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whoops

Posted by dragonflyknitdesigns at 05:16 PM on April 19, 2009

I did a big ol' whoops- I posted an entry about my "study" on spinning without realizing that I didn't save the previous post on why I was DOING the study. It was all to produce a yarn with twist similar to Koigu's PPP, 100% merino.

Then I was out of town for a week and a half- and WITHOUT Internet. for someone like me who does business daily online and checks for messages in a couple different sites many times daily, it was a shock to my system!!

Now I am home, online and happy again.I will be posting photos hopefully tomorrow of the yarn I spun and the swatch I knit with it. Please leave messages about my blog- boring? Interesting? who cares? Let me know- that's the only way I can make you happy!

Speaking of happy- Happy spinning and knitting!

the saga of the study

Posted by dragonflyknitdesigns at 07:24 PM on April 10, 2009

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Ok, so I did the initial part of my study...I spun a bit of the SSS wool into the single and plied into a two ply. Here are my notes... Photo will be added soon.:/

the single was spun z and I plied s. Single was spun to 22-24 wpi with lots of twist and tightly spun, using backwards long draw. when I plied, I added lots and lots of twist with low tension. Ooops, I forgot to check the wpi before I soaked it to set the twist. This really looks like what I want. big grin

While I am waiting for the bit to dry so I can use it to swatch and photograph, I wanted to spin another single totally opposite-- spun s, looser twist so it was softer and fluffier. So, I tried it. Looked good until I went to wind it off the bobbin. Then it came apart every other turn. Grrr. I'm too tired to fight with it, so right now this is a one part study as far as this part is concerned.

I'm enjoying this. I have looked all over to find something like this. On Ravelry there are spinning study groups, but all I have found is how different fibers are and what spinners think of them. That's great and I really appreciate that becausse I am doing that also- trying to spin as many different fibers as I can find; just to become familiar with their characteristics. But I wanted to find more detailed info on recreating the style of yarns. So, we will work on our own. PLEASE feel free to add your comments, things you have learned about our current study topic and offer suggestions about other topics to try out!!

A Spinning Study...

Posted by dragonflyknitdesigns at 03:34 PM on April 10, 2009

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For those of you that spin, I thought it would be interesting to do a spinning study of my own- complete with notes, photos and, hopefully, results!!!!

For my first foray, I am in pursuit of my favorite sock yarn- Koigu PPPM (I'm pretty sure that's it. The 100% merino wool, with a gorgeous twist) That twist and bounce is what I am after. Can I duplicate that? I have some wool from Sheep Shed Studio and it's lovely. With a bit of mohair in it, it's bouncy, squoosy and soft. And to think I never knew it existed before an amazing deal fell into my lap.
So, some details for this... I believe it's a two ply, fingering weight. So that's my first duty. To spin a squoosy single to ply. Off to do it with my "Blueberry Stain", SSS wool. I will try to post throughout the week--ooooh, speaking of this week. Since it is spring break for my daughter, we decided to head out of town! We're going to one of my best friend's *new!!* house for the first half. It's going to be a treat for me because when she goes to work for a couple hours, I have nothing to do but spin- and my daughter gets to play with new cats! (which she loves!) No house to clean, not laundry to do. nothing but spin, knit and find some LYS! Perfect time to pick this project.

"Blogging , am I any good?" aka "I'm trying"

Posted by dragonflyknitdesigns at 08:31 PM on April 07, 2009

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ok, so it has been established that I suck at regular blogging. Just like I am not really the best at regular journaling- although I try. I don't know- it just makes me wonder if anyone is really interested in my life. But then I listen to Lime & Violet (is that right?), and I love to listen to them- laugh, banter, yarn porn. All of that. I loveit. So, here I go...again. I will try to be better.

On that note- Meet "Orange Blossom". This, along with it's many friends, is what I have been up to.

I am also trying to photograph (with my new digital camera) my newly dyed wool from Sheep Shed Studio- "BLueberry Stain". Having trouble with getting the right color; it wants to be grays instead of blues andpurples.
But here's one thing I can do right with my camera...

THIS I can do!! I love photo'ing weddings! I have been doing this for about 10 years and this is my most current wedding., March 21, 2009. You can see the rest of the wedding pics at www.dragonflyphoto.zenfolio.com

So, now, we'll see if I can keep this up, see if my life is, in fact, interesting to others. ...

It's been a long time...

Posted by dragonflyknitdesigns at 02:39 PM on December 05, 2008

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Wow, really? September was the last post? Huh, way too long!
Well, then it's time to update... I have put my sales on hold for right now. I need to get my inventory in order - (meaning I need to buy and dye!!) and also a few business decisions need to be made. Health problems have kept me down for a bit, along with the "recession" that has hit. But soon- perhaps the first of the year, you will see a fully stocked Store here, along with my Etsy shop. If you are interested in yarn or fiber NOW, please visit yarny-goodness.com and there you will find Dragonfly Knit Designs.

Take care and watch for updates!!
Mariah

Ooooh, I forgot to mention my latest "craft"- wire worked jewelry! Including custom stitch markers!

And the winner is...

Posted by dragonflyknitdesigns at 10:11 AM on September 20, 2008

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"Sun Spun Candy"! Thank you to Marie, canuckchick on Ravelry.

Thank you to everyone that entered. The names are amazing, so many that I would never have thought of! We had such a hard time choosing just one! As this contest was so successful, maybe i should do it for all my new colors! LOL!!

Thank you all for your entries. Please keep visiting our site, new items will be added often now as we are expanding into our own yarns.

Thank you again , Happy knitting and spinning!
Mariah

Wow, what great names!

Posted by dragonflyknitdesigns at 10:22 AM on September 17, 2008

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Wow, I really have to hand it to you all! the names you are coming up with are fabulous! I am going to have to come up with lots of new colors because I want to use them all. Many are ones I would never have come up with!!! Now, the contest ends Friday, Sept 19th and we will go over them and choose the winner that will be announced here by 11 am Saturday. Thanks to all participating, making our first contest so successful! please also check out my etsy store- dragonflysdesigns - for fibers being added almost every day now. Looking forward to Friday!!
Happy knitting, spinning, and creative naming!!!
Mariah

Brand new blog, Brand new yarn!!

Posted by dragonflyknitdesigns at 07:39 PM on September 10, 2008

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Hello Everyone!!
Here is where I will post updates as to what is new and happening at the web store. First off, http://flickr.com/photos/dfknits/2847168342/
Check our new color out!! Newly created, but we have no name! With pale citrus and many hues of fuschia, it is inspired by nature (as are all of our colors) and we have decided to have our first contest. Offer a name and if yours is chosen, you win the skein (approx 448 yds- you can make a pair of socks) and a copy of our "up and coming", brand new, not yet released sock pattern!
Leave a comment with your name, the name you are offering and your email,, so I can reach you if your suggestion is chosen! Have fun, be creative and inspired by nature all around you! Happy knitting and spinning!
Mariah

ETA: this contest will end this Friday, Sept 19th. The winner will be announced on Saturday. You all are giving me such great names!