Dying again

I must love purple. I have dyed wool purple at least twice in the past year. I do like to blend it with other colors so they will be different.

I have a LOT of wool. Too much for me. I am trying to get it carded, blended and ready to list it for sale on FiberSource on Yahoo groups. I'm also thinking about joining etsy.com.

I can't use regular wool dye. It makes my eyes itch and run. I sneeze a lot, too. I use Rit dye, food coloring and I'm experimenting with natural dyes. I tried some Pokeberries but didn't like the results. It dyed it a washed-out burgandy. I also found out that it isn't light-fast either.

I have a lot going on right now. I've been tired and not getting enough sleep and haven't accomplished anything in the last few months. I started taking an all-around vitamin, calcium, Omega-3, Mobic for my arthritis, and my blood pressure medicine. I am feeling much better. I have more energy. In fact, I have a hard time sitting still very long. (maybe I'll lose some weight. lol)

I dyed about 5 pounds of wool - purple. It is ready for me to card. I cleaned my desk area, getting rid of extra 'stuff'. Now, if the energy will just keep coming. I have a lot more I want to do.

I have a new fiber toy. It is an Innovations Knitting Machine. I like it. It needs to be done slowly so I can see if I miss a stitch. It is like the round looms only it has a handle and turns so it knits faster. I also picked up a needle felting handle with three needles in it. I want to make a dog. I found a free pattern online for a short haired hound. I'll start with that and then try a Yorkie. I also found a small round loom with two sizes - one on each end. I am using the smaller end to make handles for my purses that I make on the round looms. I found a straw loom. I haven't tried it yet. It is supposed to make a flat panel.

Next time, I hope I have completed altering my old sewing machine and making it into an electic needle felting machine. It would be perfect for decorating flat items or making a single size and sewing it to something else, like a jacket. I'll take pictures as I am working on it.