Free Video Tutorial: Drum Carding Basics – Part 1

This is published on my 'How to Make' page at http://sarastexturecrafts.wordpress.com/ and YouTube at http://youtu.be/yhuoo6zugmI

It is the first in the series on getting to know your drum carder and the basics of it's uses.

Thank you to Carolina!

A big Thank You to Carolina of the House of Eleggua (www.houseofeleggua.com) for send me a wonderful selection of special herbal teas and a cute pair of earrings (also available in her shop).

I'm one very happy and relaxed Lady!
Sxx

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!

Etsy shop update at www.sarastexturecrafts.etsy.com

A little bit of crafting fun

Not wanting to disappoint by not accepting D's challenge... A kids craft pack in my Christmas stocking, I set about making this before I came back to work.


I have to say not everything needed was in the kit and some replacement items gave me a different look... But all in all it made me smile!

What are you making today?

Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Finally finished up the ends on my weave

Quite proud of my first weave... The Shetland hand spun yarn still retains its vibrancy even when set against such a dark navy commercial yarn.


Thinking I need to set something up... I hate that the loom looks so empty!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Crediton Spinning Group - January Meeting

I'm so pleased I managed to get to the Art Centre this week for the Spinning Circle. With work and health causing me to miss meetings since July last year, I was a bit nervous about going back... Not that that would be a problem you understand, but more I felt a bit embarrassed to have missed so much time with these lively and lovely Ladies.

It was so lovely to see everyone's smiley faces and to meet a few new ones too... I'm really determined to get to every meeting this year.

I also had a few lovely surprises, as some had finished their projects with fibre they had brought from me. This is Sarah... She spun and knitted this beautiful scarf from my Merino and Silk blend, colour 'Dawn'.


Isn't it fab... It's so soft and warming I was tempted to grab it and run away with it!

This is Marian. She spun and knitted this fabulous Cardigan from my limited edition Merino blend, colour Autumn Woodland. I think it could easily be worn as a coat too and I really wanted to try it on and curl up in it!


These ladies have definitely inspired me to get some new blends made up.

The last hour or so we had a demo on Shetland Lace Spinning. Dodie had put together a wonderful display of photos, books and samples.


She talked us through preparation and showed us just how fine a Shetland lace yarn needs to be.


Here are samples of yarn, fleece and charts.


This is two ply Shetland lace yarn... It's so fine it hurt your eyes just trying to see the plys!


Here's a knit sample...


I loved every minute and really enjoyed Dodie's enthusiasm... You can tell she owns a flock of these beautiful sheep.

I don't think I'll be able to spin that fine personally, not on the wheel at least... Although on a lighter spindle I might manage it. I feel all creative now!

Have a great weekend!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Cuppa Comfort

Made in the few days before I came back to work...




An hour, good TV and some wool... makes for blissful needlefelting!

Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

STOP THE PRESS... Price hold at www.SarasTextureCrafts.com

Crazy Price Promise!

I am holding prices at 2011 rates for the whole of January! Utterly crazy in some cases, but think of this as a bit of a recession busting gift... It's looking like a tough year economically, so here's my offer of help.

Don't forget if you are a Club Member you can also save your loyalty points for later purchases.

Also I shall be offering a free copy of Ashford's magazine 'The Wheel' to anyone who spends £30 or over, while stocks last.

Shop now at www.SarasTextureCrafts.com

I'm Back at www.SarasTextureCrafts.com !

Thank you so much for bearing with me during my time off... I am back now and ready for a new year at Sara's Texture Crafts!

I am currently working my way through orders and emails, but hope to get a full update for you by the end of the week.

Sara xx

Some of the things I made before the holidays

I finished my weaving, which I just need to weave the ends in. I also finished the yarn for my Mum to crochet the hat for the Farmer's Girl hat... Thanks Mum! I then knitted an extra pressie for Mum as a thank you. This was a cowl in my hand dyed yarn... Colour Bohemia, which I need to dye more for the shop, as I sold out at shows. Finally I spun a single yarn from one of the Batts that D made. I need to ply it, but I want to use this to show D how carding using colour and texture can effect the yarn. His growing interest in this area is fun to watch... And hopefully really helpful in pre show 'production' madness!

My Sister's Christmas Fairy... Finished!

She took me a long time to make. Not so much because she was difficult, but because I suffered a bit of a creative block for a while. Having said that, she did get finished on time and I was able to give her as a present to my Sister.

Phew, close call there! I'm pleased she turned out ok.

Finally feeling a bit better...

Thank you to everyone who called, sent cards, or messages... Big hugs to all. I'm finally starting to feel a bit more human, after what was a surprise emergency operation before Christmas. I'm still very slow on my feet and so won't be back to work until the 9th of Jan as planned... And even then I may work a few shorter days until I can cope with a full day, but I shall be back none the less... Need something to refocus me!

I hope you all had a good Christmas? A fun filled New Year celebration?

I may blog, or tweet from my phone in the next week if I feel up to starting any new craft projects... Or just reach out for a chat if I'm feeling a bit bored (as D goes back to a full week of work this week), so please keep me company!

Here's to a brighter new year...

Sx