Editing some Drum Carding Tutorial Videos today. These will be available on my YouTube channel and How to Make Site soon. Links can be found via the website.

Taken at www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Spindle spinning with my new spindle distaff

Isn't it lovely? I bought this wrist distaff from an Etsy shop called DAYSTAR07.

Beautifully crafted and brightly coloured I'm thrilled with it... It works like a dream, holding my pre-drafted fibre as I spin. It's perfect for taking out with me on days out, spinning groups and shows.

I noticed that the seller also had rainbow crochet hooks... I need to nudge myself into learning that this year. Then I can add the hooks to my Christmas list (Cheeky, eh?!)

Dreaming in Fibre - Episode 7 New Year 2012!

 

The next podcast is up at http://sarastexturecrafts.podbean.com/2012/01/23/episode-7-a-new-year/

It's been a slow start and a long time since I last podcast, so here's an update about where I'm at and why I was absent from the audio show.

Don't forget you can also find me on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/dreaming-in-fibre/id438666862?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

I'm looking into getting this uploaded to the Android system and possible future videocasts too!

Sara x

RAM Museum Exeter

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter has recently reopened its doors after a major refurbishment. Not having visited since 1995 when Darrin and I met at art college, we decided it was about time we explored the collections again.


Free entry and lots of activities for families meant lots of people, but fortunately the refurbishment is such that it didn't feel tight for space. All the rooms had such a lovely light and airy feel and the exhibits were well thought through and some interactive.


Of course I found myself being drawn more to the textile pieces that were woven, beaded or embroidered more than most... But there's so much to see I think I could be inspired by something different each time I go.

This is a Back-strap loom weaving that is part complete. It was made in Guatemala in the 1980s.


Isn't it wonderfully vibrant?! It has made me think I should revisit for some more direct inspiration for my next weave... And weaving against a dark colour could be something to consider.


This is a Chaka Spinning Wheel (the original design of which was commissioned by Gandhi). I still haven't quite mastered mine... Maybe I should have another go?


I also came across this loom reed from Japan (I think). You might not pick it up from the photo, but all along the face of the reed there are beautiful carved designs... I'd loved to have seen the original loom.

I got the feeling every now and again... While I was taking the occasional photo... That I was being watched...


Who is that man following me?!

To be honest I'm surprised I didn't loose Darrin to some of the children's activities... I usually do!

What have you been up to this weekend?

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Shop Update 20th Jan 2012 at www.SarasTextureCrafts.com

 Shop Update 20th Jan 2012

 

Handspun Yarn

Tutorials

Sale!

 

New Handspun yarns are in store at http://sarastexturecrafts.com/category/625-saras-texture-crafts-knitting-yarn-indie-dyer.aspx. I do have some more and will add these in the next shop update, which I hope to be a twice monthly thing from now on. These are made using my own fibres and include blends.

 

I also managed to relist a Free Tutorial at http://sarastexturecrafts.com/category/9831-tutorials-and-classes.aspx. Again, I have more to add and will list these in the next update.

 

Finally there are some more half price commercial yarns in the sale at http://sarastexturecrafts.com/category/563-sale.aspx, along with some patterns too.

 

Don't forget I am holding prices at 2011 rates for the whole of January! Also I shall be offering a free copy of Ashford's magazine 'The Wheel' to anyone who spends £30 or over, while stocks last.

 

Sara x

 

Next Update Due: 3rd of Feb!