Handpainted Yarn by Angelina - The Perfect Skein

Halfway There!

2009-05-13T12:40:00.004-07:00

I'm at the mid-point of the nursing program and, while I'm loving it, it has put a serious dent in my fiber time.

I see that I've had many visitors since my last post. I'm sorry I haven't posted anything new in some time. I hope to post at least monthly until things are back to normal but that is dependent on my workload.

Since I can come and go from it as time permits, I've spent most of my limited free time spinning . I haven't done much hand-painting or dying as it's time consuming. I did manage to find some time over my short break to get a little in.

All of these are currently listed on Etsy.

With the economy in such poor shape, I've spent some time sourcing reasonably priced yarns and fibers. Like many of you, I take much comfort in anything fiber. Spinning, knitting, and crocheting are all great escapes from everyday stressors. I hope that I can offer quality product that are affordable, even in these difficult times.

While I still wont have time to fill special orders, I do have other yarns, rovings, & batts that I haven't listed. I'll be listing them as time permits. If you're looking for something in particular, email me with specifics and I'll let you know if I have what you're looking for.

I hope this post finds you all well!
Thank you for visiting,
Angelina

Two Recent Spins

2008-09-02T18:58:00.005-07:00

I've haven't had much time for fun but I found a few moments here and there to play with some of the alpaca fiber I've acquired. The darker skein is a single of black merino that I carded with natural grey alpaca and hand dyed rose alpaca. The skein on the right is a 2ply adult alpaca roving that I handpainted Midnight, Marine, Aqua & Grey:

Thanks for visiting!
Angelina

Did you know?

2008-08-15T11:50:00.004-07:00

Knitting Daily has a television show that is aired on PBS! Unfortunately my PBS station is not yet airing the program but I'm hoping to change that. If you live in New Mexico, Southern Colorado or Eastern Arizona, please help me get this show aired by emailing your request to KNME's programming department at viewer5@knme.org.

Those in other areas can find contact information for your local PBS station by visiting www.pbs.org.

Also, if you haven't signed up for Knitting Daily's Newsletter you can do so here.

Spinning Fibers

2008-07-31T19:43:00.003-07:00

I've just listed a beautiful grey alpaca fiber, as well as a nice creamy white aplaca on Etsy and The Perfect Skein.

I'll be starting the nursing program next month and won't have much spare time, so for now, I'll be focusing on listing supplies.

I will be hand-painting as I find time (hopefully I'll find a little) but I certainly won't have the ability to list on eBay every week. I'm hoping to list at least once or twice a month but I'll have to play it by ear.

I'll still be happy to take special orders on a limited basis so feel free to contact me at angelina@theperfectskein.com.

I do appreciate hearing from you all. Wish me luck!

Thanks for visiting,
Angelina

Adventures in Alpaca...

2008-06-17T20:51:00.005-07:00

I received a shipment of raw Alpaca yesterday and got to work this morning washing it. As you can see below, it was pretty dirty. After drying I hand carded it to remove any remaining flecks of VM.

Of course I had to dye it too. I wanted to see how it took dye in comparison to other fibers so I put it in the pot with some merino and silk. Naturally the silk dyed up the darkest and the merino is just a little deeper than the alpaca.

And here are the 3 carded together with Peacock Angelina Fiber:

Thanks for visiting!
Angelina

Core Spinning-what's on my bobbin now...

2008-06-15T19:58:00.006-07:00

I love to try, and try to perfect new things. I've got Navajo plying down, I've been carding like a mad woman (I've gotten fairly fast at it with minimal damage to my knuckles), and I've been trying new fibers.

I carded up a beautiful .75 ounce batt with natural black alpaca, natural grey wool, and beautiful rambouillet/angora blend in fuchsia. As soon as I took it off the drum carder I knew it wanted to be core spun.

I tried to core-spin mohair some time ago. I can't begin to tell you how unsuccessful that experiment was. I though I'd better practice before attempting it with this lovely batt. I started off slowly and worked about 20 yards with wool on a cotton core. I discovered that keeping the drafted fiber about 1/2 inch wide and working at a 45 degree angle worked best for me. Eager to get started I grabbed my batt, along with some black size 3 crochet cotton and got to work. I found that I was able to move along pretty quickly and managed to spin up about 50 yards in 20 minutes. Not bad for a first try.

I expected the skein to be unbalanced. I started with a balanced core and put twist into it. I shocked the yarn in hot, then cold water, and hung it with weight to dry. Still unbalanced.

Now, I've heard (or read) on various posts that a balanced core-spun yarn is possible but, unless you're using a hand spun single that is equally unbalanced, I don't see how it's possible to get a balanced yarn. I tried spinning the core onto a bobbin in the opposite direction before core-spinning and it was still unbalanced. Any ideas or suggestions?

With that skein done I'm now spinning up singles of the rambouillet/angora and it really is like spinning heavenly clouds.

I've ordered some rambouillet and am hoping to include it in some of my listings.

I would love to hear any stories and advice anyone may have about core-spinning.

Thanks for visiting!
Angelina

It Has Arrived!

2008-04-27T09:14:00.004-07:00

I received my drum carder Monday and got right to work. I had already dyed a batch of merino in teal and mohair in midnight blue. I carded them individually, then together:

I couldn't wait to see how it spun up:

I'm looking forward to trying a wide variety of fibers and colors and hopefully will have more to show soon!

Thanks for visiting!
Angelina

What's on Etsy!

2008-04-23T19:59:00.006-07:00

Not so patiently waiting on my drum carder!

2008-04-19T18:33:00.002-07:00

When I started this hobby it was an inexpensive one. In my early 20s I could make an afghan for under $15 using about 8-10 super-sized skeins of acrylic yarn. Now I can't think of much I'd use the stuff for.

My LYS has a bumper sticker that says, "Friends don't let friends knit with acrylic!"

I wouldn't go that far. It serves a purpose. Blended with cotton it's a great choice for baby items that will need to be washed often. I use it to test patterns or ideas before I waste my precious silk/linen or other expensive fiber. Even then I'm picky about the acrylic I'll test with. I Love This Yarn is really the only one I can stand the feel of. I've heard people say the other acrylics soften up after washing but I can't confirm that.

I'm really not a yarn snob. I just can't imaging putting my heart and soul, not to mention all that time and effort, into something and not doing it with the nicest yarn I can afford.

I digress, well sort of. Yarn is expensive but making yarn is really expensive.

When I started hand-painting I used a niddy-noddy to skein from the cone. $25 wasn't too bad but hand-skeining gave me severe pain in my wrists, elbow and shoulder so I invested in an electric skein winder with a counter. Expensive but one of the best investments you can make if you do a lot of skeining.

Then I purchased a spinning wheel and taught myself to spin. Again, expensive but, in my opinion, well worth it . Spinning is my greatest stress reliever. The skein winder comes in very handy for removing my hand-spun yarn from the bobbin too. I am getting my money's worth out of that thing!

That should be enough right? Well that's what I thought but now I want to start carding my own fiber. Imagine the possibilities! I tried doing it by hand and didn't like the results. Quite frankly, I really hated doing it too. I didn't invest in hand carders but tried it first with dog slickers. I probably would have had better results with the proper tools but I disliked doing it so much and am glad I didn't invest the money. They are quite pricey for what they are!

I started searching the web for a drum carder. I was, to say the least, astonished at the cost. This would by far be one of my biggest investments. In my research I found a couple of tutorials on home made drum carders.

I gave it some thought. I'm somewhat handy. My favorite non-fiber tool is my compound miter saw but it's the most specialized tool I own. I might have to invest in other tools for the project and, the cost of the carding cloth is very expensive, around $5/inch. A cloth that would make a 20 inch batt would run around $100. Like I said, I'm somewhat handy. I know it would take at least two tries to get it right, at least.

I decided I wouldn't chance spending the money on something that may or may not work. I continued searching, every day, various web stores along with etsy and eBay, looking for a decent used one or a good deal on a new one. I finally came across a new one for a decent price from another etsy seller. I'm always happy to support another indy!

My only complaint is that she couldn't wiggle her nose and have it here instantly. I've already dyed 3 different types of fiber and purchased some Angelina fiber (another pricey item-$5/.25g) in eager anticipation.

It's a good thing I haven't learned to weave. I've already checked the price of looms and wow! Who knows what the future holds though.

Off to spin!

Thanks for visiting,
Angelina

Natural Dyes-Not So Safe or Environmentally Friendly

2008-04-03T05:41:00.007-07:00

I want to do it all! It started with crochet, then hand-painting yarn, then knitting, and most recently spinning. I wish I had more time to do each. That would be heaven! I would love to raise sheep and alpaca but that will have to wait.

Then I decided I'd like to try growing my own natural dyes. I had bought this great big house with plenty of land. I could use the garden area where my great-grandfather had grown green chili and tomatoes. It would be fun right? I began my research right after the holidays so I'd have plenty of time to decide what I wanted to grow before the growing season began. I would need to make sure I had a variety of mordants to get different colors from the same plant. I couldn't wait to experiment and see the results!

It seemed like such a great thought. Natural dyes would be safe and environmentally friendly right? What harm can come from flowers, leaves and roots? Well, if that was all there was to it that would be great, however, I soon realized using natural dyes is neither safe nor green.

First of all, I live in a desert. We have much needed water restrictions and growing my own dye plants wouldn't benefit my environment. That alone is reason enough. There's also the metal ion mordants (which remain in the fiber to hold onto the color) required for natural dying, most of which are quite toxic.* While I could take precautions to protect myself, natural dying is best done outside and I have three big K-9 friends to consider as well. There's also the energy required for boiling or steaming to cure the dyes. While natural dying might be great for some it's not for me.

I'm going to stick with fiber reactive dyes. In all the research I've done I've found them to be the safest. All that's required is pure washing soda (aka soda ash; sodium carbonate) to increase the pH for vegetable fibers or vinegar to lower the pH for animal fibers. They are colorfast and require little heat. From March through October I can just set them out in the sun to cure and my laundry room is a great place for curing in the colder months so I don't need to use extra energy. Of course I still have to take precautions like wearing a mask while mixing and gloves should be on for the entire process. My dying utensils are used exclusively for dying, never for eating or cooking.

*While I've acquired this information from various books it can all be found in one place on the internet. If you'd like more information on all types of dying please see Paula Burch's site. This link takes you diretly to information on natural dyes. Before you do any dying please read up on the process and safety requirements.

While this information was disappointing it's probably for the best. There's only so much free time and I already feel I don't have enough of it to concentrate as much as I'd like to on the things I love doing.

Thanks for visiting!
Angelina

Shaping Calculator From Knitting Daily Added

2008-03-28T18:56:00.003-07:00

Please check my sidebar for a link to a great new shaping calculator from Knitting Daily. If you haven't already signed up for Knitting Daily's newsletter I highly recommend that you do. You'll find helpful information, techniques and free patterns. My favorite feature, their sweater gallery, shows how a few of the current patterns from Interweave Knits will fit various figures.

Thanks for visiting,
Angelina

Now selling on Etsy again!

2008-03-25T13:42:00.003-07:00

I am happy to announce that I'm selling on Etsy again. You'll find plant and animal fiber yarns along with spinning fibers. Please stop by!

Handpainted Yarn and Roving on Etsy

Spinning Fiber & New Wools Added to ThePerfectSkein.com

2008-03-13T10:05:00.002-07:00

*Now available at The Perfect Skein:

Handpainted and undyed spinning fiber including Mohair, Merino and a lovely brown/grey wool-a few items are already up with more to come in the next week.

Henry's Attic Monty 3/9 and Kona Fingering.

*Coming soon-100% Bamboo

We also carry handpainted JaggerSpun wools and blends, along with cotton/bamboo, silk, a lovely silk/linen blend and more.

*March 2008 special-Free shipping within the continental U.S. on orders totaling $30.00 or more.

Increasing Cost

2008-03-06T15:09:00.002-07:00

Unfortunately prices are on the rise-likely due to fuel/shipping costs. My suppliers have increased prices by up to $4/lb and beginning this Sunday, March 9, 2008, those increases will be reflected in the starting price (an additional $1.00/skein) of my eBay auctions.

As much as I'd like to avoid this, I cannot absorb the cost as my auctions start at a minimal charge above the cost of the undyed yarns.

I'd would also like to thank everyone for their feedback and emails. It's always so nice to hear that one's efforts are so well received.

Thank you,
Angelina

An Experiment in Dying and Spinning Silk Hankies

2008-02-23T19:11:00.004-07:00

I ordered a half pound of silk hankies a few weeks ago and was eager to paint and spin them.

The skein on the left, a 2ply ~14wpi, was dyed and spun first. I was a bit afraid to wash the hankies before dying them so I didn't. They seemed so delicate and I didn't want to pull on the fibers or mess up their arrangement. I used Chocolate, Rose Wine and Bronze. The Rose Wine did show up fairly well but the Chocolate and Bronze were very muted and don't really show through in the finished yarn.

The skein on the right was Navajo plied, ~18wpi. I did carefully wash this batch of hankies before dying and the colors are much more vibrant. I found that laying them gently in the bath and leaving them to soak, removing them from the water, draining, then placing them in the rinse to soak worked well and kept the hankies in tack. I folded them into quarters, gently pressed out the excess water and unfolded them immediately. I made the mistake of running water over the first batch when washing out the dye which did mess up their arrangement and create a bit of a mess of the top layers.

I watched a youtube video demonstrating the process of spinning silk hankies by making a hole in the center, then pulling the fiber to the desired thickness. It worked very well except I found that this long strand of this fiber, which catches on everything-itself, carpet, clothing, skin, etc. to be very annoying. I did use this process for the entire first skein and the beginning of the second. I then began to stretch the hankies a bit and draft the fiber from the center. I found this to work much better for me.

The tendency of this fiber to catch on everything it comes in contact with makes it incredibly easy to spin as a very fine yarn. I spun the second skein with the intention of making a thin lacy scarf and, knowing I would Navajo ply, I wanted a fine single.

I'm very happy with the results of both, the first skein turned out light, lofty and nubby and may become a hat. The second should be a scarf by next week. I'll post it as soon as it's done.

I'd love to hear about any experiences any of you have had with spinning hankies, or spinning in general.

Thanks for visiting,
Angelina

2008-02-18T16:28:00.004-07:00

I've been spinning away and have tried Navajo plying. Below are a few photos of recent yarns. Those on top are Navajo plied, the first two without pinching the twist (unintentional but I love the nubby texture of them anyway)-left to right: silk batt, Brown Sheep Wool, handpainted roving. All on bottom are 2ply-left to right: silk batt, tussah silk, handpainted roving.

We had planned to spend the holiday weekend in Jemez or Chama but the recent snow storms kept us close to home. Instead we spent an afternoon in Old Town.

Thanks for visiting!
Angelina

2008-01-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Since setting up my spinning wheel, I've only been able to find a few hours a week to spin. I've completed about a dozen skeins in various colors and textures and am quite pleased with the results of most. I am now capable of spinning an even skein that's balanced before setting the twist, however, I like the uniqueness of the thick & thin slubby skeins most. Early on I gave soy fiber a try. I was very proud of my first skein, which I plied with a cotton/rayon thread. My second attempt was frustrating and I realize that while I am now comfortable spinning wool at a faster pace, the soy, a shorter slippery fiber, requires a little extra time and care. My friend in Jo sent me a lovely package of incredibly easy to spin corriedale in a variety of colors.

Here are a few examples. From left to right:
Louet Merino plied with Brown Sheep Wool
Corriedale: top-red plied with orange, bottom-sky blue plied with navy
Brown Sheep roving handpainted in shades of midnight: top-plied with black corriedale, bottom-plied together
Bamboo plied with cotton/rayon thread then handpainted.

Most of my time over the last two months of 2007 was spent finishing up holiday gifts, and then, a gift for my sister whose birthday is this month. I made this sweater (The Gathered Pullover, Interweave Knits Winter 2007) for my mom (sorry no pic) and I loved it so much I had to make another. My sis has terrible allergies so I chose a fingering weight alpaca in natural grey.

We've also been able to get the studio set up and I'm back to painting so I'm finally listing on eBay again. The studio had been storing some of my grandparent's furniture that my aunt wanted to keep. I've also been trying to source new yarns for the website. Fuel prices have caused everything to go up in cost significantly. I would really like to add alpaca and llama yarns to the website.

I've spent some time in the last month researching natural plant dyes. Now that we have so much more land I'm very much interested in growing my dyes. I feel like I've been doing so much and accomplishing very little but it will all fall into place.

So many plans, so little time. I hope the new year is off to a good start for all.

Thanks for visiting!
Angelina

Introducting Gretel

2007-11-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to finally have a spinning wheel. I so wanted to get started the moment I opened the box but Gretel (named after a very round Basset Hound) needed a good staining before she was assembled. Finally last week she was ready to be put together.

My wool roving arrived just a day before the wheel so I was ready to go. My first attempt, a very thick double ply, had a great deal of character. It has already become two hats which I may felt a bit as I am worried about the strength of my first yarn. Unfortunately I'm far to busy to take a class right now so I turned to Youtube, watched 5 or six video clips and my second attempt, taken much slower, came out beautifully. I plied it Wednesday and set the twist, then dyed it Thursday night.

I was really curious to see how different the same dye lot would turn out if the roving was dyed before spinning. Here are the results:

The left skein is hand-painted after spinning, next is the roving in the same dye lot, and to the right is the hand-painted roving spun and plied.

I love both the crisp colors of the hand-painted yarn and the muted, blended colors the hand-painted roving produced. Unfortunatley it's difficult to see anything but the lapis in the second skein but the color blending really is quite lovely.

Off to try the soy.

More to come!
Thanks for visiting,
Angelina

Adventures in Frogging

2007-10-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

As much as I'd like to get back to hand-painting I haven't had much time lately-even to finish unpacking. I thought I had everything I needed to get started again but when I went to set up I realized there were still a few thinks lurking somewhere in boxes that had yet to be opened. I'm also getting close to starting the clinical portion of the nursing program and have been busy with classes 3 days/week, working 3 days/week, leaving only one day for cleaning/laundry/shopping/life etc.

With my limited free time I've focused more on knitting. In order for me to be able to do something, I have to fully understand how and whyit works. That's easy for me with crochet but I am a far less experienced knitter. I have several stitch pattern books and I've been going through all of them, picking patterns to swatch. While I'm working I pay close attention to what each stitch does-whether it makes an opening, a twist or a turn. I've learned a great deal about cables and lace and I'm finally beginning to see which stitch belongs where and why.

I've said before that frogging terrifies me. I've done a lot of frogging lately(you'd think by now I wouldn't end up with double the stitches I started with but somehow I do) and even feel comfortable with that now that I know how to pick up dropped stitches regardless of how far they've run. Even within a pattern I can now usually figure out how to pull a stitch back up. That alone is my biggest accomplishment!

Hopefully when this semester is finished I can get back to the website (which desperately needs attention) and hand-painting but until then I'll be frogging away.

2007-09-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we've relocated but there is still so much work to be done!

The house was left fully furnished after my great-grandmother passed and family would use the house when they were in from out of town. Cabinets were still full-everything from bedding to china and toiletries to dry goods. The children and grandchildren took what they wanted and I've been going through what was left, keeping some things and donating others.

What will be my studio is packed full with furniture my great-grandparents had and will go to my aunt's cabin in Colorado at some point. I'm looking forward to getting it set up and hope that it won't be long before I can start working again. I have big plans for it!

I was thrilled to find that 2 of great-grandma's crochet afghans, along with a few doilies, remained. I plan to hang the afghans in my studio and display the doilies in the house. I know grandma hadn't crocheted the last few years of her life due to osteoarthritis but I was a little sad to find that she hadn't held on to her hooks and even more sad to realize she admitted to herself that she could no longer do it. I know that was something that was hard for her to do.

I remember coming to visit one day, finding her outside holding on to her walker for dear life, while trying to bend over and pull the weeds that had begun to grow around her beloved rose bushes. I was so upset with her! I reminded her that she had plenty of family around who were always happy to help her. She told me, "Mi hita (sp?), I will do it until I fall over and crack my head!" She was one strong, stubborn woman who wasn't willing to give up even hard work.

My great-grandfather Ignacio passed 16 years before grandma did. I am thankful that I had the first 19 years of my life to know him. He probably seemed a little frightening to most because of his gruff voice and permanent frown. He was all of 5'6" and 95lbs but he still scared me a little even though I loved him to death and knew better than to be afraid of him. He'd catch me sneaking into the candy jar and would loudly say in his deep husky voice, "Ahn-he-lena! What are you doing in the candy jar? You don't like candy!"

Grandpa would spend his days squatting in his chili garden, coming in only to have a bowl of chili and a tortilla or freshly baked bread. He had a good size lot, behind the garage, reserved for his chili plants. Even with emphysema he'd spend the whole day working away, and, I'm afraid, sneaking a cigarette or two. Grandma caught him though. She just happened to glance out the back window and saw a plume of smoke coming from what looked like the roof of the garage. Poor thing thought the garage was on fire so she ran to the back to tell grandpa and discovered he was the source.

They were quite a couple. I miss them dearly and think of them daily. I know my grandma used to hear grandpa talking to her because I'd walk in and catch her talking back to him. She was never really alone in this house and I hope that they both are here with us.

Now I just need to find that candy jar! I'm sure I'll hear from grandpa if I do.

2007-08-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

Finally! The move is here in a few weeks. Selling and buying a house has truly been one of the most stressful events I've ever experienced. We've done a lot of work to the house we're selling and have had a lot of ups and downs in the process.

I'm looking forward to getting my studio set up and working again. I haven't done any painting over the summer since I had to pack all non-essentials and I've really missed it.

Since I desperately needed something therapeutic to do during this long and stressful event, and painting anything other than walls wasn't an option, I decided now would be a great time to work on my knitting skills. Still far from being at the level I'd like to be at, I'm very happy with the way these tops have turned out simply because I've learned so much and can see how much I've improved. Once again they're all sleeveless. Yes, I occasionally make wearables with sleeves. In fact I've finished a short sleeve bolero that needs to be blocked andI'm almost done with a circle shrug. I'll post those later today or tomorrow. I really like sleeveless items for their versatility. They can be worn alone or over a tank or short sleeved top during the warmer months, and over a long sleeve top in the cooler months.

I must also admit that I am sometimes impatient and find sleeves time consuming and tedious. Part of this stems from my commitment to myself to not have more than 2 WIPs at a time (holiday time excluded of course), and I usually can't wait to start on one of the other dozen or so things I have working in my head.

The first is knit in handpainted cotton/rayon boucle. No pattern, just a simple 3x3 rib with basic shaping for the bust. Loved the way the colors worked up, wasn't in love with the uneven stitches:

Not as happy with the first as I'd hoped I'd be, I went back to crochet for the next project which is also done in handpainted cotton/rayon boucle:

The third was inspired by a Craftster member who'd used this decorative stitch in a tank top. I was thrilled that she posted a tutorial since my knit and crochet stitch reference books are also packed! The upper bodice is my own shaping and I opted for a little move coverage on top this time. I must say, after blocking this top, I was one proud knitter. This was knit using size 3 mercerized cotton in solid chocolate:

Thanks for looking!
Angelina

Petition Supporting Breast Cancer Patients

2007-06-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

A challenge to all you fiber artists out there! Take a minute to sign Lifetime Television's petition supporting the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act.

Sign The Petition

Thanks!
Angelina

Updated-New Colors & NZ Wool added + Discount for blog readers

2007-06-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

We've now added a set of bulky New Zealand wool and have another set of colors in 100% Cotton, Cotton/Bamboo, and Silk/Linen at ThePerfectSkein.com

Blog readers receive 20% discount through August 15th

Just a little thank you for visiting!

You'll find handpainted JaggerSpun yarns including Zephyr wool/silk, along with lace silk, bamboo/cotton, silk/linen, and 100% cotton.

Thank you,
Angelina

One Busy Spring!

2007-05-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been incredibly busy but very exciting. I've been working on the website and finally have it up but it's not functional yet. I spent a lot of time tweaking it and it still needs a little tweaking. I'd planned to get the shopping cart built right away, while at the same time searching for a new home and trying to plan a wedding, but some exciting news has put those plans on hold.

My fiancee and I have been looking at purchasing a new home together. We each have our own homes so we have the ability to take our time and find something that's just right. One of the requirements is a home with and extra building for my studio. My stock and supplies have really mounted and it really needs a large space of it's own. We weren't having much luck and were ready to give up when I found out that my great-aunt was planning to put my dear great-grandparents home on the market. I hadn't been in the house in 10 years but I knew it was perfect for us. My fiancee agreed to purchase it sight unseen because I was so thrilled at the thought of having Grandma & Grandpa's home. I'm sure he was very relieved when he did finally see it. Seems fitting since Grandma Trujillo is responsible for my love of the fiber arts.

It's a beautiful home with 3 buildings, plenty of room for our 3 big dogs to roam, and it's a place that holds great memories for me. The linen closet is still full of blankets Grandma made and every table has a doily. She never stopped making doilies, even at 90 years old, long after arthritis had set in.

At this point we have to focus on getting our homes sold and moving so I won't be spending much time on the website but I'll continue to paint and will keep things listed on eBay for most of the summer. I do have stock specifically for the website, such as the silk/linen blend below, but will have to invoice through Paypal for now. Please feel free to have a look around at ThePerfectSkein.com. I do have a price list up and some of my current stock posted so if you're interested in purchasing anything please email me at angelina@theperfectskein.com.

Thanks for visiting,
Angelina

Finally!

2007-02-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

I've finally decided to officially open a web store. My experience selling online over the last year has been very positive so I've decided to jump off the cliff and see if I can land on my feet without breaking anything!

I've been thinking about this from the beginning. It's been my goal to have a successful web store, and maybe eventually have a brick and mortar business. It's a scary process, and a difficult one as well. It's hard to source without a physical store. Building a website isn't easy either. Fortunately I have the help, love, and support of my family. They'll be working with me on the technical stuff and day to day operations. I'll continue to do the skeining & dying and hopefully, now that I've purchased some equipment to make the skeining easier, I'll be able to accomplish a great deal more.

I also hope to expand by offering supplies as well but for now I'm starting small and praying it will grow. What could be better in life than having happy, healthy loved ones and supporting those you love by doing something you love.

Now that I've said it out loud I'll have to go for it. Wish me luck!

Thanks for visiting!

Best wishes,
Angelina

I Can Knit!

2007-01-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

I taught myself to knit when my son was a toddler and I've actually completed a few small things and attempted a large item or two. I say attempted because I'm clumsy and drop things, stitches included. Frustrating! My son has dropped a few stitches for me too. He found great pleasure in unraveling a half complete tunic, and I think, seeing the stitches run like nylons gave him an extra thrill. At 16 he still has to check out every new gadget I purchase but, since he's lost interest in knitting needles, and I've discovered circulars, I decided to try my hand at a small wearable.

I'm thrilled with the way it turned out, being my first knit non-outerwear wearable, and because I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a set of interchangable needles. I think most of my frustration came from the straight needles. I found it easier to drop stitches with them and they really aren't so compact that I'd feel like taking them with me when I was on the go, which is when I find most of my yarn time. The circulars however, are flexable and allow me to fold my project for travel and I have plenty of room to work so, while I'm still clumsy, I don't drop stitches like I used to.

Thanks for visiting,
Angelina

Happy Holidays! A little snow & a felted bag

2006-12-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. While we didn't have a white Christmas here in the desert southwest, we did have quite a storm just before the holiday weekend. Usually when snow is in our forcast we expect at most an inch, and most of it is usually gone the next day, but this time we had enough to make a snow man, and, as you can see, one of my young neighbors did just that.

Life is always hectic this time of year but I've managed to get some painting in, and I was so excited to try felting this new wool that I managed to find time to work up a bag. While it's not quite complete (I still need to add a lining and zipper), I wanted to show it off. I only ran the body of the bag though the wash twice because I wanted to maintain some stitch definition. I added the straps after felting because I wanted the texture of the wrap around straps to remain. The bag is approximately 10x17 and required around 400yds. A skein in this same dye lot will be listed on eBay this Sunday. Photos show bag before and after felting.

Buying Patterns

2006-11-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

I do a lot of research on the internet and I can't believe how many times I have seen and heard of individual patterns and pattern lots for sale that are/include patterns that can be found for free on the internet. It is very unfortunate that someone would intentionally do such a thing (unless it's the designer who would then have that right). It is not just a copyright violation, and therefore stealing from the designer, it is also stealing from the person making the purchase. If any of you find this to be the case I recommend reporting it to the auction site.

My best advise is, before you buy, check www.crochetpatterncentral.com or www.knittingpatterncentral.com. If the pattern is free and has a photo, it can be found in their free pattern directories.

Happy Holidays!
Angelina

Free Patterns

2006-10-27T09:48:00.002-07:00

Since I haven't been able to crochet, and therefore finish or write the pattern for the other item, this weekend I'm going to type up the pattern for my mom's Christmas gift (Mom, if you're reading this please leave the area!) instead of waiting until after the holidays.

I originally wanted 3/4 length sleeves, with the same little flair that the hip has, but I've gone through all 1200yds I'd painted. I'll try to match it next week, and if I'm successful I'll add the sleeves to the pattern. I also plan to make a thinner belt maybe in solid chocolate so she'll have two options.

The photo is below-I hope you like it!

Angelina

Sizes
Sizes S M L XL XXL
Bust 34 36 38 40 42
Waist 30 32 34 36 38
Hip 42 44 46 48 50

Materials: 1200ypp (sport weight) Rayon Boucle
Size “H” crochet hook
Tapestry needle
4 1” buttons

Pattern st: Crossed dcs-*Skip 1 st, work dc in next st, work dc in skipped st.* Repeat *-*
Gauge: 4.5 sts/in; 18 sts/4in worked in pattern stitch

*Note-Each piece is worked from waist up, then from waist down.

Back:
Top
Ch 69 (78, 79, 83, 87)

Row 1: Right side-Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (68, 72, 78, 82, 86 scs). Ch3 (counts as first dc of next row throughout), Turn.
Row 2: Skip 1st st. *Work in pattern over next 22(24, 26, 28, 30) sts. Dc in next st*. Repeat 1 time. Continue in pattern to last sts. Dc in last st. Ch3, turn. (Individual dcs, excluding 1st and last dc, are where increases will be made)
Row 3: Repeat row 2. Ch3, turn.
Row 4: *Work in pattern to individual dc, dc 3 in same st* Repeat once more. Work in pattern to last dc, dc in last dc. Ch 3, turn
Row 5: Work even. Ch3, turn.
Row 6: *Work in pattern across to 3 dcs. Dc in first dc, 2dc in 2nd, dc in next dc*. Repeat once. Work in pattern to last st. Dc in last st. Ch 3, turn.
Row 7: Work in pattern across, incorporating pattern into 4 individual dcs. Ch3, turn.

Work even in pattern until piece measures 8 (8, 9, 9, 10) inches long. Ch1, turn.

Armhole decreases:

Slip st to 2nd dc of 3rd (3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th) cross st. Ch 3, work in pattern across
Ending by making dc in 1st st of 3rd (3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th) cross st from end. Ch3, turn.
Next row: Dc 2tog, work in pattern to last 3 sts, Dc 2tog. Do not work in last ch3. Ch3, turn.

Repeat last row 2(2, 3, 3, 4) times.

Work even until armhole measures 8 (8, 9, 10, 10) inches. Ch 3, turn.

Work in pattern over next 6(6, 8, 8, 10) cross sts. Dc in 1st dc of next cross sts. Fasten off. Do not turn. Count 7 (7, 9, 9, 11) cross sts from opposite end and attach yarn in 2nd dc of that cross st. Ch 3, work in pattern to last st. Dc in st. Fasten off.

Bottom:

Attach yarn in starting chain, on right side, working in bottom of starting chain:
Row 1: Sc across. Ch3, turn. (68, 72, 78, 82, 86 scs)
Row 2: Skip 1st st. *Work in pattern over next 22(24, 26, 28, 30) sts. Dc in next st*. Repeat 1 time. Continue in pattern to last sts. Dc in last st. Ch3, turn. (Individual dcs, excluding 1st and last dc, are where increases will be made).
Row 3: Repeat row 2.
Row 4: *Work in pattern to individual dc, dc 3 in same st* Repeat once more. Work in pattern to last dc, dc in last dc.
Row 5: Work even. Ch3, turn.
Row 6: *Work in pattern across to 3 dcs. Dc in first dc, 3dc in 2nd, dc in next dc*. Repeat once. Work in pattern to last st. Dc in last st. Ch 3, turn. You now have 2 sets of 5 individual dcs.
Row 7: *Work in pattern across to 5 individual dcs, incorporate pattern into 1st two individual dcs. Dc in next dc, work cross st over next two individual dcs.* Ch3, turn.
Repeat rows 4-7 once more. Then rows 4-5 a second time.
Row 14: *Work in pattern across to 3 dcs. Dc in first dc, 2dc in 2nd, dc in next dc*. Repeat once. Work in pattern to last st. Dc in last st. Ch 3, turn. You now have 2 sets of 4 individual dcs.
Row 15: Work even across, incorporating pattern st into individual dcs.

Work even in pattern for 1(1, 2, 2, 3) rows. Fasten off.

Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free

Front-make two, reversing shaping for 2nd.
Top
Ch 36 (38, 40, 42, 44)

Row 1: Right side-Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (35, 37, 39, 41, 43 sts). Ch3, turn.

Row 2: Work in cross pattern across 17 (18, 19, 20, 21) sts. Dc in next st (increases will be worked here). Work in pattern to last st. Dc in last st. Ch3, turn.
Row 3: Work even across. Ch3, turn.
Row 4: Work even to individual dc. Dc 3 times in individual dc. Work even in pattern across. Ch 3, turn.
Row 5: Work even across Ch3, turn.
Row 6: Work even to 3 individual dcs. Dc in first dc, 3dc in next dc, dc in last dc. Work even to end. Ch3, turn.
Row 7: Work even to 5 individual dcs. Make cross st in first two dcs, dc in next dc, make cross st in next 2 dcs. Continue evenly to end. Ch3, turn.
Repeat rows 4 & 5.
Row 11: Work even to 3 individual dcs. Dc in first dc, 2dc in next dc, dc in last dc. Work even to end. Ch3, turn.

Row 12: Work even to 4 individual dcs. Make cross st in first two dcs, make cross st in next 2 dcs. Continue evenly to end. Ch3, turn.

Work even in pattern until piece measures 8 (8, 9, 9, 10) inches long. Ch1, turn.

Armhole decreases:

Slip st to 2nd dc of 3rd (3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th) cross st. Ch 3, work in pattern across. Ch3, turn.

Next row: Work in pattern to last 3 sts, Dc 2tog. Do not work in last ch3. Ch3, turn.
Decrease on armhole edge 2(2, 3, 3, 4) times and at the same time, begin collar decrease of dc 2tog (both sts of one cross st. do not work a st in ch3 of previous row), on last row of armhole decrease. Continue decreasing on neck edge until 6(6, 8, 8, 10) cross sts remain. Work even until armhole measures 8 (8, 9, 10, 10) inches. Fasten off.

Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free

Bottom:

Attach yarn in starting chain, on right side, working in bottom of starting chain:
Row 1: Sc across. Ch3, turn. (35, 37, 39, 41, 43sts). Ch3, turn.
Row 2: Work in cross pattern across 17 (18, 19, 20, 21) sts. Dc in next st (increases will be worked here). Work in pattern to last st. Dc in last st. Ch3, turn.
Row 3: Work even across. Ch3, turn.

Row 4: Work even to individual dc. Dc 3 times in individual dc. Work even in pattern across. Ch 3, turn.
Row 5: Work even across Ch3, turn.
Row 6: Work even to 3 individual dcs. Dc in first dc, 3dc in next dc, dc in last dc. Work even to end. Ch3, turn.
Row 7: Work even to 5 individual dcs. Make cross st in first two dcs, dc in next dc, make cross st in next 2 dcs. Continue evenly to end. Ch3, turn.

Repeat rows 4-7 once more. Then rows 4-5 a second time.

Row 14: Work in pattern across to 3 dcs. Dc in first dc, 2dc in 2nd, dc in next dc. Work in pattern to last st. Dc in last st. Ch 3, turn. You now have 2 sets of 4 individual dcs.

Row 15: Work even across, incorporating pattern st into individual dcs.

Work even in pattern for 1(1, 2, 2, 3) rows. Fasten off.

Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free Pattern Free

Finishing:
Sew shoulder and side seams together. With right side facing, attach yarn at left bottom front corner. Work sc ch1 in each dc across bottom, in bottom right corner work sc, ch 1, sc. Sc, ch2 in side of each dc up inside of right front bottom. Sc in side of each sc row (2scs), ch4, skip side of next dc row (buttonhole made). Continue with sc, ch2 in side of next dc. Continue in this fashion spacing 4 buttonholes evenly across top side with last buttonhole placed on row before collar decrease begins. At turn for collar decrease make sc, ch 1, sc. Continue working sc, ch2 in side of each dc up collar. At back collar work sc, ch1 in each dc. Sc, ch 2 in sides of dcs at collar. Sc, ch 1, sc, where collar turns, sc, ch2 in sides of dcs down front to 2 sc rows, sc in side of each sc row, continues down bottom front with sc, ch2 in side of each dc. At bottom corner, in sp where yarn was original attached, work sc, ch1, sl st into first sc. Fasten off. Work armholes in same manner. Sew buttons on. Weave in ends.

Belt

Ch 9.

Sc in 2nd and each ch. Ch 3 (counts as first dc of next row) turn.

Skip one sc, *dc in next sc, dc in skipped sc* 3 times. Dc in last sc. Ch 3, turn.
Continue working in established pattern to desired length. (Mine is ~60 inches).
Sc across last row. Finish off, weave in ends.

Handpainted Vest ©
From Handpainted Yarn by Angelina

This pattern has errors! The top of size M has been reworked, however, I have not corrected anything else yet. I will remove this info when full pattern has been corrected. Thanks and sorry!

Materials: Worsted Cotton (600-800yds)
Crochet hooks size “I” & “G”
or size needed to obtain correct gauge
Yarn needle
¾” button
Gauge:
20 scs & 14 rows = 4”x 4”
Sizes:
S-32/34(M-36/38, L-40/42, XL-44/46)

Skill Level: Easy

A few notes about this free pattern:

This pattern is FREE and may not be sold or used for financial gain.

Please be aware that size medium is the only size I’ve tested. All other sizes are based on gauge and while I’ve checked over my figures, there could be errors. If you do find errors, please let me know and I will correct it asap.

This pattern begins with the band which, for symmetry, I worked from mid-back out to each front side. It can also be worked from end to end if you prefer.

Band:
With larger hook ch 10.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch space, sc in next ch space*. Repeat to end. Ch 1 turn.
Row 2: Sc in 1st sc, sc in ch sp. *Ch1, sk next sc, sc in ch1 sp*. Repeat *-* to end. Ch1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in 1st sc. *Ch1, sk next sc, sc in next ch sp*. Repeat * to * . Sc in last sc. Ch1, turn.

Repeat rows 2 & 3 28(31, 33, 39) times.
Size S, M, & L only, repeat row 2 once more.
Last Row: Sc in 1st 3 sts, ch3, sk next 3 sts (button hole), sc in last 3 sts. Fasten off.

Attach yarn at starting chain. Working in bottom loop of 9 chains, work as for first half except sc across all sts of last row.
Do not fasten off. Ch 1, turn.

Upper Body:
Row 1: Working across length of band, sc in the side of each sc across. 122(133, 152, 164) scs.
Row 2: Ch3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), *sk 2 sc, V-st (dc, ch1, dc) in next sc*. Repeat * to * to last 2 scs. Sk next sc, dc in last sc.
Row 3: Ch 3, V-st in each ch1 space across. Dc in top of ch3
Repeat row 3 5(5, 7, 7) times.
Row 9 (9, 11, 11): Ch3, dc in ch 1 sp of 1st V-st. V-st across to last V-st. Dc in last V-st. Dc in top of ch3.
Row 10(10, 12, 12): Ch 3, dc in 1st V-st, V-st in each V-st across. Dc in last dc. Do not work in ch3

Sizes L & XL only: Repeat row 10 & 11 once more. Do not fasten off. Turn.

Right Front:
Row 11(11, 15, 15): Ch 3, dc in 1st V-st. V-st in next 7(8, 8, 9) V-sts, dc in next V-st.
Row 12(12, 16, 16): Ch 3, dc in next V-st, V-st in each V-st across, dc in last dc.
Row 13(13, 17, 17): Ch 3, dc in next V-st, V-st across, dc in last dc. Free Pattern Free
Row 14(14, 18, 18): Ch 3, dc in next V-st, V-st in each V-st across, dc in last dc.
Row 15(15, 19, 19): Ch 3, dc in next V-st, V-st in each V-st across, dc in last dc.
Row 16(16, 20, 20): Ch 3, V-st across, dc in top of ch3 sp. 3(4, 4, 5) V-sts remain.

Work even to row 24(26, 28, 30) rows. Fasten off.

Back:
Sm & Med: Attach yarn in next avail V-st of Row 10(10, -, -) of body.
Lg & XL: Skip 1 V-st and attach yarn in next avail V-st of Row –(-, 14, 14)

Row 11(11, 15, 15): Ch3, V-st in next 18(19, 22, 24) V-sts, dc in next V-st. Turn.
Row 12(12, 16, 16): Ch3, dc in next V-st. V-st across to last V-st. Dc in last V-st, dc in top of ch3.
Row 13(13, 17, 17): Ch3, V-st across. Dc in dc. Do not work in ch3.
Repeat last two rows once more.
Work even for 10(12, 10, 12) more rows.
Row 24(26, 28, 30): Ch 3, V-st in next 3(4, 4, 5) V-sts, dc in next V-st. Fasten off. Skip next 10(10, 12, 12) V-sts. Attach yarn in next V-st, ch3, V-st in next 3(4, 4, 5) V-sts, dc in top of ch3, fasten off.

Left Front:
S & M: Attach yarn in next avail V-st of Row 10(10, -, -) of body.
L & XL: Skip next V-st, attach yarn in next V-st of Row –(-, 14, 14) of body.
Work as for right front reversing shaping.

Sew shoulder seams together.

Bottom:
Attach yarn to bottom edge of band.

Row 1: 1sc in side of each sc of band. 122(134, 152, 164) scs.
Row 2: Ch3. Sk 1 sc, V-st in next sc. *Sk 2 scs, V-st in next sc*. Repeat * to * to last 2 scs. Sk 1 sc, dc in last sc. Turn
Row 3: Ch3. V-st in next 4(5, 6, 7) V-sts. In next V-st work dbl V-st (dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc). *V-st in 9(10, 11, 12) V-sts. Work dbl V-st in next*. V-st in next 9(12, 14, 14) V-sts, wk dbl V-st in next V-st. Repeat * to * once. V-st in remaining V-sts. Dc in top of ch3
Row 4: Ch3. V-st in each V-st across. Dc in top of ch3.
Row 5: *Ch3, sc in next ch1 sp* across. Ch3, sc in top of ch3 sp.
Row 6: Ch3, sc in next ch3 sp 4(5, 6, 7) times. *Ch3, sc in next ch3 sp. Ch3, sc in same ch3 sp*. Ch3, sc in next ch3 sp 9(10, 11, 12) times. Repeat * to * once. Ch3, sc in next ch3 sp to end.
Row 7: Ch3, sc in next ch3 sp to end.
Row 8: Repeat row 7.
Row 9: Ch 3, V-st in each ch3 sp across to last ch3 sp. V-st, dc in last ch3 sp.
Row 10: Ch 3, V-st in each V-st across. Dc in top of ch3.
Row 11: As row 10.
Row 12: As row 5.
Row 13 Sm & Med: As row 5.
Lg & XL: Ch 3, sc in next ch3 sp -(-, 7, 8) times. *Ch3, sc in next ch3 sp. Ch3, sc in same ch3 sp*. Ch3, sc in next ch3 sp -(-, 12, 13) times. Repeat * to * once. Ch3, sc in next ch3 sp to end.
Row 14: Repeat row 7
Row 15: As row 7.
Row 16: As row 9
Rows 17-18: As row 10. For more length, rows 12-18 can be repeated. Do not fasten off. Switch to smaller hook, ch1, turn.

Edging:
In each dc across bottom, work sc, ch3, sc. Continue in this fashion working a cluster in side of each row up, around neckline, and back down other side. Join with sl st to 1st sc. Fasten off. Work around armholes the same way.
Weave ends, block, and attach button.

A Few More New Yarns

2006-09-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited about this new lot of yarn I've just received-a fingering weight bamboo, a light worsted (tubular knit) cotton ribbon, and a soft and light sport weight cotton. Each can be found on eBay beginning this Friday.

My latest pattern is almost complete. I'm now working on the edging and hope to have it proofed and posted by mid to late next week.

Thanks for looking!
Angelina

New Yarns

2006-09-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have a few new yarns from Henry's Attic I've been working with and I just love them. To keep costs down I won't be listing them for auction. Instead these yarns are available for direct purchase (PayPal only) or through my Handpainted Yarn Store. Special orders always accepted and appreciated!

Kona 100% Superwash Merino 2240ypp-$8.00/200yds
Safari III 100% Cotton 1400ypp-$8.00/350yds
Soie Naturelle 100% Silk 1800ypp-$8.50/200yds

I'm also working on another crochet pattern. I hope to have it posted within the next few weeks so please visit again soon.

Thank you,
Angelina

Free Pattern-Handpainted Vest

2006-07-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Handpainted Vest ©
From Handpainted Yarn by Angelina

Materials:
Worsted Cotton (600-800yds)
Crochet hooks size “I” & “G”
or size needed to obtain correct gauge
Yarn needle
¾” button
Gauge:
20 scs & 14 rows = 4”x 4”
Sizes:
S-32/34(M-36/38, L-40/42, XL-44/46)

Skill Level: Easy

A few notes about this free pattern:

This pattern is FREE and may not be sold or used for financial gain.

Attach yarn at starting chain. Working in bottom loop of 9 chains, work as for first half except sc across all sts of last row.
Do not fasten off. Ch 1, turn.

Upper Body:
Row 1: Working across length of band, sc in the side of each sc across. 122(134, 152, 164) scs.
Row 2: Ch3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), *sk 1 sc, V-st (dc, ch1, dc) in next sc*. Repeat * to * to last 2 scs. Sk next sc, dc in last sc.
Row 3: Ch 3, V-st in each ch1 space across. Dc in top of ch3
Repeat row 3 5(5, 7, 7) times.
Row 9 (9, 11, 11): Ch3, dc in ch 1 sp of 1st V-st. V-st across to last V-st. Dc in last V-st. Dc in top of ch3.
Row 10(10, 12, 12): Ch 3, dc in 1st V-st, V-st in each V-st across. Dc in last dc. Do not work in ch3

Sizes L & XL only: Repeat row 10 & 11 once more. Do not fasten off. Turn.

Right Front:
Row 11(11, 15, 15): Ch 3, dc in 1st V-st. V-st in next 7(8, 8, 9) V-sts, dc in next V-st.
Row 12(12, 16, 16): Ch 3, dc in next V-st, V-st in each V-st across, dc in last dc.
Row 13(13, 17, 17): Ch 3, dc in next V-st, V-st across, dc in last dc. Free Pattern Free
Row 14(14, 18, 18): Ch 3, dc in next V-st, V-st in each V-st across, dc in last dc.
Row 15(15, 19, 19): Ch 3, dc in next V-st, V-st in each V-st across, dc in last dc.
Row 16(16, 20, 20): Ch 3, V-st across, dc in top of ch3 sp. 3(4, 4, 5) V-sts remain.

Work even to row 24(26, 28, 30) rows. Fasten off.

Back:
Sm & Med: Attach yarn in next avail V-st of Row 10(10, -, -) of body.
Lg & XL: Skip 1 V-st and attach yarn in next avail V-st of Row –(-, 14, 14)

Row 11(11, 15, 15): Ch3, V-st in next 18(20, 22, 24) V-sts, dc in next V-st. Turn.
Row 12(12, 16, 16): Ch3, dc in next V-st. V-st across to last V-st. Dc in last V-st, dc in top of ch3.
Row 13(13, 17, 17): Ch3, V-st across. Dc in dc. Do not work in ch3.
Repeat last two rows once more.
Work even for 10(12, 10, 12) more rows.
Row 24(26, 28, 30): Ch 3, V-st in next 3(4, 4, 5) V-sts, dc in next V-st. Fasten off. Skip next 10(10, 12, 12) V-sts. Attach yarn in next V-st, ch3, V-st in next 3(4, 4, 5) V-sts, dc in top of ch3, fasten off.

Getting the most out of hand-made wearables

2006-06-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

While baby items, blankets, and scarves are used again and again, wearables go in and out of style. I love the classics but also enjoy trying new things and keeping up with current styles. What I don't love is spending hours making something that will only be worn a few times before it makes it's way to side of the closet reserved for "stuff I'll never wear again but don't want to throw out."

When an idea pops into my head or something inspires me, I first consider how I would make the item and how I can modify it later. I ask myself questions like: What can I add or take away from it later? How difficult will it be-can I easily add or take away length, widen or shorten the sleeves, add a collar?

The bolero shown below is one example of something I will likely modify later. It's constructed with 10 squares-2 on each side of the front and 6 for the back. I can easily add squares on the bottom to lengthen it and add buttons down the front or a tie at the top. I can also lengthen the sleeves and, with a few waves of my magic hook, I have a classic cardigan.

That was only one idea I had for modifying this bolero. I did a very rough sketch (please excuse my lack of drawing skills) of another method-make a tie lengthwise and attach, then add a slightly flared length to the bottom. The tie would fall just below the breast area (my female form has Barbie doll like proportions so the bolero appears to be longer than it would fit on something more realistic-like a genuine woman!) and the bottom edge would hit mid-hip.

Another item I recently made will likely be modified in the future also. The ruffle top, shown 5th down in the "Showcase.." post, may someday lose it's ruffle and become a tank top/shell or who knows, it may grow sleeves.

You never know what you'll come up with when it's time to retire a style and make something new again. You're already creative so use your imagination & make sure you have plenty of extra yarn in the same dye lot!

Angelina

Learn to knit & crochet

2006-05-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to learn how to knit or crochet, please check out the link to Craft Yarn Council of America. I've also added a link to their yarn standards chart which contains very helpful information on yarn weight and appropriate needle and hook sizes.

Angelina

Center-Pull Ball Winding Now Available

2006-03-23T21:53:00.000-07:00

Center-pull ball winding now available in all of my yarn auctions. I am charging a nominal fee of $0.50/skein because there is some time and equipment involved in the process. The service is optional and not required to bid on my auctions.

Shown:
Left - 100% Mercerized Cotton-Navy, Fuchsia, & Violet
Right- 99% Cotton/1% Lycra-Midnight Blue, Lt. Blue, Red, & Golden Yellow

Examples

2006-03-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

I try to re-skein my handpainted yarn to give an example of how it will look worked up but it's time consuming and I can't always get to it. Instead, I though I'd post a couple of examples of how the yarn looks after it's painted, re-skeined, and how it works up.

The Cotton/Rayon Slub is used in the top series and Rayon Boucle in the bottom series. The Cotton/Rayon Slub was handpainted using shorter lengths of color (3-4 inches), while the boucle was done in longer lengths-about 15 inches, which creates larger clusters of color.

Showcase-Items made with my handpainted yarn:

2006-03-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

I always love to see what's been made with my handpainted yarn. If you've made something with my yarn and are interested in having it shown, please e-mail a photo along with information on how you'd like to be credited.

Below is an shrug made with approximately 600 yds of my handpainted lace weight cotton/rayon and a 3mm crochet hook. The colorway of Cobalt, Ice Blue, & Ecru is shown in the "Current Items" post. I currently have several WIPs and hope to get those posted soon.

Below is a cardigan made with cotton boucle handpainted turquoise, chocolate, & antique gold. It was crocheted using a size H (5.00mm) hook. This size large required under 1000yds. Instead of a button or tie, I opted to use a turquoise broach that was hand crafted by a local artisan.

This top, made with a 4/2 sport weight cotton & trimmed with fingering weight rayon, can be worn on or off the shoulders. Hook sizes used were "G" & "H."

This size large short sleeved bolero was made with approximately 600 yards of fingering weight 100% spun silk & a size "D" crochet hook. The yarn was handpainted in cobalt, old rose, & antique gold.

This medium size vest was made in just a few hours using an "I" hook and worsted cotton handpainted midnight blue, ice blue, and violet. The trim was constructed with a "G" hook. The closure came from my grandmother, whose stash of notions was given to me when she passed. It is an older tarnished metal button with a flower cut-out.

This beautiful shawl was made by customer turned friend, Jo of Arizona, using this fingering weight rayon:

Here is another beautiful item made by Jo. This gorgeous baby dress was crochet with pima cotton in turquoise, bubble gum, and lime:

More from Jo!

Jo is multi-talented and has a variety of items for sale in her e-store

AzSunshineDesigns

Thanks for visiting!
Angelina

Current Items

2006-02-24T10:35:00.001-07:00

Below are a few examples of colorways & fibers available. Please see my eBay listings for this week's items or email special requests.

Coming Soon-100% Soft Pure New Wool-DK Weight

Cotton Lycra Terry-Sport Weight

Wools:

Cottons & Cotton Blends:

Silk/Wool Blend:

Rayons:

Happy Holidays

2005-12-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I've been busy making gifts and filling orders. Unfortunately, due to a shipping delay, I haven't been able to paint yarn this week. My order should arrive by midweek so I'll have yarn available by next weekend or early next week. For now I'm posting items I have on hand. If you're interested in customizing your own colors please email me. I'll be receiving rayon, a cotton/linen blend, and a cotton/elastic blend.

Thanks for visiting!

Items currently available:

Cotton 75%/Acrylic 25% 400yds
Stormy Skies

Silk 76%/Cotton 21%/Nylon 3%
About 420yds
Limeberry

Hand Crochet Shawls

Top: Constructed with Fiesta Rayon Boucle. Measures 60" across the top, 30" from top to point.

Left: Celebrity flower shawl constructed with a soft wool/acrylic blend. Measures 76" across top, 36" top to point.

Right: Body constructed with Gedifra cotton, edging done in 100% cotton handpainted in faded denim. Measures 56" across top, 30" top to point.

2005-12-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

Right:
The first pattern I wrote and sold

Below:
A few examples of my latest projects:

Introduction

2005-12-03T20:13:00.001-07:00

My Great-grandmother, Eutemia Trujillo, taught me to crochet when I was just 6. I've always loved to create so I was eager to learn.

I've now been crocheting for 30 years.

I started with basic scarves and blankets, then moved on to wearables. I thought I had an inexpensive hobby- a skein of acrylic yarn at my local craft store was only a couple of bucks and I could make a sweater for around $10.....

that is until I discovered eBay. I "won" 10 skeins of a high end yarn and that was the end of acrylic me. As my fellow crochet & knitters know, one's stash can break a bank!

Now I had access to all this amazing yarn but, at that time, most of the available crochet patterns were outdated and, well, ugly! I began to create my own designs, working by trial and error, sometimes getting what I wanted, and, at times, frogging the entire project! Eventually, in an effort to support my hobby, I began writing patterns and selling them on eBay. Unfortuanatley that didn't last long. While I hope to do it again someday, with 2 kids, school, and a full time job, I just don't have time to design, write, test, and retest my patterns.

Now that's it's become easier for me to make something that is my own, I began to look for other ways to make my items unique. I stumbled into handpainting yarn when a friend and customer placed an order for a shawl with a very specific idea about the colors which, of course, neither of us could find. Just prior to this I'd read an article on "handpainting" yarn. After further investigation I gave it a shot, came up with exactly what she wanted, and discovered a new passion. While I still love to create wearables (espcially when using customized colors), which can take weeks to finish, I also love the almost instant gratification of handpainting yarn..and of course I've had to start selling that too in order to support my hobby...

Some of the items I'll be posting will be available at auction, others will be for orders and gifts. If you're intersted in anything please check out what I'm selling on ebay or email me.

Angelina
ebay: stylishtitches
email: handpaintedyarnbyangelina@msn.com