Since it was a rainy day today, I took some time and checked out the fall issue of Interweave Crochet I received on Saturday in the mail. I noticed that on the cover it highlighted seven knit/crochet combination patterns. This left me, in a word, disappointed.

While I have attempted to knit several times over the years, it is hardly my forte. I don't subscribe to this magazine, or any crochet magazine, to have knitting patterns. When close to one-third of an issue is devoted to patterns that include knitting, it is a complete waste for me.

Now, I am sure there are many who were happy to have these patterns included in this issue. I however, was not. Let's forget fora a moment that crochet is often regarded as knitting's red-headed stepchild and that I doubt a knitting magazine would ever do the same. The people who purchase this magazine are crocheters and as a result, they should focus on their main audience.

Now, I understand many will feel I am making a fuss over nothing. It is just a magazine after all. And they are probably right. However, when people are counting every penny oftentimes today, the editors should focus on providing the most relevant content possible, which gives their readers the "most bang for their buck."

The editors of Interweave Crochet should have made these patterns an "online bonus" instead with maybe a one or two page article about it in the magazine itself. I, for one, would have been much happier.

        

OK, I'll admit, this has absolutely nothing to do with fiber arts. However, when I saw these this week, I thought I would share them. Why you ask? Because I do applaud things that are interesting, innovate and creative.

These are tan thru golf gloves for women. When you golf, you only wear one glove. As a result, you can get an uneven tan. Now, I don't golf, but I have purchased, and used, golf gloves when fly fishing and I have experienced the "uneven tan;" hated by all women (including me). I thought this was an interesting product that shows great creativity. They come in half length and full length and come in a variety of colors, which I always like.

At some point a few years ago, I remember seeing tan thru bathing suits for women. I am not sure if they ever took off. My guess they didn't is because, in general, women (like me) hate wearing bathing suits. But many women do enjoy golfing, so I see this product being much more popular.

This brings me to my "question of the week." OK, I haven't had a question in awhile, but it sounds better than a "question of occasion." Have you seen a product recently that you thought was just interesting, innovative, creative or just plain neat? Maybe it is related to fiber arts, maybe it isn't. But, ultimately, this blog is about creativity and innovation, so go ahead and share! I would love to hear from you!

        

This Saturday, August 7, 2010, I will be at the Ringwood Farmers' Market and Artisan Sale! This will be my first time at this event and I hear it is just great! The even runs from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. this Saturday, rain or shine.

In additional to fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits, local artisans will have many different items available for purchase, including pottery, jewelry, pet items, woodworking, and of course crochet and knitted items!

The Ringwood Farmers' Market and Artisan Sale is sponsored by Eat Local, Inc., who works to educate the public on the importance of eating locally grown foods, provide access to local foods, support local farmers, and cultivate a community in which the values of eating locally are promoted and celebrated.

I hope you can stop by and say hi!

        

Today I joined friends for some late lunch shopping at the Sidewalk Sale in Denville, NJ. One of the shops I always wanted to check out is Bridges Peru , a great little shop with authentic South American items. So, I took a few minutes to check it out. All I can say is WOW!

It is safe to say I could get into some serious trouble in that store. In addition to items such as Yerba Mate, unique and beautiful jewelry and beaded bags, they have baby alpaca yarn, alpaca gloves and hats and beautiful hand-made tapestries! The work is absolutely wonderful and incredibly detailed. The variety of offerings are Bridges Peru is just wonderful! It truly is a great source of cultural education and fiber art inspiration.

I, of course, had to pick up some black alpaca yarn and definitely plan to go back and get a pair of fingerless glove/mitten combos and some Yerba Mate. If you are in the area, I highly suggest you check it out - you will not be disappointed!

        

This week we are going to do something a little different. We are taking our Stitchin' at Starbucks on the road! Join us at Nonna's Yarn Cafe in Denville, NJ at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, as we help celebrate their fifth anniversary! Then at 8:00 p.m., let's head down the block to Mara's for some coffee and crochet!

Please be sure to call Nonna's at 973-983-9276 if you plan to attend, so they have an accurate count for the evening!

Hope you can join in on the fun as we celebrate this great achievement!

        

I love visiting local yarn shops. They provide a great sense of community for we fiber fanatics as well as introduce us to yarns the "big box stores" would never consider carrying. One of my favorite local yarn shops is Nonna's Yarn Cafe in Denville, NJ. This shop is owned by two wonderful sisters and their store is warm and inviting. When I wrote my Armchair Traveler for Spin Off, I highlighted their shop!

Well, next week marks their fifth anniversary. And what does that mean? A party of course! Stop by on Thursday, July 22 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for all kinds of fibery fun like special yarn sales and give-aways! I know I'll be there! Make sure to call or email if you plan on attending.

Happy Birthday Nickie & Josephine!!!!

        

Let's face it, this week has been ridiculously hot here in New Jersey. What is the best way to stay cool you might ask? Heading to Starbucks for a Frap and some crochet!

The next get together will be this Thursday, July 8th, 7:00 p.m. at the Starbucks coffee shop next to Pier One in the Target strip mall at theRockaway Mall, Rockaway, NJ. We are having a great time getting together every few weeks and would love to have more join in on the fun!

If you are on Facebook, make sure to join Stitching at Starbucks,our happy little group! Hope to see you there!

        

Here is part two in a two part series discussing what it takes to spin your dog's pet hair into beautiful yarn!

Leigh Dudenhoeffer  of Frozen Tundra Fiber Arts is a long time spinner of dog hair. She has graciously agreed to provide us with some tips about how to get started spinning this special type of fiber!

ALVB: When did you first try spinning dog hair? What made you want to try it?
LD: I started spinning dog hair about 10 years ago when my neighbor's Llasa Apso was dying. The lady had saved bags and bags of his hair from all his groomings and knew I spun wool. She came over with it and asked me if it could be spun. I told her I could spin anything except dryer lint. I made her 2 skeins of pure Chiengora sock weight (14wpi) yarn that she knit into a hat and mittens with a skein left over. After that, people just started bringing over their dog hair to have it spun, if I could.

ALVB: How does it differ from more "traditional" fibers like wool, Alpaca and Angora?
LD: Dog hair differs in that there is very little crimp in most. St. Bernard hair from the long haired breeds is silky and lustrous and requires medium twist, but not too much or the yarn will be hard. Long haired dachshund is very silky and lustrous also and spins very much like alpaca hair. I have found that some dog hair is very similar to Llama hair (thicker & sometimes coarse), some is quite similar to camel hair (very coarse), and some is similar to Alpaca hair (very fine and lustrous). None that I have ever spun was anything close to being like Angora.

ALVB: Do you use a wheel or a spindle to spin the dog hair?
LD: I use both a spindle and a wheel to spin dog hair. It all depends on my mood when I start spinning it and the staple length of the hair. I generally do short hair (under 1-1/2") on a spindle, but have also done it on a single drive spinning wheel. I typically spin long dog hair on a double drive spinning wheel (a matter of comfort for me as my double drive wheel allows me to treadle almost at a crawl if I want), but I've spun it also on a spindle. Most of my spindles are bottom whorl drop spindles.

ALVB: What would you recommend to those who want to give dog hair spinning a try?
LD: If someone is highly interested in spinning dog hair I generally recommend that they wash and deodorize it first. There is nothing like finding out you're allergic to dog hair the hard way. Most dog hair does not need to be carded, but if you feel you must, do so lightly. Do a lot of experimenting. Dog hair is very, very versatile.

I hope the great insights by these two great spinners have been helpful for those of you who have been considering giving dog hair spinning a try. If anyone does try it out, make sure to share your results with everyone here!

        

The next get together will be this Thursday, June 17th, 7:00 p.m. at the Starbucks coffee shop next to Pier One in the Target strip mall at the Rockaway Mall, Rockaway, NJ. We are having a great time getting together every few weeks and would love to have more join in on the fun!

If you are on Facebook, make sure to join Stitching at Starbucks, our happy little group! Hope to see you there!

        

Spinning dog hair is becoming increasingly popular recently. Not too long ago, there were some requests to learn more about spinning with dog hair, so here is part one in a two part series about how to get started spinning fido's hair!

Linda Douglas from Hamilton Ohio is a spinner, weaver and knitter and has been gracious enough to share her thoughts on how to spin dog hair.

ALVB: When did you first try spinning dog hair? What made you want to try it?
LD: I first tried it several years ago (2002) with a box of mixed clippings from a local dog groomer. I found out very quickly that not all dog fur is suitable and that brushings are better than clipping. I had read a book on spinning dog fur and the author made it sound interesting.  

ALVB: How does it differ from more "traditional" fibers like wool, Alpaca and Angora?
LD: Usually not as long as Alpaca and silky like Angora. Needs high twist. For bulky yarn, use more plies.
 
ALVB: Do you use a wheel or a spindle to spin the dog hair?
LD: I have used both. I spun the 4-ply Samoyed mostly on my wheel but I spin Pomeranian undercoat (I have 4 Poms) on my little chopstick spindles.

ALVB: What would you recommend to those who want to give dog hair spinning a try?
LD: Use brushings not clippings!

Thank you Linda for sharing your knowledge! Stay tuned for part two!