Knitting – Moonshine Mohair at Keldaby Farm

Hats…Hats…Hats!

Yes, I have been knitting up a storm and here are some of my new hats! Here’s a quick tour through my studio. All these hats are $65

Whoa–Apparently It’s Been a Year…

…since I last wrote here! First a nod, no, a curtsey to the late Queen. And God save the King! Seventy years ago when she assumed the throne I received a letter from a friend of my Mom consoling me on the death of my Dad (hers, much older of course, had just died as well) and sending me many souvenir booklets and cards, which I still have, from the coronation. Eight years later my Mom and I were in Bath and the Queen Mother walked by with her retinue no more than eight feet from us. These are some of my bona fides for my anglophilism!

AND, after two years of trying to get back to Orkney and the stone cottage in Stromness, we five–Lynn, Jill, Jen and Orkney-newbie and longtime friend Susan–will be boarding our flight to the UK! I do intend to write a daily blog as I have in the past (never did quite complete the one from 2019) though it won’t get published until we’re back unless I can figure out how to do it on my Kindle. So, stay tuned!

BUT, more importantly, we are getting ready for the 19th Crafts of Colrain Studio Tour (Veterans Day weekend, 12th and 13th November) as well as our 2nd Crafts of Colrain Pop-up Show (8th and 9th October) on State Street, Buckland side of Shelburne Falls. And here’s an advisory for you legions of mohair sock lovers, this is the last year–barring a miracle–these beautiful hand-dyed socks will be available!!

And finally, and for the last time, socks!

18th Annual Crafts of Colrain Studio Tour Almost Here!

Come visit us here at Keldaby this Sat or Sun, Nov 13th–14th, 10 to 4 o’clock. Two of my best friends, Jen Kapitulik from Rag Hill Farm (upper left hand image) and Inge Jockers (lower right hand image) will be right here at Keldaby. Park once, visit three of us here–and then walk down Heath Road to our neighbor Tony Palumbo to visit his gallery and see his latest work.

During the weekend I know I will be asked at least once, probably more often, “How long does it take you to make a _____?” So finding myself just 10 days ago without any ruanas in my studio, I decided to actually learn the answer to this perennial query. The bottom line: It’s a labor of love!! The quick answer is that when weaving a run of six ruanas, one ruana takes seven hours. There’s a certain economy of scale here; it would take nearly as long to dress the loom for one as for six. But if you’re interested here’s my breakdown of the time I spent over the past week and a half:

10-12 hours to design the warp, fill the bobbins and dress the loom (wrapping the yarn on the sectional beam, threading the heddles, sleying the reed and tying on to the back beam)

3 1/2 hours to weave each ruana; that is, if there are no major screw-ups!

3-3 1/2 hours to tie the fringes on all six pieces

Next comes washing (a very gentle fulling of the fabric) and trimming the fringes

1 1/2 hours to measure the 96 4-yd lengths of yarn needed to create the six kumihimo braids that will support the neck of each ruana

1-1 1/4 hours to make the braids for each piece

And another 1/2 hour to sew the braid on and sew in a label

All this adds up to about 42 hours, hence my estimate of seven hours apiece.

I have also been busy knitting hats–here’s just one

Visitors also often ask, “But my cat (or my dog) will ruin these pieces.” No, not unless they are truly demonic! Mohair is a very resilient and durable fabric. Don’t forget, it has long been used for military dress uniforms and for upholstery, especially for theaters as it is fire resistant.

This message has been approved by Tommaso (left) and Elli (right)

What a Weekend! Tons of Dyeing–and a Winner Too!

Too bad it wasn’t the weekend for the CRAFTS OF COLRAIN TOUR but it was a time for getting so much accomplished in the dye studio. I spent two full days in the beautiful Indian Summer weather dyeing mainly yarn but also quite a few socks. And here’s the proof!

I can’t wait to weave these yarns into throws and shawls. And knit with them too. And of course, I do sell the yarn, which is made for us at the Green Mountain Spinnery in Putney VT –65 percent our mohair, 35 percent wool, both single and two-ply–as well.

Indian Summer

What a spectacular day today has been!! Bright blue sky, gentle breezes and prospects for a happier future. I am already planning how I will set up under my tents so everyone will have plenty of space for social distancing because we’re just one week away from our CRAFTS OF COLRAIN STUDIO TOUR–oh please, Lady Luck, let next weekend will be as beautiful as this one! I decided to take a few photographs of my latest work, several nuno-felted scarves. As you probably know already, this is the process of felting wool and mohair onto silk, creating one pattern on the front and an entirely different design and look on the back. Here are my three new scarves:

A Change in the Weather!

There are so many changes as we segue from Indian summer to late fall–standard time arrived early this morning and now it’s dark at 5, closing us in next to our trusty woodstove which is throwing out many, many BTUs, making us very happy. And now it is truly MOHAIR SEASON here at Moonshine Design and we are waiting for your visits either online or in person (masked, of course!) at the Crafts of Colrain Studio Tour, November 14th and 15th.

The Tour is Getting Closer!

Just two weeks out and I’m trying to finish up several projects. Yesterday was a glorious fall day–we’ve had so many this year!–so I decided to work out in my dye studio. Also I had to finish up a special order hat. Aced it!!

Moonshine Design Product Gallery

After a great deal of procrastination I have finally assembled a gallery of products that I make here at Keldaby. Although some of these specific items are still available, this series of photos is really meant to give you an idea of what I offer. Of course you know me, the colors are always changing. If you are interested in a specific piece or in a general category put it into a “Comment” or “Contact Form” and I will be happy to photograph what I currently have here in the studio.

Virtually all yarn used in these products is 65 percent Keldaby-raised mohair, 35 percent wool. Unless specified as hand spun, my yarn is mostly made at Green Mountain Spinnery in Putney VT. I do have to purchase the boucle yarns which I like to use interspersed throughout my pieces or as the weft; however, I always buy white and do all my own dyeing. I sell yarn here in my studio and at the shows we go to but it is possible to order from me if you don’t live in our area. Mill spun is $20 to $28 per 4 oz skein and has approximately 220 yards. Hand spun skeins are priced according to weight and composition but are generally $9 to $10 per oz.

The mobius shawl is one of the most popular styles at Moonshine Design. The shawl sits squarely on your shoulders, no fussing with pins or loose ends, and it is perfect with jeans or to dress up with a long skirt at a more formal event. Just enough coverage for a chilly evening, a brisk fall day or a warm wrap around the house. $175

The ruana is an absolutely classic garment…Celtic, South American, you name it. It can be worn hanging straight down the front, pinned or not, or with one or both ends tossed back over the shoulder. This is for the person–man or woman–who likes to make a statement so it’s not for the faint of heart! The split at the neck is reinforced with a Japanese braid so you don’t need to worry about wearing it a lot. It will never fall apart. $350

Unless you live along the equator there are always nights when you will be chilly. If you live in more northern climes, as we do, there are many such evenings. Our mohair throw (56″ by 72″ plus generous fringes) is totally the right piece to wrap up in. Easy to maintain (mohair seldom needs to be washed; a good shake and a day out on the line will freshen it up just fine) this will keep you happy for years…and it gets softer and softer as it ages. Depending on length, $250 to $275.

Nuno is felting on a fabric, generally silk, and often on mine I have created a whole different second side by free-stitching a design on the silk, then cutting out the pattern. The first scarf here has fish on the back. Below you can see one scarf first with the two sewn ends, the second showing the two very different sides. For the price of one you essentially have two scarves! The last photo shows a cobweb felt scarf which has no fabric backing, and yes, they do hold together if made correctly and worn somewhat carefully. Each piece is unique and never reproduced. Prices range from $50 to $95

We sell a lot of hand knit hats in four or five different styles: the punta, the elfin cap, “Lauren’s” hat (a Green Mountain Spinnery pattern), also slouch berets (not shown). Hats range in price from $45 to $50.

The baby fruit caps are $20.

We have hand knit scares as well and they are generally $60. The first one shown is made with handspun yarn

Leg warmers, under or over pants or tucked down inside boots, are $50

After thinking of the fingerless mitts as a wonderfully romantic item from Victorian times…think La Boheme…it suddenly occurred to me one day that the reason so many teenage girls bought these was because they are perfect for texting! The mitts are $30 and $35. These shown are $35

Ahhh, the burnoose…or is it a monk’s robe or a wizard’s cloak? Here is the garment you can live in. Long, warm, hooded, this can be worn (as can the ruana) over another coat or heavy sweater in the depths of winter. These are custom made (though I still have two of these shown); this garment is $400.

Then of course there are the socks. The best sellers and for good reason. They may seem expensive to the uniniatiated, but these are the perfect socks, lasting for years and years (they are mill-made and very strong), always wicking dampness away, warm but not too warm. Then there is the little “dirty” secret about them–they don’t need to be washed that often! They come in two sizes: women’s medium (size 7 1/2 to 9 1/2) and men’slarge for women’s size 10 and up and most men. There are two weights, the regular which work well with most any shoes ($28) and the thick boot sock which I love to wear around the house in Krocs or Birkenstock-style sandals all winter long. Not bad in bed either! ($40). There is also a very small size for little kids and women with shoe size up to 6 1/2 that is somewhere between the two regular weights. These are $22.

Check out these very small socks. Unmistakedly cute! $22

Mill-spun yarns are $20 for a 4 oz skein, approx 220 yds per skein

The Gods Aren’t Smiling

Mon, May 8

I took a wonderfully hot shower last night–nothing unusual, the showers in the cottage are wonderful. But…when I went to wash my face this morning there was NO hot water. I let it run a long time; it got colder. Downstairs Jen was making coffee, I gave her the bad news. We took turns trying the faucets; perhaps someone will have the magic touch? Nope. It’s time for another email to Rosemary.

Oh well, we can’t let this little glitch stop us because this is Maeshowe day for Jen, and for Jill who has decided to go with her. The rest of us remember our visit last time, an amazing site where we had an excellent guide, and we feel it would be tempting fate to go again. We make a quick trip up to the Woolshed to buy some more of the North Ronaldsay yarn, both beautifully dyed and natural colored.

https://www.orkneydesignercrafts.com/members/textiles/the-woolshed

The Woolshed

North Ronaldsay rams

Back in Stenness we learn the next available tour is at 1 o’clock so Jill and Jen buy their tickets and we browse the little gift shop in the visitor center, not as extensive as the one in the former location.

Yes, Lynn could have bought this fetchingly lovely helmet

While they go on the tour Michael takes a walk and Lynn and I sit in the car and knit.

https://www.orkneyjar.com/history/maeshowe/

When they return from the burial cairn we all head back for lunch. Now our road is closed not only at our end but down by the Stromness Hotel as well. At #18 there is still no hot water or message from Rosemary. Fortified, however, with our sandwiches (notice I can’t even say BLTs anymore!) we all head to Kirkwall. Jill has an appointment for a massage which she is eagerly awaiting, Jen goes to the Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces, both Renaissance buildings near the cathedral and both in ruins now, Lynn and I go shopping together, especially to a couple of consignment shops on a search for luggage, and Michael, on his own, buys a vest. We meet at Judith Glue’s for our requisite afternoon cappuccinos and scones.

Jen at the Earl’s Palace

https://www.orkneyjar.com/history/earls.htm

https://www.orkneyjar.com/history/bishop.htm

Now the gods are really frowning; what have we done to offend them, what can we do to appease them? Back at the cottage there is still no hot water. There is an email from Rosemary saying that the water heater has been switched back on and all is fixed. Sadly, our nerves are beginning to fray. Another email goes to Rosemary from whom there are no more responses today. Jen makes dinner using various leftovers, I heat water so I can wash the accumulation of dishes (thank goodness for a really fast electric teapot!) and then we eat sitting in the front room. (It’s not the front room really but the enclosed porch with the great views onto the harbor.)

When Michael disappears to his room to emerge an hour later with his laptop, we figure he has been editing photos which he plans to show us, but no, he has written an email to Rosemary which he proceeds to read aloud. It lists every deficiency, as he sees it, going back to 2014, and we, aghast, tell him, no, no! If he is hellbent on sending this he must make it very clear that it is his and his alone. Jen and Jill sensing the coming storm wisely retire downstairs. To his credit he does disappear again, returning with a somewhat softened version. However, Lynn and I reiterate: It’s yours, Michael. Make that clear.

We don’t play Spite and Malice and the cold, which I have been pretending I didn’t have, is much worse. Tomorrow will be better!

A Sunny Day in Kirkwall…Mostly

Fri, May 5

Miracle of miracles, it’s another beautiful warm, calm day. In the morning I work on my netzpatent hat while some of the others go for a walk out along the Ness Road.

Later in the morning Jill and I meet up with Lynn and Jen and we do a really complete check of all the Stromness shops starting with the consignment shop owned by the Cat Protection Society of Stromness

This fella owns this corner and poses for us

where we buy a roller suitcase for all the purchases we’ve been making. At the Quernstone both Jen and I find sweaters we love and, egging each other on, she buys two, I one. And again we check out, more completely this time, its sister gift and housewares store across the street. We also visit one of our favorite stores from the last trip, Cream, which has an excellent selection of local crafts and art.

I’m almost embarrassed to mention it but yes, again we go back to No. 18 for BLTs, which continue to provide us with the perfect lunch. It’s the wonderful Orkney bacon, the vine-ripened tomatoes (perhaps from Spain) and lettuce on really good local toasted bread. We are not tempted to try anything else!

Michael, whose cold has grown worse, elects to stay home and perhaps work on a sketch or two. We all head out to Kirkwall to continue this day of shopping. We walk the entire length of the main shopping district–as in Stromness the street changes name every block going from Victoria to Broad to Albert and ending as Bridge Street down by the harbor.

There’s jewelry at Ortak, yarns and fleece as well as art materials at For Arts Sake where Lynn and I buy North Ronaldsay fleece (from the seaweed-eating sheep) to spin. Ola Gorie’s striking jewelry (yes, I buy earrings), pottery, clothes and a secondhand shop in a cluster at The Longship. Jill really scores with two beautiful pendants--one an Ola Gorie piece–at the secondhand shop next door to Judith Glue’s to which we repair to have cappuccino and cake. We ponder the runic rings and bracelets at Aurora and more jewelry at Sheila Fleet’s.

Along Albert Street

Judith Glue’s shop and cafe

Looking down Albert Street

Chimney pots everywhere

We spend time in St Magnus Cathedral. It’s a beautiful late Romanesque church, the oldest parts having been built in the late 12th century by medieval craftsmen trained during the building of Durham Cathedral in England. The story of Earl Magnus’s martyrdom at the hands of his violent and treacherous cousin Earl Haakon is recorded in all its bloody detail in The Orkneyinga Saga, a must-read if Norse tales and Icelandic sagas are among your favorites. It was Magnus’s nephew who had the church erected as a final resting place for his uncle’s remains. https://www.orkneyjar.com/history/stmagnus/magcath.htm

Façade of St Magnus and site of my blasphemous fall three years ago

Toward the rose window

Four of the banners currently hanging along both sides of the nave and depicting the St Magnus story

We pay a visit to the Orkney Museum in the Tankerness House. The museum seems larger, more inclusive of the islands’ history right up into the 20th century and better organized than in 2014

And we learn that the gardens behind the house are a popular location for weddings and in fact we do see a wedding party nearby.

After buying food (good god, how much DO we eat!!) at Tesco we drive to Finston and the Peedie (small in the local vernacular) Chippie van by the Wide Firth and buy huge plates of fish and chips.

The Peedie Chippie for dinner–very popular!

Our Stromness harbor

in the gloaming

Michael gets to eat leftovers; he doesn’t do fish or seafood, period. Afterwards there’s more Spite and Malice.

Category: Knitting