually pick up 2 or 4 at the fiber festivals.
SPA – your going to be at SPA….I hope so…its so much fun and it was wonderful hearing your last year…and will you new book..book..book..book be near ready (published) then?
– a huge fan –
You are a strong and disciplined woman. You control your urges, they do not control you. The craving for this fibre is magnified because you believe that you should not have it, thereby glorifying it with the aura of forbidden fruit. You have the strength and willpower to resist.
But why the h*ll would you want to? It’s gorgeous!
You work hard, you take care of your family, you pay your bills, you feed the girls; why shouldn’t you indulge yourself?
A little of what you fancy does you good. It is logical therefore that a lot of what you fancy is even better.
Stephanie you have truly gone batty, I suppose this is in season as Halloween is looming. However, may I call you if I ever find myself in a similar circumstance? I am taking a class in spinning at Stitches East and , well you never know……
Oh, Stephanie, we knitters and spinners are weak, weak people. I can completely understand your plea to Linda, and also your dwindling resolve!! I feel the same way when I go to my job at the yarn store one day a week. The first thing is to arrive early and cruise the aisles to find any new goodies that arrived. We work to support our habits (addictions), don’t we??? Good luck!!! Stay strong!!! (hahaha)
You know, if you (and I’m not saying you WOULD) bought 2 matching batts, and spun them really, really fine (not that you have the time) onto two bobbins and then plied them together, you could use the resulting yarn (from fiber that you didn’t buy because you are a woman of strength) to knit a really, really cool shawl. But never mind, you aren’t going to buy any more of those beautiful batts. Right? But a shawl would be gorgeous.
I don’t knit anymore, but I want me some of those batts. For y’know, petting. Sleeping on. Whatever.
Dear Linda-
May I suggest, a FIBER of THE MONTH Club?????
2 batts per month…. oh yas you begin with a special dyed for Harlot limited edition…..
I’m sure that for the price of a few batts- the Harlot would give up the pattern for her batt inspired scarf…
BTW- if you do this- Harlot- and I would be more than willing to take our “cut” of the club proceeds, in membership.
ps I am of course, using the Harlots name to my own benefit-and without her clearance. But, we are talking GORGEOUS fiber here…..
ts 😉
continuation of thought…. it’s easier to “budget” fiber purchases when you are “committed” to a club…. pay once- then reap the benefits monthly.
Works for me.
Good luck getting one of your dealers to cut you off. They never do. They never believe that it is better to listen to you whine and moan about not having their fiber than to just sell it to you. You know they don’t have a heart or soul by the very fact that they are selling it in the first place.
I’d keep it all for myself and eventually be found under a pile clutching skeins in each hand.
By the way, I gave some sock yarn to a friend in a swap and I’ve never been able to look at those beautiful socks she made without cursing her out loud and trying to pull them off her feet.
I don’t share well.
Whoa. Kick-ass friends you have!!
I’d bet on at least two more, but I’m hesitant; I don’t want really large amounts of cash being sent to my house. I could get arrested with all my winnings.(The authorities don’t really understand knitters. But my family doesn’t either)
Whoa, Stephanie, I think you need to reconsider this. You earn a living writing knitting books and articles, correct? And you have developed a relationship with your consumers (us readers) that is based on the depth of your insight, experience and wisdom regarding all things fiber. I think it would be woefully irresponsible of you to not buy more fiber from Linda. We need your advice and experience to carry on! Who is going to spread the enthusiasm for fiber and spinning if not you?! No, you absolutely must reconsider! (Besides, sounds like a tax write-off to me.)
Now, look, I’m not trying to be an enabler. Being a dirt poor musician, I understand how important the budget is. I’m just going to say the same thing to you that I say to my husband whenever he accuses me of “having a problem.”
There are worse things one could be addicted to. Like crack. Or alcohol.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Obsession is normal. (I learned that from an author. That is the inscription in the copy of one of her (knitting) books that I own. Wonder who that could be?)
Even after another book, you have this much good stuff left in you to write/blog. Thank you for once again sharing the good stuff.
DROOooooool… (falls out of chair)
The temptation to knit freshly plied yarn is almost irresistable. It’s…so…pretty! and you *MADE* it out of combed sheep shavings. Hand-dyed combed sheep shavings!
My MIL has a wheel that she’s going to *give* me – just ’cause. and I haven’t got a place for it, so I’m spindle spinning for now. It takes for freaking ever and each time I manage enough to ply, I ply right away. I haven’t even got it all spun up yet and I want to knit it! It is looking to be a lace shawl when it grows up.
Anyhow, you spin beautiful and loverly and amazing yarn and…
…you’re totally cut off.
The best thing for this addiction is to send your roving to cute, sweet, loving spinners living in Murfreesboro, TN who only want to help.
😉
(not that I know ANYone like that!)
I would never batt, er, butt into your private life, but it is traditional for the couple to exchange gifts. Joe seems to be the right kind of guy, so probably he’s already taken care of this, but just in case he didn’t…
Not only am I gobsmacked at that beautifully “ombre-ed” colourway, I’m also gobsmacked that you Canadians also say “gobsmacked”!
I thought it was Australian slang.
Carson (in Aus.)
Dear Stephanie:
You poor thing. Perhaps I can put you out of your misery. You needn’t fall to financial ruin at Rhinebeck, as those batts you have – well, they won’t be there. Those commercially dyed colors are lovely, but I have to admit I finally grew weary of the palette. Yes, there are lovely colors there, but for me it had become a ‘been there, done that’ kind of thing. It was time to move on, hence the reason the fiber pages are down right now. (Well, that and the fact that we’ve been moving the studios and hosting little boy birthday parties instead of reworking web pages.)
That’s right, at Rhinebeck this year you won’t find the same old combinations. Alas, there will only be luscious colors hand dyed by yours truly. Corriedale batts that, thanks to the dyeing process, have had the crimp restored to its original state, resulting in batts that are probably too big, too lofty, and just too much damn fun to spin.
Oh, geez, did I mention the hand dyed yarn? But you spin. So you don’t need to worry about that either.
See? No need to fret, dear Stephanie, about buying the same batts you have always bought. (But get your butt to the booth early.)
Fondly,
Linda, who is still eagerly awaiting those audio versions
You are SO FUNNY!!!
I like that pattern you devised. It looks like the one I came up with some months ago for my alpaca scarf. Is it basically garter stitch with regular intervals of slipped stitches? I love that pattern. So easy and looks neat, too. And if on the reverse side, you put the slipped stitches in between the slipped stitches from the front, then it looks kinda like ribbing.
This is why I haven’t gotten further than a drop spindle. Fibre is too tempting and lovely to say ‘no’, however unhealthy it may be to collect too much. (‘Too much’? I don’t mean to offend the fibre gods. Apologies…)
hey, you should do an update on how you feel about the Joy…I’ve been coveting one for a while, and can add “Stephanie said…” to my list of reasons pro or con.
The con list is long. It would include things like “You already own nearly the entire ashford line, plus a louet and that amazingly beautiful custom job you picked up at the junk shop.” and “Remember that your husband said if you bought another wheel you’d have to get rid of one.” (but there’s ways around that.)
You’re going to buy six and you know it.
Hell, I’d buy ten and I can’t even spin, apparently …
Kiddo, if we promise to buy her out, will you give us the scarf pattern? I’ve got some really yummy handspun that just *needs* that pattern! ;oD
–Sue
That’s a lovely scarf! Any chance that you might share the pattern? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze? 🙂
Pattern!!!!!!!!!!!
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m working on Christmas Knitting and that scarf would be PERFECT for one of my sisters! (or me) Please share!!
Oh that’s beautiful. I bought a drop spindle from her, hand inlayed, Mmmmm. Congrats on your Joy. That’s the wheel I have, she’s been great to me. can’t wait for Rhinebeck, see you there!
Well, it’s a jolly good thing I can’t afford to get into spinning (timewise, sanity-wise, and money-wise) because if I could, a post like this would have me desperately firing my credit card number off to every supplier you mentioned in this post. It just looks so tempting. I know I’d love it. But for the forseeable future, I’m going to have to love it from a distance.
Speaking of the Shawl…
Um….how’s it going?
Grafton. New colorways. Building A. 10 am. Got it!
Let us save you from yourself. What are friends in fiber for?
Ladies, let’s not…ladies…ladies…aw hell, gimme some of that!
oh man. i needed something like this tonight. i laughed so hard the kids came running in to see what was wrong.
but, um, why fight it dude? my new theory is that batting will make great insulation if we lose power when bird flu strikes/terrorists attack and i must acquire as much of it as possible between now and then. and, well, if dh notices that i seem to be dyeing a lot of it, it’s just that i want colorful insulation.
Gobsmackingly beautiful. Gobsmackingly is a word, right?
OOOOOO Linda is evil, right? hahahahaHHHHAAAAA! RUN Stephanie RUUUUUN (like, “Run Forest”)
My condolances… I don’t even think I could resist her fiber and I can’t even spin. (yet….)
Grafton, Bldg. A, 10 am…that bus better make tracks from Rochester and get there on time. I’m pretty sure I want some of that!
I saw the Joy in the background of the last photo but I thought if you weren’t going to mention it I’d better pretend that I hadn’t seen it. Lovely yarn, I’m never sure how to spin something carded rather trhan combed, I may give it a try.
Dear Stephanie,
I just thought I’d tell you that it’s too late for you. You’re doomed! I had my first spinning lesson (one of 2, the second one was how to ply)on Jan. 4, 2003. I was hooked and my new spinning friends said I had the spinning gene LOL! Two months later, I went to Grafton Fibers Spin In. What a blast! I bought a Mala drop spindle made from a Banksia seed pod from Linda, a couple of batts, and some Merino and silk roving. I haven’t been able to put down my drop spindle since! Jeannine Bakridges did a dyeing demonstration and then let us paint some roving. It was inspiring and great fun. Now I’m a spinning and dyeing fool. I can’t stop, and don’t even get me started on the joys of dyeing! I’m not saying that all of it is Linda’s fault, but she’s partially to blame. I had the very best time at the Grafton Fiber Spin In, and if I hadn’t had so much fun, I might not be the maniac fiber junkie that I am today. If her batts weren’t so freakin gorgeous, so easy to spin, so addicting, so….so….. Words fail me, but then, you already know.
I just wanted to let you know, you’ve already been assimilated. She has caught you in her trap, just like a fly on sticky paper. You should just give in and go with it. I found that after a few Grafton batt buying sprees, it was easier to just buy 2 or 3 batts like a normal person. Not much easier, but I was able to just pretend I was a normal shopper.
Congrats on the wheel. I’m sure that your crush will develop into a long and loving relationship. Besides, you need something to spin the batts on! Happy shopping at Rhinebeck. I’ll try to leave a few batts for you to buy.
That is so very beautiful. And autumnal. ~x~
Oh Stephanie…you poor, poor thing. All those batts forcing themselves upon you. You know you’ll get to Rhinebeck and they’ll sneak out of Linda’s booth and accost you, right out in the open! Which frankly, I’m going to be mentally urging them to do. [veg] It’s revenge for the sockBorging, ok? First I bought yarn for just a few pairs of socks. Then after seeing and feeling my first skeins of Fearless Fibers rainbow-dyed sock yarn, I got *more*. I told Deb of FF I’d have to be good this month and only get 2 skeins. (By now I have *8* skeins of her handpaints, I’m still only on the heel of my *first* sock, and I keep going back to her Etsy store to drool over more. This does not Bode Well for restraint on my part) She jokingly wrote back that I’d better be good, or she’d have to cut me off like a bartender. I didn’t tell her that that was all too likely to be necessary in truth! And it’s all your fault, you evil sockBorger, you. (Thank you so much. I’m loving socks!)
And Linda? You’re a truly evil woman too. Pictures of fiber up but you’re re-doing your site – AAAAGHHHH! Of course, due to the sockBorging and resultant instant addiction, my fiber budget is flat this month, but now I’m going to be on tenterhooks until you get the new pages up. There’s no way I can get to Rhinebeck from the left coast (budget, and I ain’t hitchhiking, then camping – not in fall!), so I’ll have to wait to even look at new colors. We’ll just disregard that little point about how I couldn’t afford any this month anyway, ok? It’s still the agonies of Tantalus.
I think you two deserve each other. [g] It’s a match made in heaven. I just want to hear all about what happens when Stephanie hits Linda’s booth!! We may not be able to trust Steph – she might try to hide the damage – but I presume we can expect other attendees to make full disclosure? We shall live in hope. And drool. 😉
I love the yarn that you made. I only wish I could spin like that. The scarf is very pretty. Will you tell us your pattern? Some of us are challenged in the area of pattern design. Ok, maybe it is just me.
very clever…. want to share the pattern?
Oh my! What LOVELY fiber and yarn. I think the new wheel (CONGRATS!) is going to be a fine addition to the umm suitcase, so to speak. Your handspun on the Joy is lovely and will only improve with time!Enjoy the teenage love-affair to the utmost and it will grow into something more mature. 😀
I’m not sure which is amusing me more, Linda’s brilliant response, or Eclair’s belief that ‘You are a strong and disciplined woman. You control your urges, they do not control you.”.
Both are pretty damned funny.
Sounds like you’re a goner, no matter what Linda does.
Scarf is lovely, the story of was very fun to read.
~firefly
Linda’s batts are pretty amazing since I have a “few” myself. I’m actually just finishing up a Diamond Fantasy Shawl in my handspun from those very same batts. My first handspun shawl and I am quite giddy :).
Shoot, I wish I hadn’t just read Linda’s comment. Corriedale batts specially dyed to restore crimp?? I can’t wait to see them.
oh dear.. I suppose we who are going to Rhinebeck could make teh ultimate sacrifice and purchace many many batts of this fibre in your favourite colourways and thus save you from your addiction.. oh dear..but then I fear we would be addicted!
How many yards did you get out of the batt once you plied it?
Oh, that’s so pretty. I love those colors. I would think that every time you spin yarn, you’d immediately want to use it. I think I would. I couldn’t put something like that away. I have no experience with spinning at all but I’m so intrigued by it.
Aye, yer a wee wicked lass, conniving on the batts, and I’m not bettin’ the farm you lose all control..
Psst….hey, Stephanie. I’m kind of betting Linda will be here at the end of the month (hoping she will be anyway!): http://www.saffsite.org If she is, you could slip on down south for a bit of fibery r and r. I’ll race you to Linda’s booth, because I, too, amd in love with those batts.
And you can stop anytime you want to, right?
OMG, that is beautiful…and why I know better than to walk that spinning road. The first time I used a wheel, it was obvious that I have an addictive personality and I had to stop before I traded my children for a couple of fuzzy sheep… Surprisingly, the Mister didn’t poo-poo the idea since the sheep would keep the grass trimmed and thoroughly annoy the neighbor to the rear. They are, however, my babies, I have to keep them for another 12-14 years. Then maybe an alpaca for my mid-life empty nest syndrome… But, I believe you comforted me (and others) that obsession is normal… it’s all those muggles that are freaks.
Come on, be reasonable. You have to get over this teenage relationship with your new wheel and, as we all know, the only way to get passed the teenage issues is through personal growth and working out the kinks and developing a lasting and permanent relationship which is a nice way of saying . . . buy more. (who am I to stand in the way of genius!). And good luck.
FIBER CLUB.
FIBER CLUB. Chant with me……Fiber Club….
Rewards are always good…finish the shawl get a batt or three, finish the gansey get a batt or three, wash the dishes get a batt or six, feed the kids get a batt or twelve. It’s fiber math.
Don’t be silly, Dear Heart. You need to buy at least ONE batt to replace the one removed from the stash. And since no single batt will be exactly like that one, you may have to buy several to cumulatively approximate the glories of the Batt That Has Been Spun. Linda, let her shop. All of Rhinebeck will be darkened by her grieving if you don’t.
Stephanie, how much wool can you carry?
I know the feeling. I was litteraly in tears by the end of this post. Right now as I type I’m daydreaming of the 3 oz I spun last night from a Grafton Fibers batt of indescribable colors. Most likely I’ll sit here at work all day contemplating if I should do laundry or spin up the rest of that batt when I get home (sad, isn’t it).
I’m planning on writing a list before I get to Rhinebeck and hand it over to my cousin who is accompanying me. I’m hoping that the “buddy system” will help me keep my sanity while I’m there.
Or you could do what I did, buy a pound of Grafton Fibers batts in a color you later realize you hate, and spend the next year spinning them. I guarantee you the bloom will be off that rose.
They are amazingly great batts–terrific bold colors and easy-peasy to spin–but I can’t wait to be spinning something else right now.
(I know, life is too short, yadda yadda, but for some reason I feel I need to finish them. Then I’m going to hold a contest for the yarn. Three years from now, when I finish).
I got one of Linda’s pink batts at SAFF last year. There weren’t more or I would’ve bought them, too. The worst part-last time I looked at this year’s vendor lineup, she wasn’t on it. I keep telling myself that’s a good thing, but it makes me very sad nonetheless.
Thanks for the morning laugh.
Remember, resistance is futile, you will assimilate 🙂
Hmm, more autumn colors, I’m sensing a theme here. I’d tell you to be strong and remember the girls’ college funds, but considering I’ve happily marched off and bought every yarn you’ve mentioned in the last three months, I’m probably not the best one to give you moral support.
Rhinebeck — somebody help me, is only 3.5 hours from my house. Okay, have to find link and dates for this show-where hopefully they have yarn as well as batts and roving (considering I don’t currently spin). Fingers are crossed that it’s not going to conflict with the long-delayed two-hour drive to the PA Renfaire, otherwise, I foresee a weekend with long long hours in the car . . .
You’re lucky I’m not going to be at Rhinebeck. I’m bigger than you. And certainly meaner. And that fiber would be MINE! MINE, I TELL YOU, ALL MINE!
Er. Wedding dress. I have to work on a wedding dress. Not yarn. Not spinning. Not sweaters.
That beautiful yarn makes me want to learn how to spin. It is just amazing.
She captured a sunset and entrapped it in the fibers of that batt. Does she have a website where more such wonders may be seen?
Erm…you have just ensured that her lovely fibers will be sold out within the first hour. If you really, truly, need to be held back from making this purchase, all you need is a flat tire.
Oh goodness, I wish I lived closer to New York so I could go to Rhinebeck. It would be worth it just to see the drama unfold at Linda’s booth! I desperately want to learn to spin now, seeing all those gorgeous fibers. Must save for a spindle! (Would take too long to save for a spinning wheel. That’ll have to come later.)
Monica (commenter 3) took the thought right out of my head. Our favorite colors are different, luckily, but I am still worried.
(I take some small solace from having identified the vendor based only on the picture in your previous post.)
Wasn’t it mere days ago that you were warned NOT to forsake all others? 😉
I agree with everyone. I want to learn to spin too, it sucks to be poor, the fiber and the scarf are beautiful, and sometimes you just have to let a darling project go ahead and be a line jumper — or it might never get done. And if I were at Rhinebeck I would probably buy the batts and hold them hostage for an emotionally equivalent amount of Belgian chocolate. So clearly I’m no healthier than anyone else.
Absolutely beautiful colours! I love them, the stitch, the yarn, it all comes together so well!
ooh I can totally relate, even at shows where Linda doesn’t show up and has someone else, aka Briar Rose, carrying a very limited amount of their batts, I still manage to come home with (gulp) 6 – 8 batts.
Gorgeous yarn though. Is that only one batt?
Ugh, make that TO forsake all others….dear me, I need to go knit. Desperately.
It’s a good thing we have very different tastes in color. I’ve spun one Grafton Fibers batt (it’s becoming a scarf for mom for Christmas), and I have four more waiting for me in my stash. They are seriously Good Stuff.
So, here’s the deal for Rhinebeck: you can buy all the autumnal colors, if you leave me some in jewel colors. If I see you sneaking away with one in purple or red or turquoise, I can’t be responsible for what happens. Deal?
Will.Not.Get.Bitten.By.Spinning.Bug.
Sock & Lace Shawl Bugs were bad enough, thank you!
But wow that scarf is gorgeous! Would like to see that pattern, yes I would.
Have a great time a Rhinebeck!
(((hugs)))
Even I want to buy these bats, and I don’t spin!
I loved this open letter to Linda. It’s hilarious. Feel free to tell her you are buying the bats for me. Even though I don’t spin. I won’t tell.
My first spinning experience was with a Grafton Fiber batt… how is that for spoiled?? Their stuff is sinfully amazing, however I limit myself to only buying at SPA, I refuse to check their website.
You EVIL woman! You spinners get me all hyped up on wool and then you give me a link to those BEAUTIFUL colored batts, and then the link has NO WHERE to purchase!?! I may just have to slit my wrists right now. I am building a fiber stash at an alarming rate and I expected you, as the enabling type, to help me out with that, but Noo! You just tempt me and then laugh.
Oh, by the way… did Joe and the girls ever get any of the jam I sent you home with? 🙂
Where would someone from the US find some of those lovely batts?
Dear Steph,
I blame you entirely for the fact that I have become the type of person who watches a video on how to Navajo ply for the very first time and gets tears in her eyes, it’s so beautifully simple.
I will, however, give you a hug at Rhinebeck anyway, and I’ll even buy a Grafton batt or two just to help you in your endeavors to avoid them. I know, it’s a sacrifice, but as I said, I’ve become an emotional, teary-eyed loony-toon and, as such, am gradually getting accustomed to the art of such selfless sacrifices.
With love and a promise not to mention how many little fuzzies you may or may not have stuck in your hair from all the fondling,
Lee Ann
You are charming and convincing–I’d say your only option is going to be to move to another state, or hope that your batts get knocked up and reproduce on their own…otherwise, you may find that they will gnaw their way through your pocketbook and make a little nest where your food and mortgage money should go…
This may or may not be useful for you, but here’s the way *I* deal with these devious batts.
One.per.show. Period. No negotiating. No wavering. No crying. Just the one. So be CERTAIN that you love it because you only get the one.
Except at Rhinebeck. See, like sock yarn, Rhinebeck doesn’t count.
Your friends gave you a spinning shower for your wedding? Seethe, seethe, envy, envy. See how green I can turn?
I got blenders, toasters and candlesticks. Oh, boy, did we get candlesticks. And did I say we got candlesticks? I don’t know what force was at work, either, because I checked the Chinese calendar and it was so NOT the Year of The Candlestick.
Please let us know what you think of the Joy. I’ve had one on my wish list for a few years (waiting to win the lottery. Must buy ticket soon).
*sigh* and I was hoping to keep Linda a secret…now there won’t be anything left at her booth after 10:02am on Saturday – and I blame you for the stampede ;o)
I have a Joy, too! I love her. She’s my first spinning wheel and I must say that it’s a little difficult working with her (she’s a little like me, moody), but she sure is beautiful! Best of luck to you and yours. And I’m glad you’re going to be at Rhinebeck; I can give you the stitch markers I forgot to give you in Brooklyn!
My 17-yr-old son loved the color of your new scarf so much, he pointed at the picture and exclaimed that yours was the perfect color for a hat and that if I made him such a hat he would wear it every day. Only eight more days to Rhinebeck — I will barter a small baggie of German angora for a cherry blossom 🙂
Thanks for the fabu pattern! Did you say how much yarn (length) you started with? I’ve looked and looked and don’t see that.
I don’t spin, but it’s the perfect pattern for all the gorgeous mulit-colored yarns.
Thanks!