tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79652462400996334122024-02-07T19:28:22.734-08:00NaturallySpunNaturallySpun is where my love of art, photographs, color, fiber, knitting, and crochet come together in one cohesive place. There will be updates of new items, current happenings, and upcoming events. NaturallySpun is growing and you can be a part.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-28803032925633758692010-04-10T14:17:00.000-07:002010-04-10T18:54:54.479-07:00Hand-dyed sock yarns<div style="text-align: center;">Dyeing in Living Color<br /></div><br />Wednesday was a very fun day (as in an adult feeling like a child again.) I always love dyeing yarn, because it reminds me of dyeing eggs as a child. The whole kitchen was busy with jars of dye, yarn, and just a hint of vinegar. I usually kettle dye, but I wanted more distinct color separation this time and a less mottled look. Using old cookie sheets, I placed the yarn in a circle and proceeded to dye three to four inch segments of colors. On one yarn, I purposefully left a little white showing to finish off the colors that I had in mind.<br /><br />I then placed the hand-painted yarn into the oven at 300 degrees and let it bake for a half an hour. Yes, I did say bake. Wool is naturally fire resistant and the heat helps every last bit of dye soak into the yarn for rich vibrant colors. The dyes I use are completely colorfast and will not fade with normal use.<br /><br />Although the yarn is of a weight that is commonly used for socks, these yarns would make great hats, scarves, gloves, or whatever project you have in mind.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_xdPXScvZu3RzqOg1Zx7fLn16212MiKxwZuFQMv0DFihCKKrMyWmLIKxoH0qdKcxI7I_LL-xeSpkswofONw4buYOmlF02c9EN-CGAJQjRJWAoYmLUygZk2oz6TTWSPYN8_D1Xv-3h6CX/s1600/DSC02162.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_xdPXScvZu3RzqOg1Zx7fLn16212MiKxwZuFQMv0DFihCKKrMyWmLIKxoH0qdKcxI7I_LL-xeSpkswofONw4buYOmlF02c9EN-CGAJQjRJWAoYmLUygZk2oz6TTWSPYN8_D1Xv-3h6CX/s200/DSC02162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458624135373985410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5AH9H8sfZaqcZdmZcJtRQObKnsWb86cXjmXmv5Fwuq02LcOTJAvxWLJ0OUp4niRuyYyK7nLL4M0O67sPS5BXWpuGg0hIi5uApx_98895Yn4J6B7zFumIyb9cciwHF0RMOnkscNLtvVCL/s1600/DSC02209.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5AH9H8sfZaqcZdmZcJtRQObKnsWb86cXjmXmv5Fwuq02LcOTJAvxWLJ0OUp4niRuyYyK7nLL4M0O67sPS5BXWpuGg0hIi5uApx_98895Yn4J6B7zFumIyb9cciwHF0RMOnkscNLtvVCL/s200/DSC02209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458624402296694994" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This brightly colored yarn can be purchased here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44512142">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44512142">.php?listing_id</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44512142">=44512142</a><br /><br /><br /><br />This yarn is my husband's favorite.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtijz1GXMK5uUoZfs9MGrKxSWRk3DXHQwRL0Q4e_-yU4CycQSw89zKgo6WX4CG-9y9gd6iNmi8CIwPVG7bKvxPr0W_t8HtES-Qb1EdHI54tIKUc-cvwy1a_S7DXODrLK0O7_gwkEk0qFE/s1600/DSC02157.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtijz1GXMK5uUoZfs9MGrKxSWRk3DXHQwRL0Q4e_-yU4CycQSw89zKgo6WX4CG-9y9gd6iNmi8CIwPVG7bKvxPr0W_t8HtES-Qb1EdHI54tIKUc-cvwy1a_S7DXODrLK0O7_gwkEk0qFE/s200/DSC02157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458626762911363250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAB7-hwiV47ldFR0McT5igyFUE6N9tGGvmuM8ZnaMXDbZTDra5BxVDiUSsqhEVYixlPgHDqdVhETD6bd-cij8IvgQj8d9qqKMhJSjwt664Wk7R986FTffl1ymo8NL8wViCXHyL8jvRsGXq/s1600/DSC02156.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAB7-hwiV47ldFR0McT5igyFUE6N9tGGvmuM8ZnaMXDbZTDra5BxVDiUSsqhEVYixlPgHDqdVhETD6bd-cij8IvgQj8d9qqKMhJSjwt664Wk7R986FTffl1ymo8NL8wViCXHyL8jvRsGXq/s200/DSC02156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458627119125580146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It can be found here:<br /><br /><a href="http://http//www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=44508251">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=44508251</a><br /><br /><br />And finally, this yarn is my favorite with the deep rich colors and a subtle silken sheen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPFOQr8L6mAqVLCJygNuz71nTrH-v6m3dX9X58hhOfI_XCnAJ_IqPzADNDb-nwQ1rXFABUznpL3EgK4qWMZBkzhh5LMvGp66FfpUHphOhiN6w_88RSLryrvTNHZCIxnjIhgKqJxAUcxWW/s1600/DSC02170.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPFOQr8L6mAqVLCJygNuz71nTrH-v6m3dX9X58hhOfI_XCnAJ_IqPzADNDb-nwQ1rXFABUznpL3EgK4qWMZBkzhh5LMvGp66FfpUHphOhiN6w_88RSLryrvTNHZCIxnjIhgKqJxAUcxWW/s200/DSC02170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458623951532600626" border="0" /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWSLK2tbvt4arsc8w1kMFvNXyDYravmWe46lTqNrA7xOe6TMGB2tUVVC60DCv8wAPcz5kgO9N3bKJsBX5grIaia8PJIbmCiGtgTP4DHhvBssMtsUWq6DioG3Rq4kh69VcpaAoW2DRPkEn/s1600/DSC02143.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWSLK2tbvt4arsc8w1kMFvNXyDYravmWe46lTqNrA7xOe6TMGB2tUVVC60DCv8wAPcz5kgO9N3bKJsBX5grIaia8PJIbmCiGtgTP4DHhvBssMtsUWq6DioG3Rq4kh69VcpaAoW2DRPkEn/s200/DSC02143.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458623589095132994" border="0" /></a>It can be found here:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=44510115">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=44510115<br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For those in the Tacoma area, dyeing, spinning, basic knitting, and crochet lessons are available. Contact naturallyspun[at]gmail.com for details.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-65211968248857821822009-08-03T16:13:00.001-07:002009-08-03T16:18:10.318-07:00ArtRageous was AWESOME!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3mFlf0EdAZiLqtK8SKk-LkIP_qaFWbx3i3VSELkRz10v_QBITikR9XUo5CSXopjeISGHZfBsWx1AgY1As18m4m_UjnAlkRs1bJTwIXFXDoLjGZ7JMWtHjPvs2MV13Ws2Mgoy04R8BHVv/s1600-h/DSC01651.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3mFlf0EdAZiLqtK8SKk-LkIP_qaFWbx3i3VSELkRz10v_QBITikR9XUo5CSXopjeISGHZfBsWx1AgY1As18m4m_UjnAlkRs1bJTwIXFXDoLjGZ7JMWtHjPvs2MV13Ws2Mgoy04R8BHVv/s200/DSC01651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365880791571972082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Exy1JR5tHjKKFnnMsbMS72DQCEV4D6RiH7VhIKYEt40nhtiFV5r6aFGEGEBwNXEJq8Uhj5ZSuXj5bTBf8hrK-0FLkfFpjycUpcIno494AWY0erDkIvKjxQ1cUfSvOC6XaS3anZvr6hyO/s1600-h/DSC01647.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Exy1JR5tHjKKFnnMsbMS72DQCEV4D6RiH7VhIKYEt40nhtiFV5r6aFGEGEBwNXEJq8Uhj5ZSuXj5bTBf8hrK-0FLkfFpjycUpcIno494AWY0erDkIvKjxQ1cUfSvOC6XaS3anZvr6hyO/s200/DSC01647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365880787202761618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRxGjAY0rmVin-FvmQGixtbqQuS-nNSiPwnrXU213g-x2u-e6CKqQJ8fNM9VgLhX1F99wegSOiebOQfdfEoX4cKHmuf52Y9VwQjaNcZoJSD8Wqy_ugbdSkvGEtyy_e9sap5-7NuLYdt7c/s1600-h/DSC01639.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRxGjAY0rmVin-FvmQGixtbqQuS-nNSiPwnrXU213g-x2u-e6CKqQJ8fNM9VgLhX1F99wegSOiebOQfdfEoX4cKHmuf52Y9VwQjaNcZoJSD8Wqy_ugbdSkvGEtyy_e9sap5-7NuLYdt7c/s200/DSC01639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365880785070533346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLVDMCZTLmyeCSorOVF2PlCYEUskaaFZr-3gomQ8Vvr4mlQQfOjfsQ1ozgd8H_ddk-7rVCG0Y5pTDRPm6uBlEHsCO8XjS0QQseV5okoKWHQgZ726FPUbWmwHytmldc2-pCBVRUUmWb8g3/s1600-h/DSC01635.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLVDMCZTLmyeCSorOVF2PlCYEUskaaFZr-3gomQ8Vvr4mlQQfOjfsQ1ozgd8H_ddk-7rVCG0Y5pTDRPm6uBlEHsCO8XjS0QQseV5okoKWHQgZ726FPUbWmwHytmldc2-pCBVRUUmWb8g3/s200/DSC01635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365880774878224514" border="0" /></a><br />On July 25th, I was honored to participate in ArtRageous in Auburn, WA. The day was full of wandering apes, recycle and upcycle art, painting, drawing, beading, and spinning. At times there were 20 folks standing or sitting in my booth watching and learning to spin. The children were fast learners and kept me on my toes all day.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-44053041712918215862009-04-06T14:29:00.000-07:002009-04-06T14:45:53.899-07:00Garden TimeThe past four days have been absolutely gorgeous here in the Pacific Northwet (misspelling intended.) The garden has been roto-tilled and the early crops are in....we will see how this goes over the next couple weeks. Some of the seeds were from a year ago and I hope they will grow. If not, two weeks from now is still good for replanting, if necessary. I bought several different heirlooms seeds that will be so fun to grow. The tomatoes and okra are in wall-of-water teepees and should start out fine. The soil inside the mini-greenhouses is a nice 65-70 degrees :) The spinach, carrots, leeks, lettuce, onions, bok choy, broccoli, and cauliflower are on their own.....:) Normally there are no heavy frosts this late in the year, but it was snowing a week ago, so who knows.<br /><br />I diagramed the garden and noted the dates in case I have to replant. There are still several rows available and I am waiting on another order of seeds to arrive. Once it warms up more, there are squash, salsify, peppers - the super hot ones, eggplant, melons, basil, and this year I will try corn....<br /><br />The hardest part will be keeping the over-zealous CoCo (1/2 shepherd and 1/2 chow) out of the garden. I will just have to learn to tolerate her "bored" eyes, and one of the guys will have to take her for a walk more often.<br /><br />My hands are dirty and my soul is happy :)Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-59557450776263368962009-03-31T19:51:00.000-07:002009-03-31T20:03:28.862-07:00Library Classes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC2pmUBs35fe6Plt4_KouU7pWnErwbFi1uwRtl9Q_mvqUv3N_0u9PCxpd1t5icujyhkj2onOnnEElo1vg7gvq-zjPEU2KXP7dYA0HmJgGn9wHDVXRdQz-tkLJ9h5Ap8_NelzmfgTrBvAg/s1600-h/DSC01007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319552498113087490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC2pmUBs35fe6Plt4_KouU7pWnErwbFi1uwRtl9Q_mvqUv3N_0u9PCxpd1t5icujyhkj2onOnnEElo1vg7gvq-zjPEU2KXP7dYA0HmJgGn9wHDVXRdQz-tkLJ9h5Ap8_NelzmfgTrBvAg/s200/DSC01007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88h1Gp7NiMGAwbGzXbsu4cSuIj6ox9Om3IgrayVdtccrq5WCY94QZsgKkG6ANHmHpiv_Do0hkkOIEKcY9dd0jwz9vriAjB310l8O4nIvkLRH74FDQpgvagAlmlsLp1Kk54X7VEt4XfHc2/s1600-h/DSC01003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319552200966454050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88h1Gp7NiMGAwbGzXbsu4cSuIj6ox9Om3IgrayVdtccrq5WCY94QZsgKkG6ANHmHpiv_Do0hkkOIEKcY9dd0jwz9vriAjB310l8O4nIvkLRH74FDQpgvagAlmlsLp1Kk54X7VEt4XfHc2/s200/DSC01003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtoeAEU_cftGc2mT6KFnX_suqnqqv2F2t6htDu9-xKahO8UnqqaWV9-HHgswR9bPw1IZzHxiUt3PCXn8jbY3vxO3Ngkro-V7xTIASyn6wne2I4CJYSW0VvvEcVa4X4DV_1a2On4NbCzqR/s1600-h/DSC01008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319551021973809858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtoeAEU_cftGc2mT6KFnX_suqnqqv2F2t6htDu9-xKahO8UnqqaWV9-HHgswR9bPw1IZzHxiUt3PCXn8jbY3vxO3Ngkro-V7xTIASyn6wne2I4CJYSW0VvvEcVa4X4DV_1a2On4NbCzqR/s200/DSC01008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>What a great group! Look at these intensely interested newbies completely unaware of their new fiber addiction ;) And then there is me-the enabler :)</div></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-86174329904070279062009-03-25T09:41:00.000-07:002009-03-25T10:34:42.748-07:00So Many ThingsYes, the blog has suffered tremendously over the past three and a half months. December was of course the holidays. We had a great time with the family. The first part of January was spent spinning a bunch of new navajo-ply sock weight yarns. The listed skeins are around a 100 yards or less, although I am currently working on a skein that should be enough for a pair of socks :)<br /><br />Mid-January I began teaching a series of classes with the Pierce County Library system based on the book, "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin. This book tells Greg's story of a failed attempt to climb K-2 that brought about new schools in the SWAT Valley area of Pakistan. Ironically after all of this hard work and meeting with the Taliban to ensure that the schools would continue, news was released in February that most of these schools have been destroyed and the young girls have been forbidden to seek an education. Sad news after all of the hard work by so many people.<br /><br />My class is not literary of course, but based on the fiber animals native to the region. I have been giving a brief description of general domestic fibers, the fiber properties and uses, and then sharing information about Camels, Yaks, and Cashmere goats. My favorite part is now I have these wonderful fibers to spin when there is finally time. The class then leads into each person being able to try spindle spinning. Several folks have attended the class and left with big smiles because they had tried spinning before and failed. I start everyone-even the guys-on a smaller lighter weight spindle using BFL wool and the park and draft method. This allows everyone the opportunity to have a few yards of fiber to take home as a sample, and I feel that giving the sense of accomplishment eases the anxiety of learning a new task.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, a new laptop came to live at our house and I LOVE IT! Finally, I am able to inventory, and keep good business records. The past few years have been spent wondering how to expand when everything was so disorderly. So instead of expanding my two businesses, I had just muddled along adding new items every now and then and not really promoting anything. Now, within the next few weeks, everything should be inventoried-down to the last thumbtack and I will be a happy camper.<br /><br />Last Saturday my grand-daughter's dad built new cubbies along the far wall of my bedroom/office/studio. It is a big room 12' x 24' with more than enough space for now :) All of my merchandise is tagged and ready to photograph, but the skies are dungeon grey (the flash would probably go off outside) today, so that will wait.<br /><br />Am I afraid to try to grow my business in this economy, NO. Crocheters, knitters, and felters will never give up their craft. Will I have to be savvy-yes. Will I have to pay attention to trends-yes, some. Will I have to use effective marketing that is penny-wise, YES!<br /><br />I know that times are tough and I should probably be saving money for that rainy day, but I live in Washington State and nearly everyday is a rainy day. HaHa. My hubby has a secure job with an agency that thrives in bad economies. The recent stimulus bill insured funding for two of the three major programs that the agency runs to help low income and disabled persons with a variety of need-based assistance. I suppose that if things had been different and the news were shaky in our household for future income, then I would have made different choices about the laptop and expansion......or maybe not :)<br /><br />Please remember to check both of my stores on Etsy often:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.naturallyspun.etsy.com/">http://www.naturallyspun.etsy.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.afghanartistry.etsy.com/">http://www.afghanartistry.etsy.com/</a><br /><br />and follow me on twitter as: naturallyspun<br /><br />I am also on Ravelry, indiepublic, and facebook as naturallyspun, although I rarely check these social places right now due to the time that it is taking to organize.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by to see what I have been up to and HAVE A GREAT DAY~Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-11777687887560497252008-12-16T15:33:00.000-08:002008-12-16T15:38:30.665-08:00And The Winner Is.....The contest is over and I truly appreciate each of you who stopped by and participated in my blog questionnaire. FairySari has won the prize drawing and I will be making up a special custom prize for her according to her favorite fibers and weight of yarn. This is going to be much fun and I look forward to making this special prize package. I will post pictures of the final prize after FairySari receives her gift, cause I want it to be a surprise for her.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-81260228074594296812008-12-08T16:05:00.000-08:002008-12-08T17:01:02.751-08:00Creamy/Yeasy Potato and Brussel Sprout Soup7 medium red potatoes<br />1 1/2 to 2 lbs of brussel sprouts<br />1/2 head of cauliflower<br />3 small eggplants<br />2 medium leeks<br />2 cloves of garlic<br />1 tsp of dried basil or about four leaves of fresh<br />1/2 tsp rosemary<br />2 tblsp of vegan margarine<br />1 16oz container of soy milk- plain<br />3 cups of water<br /><br />sea salt to taste and ground black pepper to taste<br /><br />Yeast Mixture:<br />1 cup of nutritional yeast (to add after all veggies have cooked)<br />3 tblsp of potato or corn starch<br />2 tblsp of tamari or regular soy sauce-add this directly to the soup when adding dry ingredients.<br /><br /><br /><br />Cut potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Cut ends from brussel sprouts and remove any damaged leaves-Cut in half. Cut cauliflower into small pieces. Slice eggplants and leeks into 1/4 inch slices. Press or slice garlic. Add all ingredients (except yeast) to large soup pot and bring to a rolling boil. Note that the soy milk will most likely become foamy and separate, but this will not matter after the yeast mixture is added. Lower the temperature to low or med-low and cover. Once all vegetables are cooked to your liking stir in yeast mixture and return to a higher heat long enough to thicken the soup slightly. Serves 8Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-40660812521136776262008-12-02T15:23:00.000-08:002008-12-08T16:05:02.993-08:00Hummus :)Okay! Okay! Hummus<br /><br />15 ounce can of garbonzo beans - drain and set liquid aside<br />1 clove fresh garlic<br />2 tblsp tahini or 1/4 cup of sesame seeds<br />1 tbsp of olive oil (I sometimes omit this with good results)<br />1 tsp powdered garlic or 2 tsp if you have no fresh on hand<br />2 tsp tamari or regular soy sauce if you have no tamari<br />2 tsp cut pimento<br />1/4 tsp paprika<br />1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper<br /><br />Put beans and all ingredients into food processor or blender and blend until smooth. If you like incredibly thick Hummus then omit any of the reserved bean liquid. If you want to use as a spread rather than a dip....add up to half of the reserved liquid. Chill for at least an hour for flavors to meld.<br /><br />Test other additions such as jalepenos, black olives (drained), onion, green onion, sun-dried tomatoes. ENJOY!Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-7942524420176551052008-12-02T08:44:00.000-08:002008-12-03T13:13:32.227-08:00TWITTER FRIENDSTwitter friends,<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by to answer these questions. I truly appreciate your time and help:) Drawing for free gift will be held on December 15th from names of all who chose to respond. One winner-one GREAT gift :)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I am curious as to whether my knitting and crochet friends purchase small yardage samples/accent yarns to add to projects? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Would it be practical to offer 5-25 yard sample/accent skeins? Priced between $2.00-$5.50 :)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">If you liked the colorway/colors would you purchase several skeins in order to make a project?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">What weight/wpi do you find most useful for accent yarn?</span><br /><br />****Please just add your answers as a comment and I will get an email with the information****<br /><br /><br />The reason that I am asking is that with watching my grand-daughter nearly full-time and other household duties, I am finding it difficult to spend a week(on what would normally take a day and a half) making 150-200 yards of two-ply yarn. I love to spin and have mastered spinning navajo ply-as-you-go. On my small Bosworth this gives me about 20 yards per skein of three-ply yarn. I have tons of wool which I wish to get spun and out of my storage, so I am looking for a workable way to do this and your answers will certainly help with my decision on how to proceed.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-6833413753152391952008-11-26T08:21:00.000-08:002008-11-26T09:26:16.626-08:00Gloves Complete and No Cooking Tomorrow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXQIhuwOkNzOMSMakqTvdxTNXE1opee5Ey6_k2a8LddE4PxHI5E4OJLlfmwnmYFMe9huX5FXqpb_eSd36IirkKvd8iPvFknE-fdi6qzhxYz149pD-oV5EQOc1GESiktxXBzTVmD1a8Sax/s1600-h/DSC00348.JPG"> </a><br /><br /><br />I finished the hand-dyed hand-knit fingerless gloves last night. Here they are:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKwk0KC9I4JreB9n1o9QWHKGej9bjNn4ahJCpi5pW5kQplPiAsn7mHUQMNeXQgHGq36kXApW5Vph0IGtrkieqQ-6S5zhqSwI1w8N-dNIosRJ_RNkq0ZMRxS9n93g2YZtwiPMtOVv2ba9J/s1600-h/DSC00347.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKwk0KC9I4JreB9n1o9QWHKGej9bjNn4ahJCpi5pW5kQplPiAsn7mHUQMNeXQgHGq36kXApW5Vph0IGtrkieqQ-6S5zhqSwI1w8N-dNIosRJ_RNkq0ZMRxS9n93g2YZtwiPMtOVv2ba9J/s200/DSC00347.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273002635063116978" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXQIhuwOkNzOMSMakqTvdxTNXE1opee5Ey6_k2a8LddE4PxHI5E4OJLlfmwnmYFMe9huX5FXqpb_eSd36IirkKvd8iPvFknE-fdi6qzhxYz149pD-oV5EQOc1GESiktxXBzTVmD1a8Sax/s1600-h/DSC00348.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXQIhuwOkNzOMSMakqTvdxTNXE1opee5Ey6_k2a8LddE4PxHI5E4OJLlfmwnmYFMe9huX5FXqpb_eSd36IirkKvd8iPvFknE-fdi6qzhxYz149pD-oV5EQOc1GESiktxXBzTVmD1a8Sax/s200/DSC00348.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273002644784608514" border="0" /></a><br /><span><span><span>I have enough of this yarn left to make another pair of similar gloves :)<br /><br />Lately I have figured out the technique for navajo-plying as you go. I watched a video several months ago and it finally sank in that this could work. The disadvantage is that the largest skein I get on my small spindle is about 20 yards. That is an ideal amount if someone just plans to use the yarn for embellishments or a few stripes in a sock, but anything larger will require dealing with the small knots. Personally I never have problems with hiding the small knots. The only item where knots prove ominous is socks-knots in sock cuff ok, but not anywhere else.<br /><br />I will try making some bulky yarn with navajo-plying on one of my larger spindles and see what I get for yardage there. If anyone has any tips or suggestions feel free to leave a comment :)</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXQIhuwOkNzOMSMakqTvdxTNXE1opee5Ey6_k2a8LddE4PxHI5E4OJLlfmwnmYFMe9huX5FXqpb_eSd36IirkKvd8iPvFknE-fdi6qzhxYz149pD-oV5EQOc1GESiktxXBzTVmD1a8Sax/s1600-h/DSC00348.JPG"> </a>Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-23191068666366267082008-11-20T09:28:00.000-08:002008-11-20T09:31:43.499-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZVuhmA7zpTxuOcUwVQvEu357neuRmFhBs_hFPxG-AFEppw9hBEjgOB5-s2y9n28BF8m-TyGEg9IMNgyD2xzvVwnNU7Kg-PMUr4B9dBExp_Gfx-1vkY-FLVJeG0wL0Uc35LrodJDy0jaT/s1600-h/DSC00344.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZVuhmA7zpTxuOcUwVQvEu357neuRmFhBs_hFPxG-AFEppw9hBEjgOB5-s2y9n28BF8m-TyGEg9IMNgyD2xzvVwnNU7Kg-PMUr4B9dBExp_Gfx-1vkY-FLVJeG0wL0Uc35LrodJDy0jaT/s200/DSC00344.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270793528857896770" border="0" /></a><br />Almost done with the first fingerless glove of the order. There will be plenty of yarn left for another pair if anyone should wish to order :)<br /><br />My favorite part is the spiral striping...so cool!Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-87987063725515184492008-11-19T07:53:00.000-08:002008-11-19T08:29:57.540-08:00Studio Tour Update and more.The Studio Tour weekend (two weeks ago) went very well. There were 50+ visitors during the two day tour. Financially the weekend was a little off from last years event. There was a 25% decrease in sales, but I did make a point of letting folks know that I take custom orders at any time :) and this has already proved fruitful.<br /><br />On Monday, I dyed some 70% merino and 30% silk yarn black and sapphire blue for a customer who had purchased one pair of fingerless gloves during the event and wanted another pair for herself. The yarn is dry and I can start knitting today! Monday morning and afternoon I knitted a pair of baby fingerless gloves in a new pattern.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2VlhAq6g24w6lmpSSCin3C_97-bzbQZ0pE8AN9HRxwg91oykcRzoQEXWz_bIOFKyKeJlcMkk1c0ryFG92p_Plr5aixGbThWlAPxP9m424xlXFsf8myi3w9hT29nvzPl3rWXSjwSyIfM2/s1600-h/DSC00314.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2VlhAq6g24w6lmpSSCin3C_97-bzbQZ0pE8AN9HRxwg91oykcRzoQEXWz_bIOFKyKeJlcMkk1c0ryFG92p_Plr5aixGbThWlAPxP9m424xlXFsf8myi3w9hT29nvzPl3rWXSjwSyIfM2/s200/DSC00314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270405738947400658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vvsu1seSHy6-NqnrYAZ3sFrE89mhhT7Q3xL5KwgJEBdIixEatJwFhvZ99gpBbMlL4KVEff5eks2gbOC84yL0z3-gCOCK5LjBrToZi-o-2tkAPm4Gz4z30Fb7OXs73lNC_GcCQZghS_xq/s1600-h/DSC00307.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vvsu1seSHy6-NqnrYAZ3sFrE89mhhT7Q3xL5KwgJEBdIixEatJwFhvZ99gpBbMlL4KVEff5eks2gbOC84yL0z3-gCOCK5LjBrToZi-o-2tkAPm4Gz4z30Fb7OXs73lNC_GcCQZghS_xq/s200/DSC00307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270405736603824354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Monday evening, Tuesday and part of yesterday I knitted a scarf for my hubby as an anniversary present.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv2J4K31ZFbnKR6WWXDdN4jErfCHGDOEQgV_qcLup4bNETI8dOnLsywvCHoTrUvUvvi6nEZoDHmn0ETY4pDKbB-DAd-jH1uecHQiNTJFamzhuIsY0_71pecasz0uXFG5tw4KZWL2j0WXS/s1600-h/DSC00309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv2J4K31ZFbnKR6WWXDdN4jErfCHGDOEQgV_qcLup4bNETI8dOnLsywvCHoTrUvUvvi6nEZoDHmn0ETY4pDKbB-DAd-jH1uecHQiNTJFamzhuIsY0_71pecasz0uXFG5tw4KZWL2j0WXS/s200/DSC00309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270405729950852914" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Last night I crocheted a scarf and most of a beanie while watching "A Night at the Opera." This is a gift to a friend's daughter who just loved this neon bright and bulky yarn that was donated to the local art center.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCauSxv4UPIEw5K8K4_aTNi3ey__n0OmhFyjWpER-0ZEnmeMseotLejSsrJMgvTXfvOVTXrWYE-vztZMte2EJYYoZxbrnt2DioztoDw7_XXWiDxwe3I2kEfzmyFpr2lcX0df-Lnjd2N3bM/s1600-h/DSC00308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCauSxv4UPIEw5K8K4_aTNi3ey__n0OmhFyjWpER-0ZEnmeMseotLejSsrJMgvTXfvOVTXrWYE-vztZMte2EJYYoZxbrnt2DioztoDw7_XXWiDxwe3I2kEfzmyFpr2lcX0df-Lnjd2N3bM/s200/DSC00308.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270405734299337858" border="0" /></a><br />Wow........I need sunglasses to look at the picture :)Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-6846792268240442592008-11-06T12:44:00.000-08:002008-11-06T12:54:06.530-08:00New Family Member<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURthMX08bAhLk4fPf6VJPRMjAIvfCPKZfq9wQcueJzNdHdidaKFNg4yATtPPJ6o0Nd8gZlwcGtbv9KMZjHDZNLgaSaZp5ao0XI0CERc3NFEJkW3slA5UPGhHnieNjCd8B8XVtOPZy9zTZ/s1600-h/DSC00241.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURthMX08bAhLk4fPf6VJPRMjAIvfCPKZfq9wQcueJzNdHdidaKFNg4yATtPPJ6o0Nd8gZlwcGtbv9KMZjHDZNLgaSaZp5ao0XI0CERc3NFEJkW3slA5UPGhHnieNjCd8B8XVtOPZy9zTZ/s200/DSC00241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265650641583582610" border="0" /></a><br />Four weeks ago we were blessed with this beautiful addition to our pet family. Her name is CoCo and she is 16 weeks old. She was headed to the Humane Society and my hubby just would not let that happen.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-60167190431823839722008-10-30T11:40:00.000-07:002008-10-30T11:46:39.705-07:00Upcoming Studio Tour WeekendOn November 8th and 9th, NaturallySpun will be participating in Tacoma's Studio Tour Weekend. You can visit and view my latest creations at Tacoma Art Place located at 1116 S 11th St., Tacoma, WA. The event will last from 10:00-4:00 both days. There will be spinning demonstrations, fiber information, and a great give-away. Also, there will be a special item for purchase with 1/2 of the proceeds to benefit Tacoma Art Place. Please stop by and browse for Holiday gifts with NaturallySpun.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-51797974257270619782008-10-12T14:42:00.000-07:002008-10-12T14:57:22.508-07:00Two Pairs of Gloves!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxkvKRvy0icPRLqzzvoQiGecWVH_ufWaRRgbI5YXogoNTLEzNr5st4KDwcJz1HjOC6VhiUb_pka55KOC5UXVhiCZNd-ur4TBfyNIFOPbGuKNXzQ7SaKKWfp-9w3sE5qcHSRsp7jWWu_Q_/s1600-h/DSC00265.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxkvKRvy0icPRLqzzvoQiGecWVH_ufWaRRgbI5YXogoNTLEzNr5st4KDwcJz1HjOC6VhiUb_pka55KOC5UXVhiCZNd-ur4TBfyNIFOPbGuKNXzQ7SaKKWfp-9w3sE5qcHSRsp7jWWu_Q_/s200/DSC00265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256389650638815426" border="0" /></a> Denver Friend's Gloves<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5gGC6AUf_zCFjq7tvF7lqxPmgPToJ5zod5KAoqCzSjML4W_AnfIbpoxDqgHXocre0BUQ4iogRpA4igxU3BAaHIAT3jr6XVdIM4luyxEj_SQQdMdhPQbjzDbUYrKxTDhyVTfbdwDqGtiU/s1600-h/DSC00254.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5gGC6AUf_zCFjq7tvF7lqxPmgPToJ5zod5KAoqCzSjML4W_AnfIbpoxDqgHXocre0BUQ4iogRpA4igxU3BAaHIAT3jr6XVdIM4luyxEj_SQQdMdhPQbjzDbUYrKxTDhyVTfbdwDqGtiU/s200/DSC00254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256389276457961666" border="0" /></a> Ooops Gloves<br /><br /><br />Well...<br /><br />After starting the first glove for my friend in Denver, I realized that I had made the first glove a little snug and about 10 rows too short. So below is actually the first glove for my friend, but the second glove that I made. This brought me to another dilemma, I needed to spin more yarn in order to have enough to complete at least one more glove. I decided to attempt to spin the same amount from the same roving and then I would have identical yarn and the gloves would all match. Good theory, but it did not work out quite right. Oddly enough, I did end up with only ten yards more of the second batch of yarn, and the patterning did match up perfectly for the mate to the first(oops) glove, however as I started the mate to my friends glove, I soon noticed that well-they would match but not match up. It is okay! So goes life with wonderful handspun yarns. Now I have pics of both sets of gloves and they turned out wonderfully although not perfectly matched.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-89247637183797282202008-10-02T15:25:00.000-07:002008-10-02T15:31:29.398-07:00First glove is finished!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LzK43BvUg6qCMnNCY3V7NEkP02ZkNKh1jEU8U1BpLsObG9g7XU0KcIXVJhcw-7gj058U66UEeHEYRydntGCDKFKoKIyFnJL8r7uNjZoWBjKM78SfCfd2g6AOp9q3uhqzTV9ZFr-d_7fP/s1600-h/DSC00229.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LzK43BvUg6qCMnNCY3V7NEkP02ZkNKh1jEU8U1BpLsObG9g7XU0KcIXVJhcw-7gj058U66UEeHEYRydntGCDKFKoKIyFnJL8r7uNjZoWBjKM78SfCfd2g6AOp9q3uhqzTV9ZFr-d_7fP/s200/DSC00229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252687388645178066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV14vdOWDH2i15iV1UTh8wTfgqf5l7zPHCTDmNcnYB0ZN0ss1aFL4ZNyZna5UFp7NbFgzl7nI6nKdn6LMm4fTx6peqXd494E_RFgZyVgWS5VRLsnUe-Ty-9pLNrdxqdJgufYTBjHqFcJ-/s1600-h/DSC00230.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV14vdOWDH2i15iV1UTh8wTfgqf5l7zPHCTDmNcnYB0ZN0ss1aFL4ZNyZna5UFp7NbFgzl7nI6nKdn6LMm4fTx6peqXd494E_RFgZyVgWS5VRLsnUe-Ty-9pLNrdxqdJgufYTBjHqFcJ-/s200/DSC00230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252687387512135986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well today, I have the first glove finished and I am spinning the solid purple so I can ply another skein of yarn for the second glove. I should be able to finish the little bit of spinning and plying today, but we will see how that goes.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-38010730793239052252008-10-01T10:43:00.000-07:002008-10-02T10:07:17.824-07:00Etsyversary!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77_4zlbRKnPUSNRaFUoRc_oKp5vxrMlVa63uqg9UVJI04oxo5ah9aE17trP8lVbxXc7mE_OG0zfGR236JD-xzw1VXfY40L6liSoXurEhxG5Zo5dtS9DbHMLzcZUkW5JVtMfxTHv_44ZIJ/s1600-h/DSC00228.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77_4zlbRKnPUSNRaFUoRc_oKp5vxrMlVa63uqg9UVJI04oxo5ah9aE17trP8lVbxXc7mE_OG0zfGR236JD-xzw1VXfY40L6liSoXurEhxG5Zo5dtS9DbHMLzcZUkW5JVtMfxTHv_44ZIJ/s200/DSC00228.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252604137639398850" border="0" /></a><br />This week NaturallySpun is celebrating its two year Etsyversary. There is a sale going on, with your choice of the better deal for you. Please see my shop for details :<br /><br />http://www.naturallyspun.etsy.com<br /><br />In other news, on my needles are fingerless gloves bound for Denver <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HY91K93c7msGy7ILUXNQHbfBy8pbP4SWD_Rbh2n_ZpD0HyQ822hyhlVlvTRdtICx_cagq-KUqmLcclMaKvuTWBZkQEDPgxjukXi8T-GWLMVkpGDd3Gq8u2uHMnPFrwGCAEHOUkWa8HNb/s1600-h/DSC00212.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HY91K93c7msGy7ILUXNQHbfBy8pbP4SWD_Rbh2n_ZpD0HyQ822hyhlVlvTRdtICx_cagq-KUqmLcclMaKvuTWBZkQEDPgxjukXi8T-GWLMVkpGDd3Gq8u2uHMnPFrwGCAEHOUkWa8HNb/s200/DSC00212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252244384190538930" border="0" /></a>made from my hand-dyed handspun yarn. Later today when I have more of the glove done, I will post a pic of that too.Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965246240099633412.post-58129671913644644812008-09-29T15:38:00.000-07:002008-09-29T16:23:53.701-07:00Starting Fresh!With so many new things happening for NaturallySpun, I wanted to ease the confusion and just start out new and fresh with this blog. As points of reference, I may include blog posts and pictures you may recognize from my previous blog, but almost everything here will be fresh, new, and exciting.<br /><br />There are three exciting new developments for NaturallySpun.<br /><br />The first is that hand-dyed and handspun yarn by NaturallySpun has been used in a cute holiday tree skirt pattern by Marie Haigh of KnittedGems.com. The tree skirt is called "O Tannenbaum" and can be found on Marie's blog and in her Etsy shop. A great friendship and working relationship has blossomed from working with Marie. She has left an over-whelmingly wonderful post on her website about our meeting and working together (her choices and my skill) to make the yarn perfect for her project. I encourage you to read her post here:<br /><br /><a href="http://knittedgems.com/">http://knittedgems.com/</a><br /><br />As my workload stands right now, I can take just two orders for yarn similar to what Marie used in the tree skirt. This amount of yarn takes a couple weeks to complete and two orders would put me near family birthdays, the holidays, and the next exciting development.<br /><br />November 8th and 9th NaturallySpun will be featured as a local artist on the Studio Tours 2008 sponsored by the City of Tacoma. To find out more information, please visit this link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tacomaculture.org/arts/AWstudiotour.asp">http://www.tacomaculture.org/arts/AWstudiotour.asp</a><br /><br />NaturallySpun will be using Tacoma Art Place as my home studio. Tacoma Art Place is a local non-profit focused on bringing art to all at affordable prices.<br /><a href="http://www.tacomaartplace.org/"><br />http://www.tacomaartplace.org</a><br /><br /><br />In early 2009, NaturallySpun will be participating with the Pierce County Libraries and their Pierce County Reads program to bring a spinning program to the participating libraries. Throughout January, February, and March NaturallySpun will give demonstrations that will be designed around the selected book for 2009.<br /><br />The book for 2009 has not been officially noted on the Library system website, once it is I will list it here for all to see. Yes, of course I know what it is :) In the meantime, here is more about the program and the book for 2008.<br /><br />http://www.<a href="http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/reading-books/pierce-county-reads/Default.htm">piercecountylibrary.org/reading-books/pierce-county-reads/Default.htm</a><br /><br /><br />I hope you have enjoyed the updates for NaturallySpun. It is going to get busy around here!Brenda Groboskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16361862266642990743noreply@blogger.com0