Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Marching On and Out

I got a surprise package in the mail yesterday. I forgot all about winning Laura's blogaversary give-away. I had a sluggish computer almost all of last week so when I answered the phone and she said, "So, what do you want?" - I was completely taken off guard. I didn't realize she had emailed me to ask what colors I'd like. She is a crazy master at dyeing, natural or chemical. Her college minor was chemistry and I think she practices her chemistry on wool!
She described my options and I was pretty much, Duh, I dunno. Aren't these colors spectacular?! I'm in the middle of a project so I won't get to start this right away like I'd like to, but I'm antsy to see what yarn I'll get. The fiber is merino, bamboo and silk and there's 4 ounces. I'm tempted to ply it with something else to get 8 ounces. I hate to wait. I can remember my mother saying that - "Can't you just wait?" Guess what - NO!
My hat-kit hat is finished and it looks like charging $.15 a yard will have me setting the kit price at $20, which also pays for the jar. My pattern is free :) I am partial to the natural colored yarns - this is my from my favorite, Shetland. The white is from Wobbie the Wam, named by our grandson who at the time had a W-for-R substitution. I probably need to think about dying yarn some for those who might not be attracted to these neutrals. My next craft fair is April 9th.

I just finished the third of the books Ian bought me for Christmas. I thought Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible was engrossing and sobering. I wasn't prepared for The Immortal Live of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, which I finished today. I read the second half in one sitting and I'm warning you, the tears were running down my face. It's going to stay on my top ten best books ever, along with A Yellow Raft in Blue Water. It's non-fiction but one of the most compelling books I've read in a long time. If you choose to read it, you will cry - you have been warned.

9 comments:

Jodi said...

The hat looks gorgeous, and the kit price seems very reasonable! Wobbie the Wam is a hoot, btw.

Thanks for the book recommendation -- it sounds fascinating.

Lucky you with the beautiful wool to spin!

Annie said...

Beautiful colours in your prize-wool! Spinning it will be ever so nice.

Theresa said...

Congrats on winning that wonderful fiber, looks beautiful as does the hat. Wobbie would be pwoud!
The Lacks book is an amazing read isn't it. I have not read the Yellow Raft on Blue Water. Going to have to check that one out!

Valerie said...

Totally agree with you on Henrietta Lacks. Now that it's out in soft cover our book group will probably adopt it. There's a lot to discuss in there from racial discrimination to health care in the U.S. to who owns your cells and tissues when you receive medical care. Rebecca Skloot did a heck of a job on that one!

That's a very reasonable price for some really neat hat kits! Have fun spinning your win fiber!

Two Guys and a Loom said...

The hat is fabulous..... and the natural colors look perfect for the pattern. Kit price is very reasonable too, wish I knew how to knit!!! Thanks for the book recommendations too.

Benita said...

What a pretty hat! When are you going to start selling the kits? Here or on Etsy?

You are right those colors she dyed are super wonderful.

~~Sittin.n.Spinnin said...

Beautiful colors!

bspinner said...

I love your hat! I'm always jealous when I see them. That's reasonable for a wool hat kit.

Leigh said...

Don't you just love surprises in the mail. I'm glad you mentioned Barbara Kingsolver's book. I forgot it was on my "to read" list. Must go reserve at our library website.