Sun Hat

I started and finished the White on White Hat by Annie Modesitt. it was a quick knit, and while I did have several issues with the pattern (only one of which was of any significant importance for me) I adore the finished item. It is the first summer hat that was not too tight on my head, and is something I don't have to worry too much about squishing (unlike straw) but yet is light and provides my skin (which appears to require at least spf 375 to get me through 20 minutes or so) some much needed shade. I have worn it outside for the last two days and am totally thrilled. of course, I'm sure it helps that I have received many complements on it. :)

Here it is during blocking:
I do need to get a post finishing image.... since this picture was taken, the brim was wired both the inner and outer edge... so it actually looks like a hat and not some sort of bad facsimile of a jellyfish.

New Superwash Merino Fiber!

Ravelry is fantastic. All it needs is a section to add spinning projects, and I'm set. I could spend hours there, adding all of the projects I'm in the middle of, cataloging all of my yarn...

Instead, I'm attempting to prepare for a show in two weeks. These should be up in the shop soon... some silk top in Robin's Egg:

and some superwash merino top in Fire:

I've been spending quite a bit of time prepping yarn for the dyepots, including some alpaca lace, mohair/nylon blend that's great for lace (super halo!) and some linen that is great for hats.

Dyeing

Today was dye day. I had planned on taking advantage of the spectacularly hot weather today, and getting some wool and silk outside to dry... but by the time I managed it, it was later and the storm front was moving in enough that the sun was behind clouds. The wool is mostly dry, the last batch of silk is pretty wet, and thankfully I remembered to bring it in before the torrents of rain started a few minutes ago. Of course, not thinking about the heat *inside,* it was a bit sweltering above the dyepot.

But I am particularly happy with the Raspberries and Cream BFL superwash top (it doesn't look so... neon.. in person. it is intense, with burgundy, red, and pinks mixed with the cream.)


and the Smashed Plum silk top.


Yesterday I managed to squeeze some carding in while Boo was at "school" (which only has two more sessions before summer - eep!) instead of whatever else i probably should have been doing. I finally got my hands onto some of the bamboo and soysilk I picked up at the MDSW last month, and made up this:


I had dyed some linen "black" some weeks ago. some came out blue-black, some came out dark grey, and some came out beige. the beige was a bit of a surprise! To the darkest linen, I added a bunch of natural honey colored bamboo, a bit of white soy silk, some firestar nylon, and a teensy bit of angelina. it is a very silky but very dense batt. It is the first one that I've carded up that contains no animal fibers whatsoever, and I'm really happy with it. I'm tempted to keep it for myself.