Still Life with Handspun Yarn Skein

Still Life with Handspun Yarn Skein, originally uploaded by confections.

One of the last bouquets of autumn sunflowers reminded me of this Navajo-plied handspun, hand-dyed skein of merino wool and I had to photograph the still life.

The merino wool was Ball jar-dyed a few weeks ago as part of my ongoing experiments in handpainting and hand-dyeing fiber and yarn.

I'm busy packing for a getaway with family, so my posts may be sparse over the next few days. Happy Autumn (and Happy Spring to those in the Southern Hemisphere)!

Needlefelted Butterfly

Needlefelted Butterfly, originally uploaded by confections.

Another in my series of Warholized images, this one depicts a stylized needlefelted butterfly I made originally for my youngest niece. I'll be seeing her again (for the first time in a year and a half) very soon. Hello, Gracie!

Autumn Gourds Colorway Hand-Dyed Superfine Merino Wool Roving (Collage)

Autumn Gourds Colorway Hand-Dyed Superfine Merino Wool Roving (Collage), originally uploaded by confections.

More goodies from the jar-dyeing studio....autumn gourds colorway hand-dyed superfine merino wool roving.

Tropical Liqueur Hand-Dyed Superfine Merino Wool Roving (Three)

Tropical Liqueur Hand-Dyed Superfine Merino Wool Roving (Three), originally uploaded by confections.

The blue and green colors in this hand-dyed merino wool roving remind me of Midori Melon and Blue Curaçao liqueurs. This will be available in my Etsy shop soon. The superfine merino wool is next-to-the-skin soft and would make a great scarflet once spun up. It needlefelts beautifully, too.

Be Happy (two)

Be Happy (two), originally uploaded by confections.

Sage advice from some neighbors near the beach....

Basket of Wool (two)

Basket of Wool (two), originally uploaded by confections.

Just a quick Warholized photo post of a basket of wool in my studio....

Rapunzel, My Lendrum Spinning Wheel (two)

Rapunzel, My Lendrum Spinning Wheel (two), originally uploaded by confections.

Here is a Warholized collage of my Lendrum spinning wheel, Rapunzel. I've had this faithful versatile wheel for thirteen years. I traded with a local weaver who was interested in a Bond knitting frame; she was planning to knit mohair yarn to make teddy bears. I've lost touch with the original owner, but may try to find her to see where her fiber journey has taken her over the last decade and a half.

Rapunzel came into my life around the same time I became enamored of quilting, so she languished for a while before I really focused on spinning. But since I started treadling, I have rarely stopped.

I will close with some words by Gandhi on the subject:

♥The call of the spinning wheel is the noblest of all. Because it is the call of love.

♥I believe that the yarn we spin is capable of mending the broken warp and woof of our life.

♥The music of the spinning wheel will be as balm to your soul.

♥My heart is drawn backwards and forwards between spinning wheel and books.