Spin, spin.. write, write...

[artemis42]

Since I'm already crazy, I've decided to give NaNoWriMo a shot this year. I managed to create a 24 page comic in 24 hours, perhaps I can push myself even further and write a novel in a month. They say you have to write a lot of crap before you improve as a writer.. and this is a great opportunity for both. *grin*

I've just ordered a bunch more roving to spin, since I'm finally through all the gorgeous soysilk and merino wool I bought at Webs before I left Northampton, and I'll probably finish the alpaca in the next day or so. I still have a little bit of the corn fibers left, and a small bag of flax to spin, but I need to wait on those until I get the new spindle in the mail.. my old one's split at the top where the hook screws into it, and the delicate fibers would just get stuck. I'm looking into taking a class to learn the wheel and some blending techniques, as well as how to prepare a fleece. Then when I visit home in December, I can compare spinning notes with Sam and see how her weaving project has gone.

The general idea for me right now is that I'll take a part-time position during the week at Whole Foods, or perhaps even a Games Workshop store, as well as spinning classes, and then perhaps I can spin enough to sell skeins of yarn through my site, or knit custom garments to order. I can work while Henri's in class, then come home and spin while he's studying. That way I can be home to fix dinner and hang out, but I can also be productive and creative with that time. It's a good goal to work towards, anyway, and something I can get excited about.

I think I'll go get dinner started. I'm going to try a different version of my mom's famous Potato-broccoli bake, with purple cauliflower added in for some color. We're going out to see Roger Waters perform Dark Side Of The Moon tonight, and an early dinner will let us get there early enough to get a good spot on the lawn.

Later.

-Me.

Comments

[macabre-grrl.livejournal.com]

I've decided to add you, madame. I'm Allie, from the attic in Newton, a good friend of Sam's? I was probably knitting furiously and sitting at my sewing machine when you came over.

[artemis42]

Tee hee. Awesome. Consider yourself friended right back...

BTW, any suggestions on the best, most versatile and reliable sewing machines out there? I'm looking. :)

-Me.

[macabre-grrl.livejournal.com]

That depends. The sewing machine I have was from my grandmother, and it's a Kenmore from Sears. She never needed it or used it because she had two industrial ones, but a friend had given it to her back in the 60s. Honestly, I like the old and heavy ones because they are very tough. Very reliable and all mechanical. Mine is iron, I think, or steel, and I have magnets on it holding up my and Dan's measurements. You could never do that with a modern, computerized machine! And unless you're doing something really bizarre, a zigzag is all you need. Mine has multiple discs that you can put in and get different stitches, but modern machines already have them built in.

If I were you, I'd scour thrift shops to find one and get it all fixed up. At worst, that should run you $200 if it's really bad. Mine got a nice checkup for $80 and it's going very strong. I do it annually, which isn't totally necessary, but I work its little green butt off. Check craigslist as well.

Beyond that, Huskvarnas are very good. Pfaffs are used in serious costume shops and they're pretty good, too. A White or a Brother is a good starter machine.

Hope that helps!