Ginny S. models a shawl she knitted using Cottage Creations hand dyed yarns.

Marla B. models her new socks knitted with the sock yarn she hand dyed at the retreat!

Check our her new socks worn with her clear clogs!

Lelah Top

I purchased some beautiful teal Online Linnie Clip from the Cottage to make this top for my daughter Jennifer's upcoming birthday the end of June. I even had just enough left over to make a dishcloth as well. I love the feel of this cotton yarn and the drape is gorgeous and it is not as heavy as I thought it might be. I think it will be perfect for the St. Petersburg climate where my daughter lives.

I've heard that cotton tends to grow when you wear it, so I am hoping that it won't stretch too much when she wears it.

This was a fun and fast project and I really enjoyed knitting it.

You can find the pattern here:
Lelah Top and here

You can find my Ravelry notes here...

When she comes home I will get a picture of her wearing it and post that here when I do.

Baby Sundress

I recently made a little baby sundress for display at the Cottage.


I used Berroco Cotton Twist for the bodice, and sewed a simple skirt to attach.

The pattern came from "Cozy Knits for Cuddly Babies" by Elanor Lynn.

Retreat

I want to say that I had a fabulous time on the weekend. I am slowly but surely coming along on the modern quilt wrap! It is gorgeous and my friends all want one. Unfortunately no on will get one. I will take a break before finishing the lizard ridge with some other crafty things, namely the snowman purse for my 2nd grade sunday school girls, I know they will love them. Last year they all got the potato chip scarves.

Yarn Retreat

Everything the Cottage Yarn touches turns to gold. The retreat was but another example. I didn't know that I would enjoy the yarn dyeing but figured I'd trust the staff and try it; turned out to be my favorite activity of the weekend. Lesson learned: always trust the Cottage Yarn staff!

Thanks to Sara and her wonderful team for a great weekend.

I posted on my personal blog some reflections on the ancient crafts we practice, the influence of textiles in our region of NC and textile slaves abroad. Feel free to click through and post your thoughts:
http://tamelarich.com/2008/04/02/fiber-tales/

Winter Retreat - March 28 - 30, 2008

We have returned from a wonderful week-end retreat to Burnesville, NC. The folks at the NuWray Inn could not have been more accomodating. We filled the Inn with retreat participants, so we pretty much had the run of the place.

Saturday was a day filled with workshops beginning with the sock dyeing in the morning.

Sheila, Karen, Roella and Marla begin the sock dyeing process. While some dyed, others view a spinning workshop.

Here Donna tries her hand at spinning.

Peggy spins as Tracey looks on.

Anita demonstrates using a drop spindle.

Denise gives it a try while Libba and Jennifer watch.

Toview all photos from the retreat, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25249701@N07/