In this episode, I talk about a magical day of dyeing with weld and indigo at the Fiber Craft Studio, and my unfortunate attempts to repeat the process with the Japanese indigo I’ve been tending carefully all summer. There’s also a finished project and updates on the Asymmetri-CAL (a new prize!). Plus, a  poem about the Great Blue Heron, a recipe for a sweet ending to pack in your lunchbox, and how I convert my office space to a sewing room. This episode includes the following segments: The Back Porch, Sheep to Shawl, Ever-expanding Skill Set, And Sew Forth.

The Back Porch

Outlander Cowl by Andee Fagan knit with handspun Polwarth dyed by Beesybee Fibers

Asymmetri-CAL

Yarns at Yin Hoo’s asymmetrical craft along ends on September 30. Be sure to submit a photo of your finished garment or accessory on the Finished Object thread on Ravelry for a chance to win one of the lovely prizes. There are books, project bags, a skein of yarn dyed with cochineal.  And now, an exciting addition to the prizes — the lovely Claire of the NHKnits podcast has completed her first pattern. The Agatha socks pattern is one of the prizes! I hope you will join in the fun and finish your asymmetrical projects in time for the prize drawing!

Sheep to Shawl

Ever-expanding Skill Set

And Sew Forth

This week I worked on my third Staple Dress, using the pattern by April Rhodes. I purchased the paper pattern, and I’ve been working on adjusting the fit with each version. For the this version, I used cotton lawn designed by Sarah Watts. I’ll post some photos when I finally wear this dress as part of an outfit. A listener asked about small house living and crafting — that is, how do I manage knitting, spinning, weaving, and now sewing given Yin Hoo’s space restraints.  Prior to taking up sewing, I took photos of my fiber craft storage and work spaces on Ravelry. I used a sneaky hibernating project page to post some photographs of Yin Hoo and this project page to chronicle my stash and supplies storage solutions. One thing I don’t have room for is an enormous stash.  I have some yarn, fiber, and fabric on hand, but I make an effort to complete projects before adding to stash. If I want to expand my crafting supplies, I need to sell or give away the books on my shelves, and I’ve already reduced by book collection considerably.

Now that I have a sewing machine, I can temporarily convert my office space into a sewing studio for a weekend. First, I remove everything from the top of my desk and store it on top of the bookcase. Then, I place my sewing machine on a thick, folded towel, to minimize noise and vibrations. The towel also doubles nicely as a pin cushion when I remove pins as I’m sewing.  All of my sewing supplies are kept in decorative book boxes that store easily on shelves when they’re not in use. I have one for thread and bobbins, one for sewing machine accessories, one for scissors, measuring tapes, chalk, pencils, etc. My ironing board fits behind my desk. Finally, I open one leaf of a large cherry table to use as a cutting and measuring table.