My Very First Skein of Wheel-Spun Wool

My Very First Skein of Wheel-Spun Wool, originally uploaded by confections.

This skein was spun on a Louet S-10 spinning wheel at a class at the Black Sheep in Encinitas, California, circa 1989. For a number of years I had been spinning with a hand spindle. In 1995 I traded a Bond Knitting Frame for a Lendrum spinning wheel, my faithful Rapunzel.

At about the same time, I took up quilting in earnest, so Rapunzel languished near the fireplace for many moons. Eventually I joined local guilds and enrolled in a series of spinning and weaving classes and haven't stopped spinning since. It's a constant joy in my life.

The Dolls Have Tea

The Dolls Have Tea, originally uploaded by confections.

I've been backing up photos and looking at my archives and came upon this image of a sweet tea party I attended last fall. My friend's daughter carefully attended to her dolls at their very own tea table, complete with a handpainted tea set.

That same tea set has accompanied us to high tea at our favorite tea shop, Tea-upon-Chatsworth, too. I love the ritual of tea and all of its accoutrements, from the fine china to the vintage linens and fragrant tea leaves.

I've been researching the Japanese tea ceremony as well and am looking forward to getting some of the special tools required to do a mini casual version at home.

New Handknit Dress for Blythe in Progress

New Handknit Dress for Blythe in Progress, originally uploaded by confections.

Isadora Reiko (Frosty Frock) had lots of fun trying on her new handknit dress-in-progress. It's made of cotton yarn and was a swatch I made in a knitting class a few years back.

The little shawl is another swatch of Cotton Classic yarn and her hair adornment is a silk ribbon rosette I handmade. Her boots are from The Valley of the Dolls in Hollywood (now at Royal T in Culver City, California).

Isadora in her New Handknit Party Dress

Isadora in her New Handknit Party Dress, originally uploaded by confections.

I handknit this couture party dress for Isadora Reiko from self-patterning wool and nylon sock yarn. She is quite happy with it and wants to go out dancing in her new frock.

Isadora Reiko is Ready for Paris

Isadora Reiko is Ready for Paris, originally uploaded by confections.

My lovely Frosty Frock (Isadora Reiko) is wearing a dress with a Parisian theme by dollymolly under her wool felt top. I made the felt wool top and her crocheted hat. The hat is from a free pattern by q.d.patooties.

Not to be outdone, Isadora's sister Clementine also got a new dollymolly frock made up in a delicious Heather Bailey print:

Yarn Stash

Yarn Stash, originally uploaded by confections.

Here are the latest additions to my yarn stash, acquired last weekend at The Black Sheep in Encinitas, California. One is a blue and gray novelty cotton and nylon yarn called Rumba Mix, by Katia, made in Spain. The soft yellow is a cotton baby yarn, M & K Eco Baby Bomull, from the Netherlands. The pink (shown below) is Mulberry Silk by Laines du Nord, made in Italy. A veritable tour of the European Union, and I only had to travel a few miles north....

I'm not sure what I will make out of these tempting skeins, but I am leaning toward fun fashions for Blythe!

Pink Bellflower (3)

Pink Bellflower (3), originally uploaded by confections.

Today is the birthday of a dear friend of mine who passed away more than fourteen years ago. She had a strong influence on my life and was like a second mother. I dedicate this lovely pink bellflower (campanula medium) to her. Happy Birthday, Drumdaughter!