The Week of the New Carder

My new carder came this week, so the shawl is really on the back burner. And it could be there for some time.

First, I have been using the new carder - it is totally awesome! And it needs a good test - or so I am telling myself. I unearthed all my available angora - purchases over the past several years - and have made really good progress to having it all carded. The carding should be done today, and all the white should be spun today also. I am really pleased with this purchase.

Then, I am working at making room for the carder on the front porch. What a job! I am sorting all my card-making stuff and planning to sell most of it on eBay. Since fiber is my main focus now, I just don't have time or inclination to work on my cards. I will save some of the stuff, but I have way too much of it and it must go. I can finally get to the table again - it was behind bags and bags of fiber which is now sorted and moved out to the garage and the barn. Then all the rubber stamp sets must be sorted as to be gone or to keep. I hope to keep my will power up so that most of them will go.

Maggie bought my old carder and she called the other day to tell me how happy she is with it and how great it is working for her. That made me so happy! I hope it will give her as many good years as it did for me. I think that if you spend the bucks initially for good quality, it will pay off in the end in satisfaction and service.

The Back Row Spinners spin and grin was last Sunday and we had an excellent turnout. I personally had a really good time, but I think I usually do. I wore a dress - the third time I have worn a dress since 1996! Steve painted my toenails for me - bless his heart! He did a good job too. I can hardly wait until next month.

Anyway, my shawl is really on hold for now. I must have the porch work done before November. Between carding, spinning, and oh yes - knitting mittens for Charlotte to take to try to sell for me in October - I will not have much time to work on my shawl. Maybe it is good to take a bit of a break. And of course, small game hunting season opened this week, so we will be doing some of that too.

How did I ever have time to have a real job?