Afternoon Walk...Sans canines

There is a video cast coming soon..I have run in to some technical difficulty, Ai!   I know that both KNIT & DOG are missing here in this post, but in an effort to keep things fresh/current, I thought I would pass along a little inspiration.   Know though, I was WEARING lots of fiber/knitted/spun things and of course thinking about my critters!

Soulful Stash

I upcylced this blog post from another project but thought it would be a little tide over until I can get myself organized for a podcast, sheesh or should I say, sheep...you would think livingin the north woods of Maine there would be plenty of time but alas, as usual there is not...but all the same enjoy this little commentary and brief glimpse in to my daydream place.


My introduction to and fascination with fiber is rooted strongly in the sheep, deep in the wool and resides on a farm, a farm on and island in the North Sea.

Prior to finding myself at Fersness Farm, Eday Orkney Scotland, I'd never given knitting or spinning much thought. And I would never call myself a fiber artist. I do not create patterns or seek new techniques. I did not come to knitting by way of yarn or the longing to create beautiful garments. I came to the craft of knitting…cold off the lambing hill, though the mist and damp, tired and slightly bereft. I came to the craft of knitting…carrying chilled lambs, smeared with manure, and high with the miracle of healthy, spry triplets. When I knit or spin this is where I go. I go back to the heather hill, to long nights, well deserved naps and hot steaming mugs of tea.

Moving Sheep on Pharay

I recently discovered that the fiber in my life is a connection to time and place, not process, beauty or community. They are added bonuses but not what I seek when I pick up the string and sticks. No, the string is memory, I can feel it.

As I suss out this interesting epiphany, I realize that process, the sheep, the landscape encompasse the heart of the craft, the soul of the medium…it is where is all begins. When we visit the farm, the shepherd or shepherdess, we are at the heart of our craft. When we select the yarn we touch the soul, the essence of hard work, pride, death, birth,…the cycle. I have become quite particular over the past year as to what yarn I purchase, not for any other reason than I want to connect with the heart and soul of my craft. I want to pick up my project and feel the farm; every stitch I take I want to have soul. 

What soul do you have in your stash? What yarns/spinning fibers do you really connect with?
Enjoy a glimpse into my soulful stash!

Else Wool Cormo Fingering Weight…Winnowing Shawl by Bristol Ivy

SeaColors Meadowcroft Farm, TBD.
Starcroft Yarn Nash Island Sheep, Lambswool Fog…TBD
North Ronaldsy Aran Weight The Wool Shed…Bellevue Robin Melanson

Hope Spinnery, windspun yarn from local Maine farms…TBD

Sweating Stitches

My knitting anxiety is in full swing as I prepare for vacation which is silly. While Rob is worried about what to pack for day hikes, kayaking, and general logistics, I can't seem to get past what to bring on the plane.  That being said, and as much as I tell my self to stop, vacation knitting is serious business. It is when all my imaginary knitting has the chance to become real...like Pinocchio and they so very much want to be a "real" projects that they drive me right to the belly of the whale, where all the lights are out.  I know, this is not hero's journey here. I am not embarking to find the golden fleece or enter some transformative consciousness. Nope, I am simply trying to make a decision about what to knit. So far I am two for three, I am taking the following:

The Mind Reader for Rob
Yarn: Elsa Cormo Fingering, brown

Waffle Creams Socks for Mom
Yarn: Madeline Tosh Sock, Baltic

? for Me
( I perspired a little contemplating this)


Episode 3-1 from Sarah Knit on Vimeo.

As for the show notes be sure to check out the following:

Bare Naked Yarns
If you do do a google search...don't forget the "yarn" bit, just saying...

Woolen Rabbit Yarns

Who's been inspiring me lately?

Down Cellar Studios: this will be my first KAL and I love her podcast. 

Heather of Highland Handmade and the Fiberista Files
She is my closest non-related fiber friend and we are working on a fall retreat together...so excited.

I did not get to mention this in the podcast but there is a strong possibility I may be going to Rhinebeck this fall.  I know, I know, more anxiety not only is there the drive but what about the sweater?  Perhaps Rob will let me borrow his that I am knitting for the KAL, one can only hope!

A whirlwind

So..I have moved along to a video podcast. Hmmmmm?  I am not sure how this is all gonna roll but between audio and video I think there is a modality for me.  As usual I ask for flexibility as I navigate what's best and suits the themes of the show. 

Mom and I had a blast at the Fiber Frolic. Next time I will be able to show you what's happening with the Shetland/Corriedale fleece I bought at the fleece tent.

I am headed to Alaska for a few weeks in the near future but plan to have a post before I leave...most likely video.  In the meantime be well and be blessed with warm fuzzes be that wool or pets!


On the Needles: Rivington Cowl: Kristin Kapur
          Ruit Farm North-coopsworth
Off the Needles: Sullivan: Whitney Gregg-Harrison
           Shelter Yarn-Targhee/Columbia (woolen spun)

Maine Fiber Frolic-first weekend in June
           Wrinkle in Thyme Farm: Needle Felting Tiles
            Tidal Yarns-gray overdyed, homespun
            Catawampus Farms-overdyed mohair, Lincoln and Alpaca
            Hatchtown Farm-gray coopsworth
            The Ross Farm-Cotswold


A Second Whirl from Sarah Knit on Vimeo.
An attempt at video podcasting...yikes, batdogs. This time I talk about the On & Off the Needles, the Fiber Frolic, Dogs & Windows and promptly run out of time.

A Whirl...

Listen to the Podcast here...for now...soon we will be on iTunes, this technology stuns me!

Podcast Powered By Podbean

I give podcasting a whirl, talk about dog ownership and general canine shenanigans, rant, ramble and rave about fiber, knitting, spinning and whatever else come down the pike. 

On & Off the Needles:
Masehowe by Robin Melanson
Leaving by Anne Hansen
Altocumulus by Angela Hahn


The Dogs:

Coe:

 

Fern:

 



Bella:



Coe Lambsitting....

 

 

 





 The Owl and the Squirrel

Music provided by Music Alley

Theme song by Adam and the Couch Potatoes