Saturday, August 9, 2008

Decisions, Decisions...

A few weeks ago, I dragged myself to the mall (I hate malls) and the Gilroy Premium Outlet Center and bought myself some new clothes. It was a huge success - I bought a lot of things I needed that fit nicely, were flattering, and to top it off were on sale at great prices. Examples: $65 sandals for $19.95. $40 tops for $9.95. Etcetera. I was happy (and still am) except...everything I bought was either brown, beige or black. Neutrals are great for mixing/matching, but seriously - a bit dull, no?

Solution: I'm going to Spinnity's house this afternoon for our monthly spinning get-together. I've decided that to brighten up my earth-color wardrobe I'm going to spin and knit myself some colorful scarves. Decorative scarves, not necessarily built for the cold outdoors. I'm working from stash and I have a number of options. I'm having trouble deciding which I want to make first (double click any picture to get a better view):

This is 2 ounces of naturally dyed Tencel from Tactile A Fiber Arts Studio. You'll see that a lot of my options are from Tactile. I love their fiber and their yarn, and most of all their approach to dyeing their product. And they're going to open their online store soon! Make sure to check them out.

This is 2 ounces of 100% bamboo, also from Tactile.

This is 4 ounces of Merino/Tencel from Deep Color Studio (sadly they don't do retail any more). I can't seem to get the color right here - it's not all gray. It's a lovely blend of dark blue, teal and grays. So no, I wouldn't be adding another bland color to my bland wardrobe!

Another not-good picture of very good fiber! This is Corriedale from Grafton Fibers. It's a beautiful blend of purple, blue, olive green and a touch of gray/brown.

Another batt from Grafton Fibers. Bee-yoo-teous stuff bought at Stitches West '07 before I learned how to spin. I knew I'd do it some day.

Two ounces of Cashmere/Tussah Silk blend. Softness to die for! I know. Cream colored. But the plan would be to dye it after I turn it into yarn.

Or...

Do I say the heck with scarves for now and start spinning some laceweight out of this?

More from Tactile: this is a total of 8 ounces of Alpaca/Silk. I'm dying to work with this, even though I have no need for the wrap/shawl that it will eventually become.

What do you think I should do?

9 comments:

Mrs.Q said...

I vote for the first one...but then, I've got that whole blue fetish going on. Still, it's lovely. And shiny!

Unknown said...

I'm on a purple kick. So I'm voting for the Grafton.

Toni said...

I vote for anything--I'm in the middle of a WIP marathon & will only be experiencing new projects vicariously, so I'd say "What the heck--cast them all on!"

Supporter/enabler.....such a fine line......

Anonymous said...

All I can say is, wow. You not only knit it, you spin it first. You're my hero!

Choose what feels good - you don't want it to be a chore!

Helen said...

Oh the sunset coloured one. It's gorgeous. Must. Learn. To. Spin....

spinnity said...

Well, the tencel is totally my colors, so I vote that you spin that one and give it to me. Thanks.

And here's the scarf I showed you Saturday: Bias Betty from Foxy Knits. Also of course on [rav], where there are strangely only 4 projects for this pattern. Weird.

Tiny Tyrant said...

I like the second one.

Little Ol' Liz said...

I think, since you asked, that your wardrobe is lacking a true red, turquoise, and shocking pink. When the winter doldrums hit, you gotta hit back!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. If you ever need help, you know, knitting any of that up... (I can just hear you guffawing "In your dreams!" back at me.)