The creative process....according to tayziecrochetco.

As far as spinning goes, I've discovered alot of things in the past 3 months.

First off, while it's VERY enjoyable, it also requires some honest work. Not just learning the actual technique, but sourcing out your fibre, cleaning it if necessary, carding, spinning, plying and then actually standing back and enjoying what you've created. I think many people OUTSIDE the creative industry don't truly recognize this.

While yarn is something that can purchased at your nearest WALMART, that's so far from the truth of what yarn can actually be!

Take the nasty sink above for example......that's where yarn starts out. At least this unfortunate story of yarn. I purchased this "Mixed Dorper" fleece from the Royal Winter Fair here in Toronto. While everyone else was parading through the direct energy centre with their purchases and christmas gifts, I was lugging 15 lbs of fleece and convincing my fiance to do the same. lol

I picked away the nasty bits once I got it home and spread out, and then went through the monumental washing task. I think this sheep laid about in dirt its entire year before shearing. Ugh! I think in total it went through about 7 baths. But just LOOK at the gorgeous outcome. The locks are multi-tonal and are going to spin up beautifully. I haven't had the chance to card everything yet, but I'm excited about this project.

I also tackled a fleece this past week (after a full work day.......bad idea!) and it's a nice thick white. I'm so sad to say however that I feel like a fleece-geek for not knowing the type of sheep it came from. I received it free at the Royal Winter Fair for helping one of the exhibitors shear a fleece for a demo. I think the deal turned out in my favour!

In other creative adventures, I have to say how FUN the dyeing process is!!!! I used the kool-aid method found here.... here

God was it a blast. I even convinced the big man at home to join in on the fun. Manly-ness comes in all forms, and I assured him that wearing an apron while spooning pink dye into a pan of wool is NOTHING to be ashamed of.

Here are some of the end products!

Until very soon,

TayzieCrochetCo.

XoXo

It's been WAAAAAAY too long

TayzieCrochetCo. kinda, sorta, in a way took a cyber-break. Not that we don't love to be online but with the two of us finishing off our Master's in Biomedical Communications this summer.....we were forced to put our "other" work on hold.

We're back and with ALOT of passion!

Things to update on...

1) Caitlin learned how to spin at the end of the summer, and has now basically become an addict.......her early christmas present was a gorgeous Ashford Tradition! Thanks husband-to-be!!!!!

2) The CreativFestival was AMAZING and provided LOTS of inspiration and supplies

3) Our sales at RareFunk in Kitchener have been steadily increasing and increasing......which is fantastic!!!

4) We're soon to have our own ETSY site (like our other endeavour.....tenonehundred jewelry.) So our cuddlies will be available in addition to hand dyed, hand spun yarn and other rovings!

We're happy to be back in action!!!