Productivity

Or lack thereof. It always seems to me like I never get much done but apparently I accomplish more than I think. I was reminded again today when a friend dropped by to get some of my wool/silk fibre to nest a set of pysanky eggs for a gift. She only needed a tiny bit and I have a fibre shop’s worth of stuff in my studio! (Plus in trade she promised me my very own egg made by her DH’s aunt.) Anyway, though she only lives a block away she hadn’t been in my house for awhile, far less upstairs in the Sanctuary of All Things Fibre. She was pretty amazed at how much handmade stuff we have in our house. Of course I don’t normally notice because I live in it but, dang – she’s right! I kind of forget that other people don’t surround themselves with hooked rugs, turned wooden bowls, handwoven curtains, stained glass lampshades and the like. They also don’t have multiple stashes and assorted tools and equipment so that each member of the family can make whatever their creative muse insists. Some People actually have to shop for tea towels and placemats and probably use (ugh!) paper serviettes. Poor things. Though I suppose it’s easier to justify throwing it out when it gets a little worn and go buy all new matching sets. I keep things I’ve made until they are in shreds. And then sometimes still find another use for them. Silly me.

Speaking of productivity, here’s the scoop on the one thing I actually completed recently:

Ruby Blue Twirly Scarf

For: my friend Beryl

Yarn: handspun from Ruby Blue fibre from Aurelia Wool, halfbred wool and glitter (several warm and cool reds, purples and a hint of khaki plus turquoise and red sparklies). Softly spun singles, 18-20 wraps per inch, angle of twist: about 15 degrees, wheel: Louet S-90, slowest whorl, used 1 or 2 zigzags across hooks to slow intake, short forward draw. 60 g @ 320 yds. Approx. light fingering weight.

Hook: 4 mm/F Clover Soft Touch

Pattern: 3-2-1 and You’re Done free online pattern by Sharon Maher

Modifications: I started with a single crochet foundation instead of a chain. Worked it about 2 metres long and then followed the pattern. I never blocked the yarn or even removed it from the bobbin – just started crocheting with it directly from the wheel after releasing the drive band and taking the yarn end out of the orifice. I ended up running out of yarn twice and had to spin more. There’s a little bit left on the bobbin at the end because I didn’t want to run out yet again. Those curlicues use a lot of yarn.

Comments: This scarf is for Beryl, the dear lady who gives me many rides to guild meetings and such and refuses to take gas money or anything in exchange. This version is much lighter and a bit narrower than my original scarf that used plied yarn and a different pattern and which she had admired. She totally flipped when I gave it to her! She was so chuffed she gave me a big kiss. I rarely give gifts (for various personally-valid reasons) but this one was so worth it.