Two Days In A Row!

Today she actually spun my batt! The first thing she writes is "Pretty, pretty stuff, this batt. It's from Hanks in the Hood, and it's a barely mixed combo of Merino, bamboo and sparkles. It's my favourite sort of batt to look at, and my least favourite to spin" Instantly the chunks start to form in my stomach and I feel like I am going to be sick. As I read on my stomach slowly settles and my heart stops racing as I realize what she is saying isn't bad. She is 100% correct in saying that as spinners we all have our default yarn. Mine happens to be Dicentra's hand dyed big balls which are corriedale. After owning a yarn store for almost a year now I have learned very quickly one thing that spinners and knitters have in common and that is if you are a perfectionist or not. I fall into the category of not. Now with that being said I am not going to be satisfied with my arm being attached to my back in my sweater, but if I have made a mistake along the way and added an extra stitch that I had to end up removing by a random decrease to get back to the same number of stitches the pattern says I should have.........totally fine with that. I have some perfectionist that are so bad that if they have a stitch that looks slightly looser then the others they are willing to rip out 5in just to fix that. I used to cringe and plead for them not to do it as I would look over their shoulder in agony as they rip out a perfectly knit 5in. I now understand them and I am happy to say hey that stitch is looking kind of different a couple of inches up....you may want to fix that before you go any further. They too are starting to understand me. I live for big, fat, bulky, chunky, uneven yarns and sweaters. We recently did a knit along with a chunky thick and thin yarn. I am so proud of my perfectionist(who I will not name but you know who you are) who stuck with it and tried something new. Guess what they love their sweater. They are now back to knitting stunning lace and perfect stitches, but they stepped out of their box. Now I am a bit of an in between. I am a beginning perfectionist when it comes to my knitting. As far as my handspun.......willy nilly and whatever goes. That is why I spin. I spin so I can create yarn that I can not buy. I spin because fiber is so forgiving that in my eyes no matter what comes off of that bobbin is beautiful! I spin because it relaxes me, I spin because you can not be in a bad mood when you sit down at your wheel. Now don't get me wrong you can be in a bad mood, but it immediately changes within seconds of that wheel spinning and fiber running through your hands. I have a husband, two kids, and two dogs and a mind that never stops talking. So spinning calms and quiets all of that, however for me my favorite yarns are the ones to where I am spinning along and things are going really well and I am thinking hey this is really even yarn I am making, then one of the dogs jumps on my lap and screws it up. I have two decisions to make do I take it back or let it go. It all depends on the moment and what the yarn is intended for, but 9 times out of 10 I will leave it. Whether it is a dog, a funny saying from one of my kids, an error due to drinking wine while spinning that lump is probably going to stay there and before the bobbin is full many more will be created. It will be a happy yarn full of good energy. On the flip side if in the middle of my spinning session Oprah comes on and decides to talk about puppy mills and I start balling all bets are off and I step away from the wheel.....cursing Oprah as I do so. We recently did a workshop with Jacey Boggs and she has now changed me(a bit). At the end of the workshop we were having dinner and I said you make me feel like I have no business being a shop owner and selling spinning wheels and fiber let alone giving any sort of advice on the subject. She laughed and gave me a technical answer that was perfect, just as her yarns. She told me that when she sits down at her wheel it is work. She is always challenging herself to become better at this ancient craft and make her wild and crazy and what I consider pure art in a complete technical way that no matter what she does that yarn is perfect and balanced and all of these other technical words she used that I didn't really understand. I have always just sat down at my wheel and just let the yarn tell me what to do. I have always been one that depending on what I want to do with the yarn will just let a lump go. I usually let the yarn tell me what to do. So beings I am a chunky, bumpy girl, I like to create batts that force me to let things just happen or go to my default corriedale because I have perfected the way I like it to spin. After Jacey left and my depression of not knowing anything about spinning subsided I began to realize that I can still be me and do what I love but it is important to step out of the box and challenge yourself and that is what Stephanie was saying and asked at the end of her blog. You become a better spinner/knitter by challenging yourself, keeping up on new information and also for me by teaching and helping others. I do not normally knit with anything smaller then a worsted weight, so I usually spin that way as well. Just to prove to myself that I can do it I will spin and can achieve a nice 2ply fingering weight. I didn't hate spinning it because hate and spinning don't belong in the same sentence, but I did it and for that I had great satisfaction knowing that yes I can do other things then a big piece of rope. As I stated the chunks subsided and I actually tuned into what Stephanie was saying. She wasn't saying I create junk, it was that it was a challenge for her to spin and achieve the yarn she wanted. As my spinning my batts reflect the same thing.....lumps, bumps, happy energy, and tons of texture. My rovings are more for the perfectionist as they are super smooth. I guess what Jacey's workshop, and Stephanie's review of my batt is we are all different in what we like to do and how we do it. Life is short people.....step out of your box....step out of your comfort zone. Whether we are talking fiber, yarn, hair color, a job change, climbing Mt. Everest......etc. Do it. Challenge yourself and try something new, it will only make you better at what you already do. Once again thank you Stephanie for not only spinning my fiber but taking the time to blog about it. Jen


Jacey's blog

Hanks in the Hood's latest news!

I am so excited to announce that the Yarn Harlot gave one of my batts a shout out. To catch up on Hank's latest news please visit our blog. www.andersenfiberworks.blogspot.com That is the new brick and mortar store of Hanks in the Hood. We are also working on getting a new website up and running. In the meantime you can still shop for us on Etsy, KnitPicks, and Paradise Fibers.

New Yarn Line

Hanks in the Hood is proud to announce our new yarn line. This line will be available exclusively at Andersen Fiber Works. For those of you who can't make it to the store can shop on line through our website. We are starting off with a few colors from the Mt. St. Helens line. This is a bulky yarn(of course that is what I would start off with.....for those of you who have been following me over the years know I am a chunky girl!) These are 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. They are hand dyed in small batches. Each skein will be slightly different so if you are knitting a larger project we recommend alternating skeins as there are no set dyelots. There are 8 colorways available in this line. Each skein is 4oz./120 yards and retails for $10. If you are looking for a larger project we sell 1lb skeins of 500 yards at a discount price of $30.If ordering online we ship priority mail. Priced at $5.75 for the first item and $1 for each additional item purchased. Shipping is free on purchases of $100 or more. The website is set up to purchase through PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account or prefer to make a telephone or fax order we accept all major credit cards. To call in an order we can be reached at 503-667-6852 or fax your order to 503-492-6652

Experiencing some nausea, having heart palpitations and am on the verge of depression

Well you know what that means.........yes it is true I just received my copy of Interweave Knits today. We have a PO box and as I was running errands I grabbed the mail. I was extremely excited to find a yellow note(meaning I have a package)and my knitting magazine tucked into my tiny little box amongst some other unnecessary things such as bills, flyers and the latest Costco coupons. As just last week we had snow on the ground, not to mention I was bundled in layers that consisted of a tank top, hoodie and vest(here I thought we were warming up)as I went to check the mail. The furthest thing from my mind is Summer let alone Spring. I tasted Spring yesterday as I was in the most wonderful place on earth(Andersen Fiber Works opening June 3rd)as I realized according to my cars temperature that it was 70 out. The number quickly dropped as I drove home to 62. Still happy because the sun was shining, but wake up today not even close to 40 and no sun in sight. Even the chickens are pissed. All winter they laid eggs because of the heat lamp. It recently burnt out and we thought we were ok as it is now May and that it would be warm enough to make them happy to continue to lay. Nope.....nothing. It's either the cold or the fact that they were cranking out the eggs all the way up to Easter. I really am leaning towards the fact that the chickens had an epiphany and realized how messed up it is that it is an Easter Bunny that hides the eggs and not an Easter Chicken.....can you blame them? I think I would be a little pissed too letting that bunny get all the credit. Anyways I am getting off track, so back to what should be a glorious day at the post office. So I allow the magazine to hide quality underneath the rest of the mail in the front seat as I patiently wait for the kids to get off of the school bus. Now when a knitting magazine comes in the mail, it is almost like a holiday. At the Andersen house one doesn't just tear into the magazine and rush through it in between snack time or making dinner. It is an event that is either saved for bathing or while I am enjoying a glass of wine while the kids are quietly in the tub. Tonight was definitely not a glorious knitting magazine arrival night. Tyler informed me at 5pm that he wouldn't be home until past 8pm, which means no bath unless I would like to do it half asleep after I put the kids to bed, and no way am I messing up my quarterly glorious occasion. So frustrated but having to switch gears and think fine I will get the kids to bed bypass the wine because it will be too late and give me heartburn, but still have time to sit on the couch and enjoy reading it(in silence)before Tyler gets home.............that is when it hits me. I was cooking dinner and getting ready to set the table. The mail with the magazine underneath it was on the table and as I picked it up trying to avoid even looking at the cover I caught the small lettering of the word Summer. For those of you who are worsted to bulky weight sweater knitters I know you are with me right now. For the rest of you this is the most depressing edition I could receive. I knew it was coming, but still so unexpected and then to day of all days. I can usually try and make something good out of the summer edition especially if there is a glass of wine and a bath involved. NOPE, not this time. Instant depression. Here I sit blogging and whining too frightened to open the magazine in fear of the depression getting worse. Words of cotton and lace spin through my head as Eunny tries to talk me into liking it. So here is to summer..as I sit freezing with my fireplace on in flannel pajamas and a fleece jacket avoiding my magazine. Hopefully the sun will be back and I will have a happier post about the summer edition that I won't even dare pick up for another good 2 months. Thank goodness the next Sookie Stackhouse book is due out to lift my spirits. Not to mention I am creating my dream shop! I guess I can't feel too bad.

Buried in Fiber!

I have been in full on production, getting ready for the opening of the shop. We are only able to work on the shop on the weekends due to Tyler's schedule. I have had to go in a few times these past couple of weeks to get all the utilities on, but the rest of my week is spent at home creating and doing the business side of things. I have been licensed with the state of Oregon under Hanks in the Hood for over 4 years now. I have my own business accounts, I use quickbooks, and file my taxes under self employed and I thought I had the business side of things down. Boy was I wrong. I am having to learn a lot and very quickly. It is all very exciting, but keep having to try and find that balance between the business aspect and production. I am creating a whole new yarn line with pattern support as well as a new batt line. In the middle of all of this my camera decided to call it quits. I finally figured out how to use an old one of Tyler's and finally have some photos to show off what I am working on. Last month I attended the Abernethy Grange fiber sale and about fell over when I came across Dicentra's booth. She had these great big beautiful balls of fiber that she calls Great Balls of Fire. I was awestruck and just sat drooling. I forced myself away before buying anything as I took a tour around the rest of the show then I immediately high tailed it back up to her booth bought 2lbs and attacked her right there saying I have to have you in my shop!!!!! Luckily I didn't scare her away and she is excited to be apart of the shop. I took that gorgeous 2lb ball of loveliness and I kid you not slept next to it. Seriously, I actually took that fiber to bed with me. I had seen her work online and heard numerous people just rave about her, but I had never seen it in person. Let me say it doesn't disappoint. Well I ended up lasting 10 full days(they were torturous) without spinning my 2lbs. I finally had to give into the temptation and spun it all up within 2 days. I just couldn't stop. Then of course I had to start knitting and designing a sweater for it. I have designed a simple raglan from the top down heavy on the ribbing. I have both sleeves to go and to figure out something for the neck. I can't decide quite yet if I should just continue with a ribbed collar, but a hood is really calling my name. We'll see. Dicentra will be at the Hood River Gorge fiber festival this coming weekend and on her way through she is stopping by the shop to check things out and drop off some of her beautiful work. I am really hoping to have the sweater done so I can show her. It is Wednesday night and I am pushing my bed time. Tomorrow I have a big field trip with my son that is overnight. So I have very limited time to get this done as I will be leaving the field trip early so I can meet her at the shop. So I guess I better shut up, post the pictures and get back onto the sleeves.

Hanks in the Hood introduces Andersen Fiber Works LLC

Hanks is expanding from the home studio and onto bigger things. Read more about my adventures here on Blogger under Andersen Fiber Works.
Ravelry users feel free to join the Andersen Fiber Works group as well to follow along in my journey of opening a shop!

Lot's of catching up to do!

Well I am so behind this is definitely going to have to go in stages. Everyone is pissed off at me as I am enthralled in fiber! The Wii and TV are babysitting my children, my favorite blue heeler Sootie is shitting in my studio(sorry for the bad language), I'm not responding to emails, skiing, barely exercising, of course still time to eat and have some wine, but other then that I have been in a creative fiber coma. Lots of good things on the horizon and like I said we must go in stages! I have to drag you all along to keep you interested right!? So I think we pretty much left off with WoolDude and new wheels. He is still at it, but the love and magic I was feeling has faded a bit. He's trying.....and I love him for that. So here is what we've got. An Ashford Country Spinner, A Babe(shhh didn't say that), and a Kromski Sonata. The bottom line is...........he wants my Lendrum. Damn it! As I mentioned before the Country is definitely a specialty wheel and we are still building a relationship. I dream of elaborate art yarns and I know she will be the one to take me there. We just need to find our rhythm. Those of you who follow me on my Ravelry group heard me just gloat and love all over the Sonata. Well a few second thoughts there as well. Don't get me wrong beautiful, smooth, wonderful wheel. I just think that I am so attached to my Lendrum that I can't move. The Sonata is definitely a nice wheel. Especially for the person on the go. The way it folds down and the carrying bag it comes with along with the price tag it can't be beat! Definitely gets a 4 out of 5 star rating in my book as I once again have to compare it to my above and beyond 10 star Lendrum. Tyler does really like the Sonata but loves the Lendrum more because of the height. Very easy fix as he needs to keep away from my wheel. I have decided to mark my territory by having projects going on all the Lendrum bobbins I have. HEEE HEEEE. Don't feel too bad for him though. I bought him a Sonata. So now we must talk about the Babe. People I must say I do not hate it. Seriously I would rather have someone buy a new Babe then go on Craigslist and pick up an Ashford Traditional for $1-200. Once again do not curse me Ashford people. I have owned two and I am entitled to my opinion. As much as I feel the Babe is an embarrassment, like my friend Brenda said how many times do you really take your wheel out and spin in front of others.........so what's the embarrassment. Then my friend Carrie, who is the reason I broke down and bought the wheel, says"I love it because it is my thrasher wheel...I take it with me to shows and it is easy to transport and I don't care if it gets beat up" Ok sorry Carrie I shouldn't have used quotations because you didn't say that word for word, but you all get the gist. Here is the end all opinion. Don't fight the Babe. If money is what is stopping you from buying a wheel and getting into spinning..........do not I repeat.......do not hit Craigslist and buy one of the million Ashford Traditionals that are listed on there. People they are always on there for a reason. Seriously go with the Babe. All the accessories that come with it you can't go wrong. If you are like me..paint it with cute flowers make it your own or close your damn eyes while your spinning so you don't have to focus on the fact it is made from PVC. New agers, environmentalist........the Babe is for you. As I said I have to take these blog posts in stages. There is so much I want to write about and scream from the roof tops, but I must keep you all dangling as the timing isn't right quite yet. I can say this.....working on a new set line of batts and yarns. Hoping to get out to some smaller shops that want to dabble in the spinning thing without investing tons of money. I have 2 other potential..... big projects in the works and 1 that is definitely happening. Can't wait to share all the fiber love and creativity that has caused this lack of silence and dog shit in my studio. Have a great weekend everyone. For those of you who are on Spring Break(we are) I hope you are warm and sunny and planting your garden instead of being hit with snow.(we are). Oh before I sign off, of course a few pictures and totally off fiber.........looking for a good movie Burlesque.....sorry I don't care what she is in I love Cher. I also really enjoyed the Fighter. Besides the fact that Marky Mark(I mean Mark Whalberg) is so nice to look at it is another sad, but feel good movie. Definitely worth watching. Ok I am done. I am being spoiled as hubby just finished dinner. Nevermind that it is sandwiches and french fries.....I have my wine and I am happy.


Photos: The embarrassment of putting together the Babe. Notice the dogs fighting and the glass of wine!