Saturday 16th was mostly spent resting during the day in an effort to ensure that I'd have the spoons for a couple of friends' birthday party in the evening.
Ah... well, mostly resting! And also a bit of housework. But look! Party is on the list too! Unfortunately party happened before I got as far as mindfulness and blogging.
The tea was another "Energise me for the Holiday", which I took to the party to be my first drink, although I didn't stick to tea.
The candle was another "Macaron Treats", which I decided was best left at home.
The yarn looked like it might be slightly muted Christmas colours, but there was a bit of blue hidden in there too.
Although the party was a birthday party, for many this was the last chance they'd have to see people before Christmas, so a few cards were handed out, mine was the most special though, I got one all of my own, not addressed to either of the boys too, just because it had a penguin on it :) I also got this sweet little colour-changing penguin decoration off Cis and Steve, who were the hosts, and in Steve's case also a celebrant.
And yes, I did sit at a party drinking wine, and knitting, because these are my friends, and they don't care as long as you're happy.
I seem to have had quite a few red based colourways, so I think this would have been too close a match to the square next to it, hence making another single. I'm hoping for some bright purples soon.
Today I was exceptionally brave, and I went to a craft event organised to raise money for the charity Mind. I knew only 1 other person there before I went, although I'm certain that I've seen at least one other somewhere!
Yes, I have deliberately cropped all of the people out, because I didn't remember to ask any of them if they minded having their photo taken. But I do rather like this photo of the table littered with the paraphernalia of numerous yarn and fibre crafts.
Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and willing to share their knowledge freely and enthusiastically. There was a peg loom in action, some sort of narrow weaving loom that I've never seen before, knitting, crochet, finger-loop braiding, and natural dyeing, not to mention teasing tiny kittens with yarn while skeining up!
I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to look through this book on the chemistry of natural dyeing, as well as get to try some out that was much more successful than my previous attempts:
On the left is a small skein of laceweight wool (I'm afraid I forgot to ask which breed) that has been dyed with indigo, using alum as a mordant. It's fascinating watching the process happen, because the dyestuff will only dissolve in water when it's deoxidised, at which point it's a yellowy colour, but as soon as it's exposed to air it becomes oxidised again, and turns that beautiful blue. So when it's in the dye pot, your yarn looks like nothing much is happening, then when you take it out you get to watch it change colour. It's a thing that I'd heard about, but never seen for myself.
On the right is a pile of Shetland combed top, that was an oatmeal sort of colour to begin with. This was dyed using Brazil wood, and I just love the gorgeous deep red that it's gone! I'm told that it's not completely light-fast, so it may fade over time, but as this was as much an experiment for the very lovely Dot/Katie(?) who showed us how it worked, as it was for us, we have no idea what to expect. I'm really looking forward to spinning this up. I plan to knit these 2 together eventually.
When I got home this evening I had the house to myself, so I settled down with plenty of tea (both calendar tea, and my favourite loose-leaf Earl Grey with Lavender), Person of Interest (Just 5 more episodes to catch up Daddy!) and my knitting. Mostly Gemma's socks, but also today's square.
The calendar tea was "Unwind me for the Season", the candle was "Festive Cocktail", and the yarn is a mix of blues, with a little bit of brown hidden inside.
That's me done for tonight, more being sociable tomorrow, so I'd better rest!
Night night my dears.
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