a l m a n a c

I've spent the week down in the Met Office Archive in Exeter. Peaceful, and full of volumes of beautiful paper covered in meticulously neat inked writing. Plus some delightful cows at the farm where I've been staying. A lovely week -- I wish work was always like this.

b e a c h

Just before the storms did their worst, we had a lovely brisk bright day on the beach at Ogmore. And then lunch at The Pelican in her Piety. A perfect place for a lie down after much fast running.

p u f f y

A pigeon fluffs himself up to stay warm on our walk today.

b o n n y

Making mischief with a hat I knitted for her mother (she's teamed it with a swimsuit indoors).

s t r a n g e l i g h t

Back in Scotland now, which is quite cold and murky. Enjoying taking things at a more humane pace than in the last couple of years and trying to stay healthy.

o n i o n s

We're still enjoying a very welcome slow rhythm to the days of the new year. Doing a bit of work, going for walks, reading for pleasure, doing some crafting. It's so nice! Over the weekend I had a go at natural dyeing, which I've wanted to do for years. I went for onions. 

 

You have to collect the papery outer skins and keep them safe and dry until you have enough to half-fill a big stainless steel pot. I collected a mix of both orange and red skins, mainly the former. Pop them in and cover with water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for about 45 minutes. The water turns a beautiful colour.

Skein your yarn, and soak in warmish water, to which you've added a cup of white vinegar, for about an hour.   

Carefully strain the skins from the hot water and leave to cool down until it gets to near-ish the same temperature as the soaking yarn. The yarn needs to go in at the same temperature so that it isn't 'shocked'. Take it out of the soaking water and put straight into the dye bath. 

Bring it up to a low simmer (be careful not to boil as it will felt the yarn) for about 30 minutes, or until it is the colour you want. If you want it really dark, turn off the simmer at half an hour and then leave the yarn in while it cools, even over night if you want.

Lift out the yarn, squeeze gently and then rinse under the cold tap until the water runs clear (actually happens very quickly). Hang out to dry (I put them on a clothes horse in the bath). 

When fully dry, re-ball the yarn, being careful not to stretch it. 

I love the slightly variegated pumpkin colour -- it's so warm and soft. I'm really looking forward to seeing it all knitted up into something. 

For this I was inspired by Rebekka Seale's lovely new yarn venture: Camelia Fiber Company

w a r m

Here is a hat I made as a present to myself, with this yarn (in charcoal heather). I used this pattern from Eskimimi Makes and it was great. The yarn is very soft and holds well for a ribbed hat and even though the pom pom used a lot of yarn, this took just under one ball. I really enjoyed knitting something so simple, but with a high satisfaction factor and have worn it every day since finishing it.

h n y

Happy New Year, and wishes for good things in 2014.