Oh, Hello 2015...

Good morning! I've been busy this morning getting photos and spinning supplies ready for my first update in 2015, when it occurred to me that I haven't updated my blog in a looooooong time.

Sorry about that.

It's the new year, so obviously that means a whole new set of goals/plans/dreams, a yes, I've got lots. I thought I might share a few of them with you today.

First and foremost, I would like to get organized this year. Since having baby #3 in September, I've come to realize organization, systems, and routine are pretty much the only way things are going to get done around here. Accepting that and practicing it has made the transition to 3 kiddos much easier in my personal life (and laundry pile), so I'd like to carry that into my work life.

That being said, I have created a work schedule for myself. I won't bother breaking that down for you today (maybe another post if you're interested though), but it does include some days off (yay!) and a set day for shop updates!

Shop updates will take place at 4 pm, EST on Friday's. Obviously, there will be instances where there are delays or perhaps no update (gasp!), So check in with my Facebook Page for those types of announcements.

I chose that date and time for my updates mostly because that seems to be the most reasonable time frame for me to be consistent, and it seemed to work for most of you in the many times that I updated then last year.

Update offerings will be different every week. Sometimes I will have a theme for an update, for example today's update is featuring spinning supplies, but often times it will be a little of everything. 

I like to work on a little of this and a little of that during the week- it keeps it interesting!

I am also going to try and bring back my newsletter this year! It will be called, The Weekly Round Up (ontheROUND, ROUND UP- get it??) and it will feature a shop update preview and all those great behind the scenes progress pictures you all love so much!

It's my goal to have my first newsletter of 2015 up next week- fingers crossed! I'll have more information about that and a link to sign up next week, once I've got it all put together.

I am going to work very hard on my Ravelry presence this year. I do have a Ravelry Group called On The Make, please join if you are interested. I am also going to get my Yarn page current and will be adding every OOAK yarn to the list on update day, so please add your ontheround yarns to your stash!   If you are on Ravelry and you would like to friend me, you can find me under OnTheRound.

I am also working to organize my Pinterest Page to include boards with knitting patterns for each different yarn base! I have a Knit Crochet Weave board already, but since I am always getting emails and convos about project ideas for my yarn, it might be better to create a one stop shop for project ideas. I'd love to get your ideas on what projects you are using with your ontheround yarns, so please share them on Ravelry, Facebook or Instagram so I can add them.

Phew, that's a lot of stuff...and did I say I am trying to schedule time off too? Eeps! A girl can dream. ;)

Ok, so that's all for now! I hope to *see* you all at today's shop update at 4 pm, EST at www.ontheround.etsy.com

The Making of a Handspun Sweater Lot

A few weeks ago, Rohn Strong posted this image to his Facebook page. He thought this would make a great yarn colorway, and frankly I had to agree. Everything about this picture speaks to me, I knew it would be perfect for my first handspun yarn sweater lot.

I've been working through a bump of corriedale wool and new that I could get the colors to translate perfectly onto the wool. I chose to do two, 1 lb dye lots using similar colors.  First I dyed one, and then I re-used the original water and built my second round of colors off of leftover dye from the first lot. 

You can see that each pound of wool turned out different, but similar. The subtle differences would provide lots of depth in the finished yarn. I used the fractal spinning method that I typically use and spun 4, 4oz singles out of each pound of wool.  

It took me a long time to spin 8- 4 oz bobbins. A bit longer than usual in this case because my focus was interrupted by wholesale orders and fiber prep.

Once all the singles were spun I had to wind them off into center pull balls. I don't normally do this as I prefer to spin off the bobbin, but I ran out of bobbins!

And there you have it! 2 lbs, or 8, 4 oz skeins of handspun yarn! Each worsted weight skein is approximately 150 yards so, 1200 yards total in the lot!

This colorway is currently available as the whole lot for ONE WEEK. Next Saturday I have a show at One Lupine Fiber Art in Bangor, Maine and this lot will be coming with me and up for individual sale.

This handspun sweater lot is now available in my Etsy Shop, to purchase click, here.

Spinspiration: Roving to Yarn

Good morning!

My summer spin-a-thon has officially begun! I have to spin a minimum of 2 skeins a day just to keep up with my show schedule and online sales. It's a lot of work, but I really do love it- I just drag my wheel around with me where ever I go. You can follow along with my spinning progress on my Instagram or Flickr, I am using hashtag #spinathon and #ontheround.

To help get you in the spinning mood for the Tour de Fleece, I thought I would share some spinspiration! These are all skeins that I have spun in the last couple of weeks. Please note, I spun all of these yarns on my Ashford kiwi, I used the fractal spinning method to prepare my roving, and I spun worsted style. I've included purchasing information for either the yarn or the roving in the caption, just click the link to be taken to my shop.

Hand painted BFL

Roving available available for purchase, here

Hand painted BFL

Roving available for purchase, here.

Hand painted Merino, thread plied

Yarn available for purchase, here. 

Hand painted Merino

Yarn available for purchase, here. 

Hand painted Merino

Yarn available for purchase, here.

Hand painted Merino

Yarn available for purchase, here.

Hand painted BFL

Yarn available for purchase, here. 

Hand painted Merino

Yarn available for purchase, here. 

Happy Spinning!

Tour de Fleece 2013 - Team Nevermore

Tour de Fleece is quickly approaching- just two and a half weeks before it's time to spin our hearts out! I haven't participated in the TdF since 2010 when I was on Team LaiGrai. That year I pushed myself to create art yarns, something I am not known for. You can check out more of my work from that season here, on my Flickr Page.

2010 TdF with Team LaiGrai. 

I don't know why I haven't participated since then, but I'm ready to join in on the fun again this year for sure! I'm going to be spinning along with Team Nevermore hosted by the lovely Xiane Knight of Threeravens. I like how she is going rogue and breaking away from all the rules and regulations on the official Ravelry page. I still have to spin a ton for work (since I am in the heat of show season) so I think the lighter and happier I can make the event- the better! 

TdF 2013 - Team Nevermore!

In the spirit of being a rebel, I'm going to push the envelope a bit on this one in terms of my goals. I am going to spin a sweater lot of yarn and knit it up free style during the tour. This will be a challenge for me since I haven't completed a handspun sweater since I started selling my yarn. I'm going to use the term "sweater" loosely on this one since the design in my head is more of a tank top tunic/dress, but like I said, I'm breaking all the rules! To push myself even further, I'm going to attempt do to a skein of thinly spun art yarn that I will use to embellish part of my sweater with. I'm always drawn to the more traditional spun yarns so I'm going to really push myself to merge the two thoughts of thinly spun balanced yarn with some major art yarn techniques. Should be fun! 

Will you be participating the the Tour this year? If so, now is the time to stock up! This week I am offering 15% off all roving, wool packs, and gradient batts in my shop with coupon code TOURDEFLEECE, offer ends 6/18/2013. Click here to shop now! **offer is not available for custom orders. 

For more information about the Tour de Fleece you can visit the Ravelry Page or on Threeraven's website.

New- Basic Beenie Knitting Pattern

Basic Beenie Knitting Pattern Available Now!

Often when I tell someone I am a knitter, or someone see me knitting, I am asked to knit that person something. It's the funniest thing..... Does that ever happen to you?

As a result of constantly being asked to knit, I designed this simple little hat. Simple and flattering- perfect for everyone all shapes and sizes! It's the perfect pattern for gift knitting because the shape is basic enough to look good on everyone.

I've done this hat in commercial yarn, handspun  yarn, and recently my own hand dyed heavy worsted weight yarn. This pattern is so versatile!  When I decided to write this pattern down, I knew that my hand dyed heavy worsted weight was absolutely the perfect yarn choice. I love this hat the most when it's knit up in a soft squishy single ply yarn, and considering you only need 2 oz-my affordable  fine count wool was a natural choice. Solid or hand painted- keep it simple or jazz it up, there are so many options you will never get sick of this hat!

My basic beenie knit hat pattern is available for instant download NOW at www.ontheround.etsy.com- and there is plenty of 2 oz skeins of hand dyed heavy worsted weight yarn available too!

Happy Knitting!

Mom's Who Make: OnTheRound

I'm starting a new series here on my blog, about Mom's Who Make. This series will feature other fellow artisan makers who do it all while taking care of their children, and even some who also work outside of the home! 

To start the series out I will begin by talking about my own experience making and mothering. 

My career as a mother and a maker all began is 2007 when I had my first born daughter, Taylor. At the time I worked as a production assistant at a fiber art studio making nuno felt scarves. While I was on maternity leave from my job, I actually began OnTheRound. Being away from making while I was on leave really made me realize how important creating "things" was to my health and happiness  OnTheRound was born on a whim and a dream of having a creative business of my own-  that would hopefully support my family someday.  

Me & T at OL Studio

When Taylor was 3 months old, I went back to work at One Lupine Fiber Arts and I was so lucky to bring her right a long with me. Everyday we walked from our apartment to the OL Studio- uphill both ways I might add! At the studio, I had all the baby gear for snoozing, playing and  wearing to keep Taylor entertained while I cranked out the felt scarves and wraps. Taylor was like the mascot at OL, she would coo and flirt with every customer that came in and was always happy to visit with my boss, Jodi and co-workers, Nancy and later Melissa and Hannah. 

For me, that was such an inspiring time, to be a new mom and so welcomed and encouraged to bring my child with me to work.  Jodi gave me so much by allowing to keep Taylor with me, she made me see that it was possible to have a career with my child right by my side. Jodi showed me so much more than that though, she showed me that you could follow your dream to support yourself and your family with a small fiber arts business. 

Wool Felt Bangles

When Taylor was about 15 months old, I moved on from One Lupine. After Taylor started walking it became clear that getting any work one at OL was going to be impossible, but also I really wanted to figure out my own path as a fiber artist. At the same time, my now husband Evan, had really hit a wall at his job and we both felt that a drastic change was what we needed to shake things up a bit. So, we sold off all of our possessions, said goodbye to our families, and moved to Montana. 

My first craft show in Portland, ME

Our time in Montana was brief, after 2 months we were certain  that we were too far from our families and the east coast was really where we were meant to be. So, we headed back to Midcoast Maine, where I originally grew up.  

Shortly after that I began spinning yarn and started doing craft shows. I took everything I learned about working with my child and applied it to my own business. I spun night and day and often stayed behind while Evan and Taylor went off to do adventures to MAKE MAKE MAKE.

This was a hard time for all of us. I didn't understand how to balance work and family and was only focused on making money. After about 3 months on non-stop working on my Etsy Shop it became clear that I would need to go back to work outside of the home to make ends meet and to save money for a house. So, I went back to Bartending/Serving and began making felt beads for textile/jewelry artist Cara Romano. Although there was more money, nothing became easier for my family when I had to start working outside the house. I was exhausted and my family was clearly missing my presence. I never felt like I was dong what I was supposed to be doing and I felt a lot of anxiousness . 

My 2 girls, Taylor & Elliot

Thankfully, after 2 years of spreading myself entirely too thin, we were able to purchase a house, have another child and I quit my night job at the restaurant. 

After Elliot was born in February of 2012, I started my second round of crafting full time while staying at home with my children. This time around, I became much more aware of my families needs and my business' needs. I was finally able to create a schedule that balanced out OTR work, house work, and family. 

Image Courtesy of Kristen Kapur, Through The Loops!

For me, getting everything done means being able to think very non-traditionally about "office hours." When the opportunity to sneak some work in presents itself, I take it! Goals are extremely important as well. I start out each week knowing what needs to be done without setting up a specific times to do it, that way I can do the tasks as the opportunity presents itself.  

Taylor is in school now so that really helps shape out the dynamics of my day. When the baby is napping I try and fit in all my computer work, since my office isn't very baby proof. When she is up, we are downstairs or outside- this is most often when I get my dyeing and most of my house work and baking chores done. The middle of the day is usually just hanging out and snuggling or playing. I let Elliot dictate the terms of the day in the afternoon and I am careful not to have any expectations for what I might accomplish. 

In the afternoon I pick up Taylor from school, get ready for dinner, do chores and play. The kids go to bed promptly at 7:30 every night  and then I get back to work! I usually do my spinning at night, which is nice because it evolves sitting and usually a good movie or show. 

People often tell me that I work too much, but really I am made to work. When I don't have a long to do list I feel lost and a bit depressed. I've always said I am a machine- and I really believe that. For me, the struggle is more learning how to turn it off and take a break. Since having my second child I've become a lot  *better* at listening to my body and taking a rest. Also, I'm better at turning off my maker mind when it's time to focus solely on my family.

Thankfully my family is so supportive of my work. Both my kids and my husband are used to having wool crammed in every corner and all counter space being taken over. My home is far from tidy, but I'm always ready to jump into a project when a moment opens up. 

Raising children and building up a small home business is A LOT of work and it's not for everyone,  but I know from having worked outside the home for someone else, it's worth all the sacrifices. I am the busiest I've every been, the most tired I've ever been, and the happiest and most fulfilled I've ever been. 

If you are a mother and a maker and you are interested in sharing your story, please email me at rachel@ontheround.com

Rainbow Felt Acorn Kit GIVEAWAY

Do you want to win a Rainbow Felt Acorn Kit? Share this photo from my OnTheRound Facebook Fan Page today or tomorrow and you will be entered to win a free kit! The winner will be chosen at random tomorrow, Saturday May 4th at 8 pm and will be announced here on my blog and on my Facebook Fan Page.

Share this link on from OnTheRound's Facebook Fan Page to be entered to win a Rainbow Felt Acorn Kit!

In order to be entered in the giveaway you MUST share the link from OnTheRound's Fan Page- it's the only way I'll be able to track your share. Good luck, have fun, and thank you for playing!

New Product: Rainbow Acorn Felt Kit

New Product: Rainbow Acorn Felt Kit, originally uploaded by ontheroundfiberart.

I am so excited to announce the arrival of OnTheRound's newest product, Rainbow Felt Acorn Kits!! 

This kit includes everything you need to make 14 felt acorns. There are 7 different colors of hand dyed merino wool roving in each kit and 14 natural acorn tops- plus, detailed written instructions with color pictures of how to make wet felted balls. 

There is approximately 5 grams of each color- red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, and purple in each kit. This will allow you plenty of wool for practicing as well as making your acorns. 

This kit is designed for all ages, including children as young as 5 years old, with adult supervision. For those of you who have always wanted to give wet felting a try, this is a great way to start. All you will need to add to this kit are basic supplies from around the home including; liquid soap, hot water, a towel, and glue. 

I designed this process of wet felting balls years ago after working with textile metal jewelry designer, Cara Romano. The directions are simple, easy to follow, and will produce beautiful felt acorns.

My new Rainbow Felt Acorn Kits will be listed tomorrow, May 2nd, at 8 pm, EST in my Etsy Shop update.

 Also, be sure to become a fan of OnTheRound on Facebook to find out how you can win a Rainbow Felt Acorn Kit after tomorrows shop update! 

2/24/13 Shop Update :: Superwash Merino

Tonight I have four new colorways in my superwash merino base that I will be adding to my Etsy Shop. There are 4,4 oz 210 yard skeins of each new colorway. Also,these are repeatable colorways, so if you are interested in more skeins or a full sweater lot please just drop me a convo, email, or comment and I'll put together a dye lot just for you!

Although tonight's update is just a small one, it is a beautiful one! These new squishy, pops of color will definitely inspire you to knit a cute spring bolero or a pair of longies for a little one in your life. Remember, this yarn base is washable and absurdly soft- perfect for next to skin and baby.

Please stop by and check out the new colors at 8 pm, EST tonight and follow along live via Twitter! I'd love to hear what you think of the new colors!

New! Merino Lap Blanket

Merino Blanket, originally uploaded by ontheroundfiberart.

I've been VERY busy working on new products for this season and I am so excited to reveal the first of many more to come!

This is a merino wool lap blanket that has been hand knit using thick and thin merino wool. It is 36 x40" and is the squishiest-coziest thing you have ever touched.

My Merino Lap Blanket is made for cuddling up on a chilly day with a book and a cup of tea.

This is a perfect wedding or baby shower gift or maybe even a photography prop.

How ever you choose to use it, this blanket is sure to be loved and cherished for many years to come.

OnTheRound Merino Lap Blankets are available in my Etsy Shop! Have a particular color in mind? I'd be happy to do a custom order for you! Just email me at rachel@ontheround.com or covo me via Etsy.

My Fiber Story

This past week on OTR's FB fan page I asked what YOU might like to learn about me and my process. Here is what my lovely customer Bethany asked, "How did you start spinning? Family member teach you? What made you want to? Did you knit before you learned to spin? What do you get your inspirations from when dying?"



My fiber story began when I was 19. My Nana had taught me to knit when I was about 7, but it didn't really take over my life until my second year of college. The summer before I started my sophomore year my father was diagnosed with Leukemia. At the time I was trying to transfer schools after a not-so-stellar first year and couldn't afford to take a semester off.

I don't know exactly how it happened, but somehow I was reunited with the yarn and needles from my childhood. My Nana had been long gone and I didn't really have anyone to help me. I think I just found an old project buried away somewhere and started knitting. I remember sitting in my dorm room and knitting for hours. I don't think I even finished anything-I would just knit, then rip out, and then knit some more. My father passed away that March. Somehow, I had managed to make the dean's list and was able to transfer to another University at the end of the year. Knitting kept me from being totally swallowed up by that devastating time in my life.



Upon changing schools, I also changed my major. I began studying Art Education, Studio Art, and Art History at the University of Maine. I continued knitting all the time. I had baskets of yarn in my dorm rooms and apartments, I used to sit in bars and knit while drinking beer and listening to jam bands. During the summer I stayed around campus in order to keep my serving job and to take summer classes. On my days off I used to sit by myself by the river and knit until dark. I used to knit leg warmers, and hats-lots of hats. I had a long list of friends that wanted them! I used to knit in class and would work fiber into art projects as much as possible. I remember getting into quite the *debate* with my sculpture professor about whether or not knitting could be considered "art."

In my last semester (of my very drawn out college career), I decided that I really didn't want to be an Art Teacher. I went to my student advisory and told her that I didn't want to student teach and that I would rather find a way to knit for a living. I was so anxious when I went to talk with her! Part of me felt it might be a ridiculous decision, but I think the same force that drove me to knit all those years ago, pushed me to follow my desire. Thankfully, she did not laugh me out of her office. Just the opposite in fact, she had a friend who was a fiber artist and she literally picked up the phone and got me an internship making felt.



In 2004 I began working for Jodi Clayton of One Lupine Fiber Art making nuno felted silk scarves an accessories. It was at OL that I really fell in love with wool. Seeing the magic of felting, dyeing, and all the different fibers was literally mind blowing for me. I continued to work with Jodi for almost 4 years! She taught me so much about fiber and most importantly she showed me that you could do fiber art for a living!

In January of 2008 I began OnTheRound and was selling wool felt bangles on Etsy. I had quite a lot of success with my bangles, but after going through a holiday season I decided that I really needed to take a break from felting. I was tired of pruned fingers and I really wanted to re-focus on my love of knitting.



That same year, my husband bought me my first spinning wheel for Christmas. It was a total surprise and at the time I had absolutely NO idea how a spinning wheel even worked. It was an antique traditional wheel that needed some repair. With the help of my mother's boyfriend and The Joy of Spinning, I had that wheel up and running within a week!

All those piles of wool that had been reserved for felt bangles quickly became yarn. Now that I think about it, I haven't stopped spinning since that very first treadle! Spinning changed fiber for me, it changed knitting for me, and it has inspired me to fall completely in love with color. It's safe to say that they old spinning wheel my husband purchased for me, was the best Christmas present I've ever received!

I couldn't begin to count all the yarn that I have spun in the last 4 years, how many ounces of fiber I have dyed or hours I have spent sitting in my chair happily spinning away. All I know is that every day I wake up excited and ready to play with more fiber!




Thank you so much for your questions Bethany! Next week I will talk more about my woolies, where I get them and what I fibers I love the most!

Be well, stay positive!

Rachel

OTR Shop Update

Handspun Yarn Update

UpdatePromo2012, originally uploaded by ontheroundfiberart.

Good morning!

Today I am editing photos for my next shop update. At the rate that I am currently waddling, it's looking like I'll be listing new yarn on Thursday, Feb 2nd. Be sure to come by the shop and see all the beautiful blues and greens I have in store for this week!