Looking for a new online shop...

...I have been procrastinating for a while, but popped into Etsy.com and opened a new shop.
Although most of my yarns are always sold at markets, I still like the opportunity to off an online experience.
So... pop in to CraftbyColleen for a look. I still have a lot of yarns and products to put up so bear with me, it does take time, and hand making the items also takes time. Please enjoy!


https://www.etsy.com/shop/CraftbyColleen

Markets..

...for this month will be at ..

Nagambie Lakes in Blaney Reserve, this Saturday.
Girgarre ..Sunday week
Mooroopna... 3rd Sunday of the month.

It is still cold weather in this area, so beanies and fingerless mitts are available for the remaining cold weather.
I have been working on some new handspun yarns, and I have hand dyed 4 ply yarns still available.
I am outsourcing some Superwash Merino 8ply for dyeing, and hopefully they will be here in about a month, then dyeing will be happening.
Have dyed some fleece over the last few days.
Machine knits are still available, but I have only a limited supply. I took over to the Northeast, a couple of poncho/wraps in 2 colours from Bendigo Woollen Mills, and they will be available at Violet Town with the North East Yarns. Forgot to take photos as I only finished them Monday night and I left at 9am to go to Milawa, where I sat spinning and chatting with the Wangaratta Spinners.

OK here goes...

It, by no means has been quiet here. In fact , quite busy but have been neglecting this blog quite badly.

The new Studio and shed complex is up and running.
I have been to France for the Coloured Sheep Congress and post-congress tour.
Attended the Echuca Steam Rally.
Prepared for and attended the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
And kept going with my regular 3 markets per month.

So will pop a few pics on and see how it loos for me.
I think I need a reminder to tell me when to post!!!

Shedding and Studio area are now completed...

...and I can really get down to business. Everything is now in its place. So I will be able to pick which knitting machine to use, or work on the carders.

Some building photos. The total shedding measures 17metres x 7 metres, and is divided into 3 parts.
This explains why there is less internet activity here on my part.
Next project is I am heading to the Coloured Sheep Congress and I leave next Thursday 15th May. A little holiday for me before the Echuca Steam Rally in June, and the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show in July.

some photos...

..of new machine knits I have created.
I have a 3ply yarn that we the North East Yarns had spun from our sheep fleeces. So now I am working on a few simple designs to show off the yarn. I have purchased DAK8 an hope to get some designs out there in the form of garments. A work in progress as I learn the designer program.

A simple non closing cardigan.

Jacket with diagonal fronts

scooped neck jumper with eyelets.

 

Mini Poncho in Bendigo Wool 3ply.

And some recent wool tops dyed for the markets(some available from NEY or Glenrowan 10 to 4 Gallery).

Here we are in March...

...and hopefully, now the summer heat is getting behind us, the markets will improve.
There was a good crowd at Nagambie Lakes Community market last Saturday 1st March with new visitors which be a boon to the market, and a few sales started the month off well.
Yesterday was the Girgarre Market, which is a Bake it, Grow it, Make it market, and although visitors were down, the sales were reasonable.
I have had to recharge the battery on the camera, so will post pics asap. I have begun to think about more machine knits, and of course, spinning is always on the go.
So this post is a little teaser to get you to come back and visit.

It's time to get...

...re-organised.
Last year became really busy with our farm selling early December and settlement early January.
Sheep were taken by another farmer so did not have to go to market. will always be able to get fleeces.
Learning more about machine knitting and hope to work on garments and accessories using my own handspun yarns.
We have moved to the town and are now awaiting permits for the new shedding. We have 2 storage sheds full of "stuff" which have to be resorted into new shedding..(his, hers and ours).
In the meantime, the house is full of clean and dirty fleeces, dyed fleeces and undyed tops, fine wool yarn for machine knitting and, of course all my market gear and stock.
I am now managing to get a small amount of work done. h2 wheels working, and only one knitting machine up but thee carders are ready to go.
And I hope to get this blog going better!!

The Girgarre Market is on tomorrow and it is going to be hot, but there are some shady trees to stand under.