The latest version of 'Musings of The Kangaroodyer' can be seen at NEWSLETTER
Happenings
Sock club sign ups are on going. Details are on the Sock Club page.
The new version of the Color Grid is a tremendous success. It is currently 41 States and 15 Contries and expanding as time goes on. Wholesale inquiries are appreciated.
Happenings
Sock club sign ups will start in August for a September 15 mailing date. Details will be on the Sock Club page shortly.
I am anxiously awaiting the new and improved version of the Color Grid. The first edition launched at the N.E. Fiber Festival and was an immediate hit with all who tried and/or bought it. It did have a flaw with the UV coating which did not stand up well to repeated handling and flexing. The new version is being printed on heavier stock with a laminated coat which I have been assured will correct all these problems. More to come!
Happenings
Sock club sign ups have been posted. This is the time to think about tat special someone who loves to crochet, knit or even weave. Details are on the Sock Club page.
It has been a long, difficult summer but the fall is here and the weather is glorious. With that in mind, I'm having a post-Twist pre-Rhinebeck sale. Buy 2 skeins of my 'Glitter' yarn and get the third one free. To make it easy to find, I've moved all the 'Glitter' to the beginning of the 'All Yarns' section.
Happenings
October 13-16
I will be teaching at:
New York Sheep and Wool Festival
Rhinebeck, New York
Half day and full day workshops
More information and registration
November 13
I will also be teaching at:
Webs, America's Yarn Store
Northampton, MA
2 half day workshops (3 hours each)
More information and registration
So little time, so much to do........
There is still time to sign up for the KANGAROO DYEING CLASS. One day Workshop.
10-4:30 on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Downtown Fiber Art Center
278 Main Street 3rd floor
Greenfield, Mass. 01301
For more information and to register go to http://www.fiberartstudios.com/
So little time, so much to do........
There is still time to sign up for the KANGAROO DYEING CLASS. One day Workshop.
10-4:30 on Sunday, June 12, 2011
Downtown Fiber Art Center
278 Main Street 3rd floor
Greenfield, Mass. 01301
For more information and to register go to http://www.fiberartstudios.com/apps/webstore/products/show/2380112
Sock Club and More sign ups start today and continue until July 10th. 1st shipment of yarn will be on July 15th. Visit the Sock Club page for more information.
So little time, so much to do........
KANGAROO DYEING CLASS. One day Workshop.
Learn to dye protein fibers, such as wool and silk.
10-4:30 on Sunday, June 12, 2011 or on Saturday August 13, 2011
Downtown Fiber Art Center
278 Main Street 3rd floor
Greenfield, Mass. 01301
In this class, you will learn about acid dyes, learn to mix dye stock, and prepare fiber for dyeing. You will dye a gray scale with your prepared fiber and a 12 color progression. Time permitting, individual projects will conclude the day.
Students will come to class with 24 skeins/bundles of fiber prepared before class, as well as a materials list provided to students upon registration.
I will provide an assortment of dyes for use in class and experimentation.
For more information and to register go to http://www.fiberartstudios.com/apps/webstore/products/show/2380112
So little time, so much to do........
Where has the time gone! That's a familiar lament for all of us I suspect. At any rate, I've been busy dyeing, creating, thinking - new yarns, new colorways, the start of a new book (planning and thinking stages, only) and a new Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Gail.Callahan.The.Kangaroo.Dyer) to separate my personal page from the business aspects of what I do. To that end ------
TAX DAY GIVE AWAY - After visiting my Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/kangaroodyer) or my web site (www.kangaroodyer.com) write a note on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Gail.Callahan.The.Kangaroo.Dyer) and you will be entered in a drawing for a Skein of Yarn AND my book 'Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece' on April 18th. The winner will receive the book and the skein mentioned in the Facebook note. Enter as often as you like.
So little time, so much to do........
I hope your holiday was as joyous and special as mine and that the New Year brings you Peace, Happiness and Prosperity.
Still time to sign up for a Two Day Workshop on Dyeing
I will be teaching a basic 2 day workshop on dyeing in Greenfield, MA January 22-23 2011, at 278 Main Street Suite 307. Tuition is $200. A non-refundable $50 fee is required at sign up. Contact me by email at [email protected] for more information and to signup.
Sign up for the next Sock Club. First mailing will be @ January 15, 2011.
So little time, so much to do........
I will be teaching a basic 2 day workshop on dyeing in Greenfield, MA January 22-23 2011, at 278 Main Street Suite 307. Tuition is $200. A non-refundable $50 fee is required at sign up. Contact me by email at [email protected] for more information and to signup.
So little time, so much to do........
SOCK CLUB Sign ups start today! They make great stocking stuffers. I can send you a card all personalized for you to present to the recipiant or send it directly to the individual to arrive for the Holidays.
I hope you took the time yesterday to reflect and enjoy your family or your solitude as the case may be and to practice random acts of kindness. Your reward is in the smile you receive and the joy in your heart. Don't let Black Friday spoil it for you.....
So little time, so much to do........
HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!! I hope you all have time for yourselves to think about all the wonderful blessings you've received this past year and in your own way to give thanks for them. For anyone who thinks it wasn't such a great year - remember you can always be thankful that things weren't worse.
So little time, so much to do........
WOW !!!
I received a link to Amazon’s “Best Books of 2010: Crafts:” http://tinyurl.com/3xrbw93 . I was delighted to learn that my book Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece was selected third in Best of Books of 2010: Crafts Top 10 by the editors of Amazon. You can read their comments and see the other recipients by following the link. None of this would have happened if my editor Gwen Steege had not encouraged me to write about Dyeing and Storey Publishing hadn’t provided me with an excellent support group including photographer John Polak, art director Mary Velgos and photo stylist Lisa Newman. Thanks also go the contributors and friends at Webs, America’s Yarn Store.
So little time, so much to do........
RANDOM MUSINGS
In order to make my Silk Yardage more available, I have priced it per yard for the individual who wishes to make smaller pieces or accessories. Multi-yard orders will have a 20% discount returned to them through PayPal.
This past year, I introduced two new yarn lines to provide you with a greater fiber choice – Poet Seat Yarns and New England Yarns. The Poet Seat Yarn Line started with a 50/50 blend of Superwash Merino and Silk, then 75/25 Superwash Merino and Nylon, and added a DK weight 50/50 and most recently Superwash Merino, Cashmere and Nylon (80/10/10) and finally Baby Alpaca, Silk and Cashmere (70/20/10). The New England Yarns are my entry into the heavier weight fibers – BFL/Alpaca 50/50 and 100% BFL. Your response to these entries has been very gratifying.
I will continue with the other fibers as they become available in a reliable fashion and I hope to experiment with plant fibers as time allows.
Happy Halloween!
So little time, so much to do........
I have just returned from The New York Sheep and Wool Fair at Rhinebeck where I taught a one day workshop in dyeing to a great group of people from near and far. We did have some interesting challenges with wind (gusts up to 40 mph) knocking over the tent heater and one of the work tables. But we (the students and I) persevered and I know they went home pleased and more knowledgeable than when the morning started. My thanks to Kathy and Steve Elkins from Webs who sponsored the class, and to Pam Art, from Storey Publishing, who assisted and also sponsored my book signing (Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece) in conjunction with the bookseller Merritt Book Store. Three other Storey authors; Eddie Eckman, Judith Durant and Melissa Morgan Oakes were also signing their new books. See pictures on my blog.
As well as continuing to teach dyeing at Webs, I am planning a workshop on Dyeing at a location in Greenfield for this January. It will probably be a two day affair over a weekend and limited to 8-10 students. Details to follow.
So little time, so much to do........
AND THE WINNER IS …….. JENNIFER. (Of the drawing for a skein of yarn) Please contact me so I can send you your choice of yarn. My e mail address is [email protected] or [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name and address. Thanks to all who left messages. I will be doing this again so stay in the habit of visiting and commenting.
AUGUST SALE EVENT During the month of August, buy two (2) skeins and get a third (3) one free. Actually you have to pay for three skeins and I refund the cost of the least expensive item. This sale is for all yarns both on my web site and in my ETSY shop.
So little time, so much to do........
Jennifer Weissman, shadystroll on Ravelry, sent me pictures of a shawl she knit using my Poet Seat superwash Merino and silk yarn called ‘Down Under’ from a Ravelry pattern ‘Catenary’ created by Kiersten Brandt. Not only is her craftsmanship beautiful but her photography skills are also outstanding. She said, “what a lovely yarn, and what a beautiful colorway! I really enjoyed working with it and love the finished product…. the simplicity of the pattern works beautifully with a variegated yarn. And yes, the yarn is a dream to work with! So soft, and the colors were just lovely. I dropped everything else while working on this project because it was such a pleasure.” You can see the pictures on my Blog.
So little time, so much to do........
For those of you who have been asking, or thinking of asking, I have added a section of undyed yarns in their natural state as I receive them. They are listed on my website www.kangaroodyer.com in the section titled ‘Books and More’.
I think I have resolved the S&H charge problems. In the U.S. shipping is by First Class Mail and is free for all yarn and silk products. Out of country charges are listed and any excess charges will be refunded but no additional charges will be incurred as long as International First Class is acceptible.
So little time, so much to do........
Yarn and book sales have continued to be impressive. For those of you who might have missed them, here are two examples of the reviews I have been getting - Clara Parks’ Review in Knitters Review http://www.knittersreview.com/article_book.asp?article=/review/reading/100318_a.asp and Jimmy Beans book review http://deshiyoutube.com/video/dOk_J1s-S4o/Hand-Dyeing-Yarn-and-Fleece-Book-Review.html
Please note : Shipping Charges in the U.S. have been eliminated and will be refunded where I haven't been able to make the appropriate PayPal changes.
I am dyeing a DK weight Superwash Merino and Silk 50/50 which I will be adding to my shop in the very near future. I'll probable start with some old favorites before launching into new colorways. Your input would be helpful.
So little time, so much to do........
The book launch at Webs of Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece was wildly successful! Over 125 people were there and book sales were brisk and have continued. Kristen Nicholas blog (getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/) about the book on1 Mar 2010 sent visitors and customers to the web site in unprecedented amounts. My web site is the one place you can have the book personalized.
Speaking of the web site, I am phasing out the ‘Spinning Fibers’ page and replacing it with ‘Books and More’. Merino Roving has been marked down to 50% and is reflected in the sale price. When it is gone, it is gone. Roving will be listed under ‘Books and More’.
Visit my BLOG for pictures of the ‘Launch’ (gailthekangaroodyer.blogspot.com/)
So little time, so much to do........
This is the link to the pod cast which discusses my book and the color grid. The discussion takes place about half way through the program. Happy Listening ! http://media.libsyn.com/media/webs/Show161.mp3
So little time, so much to do........
According to one (un)biased listener (my husband), the Podcast was a success. It is available on I Tunes 'Ready, Set, Knit !' the Saturday 23 January 2010 program. Kathy and I discuss my book 'HAND DYEING YARN AND FLEECE' and the concept of a 'Color Grid'. Happy Listening !
Several questions have come up recently about ordering multiples of any of my hand dyed products. Most of the time, when I'm dyeing a new batch of yarn, I dye in multiples of 4. This is the most economical and eco friendly manner in which to produce a salable product. Occasionally, a colorway is so popular, I repeat it. When I do that, I put up a new set of pictures so you can see what you are purchasing. No two dye lots are identical, no two skeins, even in the same dye lot are identical. They will be close - like children you can tell they are from the same family- but not identical. If you order more than what I have available, I will let you know that I am doing a separate dye lot for you which you will have the option to purchase after you have seen the results.
This is also true for all the hand dyed silks whether for Nuno Felting or scarves.
Finally, the issue of color monitors has come up with color variations. One person pointed out that I had posted the same colorway twice and on her monitor the color varied. It wasn't the monitor, it was the fact that the yarn in each skein was of a different composition. Please make certain you are ordering the type of yarn or silk that you want. There are multiple yarn combinations in all yarn categories (sock, luxury, lace weight, and miscellaneous) as well as in the silks (both the scarves and Nuno yardage).
I hope this has been helpful. I love dyeing and creating - and I want you to be happy with the end product - which is what you make out of what I start!
So little time, so much to do........
I will be on 'Ready, Set, Knit !' Saturday 23 January 2010 from WHMP Northampton 96.9FM and 1400/1240 AM at 9 am and on I-Tunes as a Podcast discussing my new book 'HAND DYEING YARN AND FLEECE' with WEBS owners and co-hosts Steve and Kathy Elkins.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !
I’ve just received the very first copy of my book, Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece, and I’m so excited I couldn’t sleep. The book is beautiful and everything I wanted and hoped it would be. I hope all of you will feel the same way I do and that this is not just the blindness of authorship. My friends and colleagues at Webs, America’s Yarn Store, are hosting a ‘Launch’ and I’ve included their announcement.
KANGAROO DYER BOOK LAUNCH - HOORAY! Sunday, February 21 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm Please join us for the launch of WEBS very own Gail Callahan’s first book, Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece. Gail will discuss her book, and attendees will be able to observe a dyeing demo. Garments from Gail’s book will be displayed in the store. As always, there will be nibbles and beverages. Registration is free, but sign-ups are required. Please contact Customer Service at 413-584-2225 to put your name on the list. Come and share in our excitement!
The Poet Seat Yarn Line is flourishing. I’ve just received a new shipment of the 50/50 superwash merino and silk and will be posting the results in the days to come.
Finally, My new workspace is slowly coming together. The final fine point changes will be finished in the next 10 days and I can't wait to have it all to myself with no distractions.
So little time, so much to do........
‘Ye Gods and little fishes….’ Where does time go? I hope your Thanksgiving was as enjoyable as mine but perhaps not so busy !! I won’t overwhelm you with all the changes and excitements that have occurred to keep me from talking to you EXCEPT to tell you that 1) I’ve added a new yarn line to my repertoire ‘Poet Seat Line’; 2) I’m starting a second Sock Club using the Poet Seat Line of yarn; and 3) I’ve been busy creating a new workspace in my house.
First, I’m very excited about my new yarn line called the ‘Poet Seat Line’ after the Poet Seat Tower in Greenfield. Rumor has it that A. Joyce Kilmer wrote ‘Trees’ while sitting in the tower and observing the Maple Tree in the Farren Hospital Courtyard. I’ve posted ‘SERENITY’ the first in the new line of yarns 50% Superwash Merino and 50% Silk. It has a lively sheen and an easy drape.
Second, I've opened up ‘Poet Seat Sock Club and More’ for your enjoyment and Holiday gift giving. Signs up are during the month of December with the first shipment around the 15TH OF January and monthly for three months. This will be the Poet Seat line of yarns, specifically Superwash Merino and Silk, for $70 with a $10 S&H Charge.
Finally, I’ve created a new workspace which more than doubles the work area, provides a different perspective on nature and allows me not to worry about water and Dye damage. It also creates a secure Drying area with greater control. The final fine point changes won’t be accomplished until the first of the year but it is already a joy to work in.
So little time, so much to do........
I’m starting a new series of unique funky yarn which I’m calling ‘Fancy’. It is 98% wool and 2% Nylon. Using number 13 knitting needles, you can create a scarf in less than an afternoon, even if you are a novice, by knitting only – just remember to slip a stitch at the start of each row in order to keep a straight edge. You can find this grouping under ‘Other Yarn’.
There are also several new Sock Yarns. For ‘blue’ lovers there is Wild Blue Yonder and Stormy Skies. And for ‘down to earth folks’ there is Fairie Moss, and Spice Rack. ‘Travelers might like to visit Yuma. I like to have FUN when I’m dyeing – so I try to envision what the yarn is telling me and then I try to name it so YOU can enjoy it with me.
Hopefully, I’ll have more Sock Yarn and Silks for Nuno Felting and Scarves by this weekend.
Best, Gail
So little time, so much to do........Well it’s been forever!! An unwelcome visitor, the H1N1 flu bug, came back with me, from a trip to Chicago for my nephew’s wedding, and sapped my energies but I’m on the mend and should be dyeing (yarn that is) by this weekend. I can feel the creative juices flowing so look forward to some exciting results in the coming days!
The 20% Discount ends September 30, 2009. Fill up your stash now! Winter is coming! I will be participating in the 2009 Franklin County Fiber Twist on Saturday, September 26, 2009. It is at the Greenfield High School, 1 Lenox Avenue, Greenfield, MA 01301 from 10 – 5. Admission is free. If you are in the area, this is a very worth while enterprise! It was a huge success last year, in this new venue, with many area fiber artists participating. For more information go to www.fibertwist.com.SUMMER SALE continues. 20 % OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE WILL BE REFUNDED THROUGH PAYPAL. Gather your stash while you may.
I've been right out straight with family and work obligations so I've not had time to keep you informed of my doings... But I have been busy dyeing scarves and yarn. Visit my section on ‘hand painted Silks’ to see the latest additions. I've also created a new line of Kid Mohair and Silk in a range of pastels. I'll be posting them later but you can have a sneak preview with 'Zinnia' which is delightfully soft and fuzzy yellow.
Another recent posting is 'Beach Towel' in Superwash Wool and Nylon. I just loved the way these colors came together and they reminded me of my recent trip to the Ogunquit Beach. Finally, in the ‘other yarn’ section there are two new bulky weight yarns – one a wool from New Zealand and the other, a 100% Merino.SUMMER SALE. 20 % OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE WILL BE REFUNDED THROUGH PAYPAL. Gather your stash while you may.
So much to do, so little time...
Gail, the Kangaroo Dyer
Well summer is finally here!! Now I can begin complaining about the humidity and heat – even though I actually love the heat. Maybe now my tomatoes will start growing and producing. I was hoping for a bumper crop so I could replenish my stash of Salsa.
Speaking of producing – I’ve posted new Lace Weight Tencel, Superwash Merino Roving, and Sock Yarn this week end. Take a few moments and look through my website. I will be posting more sock yarn, scarves, and silk yardage for Nuno felting projects.
Remember, you can always request colorways and yarn types. This does not obligate you to purchase until you’ve seen the pictured results and like what you see. The advantage to me is the flow of new ideas – that’s part of the excitement of creating.
So much to say, so little time...
Gail, the Kangaroo Dyer
This past week has been exciting and hectic. The work, the starts, the tearing out and starting over - why it was almost like knitting a Clapotis! And just like knitting, the finished project is worth every moment of anguish and worry.
I've received comments by e mail from the site, and in person but perhaps equally rewarding, I've sold yarn through the Web Site. Students taking my Dyeing class have used the blog site but the give and take that I've been hoping for has not occured. I do hope you will use my Blog Page as a convenient way to share ideas.
Of course the Web Site still has some bugs to be worked out. Most notably, PayPal does not always add the S&H Charges or does so in an inaccurate way. My policy is to make refunds of any excess S&H Charges as soon as possible and that will always be the case.
So much to say, so little time...
Gail, the Kangaroo Dyer
Finally, my web site is up and running! I am so excited to be able to share my views with you on what matters to me about dyeing and fabric and what we do with what we create. I hope this will be an interactive site where you also share your ideas with me and with each other.
Inspiration for color, composure, light and shade comes from many areas, but for me, the most important to keep me fresh, is to hear your thoughts and concerns. To that end, I have tried to provide several ways for us to share – the most open one is through the Blog Page. However you wish to get them to me, I need your ideas and feedback – what works for you, what would you like to see, what needs to be changed and perhaps most importantly what didn’t work and why do you think it didn’t.
Of course, I also want that to be true as a minimum. The pictures of my work are meant to show it ‘as it is’ not as I would like it to be. One of my greatest joys is to have you say ‘it’s more beautiful than its picture’. I understand the vagaries of computer screens and color monitors but even so, if it isn’t as good as or hopefully, better than you expected, tell me about it so I can resolve the issue.
So much to say, so little time...
Gail, the Kangaroo Dyer
Your impressions and feelings are important to me. I need your feedback in order to grow and improve. Please use my Blog for open comments to be shared by all or to communicate with others.
Visit the Kangaroo Dyer Blog >
