Ewe Give Me The Knits!

Helloooooooooooooo!

2011-09-17T12:26:00.002+10:00

Well. Ahem. Hi! *waves*
As you can well see I stopped blogging over 2 years ago. Sorry about that :(
I guess life just got busier and I dipped my toe in over at Facebook and Twitter and never really made it back here.

Probably the biggest news is that almost 12 months ago John and I bought a big, old, beautiful building right in the main street here in Tongala. We put walls up, stripped paint and tiles back, painted and laid carpet and opened the Ewe Give Me The Knits! Shop on the 1st of May this year. Now everything related to the business is housed under the one roof, including The Beast and all the other assorted bits and pieces of machinery that I seem to gather as I go. If you'd like to come visit us at the Shop you can find us at 68 Mangan Street, Tongala. I'm open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am til 4.30pm and Saturdays from 9.30am til 1.30pm. I can be contacted at the Shop on 0438 824 766. I'll also be running a wide range of Workshops in the Gathering Room at the Shop, so please contact me if you'd like more info.

The delightful Jacey Boggs has visited again and hung out with us in Perth and Belgrave before jetting off to NZ to Workshop her way around NZ. Jacey is all booked for 2012, but expect a return visit in 2013. Jacey's first book, published by Interweave Press is due for release on December 16th this year. Yours truly supplied and dyed all the fibres for the book!! I can hardly wait for you all to see it. It's AMAZING! Jacey is taking pre-orders over at her website now if you'd like to snag a copy. Jacey also has a self-published book in the works that she hopes to have available mid 2012....I've seen 'The Book' thus far and you're all going to NEED at least two copies. I'm serious. It's that GOOD.

Next year is shaping up to be incredibly busy...SO many plans! watch out for details of the Majacraft Magic Camp that I'll be hosting in the second half of next year. Please if you are interested, let me know so that I can add your name to The List.

Also in the works is an event that myself and a few other like-minded souls are organising for April 21st and 22nd of next year in Echuca. Picture a lazy weekend, hanging out with like-minded souls and wandering around stalls laden with goodies to tempt you. There'll be some Mini-Workshops...some Demonstrations and lots of relaxing, spinning, knitting and gabbing :) We plan on this being an annual event, so would love for you to join us and have some fun. We have lots in store for our first Gathering that I will divulge as all the details are pulled together :)

That's about it for now.....hope you are all well :) xo

Insubordiknit Spinning Workshop & Retreat

2009-09-10T23:41:00.005+10:00

Come and be part of this wonderful opportunity to learn from a true expert of Art Yarn techniques.
Jacey has an insatiable appetite for knitting. All of her yarns are spun with knitters in mind – even the wildest of art yarns is constructed with attention to stability and durability.

Your chance to learn:

Day One:
Thick and thin (balanced and workable)
Coils
Twists/loops
Knots/stacks
Foreign Objects (trapped)
Racing stripe
Foreign Object (strung)
Tornado
Combination spinning (using several techniques at once to design and create a yarn) and freestyle spinning.

Day Two:
Corespinning
Autowrap
Beehives (coil in a single)
Cocoons
Halos
Tiny circles (fauxcle)
Foreign objects (integrated)
Supercoils
Combination spinning (using several techniques at once to design and create a yarn) and freestyle spinning.

Skills you should have:
A working relationship with your wheel.
Basic spinning skills (drafting, spinning a single, the mechanics of plying).
Being able to let your imagination run wild

Venue:
Arrive Friday 5pm
Mt Morton Camp and Conference Centre , Fairmont Ave, Belgrave Heights, Vic

Enjoy this well set out establishment that oozes charm and is quietly snug amongst bush land. Wake up to chirping birds and laughing Kookaburras in the morning instead of the drone of traffic. You will feel like you’re in the middle of the country yet you are only a short drive to civilization. What a wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by wonderful scenery and fellow spinners!
Depart Sunday 4pm

Cost:
Fully residential with shared accommodation for two nights (max 4 per room) including meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for Saturday and Breakfast and Lunch for Sunday. Attendees will need to bring their own linen and pillows.

Workshop/Shared Accommodation/Meals $350.00 including GST

Extras: Venue will supply Linen at a cost of $10.00 per person including GST

A deposit of $150.00 is required to secure your attendance at what promises to be a fun event in the company of like-minded souls.
Psssst! There's going to be a Mini Fibre Fair on Friday night too!

Please note: On registration you will be sent a requirements list for the workshop as well as other relevant information regarding arrival and departure.
Some materials will be supplied and there will be option to buy some fibre supplies at our mini Fibre Fair on Friday night.

PLEASE NOTE: Full payment or partial (half) is due by Dec 1st. Full payment (or balance) required by Feb 1st. No exceptions.

Refund policy:
Major commitments must be met, and in fairness to all, the policy concerning refunds is:
Cancellations up to 31st Jan 2010 – refund 80% fees paid
Cancellations February 1st to February 27th – refund 50% fees paid.
Cancellations after February 27th – no refund.

Please contact me if you'd like to come play!

There's been an update.....

2009-08-30T12:55:00.004+10:00

I finally got an update off the ground last night...sometime around pumpkin time - it was LATE!
There's still lots of pretties to choose from, you can check the fibre out here.

There's also a few skeins of my new sock yarn base to be found here :) It's an ultra smooshy Superwash/Nylon blend (80/20) with a nice high twist that doesn't compromise the softness of the yarn. Very noice indeed ;)

I'm off to pack orders and then turn my attention to another round of Club dyeing.
Clubbers are in for a real treat, your first shipment is a brand spankin' new Beastie Blend. I can hardly wait to hear what you all think of it!

I've been a slack tart......

2009-08-29T11:54:00.002+10:00

And haven't blogged in months.
I think I'm keen to climb back in the saddle though.....cos there's so much to tell and share.
Starting with the latest EGMTK! Fibre Club - sign-ups close at the end of August which is almost upon us - someone please tell me where this year has gone?? You'll notice this time around with Club that you have the option of signing up for a double-shot of fibre if you're feeling indulgent ;)
This is the biggest Club to date and promises to be a real treat for Clubbers as they'll be receiving fibre blends created and blended right here at EGMTK!, but more on that later.

There's also a HUGE update in the works...keep an eye on my flickr for sneak peek pics :)
Have you dipped your toes in the Ravelry pond yet? If not, you should! Grab a coffee and set aside a chunk of time and come explore. Please stop by and say hi to everyone at the EGMTK! Group while you're there :))

Rosebud Bound....

2009-03-11T23:04:00.003+11:00

I'm going to totally ignore that I last blogged in January, and hope you will too ;p

I AM going to be better. Starting now.

We're going away! This Friday in fact. We're loading up and heading down to the Mornington Peninsula to stay at our timeshare unit at Nepean Country Club Resort in Rosebud.
As an aside, we purchased the timeshare from a workmate of Johns almost 3 years ago for a bargain basement price. If you ever get the opportunity to purchase or buy into a timeshare unit I urge you to do so. For a small fee each year we get to spend a week at Nepean where 'our' unit is located...or we can bank it for future use, or swap it for a week at a reciprocal resort. For the cost of approx. two nights in a Motel we get to stay in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit with full kitchen and access to a range of activities and facilities on-site...let alone what the general area has to offer.
This is the first time we'll be staying at 'our' unit, in the past we've swapped our weeks out for stays at Kyneton, Marysville and Tomakin.
I was initially very sceptical of the whole timeshare movement when we purchased ours, but I wholeheartedly support the concept now. I'm a convert! It's compelled us to STOP and take time out as family to go play and kick back and relax a little too. The kids enjoy going and staying at 'new' houses as they call them :))
A highlight of our time away will be a visit to Avalon 2009 - Australian International Airshow.
Can't wait, I'm looking forward to spending the day with my head thrown back, and when I'm not gazing skyward plans have been made to catch up with flyboys that I worked with back in the day.

All this leads to me say that tomorrow (Thursday) will be the last day that I can confidently say that I'll be able to mail orders.
I'll have my laptop with me along with my tricky Telstra stick that allows me to have the internets so I'll be contactable should you have a fibre emergency. Or something ;p
For those of you concerned for the welfare and safety of my stash, don't be. Our friend, Constable Plod is moving in while we're away ;p
I'll be back soon with some pics of a beautiful part of this State:)

There's going to be a HUGE Update!

2009-01-25T09:47:00.004+11:00

I'm working on getting a HUGE Update off the ground today! Everything has been bagged, tagged and had its picture taken.
66 items in all.....and a big variety of fibres and blends to choose from :)

I hope you'll stop by for a peek :)
There's more pics of everything over on my flickr.
Happy Sunday :))

Fibre Club # 1 2009 - Parcels ready to GO!

2009-01-19T00:24:00.002+11:00

I'm off to the Post Office first thing Monday morning with Fibre Club parcels - start stalking the Postie!
I'm getting myself organised to hit the dyepots again, will keep you posted on my progress and let you know when to expect an update :)

There's been an Update!

2009-01-15T01:10:00.002+11:00

I SO love nicking away for a few days break...but the playing catch up when I get home does my head in. I hate feeling like I'm chasing my tail. I'm getting there. I managed to update the EGMTK! website tonight after the most hellishly hot day so far this Summer. Someone turn the hot off puhlease!
There's some new hand dyed tops on offer :) This one is a Merino/SeaCell blend. Makes me purr it does ;p
AND..there's some Sock yarn!

If you're down this end of the globe I hope you're managing to stay cool. A cool change has blown in tonight so I'm looking forward to being alot more productive tomorrow than I was today.
If you're up the north end of the picture...stay warm and feel free to send some cool stuff down here!

Need a Roberta?

2009-01-06T22:10:00.002+11:00

Are you in the market for a barely used Ertoel Roberta? I know where you can find one!!
Kate's hubby has one listed on eBay.
I've given it the once over and it's a beautiful piece of spinning majick AND I did consider for a wild minute that I should adopt it. It's really that gorgeous.
However, I feel certain that I would not be allowed back in the door at home if I show up with another wheel. No matter that it's tiny and fits neatly in it's own carry case.
It's still a WHEEL you see. Would you like to adopt it? That would be wonderful if you did!
Kate's fridge was damaged in their recent house move...and she needs a new fridge. Roberta is going to help kick the new fridge fund along. So it's all for a super noble cause.
Go have a bid. Go on. You know you want to ;p

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T23:21:00.004+11:00

Happy New Year :)
I hope 2009 is full of health and happiness (and a good helping of fibre) for everyone ;)

I'm heading off on Sunday with the little folk while our house is being re-wired - any orders made after Sunday will not be processed until my return late in the week. I'll have my laptop with me so I'll be checking in to get a Rav fix and answer emails:)
Talk soon xo

Updating action at EGMTK!

2008-12-28T10:58:00.002+11:00

I need to get back into the swing of things after taking a few days off to enjoy Christmas, so to get myself warmed up there'll be a little update of Top Paddock Blends today. At some stage :)

Expect to see some Merino/Bamboo, Optim/Soy and Optim/Seacell (pictured below). This particular blend is soooo nice that I want to sneak away and have some alone time with it. Seriously;)

Catch you later today :))

Merry Christmas......

2008-12-24T09:17:00.003+11:00

This is the first time in 4 years (due to little folk and a 10ft tree falling and hitting John on the head after being helped by aforementioned little folk in 2004) that we've had a tree down low on the floor.
Apart from a few minor incidents...so far so good. Nobody has been hurt. I am confident that this will remain the case :)
The little folk have wrapped their presents to each other and placed them under the tree with various incarnations of Santa and Snowmen.
Our tree is decorated with mostly handmade ornies that have been gifts from friends.
I love it when December rolls around each year and the time draws near to liberate these babies once again:)
Is everyone ready? We are. I think. Today will be spent doing some last minute cleaning and baking. I have Pavlova's and Trifle to make. A turkey roll to cook. See how I mentioned the desserts before the main? It's important yo get your priorities right you know;)
We will have company early tonight and then we might pop the kids in the car and go look at some more Christmas lights in an effort to wind everyone down. Maybe not. I can try though.
Something tells me that Christmas morning will be an early start. Little fingers will be peeling my eyelids back and telling me that it's morningtime.
Breakfast will probably be brightly coloured popcorn. I'm sure it falls under one of the 5 food groups..right?
Thank you all for your friendship and support during 2008. It's been a bumpy ride at times. But there's been plenty of high's as well. THANK YOU!
We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!
Stay safe and enjoy the Season :)

Love Mandie, John, Miss G, T & C
xo

How does your garden grow?

2008-12-16T12:58:00.004+11:00

After many false starts I finally have a garden happening here. It's been a challenge in between having babies/renovating/EGMTK! but I finally have something that resembles a garden..and not a weedy, nasty mess!

There are now 19 standard roses prettifying the front garden - 2 standard Icebergs and 17 double-grafted standards in either red/white or red/gold combos. I love roses..and standards in particular. They've added some much needed height to the beds and I'm really looking forward to seeing lots of roses in full bloom as time goes on.

Every second Sunday of the month I head out (with my friend Sharon - as an aside, Sharon has 8 children. Eight.) to Gigarre Farmers Market where there's a few plant nurseries peddling their wares.
$17 for a double-grafted standard rose is good shopping in my book! Hydrangeas are usually $7, Gardenias $4, and seedlings range from $1-$2.50 a punnet.
We shop ourselves silly at the plant stalls and then sit down for breakfast of oj and a bacon and egg roll straight off the barbie. Then it's off home to spend the rest of the day planting the spoils!

Can anyone tell me why I have little black ants feasting on my rose petals??!

I have a mass planting of Love In A Mist - I adore the colour of the flowers...and the seed pods that come afterward are just as gorgeous.

No garden would be complete without some pansies with their little kitten faces!

I've been chasing an Evening Primrose plant for the longest time...I finally scored one at the Market for the grand sum of $4.

This now very large Lambs Ear plant started out as a tiny cutting barely the size of a bread and butter plate...it has grown at the speed of light to this in just a few weeks. Amazing!

The name of this groundcover escapes me at the moment. The flowers open in the morning and close again at sundown.

When I saw these black pansies I had to have them! They start out as a deep black then blow out to purple as the flower ages :)

Sooooo.....who is ready for Christmas??!

I can haz Majacraft?

2008-12-09T13:59:00.005+11:00

More long time no blog. I know.

But I have news. BIG news. I'm serious.

EGMTK! can haz Majacraft now!!

In fact, I have one right now..........

There was advance warning in the form of a good ole Aussie Post card telling me that I had a parcel waiting for me.......

I raced down to the Post Office at warp speed and gathered up this.......

And this is as far as I've progressed with the unpacking and liberating of Miz Suzi Pro. I can hardly wait to get her out and look her over, but given that I have a couple of Bob the Builder wannabees here I think I'll wait until they're safely tucked up in bed before I do anything.

Miz Suzie Pro will be looking for a new home, adoption fee is AUD$815 plus postage. If Santa is agreeable point him my way!!

Anne's Rugs Exhibtion

2008-11-28T10:32:00.004+11:00

I would like to invite you to the opening of my exhibition

ANNE’S RUGS

Sunday December 14^TH 12 noon - 3 pm

At the

PERFECT DROP wine and food lounge

5 HOWE STREET

DAYLESFORD

The exhibition will continue through December and into January 2009

The Perfect Drop is open Wednesday to Friday from 3pm and weekends from 12 noon through to evening.

I will feature a diverse range of floor rugs and wall hanging handwoven in various styles and colours using quality linen and wool. All will be for sale.

(Anne is a gorgeous and very talented friend of mine that lives locally - if you are able to stop by and view her exhibition I promise you won't be disappointed! The exhibition continues into January, so if you're in Daylesford drop in.)

Friday Facts.....

2008-11-28T08:02:00.002+11:00

* Long time no blog huh?

* Remember the three little chickens that I purchased from Gigarre Markets a while back? 2 of them are roosters. 2! So, as a result Fudge and Snowflake (what a delicate name for a rooster!) will be re-homed out of town. It will have to be soon as they are both making those strangled look-at-me-I'm-a-big-boy-now crowing noises at regular intervals throughout the day.

*We trotted off to Kindergarten/Pre-school Orientation day on Wednesday with T. We spent an hour painting and play-doughing - T has given his seal of approval and declared that he will 'go back another time'.

*Mum had her surgery ahead of schedule (total knee replacement) and after a few hiccups with her recovery immediately after surgery she is home and directing proceedings whilst reclining on the lounge. A long time family friend ( Shirl is coming Suzi!) is travelling down today to spend the weekend and give Dad a break. Mum is not a good patient ;-/

*You'll find the Magazine category of the website updated with new issues of Wild Fibers and YARN.

*I've announced a new EGMTK! Fibre Club - mail outs commence in January. I haven't capped the numbers as yet so there's still time to grab a spot if you'd like one :)

* I'm *hoping* to get a few goodies loaded up onto the website today - wish me luck!

Hope you all have a great weekend xo

Better Pics of new Ashford Products

2008-11-05T12:37:00.003+11:00

Here's some FAR better pics of the new Ashford goodies - please see post below for prices.
The Sliding Hook Flyers *should* be here next week...fingers crossed :-)

New Ashford Products

2008-11-05T11:32:00.004+11:00

Apologies for the poor quality pic, but I just wanted to show off the new goodies by Ashford!
I currently have stocks of the Competition Lazy Kate, priced at $58.
The Sampler Niddy Noddy is priced at $18.85.
I will be back to confirm prices for the Sliding Hook Flyers, but expect to pay somewhere in the vicinty of $65 for the Standard Flyer and bobbin :-)

Friday Facts.....

2008-10-31T11:00:00.003+11:00

* I made the trip back home on Tuesday for Scotty's funeral with Suzi riding shotgun for moral support. Thanks chick :-)
The 3 hour + drive was spent bringing Suzi up to speed on my Family Tree so that she would have some clue who everyone was. The tree is large with many, many branches.
In hindsight, it was a nice way to pass the time as I took a skip down memory lane on more than one occasion....recalling different things as I related who each family member was and where they were placed on the tree. I know that Suzi's head was buzzing by the time we arrived!
It was a bittersweet homecoming, and an incredibly long day. I know that Scotty would've been surprised and very humbled at how many turned out to say farewell to him.
Again, thank you all for your support :-)

*There will be an update this weekend!!
Expect to see some South African Fine, Masham, 19 micron machine washable Merino and if time allows I'll haul out some other fibres and get busy adding some colour in time for this update.

*I've started a Fibre Club Waiting List for 2009. If you are a member of the current Fibre Club you do not need to do anything as you will automatically be given the option of continuing on with the next Fibre Club or opting out.
However, if you would like your name to go on the Waiting List please email me. There is absolutely no obligation to join the Fibre Club when the time comes, this is merely a way to help me plan ahead and for you to stay informed when the time comes to announce the new club.

There's probably more to tell, but's about all I can recall for now!
Have a great weekend :-)

Thank you :-)

2008-10-22T16:06:00.001+11:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you :-)
Thank you for the phone calls, text messages, comments and emails that have been arriving. I sat down last night and *tried* to respond to each email individually but failed miserably.
I read some of the emails and comments to my Mum earlier today and she thinks I have the nicest friends. She's right y'know. I do. And for that I am thankful.
Thank you all so much for your hearfelt words, they've been very, very comforting xoxo

In happier news, all of the Fibre Club fibres have had colour applied! I will spend the next few nights packaging them all and have booked them in for a Monday morning appointment at the Post Office.
The dyeing for the Fibre Club has been a very welcome distraction these past few days, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did dyeing it :-)

I have no words :-(

2008-10-20T21:03:00.002+11:00

Scotty is a Son, a Brother, a Father and my Uncle.
I sat up all last night staring out the window into the darkness, waiting for the phone to ring and have someone tell me that you'd been swept downstream, got out and made your way to get help and everything would be alright again.
We all sat up through the night Scotty, willing and wishing you back to us.
But it wasn't to be. I can't believe that you're gone and quite frankly, it's not meant to be like this.
I have no words, only tears :-(

Fibre Love :-)

2008-10-17T13:48:00.002+11:00

Do you remember me talking about a new fibre that was inbound? The one that I'd been chasing since January to be precise??
It's here. Well, it arrived a couple of weeks or so ago, but with the drama/stomach flu of the last couple of weeks I forgot to mention it :-(
Can you guess what it is? It's beautiful..and has a soft, silky handle...and falls somewhere in between Bamboo and Soy on the 'get nekkid and roll in it' scale. Just so you know ;-P
It's SEACELL!! Berry, berry noice :-)
Mind you..I wasn't too sick to get several boxes of fibre together and off to the Mill to be blended!
I've just had a phonecall to say to expect everything back early next week, so I thought I'd give you some advance warning of what to expect.

There'll be some of this super dooper luxe blend - Silk/Bamboo 60/40 (oh be still my heart!!)
As well as;

BFL & Angora (Biffle & Bunny)
BFL & SeaCell
Optim & SeaCell
Merino & SeaCell

You'll also see lots of the usual Top Paddock blends being re-stocked too!
I'm knee-deep in Fibre Club dyeing at the moment, but if I can I'll attempt a small hand dyed update sometime over the weekend :-)
Have a good one!

Llama, Blue Flax and Hankies......

2008-10-15T23:47:00.002+11:00

There's been a mini-update and re-stock at EGMTK!
There's some soft, rich brown Llama top, I've popped it in the Alpaca category in the absence of a Llama category ;-)

There's also some very pretty Sky Blue Flax. This is the first dyed flax that I've ever seen - it has a much nicer handle than the Natural Flax. This is the only colour available and stocks of this fibre are limited.
I've started having a long overdue play with some of my fibre shipments from India. You'll find some Silk Hankies in the Silk category, with some Tussah Silk Waste still to come :-)
I've also re-stocked the Angelina, so if it's bling you're after I've got plenty on hand!

Meet Magpie, Fudge and Snowflake.....

2008-10-14T21:37:00.002+11:00

Meet the latest additions to the menagerie, Magpie, Fudge and Snowflake. They're 2 weeks old in this pic...they're now just over 6 weeks old.
Ahem. Yes, it's been awhile.
Between school holidays and the stomach flu that came a visitin' there's not been much time or the inclination to blog.
School's back...and John is making a s l o w recovery from the aforementioned flu. It goes without saying that he had the worst case of all time ;-/ Men are such delicate creatures.

Back to the cute chickens. That's Fudge there on the left and I'm tipping that teh cuteness is a cockeral judging by the early comb development. I'm happy to be proven wrong because if he should turn out to be a 'boy shook' (that's a bit of T speak for you) he will have to go and live out at the farm with the other boy shooks.
I'm off to Nagambie tomorrow to farewell a couple of fibre friends who are pulling up stumps and moving further south....I will be sad to see them go, but I'm already looking forward to organising a road trip to see them when they get set up in their new digs :-)
I'm full steam ahead with this months Fibre Club fibre......I've bought a complete new palette of colours to work with...I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Chaos reigns...again!

2008-09-29T09:21:00.002+10:00

Today heralds the second week of the school holidays here in very sunny Victoria.
It would seem the dreaded lurgy is behind us. For the most part. This is a good thing because I have MUCH to do!
There's a few pics of our shearing adventure over on my flickr - more to come as soon as get a minute to sit down and edit the 100+ pics that are left.
I *hope* to get some dyeing done tonight or tomorrow. I've moved everything out to the (very) old laundry and am just about set-up and ready to rock.
I'll be adding things to the website throughout the week as well...there's a box of Ashford equipment and dyes sitting here as well as some new Merino in solid colours.
It's also time for me to start delving into the boxes of wild and wonderful breeds from North America and the UK - expect to see them start rolling out at the next update :-)
Got to run for now...Miss G is having some gal pals over to stay so I need to organise myself and them.
Back soon ;-)

EGMTK! Updated!!

2008-09-23T23:09:00.003+10:00

I've just snuck a little update up onto the website - you'll find the new hand dyeds here :-)
For now, I'm off to bed. Some miserable cold germ has come to visit and we are all in varying stages of miserableness :-(
Shearing pics of my time at Cyrils to come....I've started editing pics but there's so MANY!

Home!

2008-09-22T10:50:00.002+10:00

We arrived home late on Saturday afternoon, had an early dinner and pretty much fell into bed exhausted.
Yesterday was spent celebrating C's 2nd birthday - I still cannot believe that my baby is 2!
Today will be spent packing orders and getting them to the Post Office...and then I'll be back with a proper post about out most excellent shearing adventure.
For now I leave you with the view that I gazed upon for the two days that I was gone ;-)

EGMTK! Fibre Club #4 mail out.......

2008-09-17T23:08:00.002+10:00

I've just sealed up the last Fibre Club parcel - PHEW!
Miss G was the creator of the little extra's you'll find in with your fibre this month, I don't think she quite realised what she was letting herself in for when she announced what she wanted to do, but to her credit she stuck with it and got the job done :-)
I'll be taking these babies to the Post Office first thing in the morning, so some of you will have them to fondle by Friday - ENJOY!

EGMTK! Weaving Workshop with Nicola Bota

2008-09-16T22:39:00.004+10:00

EGMTK! Weaving Workshop
“Patterns in Weaving”

Where: Tongala Community Centre – Meeting Room 2

When: Monday 6th October & Tuesday 7th October

Tutor: Nicola Bota of Ashford New Zealand

Cost: $65 (includes tuition, kit, workshop notes, morning
and afternoon tea and lunch)

Come along for a day of Weaving fun with Nicola of Ashford New Zealand.

Nicola will be teaching different techniques to create patterns in your weaving using the Ashford Knitters Loom.

The Workshop is run over the course of a day, from 9am until approx 4.30pm – two dates are available for you to choose from.

Class sizes are limited to 10 per day – please book asap!

If you have an Ashford Knitters Loom please bring it with you to the Workshop, if not a loom will be provided for your use.

The Community Centre is located in the main street (Mangan St) of Tongala. Meeting Room 2 is located at the rear of the building.

Access via Mangan Street and turn into lane between Community Centre and Bakery or travel down Miller Street (runs parallel to Mangan St) and access via driveway directly opposite Police Station.

Please email me with any questions or to secure a spot!

Spring Fever......

2008-09-13T21:44:00.005+10:00

I'm blaming spring fever striking with a vengeance for my unintentional silence this past week.
The weather has definitely turned and the magpies are in full swooping mode here in the Northern Country! It's been a welcome change to be able to throw open the windows and give the house a good airing out. There's also been some manic spring cleaning and ruthless tossing out and/or re-homing of things no longer needed. It's been awesome to free up some much needed space to store fibre.
OMG did I say that??!! LOL There's some special lush stuff inbound, but I'll wait 'til I have it here in my hot little hands before I go making a noise about it. I don't want to jinx anything. I have been 'negotiating' the purchase of this particular fibre since January of this year so to have it finally on it's way is a relief!

Monday and Tuesday of this week saw me totally pulling apart our front yard...and I mean totally pulling apart. The garden beds have been weeded, dug over and I've shovelled a truckload of fresh topsoil and mushroom compost onto them. I could barely walk Wednesday, but the effort was well worth it!

Today saw me setting off bright and early to Violet Town Market. I gathered up Suzi on my way through, we didn't draw breath until we pulled into Violet Town!
We had arranged to meet up with Deb for coffee and a cruise around the various stalls. I was blown away by everything that was on offer. For the most part, everything was homemade/handmade/organic. I could've gone wild but was very restrained and only bought a hot pink pair of chenille pants from here. I also happened across a man selling Tree Dahlia cuttings, so I grabbed a couple of those too. Suzi bought some scrumilicious hand made soap......I made her unwrap it all and hold each one under my nose for a smell as we were drving home - I am such a sucker for awesome smelling hand made soaps! We also grabbed a Latte and a homemade vege and feta spring roll on the way out - divine!
Suz and I agreed that we'd be making many return trips to the market, though I think the earlier in the morning we can arrive the better...it was getting crowded and squishy by the time we were leaving at around 11ish.
The road home from Suzi's takes me right past the SPC Factory Outlet, so I pulled over and filled up the back of the wagon for $120.
The 1kg Fridge Packs that you see in the pic (Beetroot, Peaches and Two Fruits) were $8 per carton of 6. The 120gr and 140gr Snack Pacs were $3 and $4 per carton of 24.
The unlabelled cans are Tomato Soup, Diced Tomatoes and Spaghetti..all $8 per carton of 12. I do love me some SPC shopping!

Next week will see the Fibre Club parcels make their way out the door. I'll let you all know when to start stalking the Postie :-)

Update starting soon....

2008-09-07T20:57:00.001+10:00

I'm going to go make a cuppa and get started on the update :-))

Sunday Night Update Sneak Peek Pics

2008-09-07T18:59:00.002+10:00

Here's some sneak peek pics of the hand dyed Merino that will be making an appearance on the website later tonight.
Tonight just for fun, we'll be following the format of the 'old days' and I will make another post here to say that I'm about to start :-)
Hope to see you there!

EGMTK! September Spin In

2008-09-02T07:35:00.002+10:00

I’ve been thinking that a little competition/challenge is in order.
You all know how much I lurve gazing upon the yarns you spin from my fibre-babies, so I’m going to encourage you to show me more!
For the month of September for every picture of a finished yarn spun from EGMTK! fibre that you post your name will be entered into the draw for a EGMTK! Fibre Love parcel :-)
The yarn needs to have been spun this month - I've started a thread on Ravelry where you can post a pic of your ‘before’ fibre and another thread for finished yarn where you’ll be able to post the ‘before’ pic as well as the ‘after’ pic. If you aren't on Rav and you'd like to take part, let me know and I'll send you an invite to post on the EGMTK! Fibre Gallery.
The more you spin the greater the chance of your name being drawn.
The lucky name will be drawn on Oct 1st.

*I'll be away from my computer for most of the day - will be home late this afternoon to play catch up. If you have a fibre emergency and need to speak to me urgently please call me on my mobile :-)*

Little Bitz

2008-08-30T23:49:00.004+10:00

If you pop over to the website you'll see some Little Bitz of top that I've been gathering for a loooong time.
Little Bitz are the under weight bitz that are left at the end of a bump of top. There's nothing wrong with them, they're perfect in every way, they just weigh less than 100 grams is all.
And I have alot of them. ALOT.
So come adopt some Little Bitz. PUHLEASE. They're perfect for your felting projects or for building colour palettes or even as additions to batts. The possibilities are endless.
And I don't need this many. Help me ;-)

EGMTK! Updated

2008-08-30T15:22:00.003+10:00

I've just updated the website! All the new hand dyeds can be found here.
Next on my 'to do' list is to shoot the remainder of the solid Merino colours.
For those of you interested in Ashford equipment, I'll be keeping stock of some items on hand. At the moment I have Niddy Noddys, Flick Cards, a 30cm Knitters Loom and one Jumbo Bobbin in stock.
By the end of next week there'll be more Ashford stock lines taking up residence such as books and dyes.
As always, anything in the way of Ashford that I don't have here can be ordered in no problems :-)
I'm off to make a cuppa and get warm.....it's freezing here and trying hard to rain. It's a good day to be indoors and close by the fire!

Meme meme meme

2008-08-27T11:43:00.002+10:00

Elemm tagged me for this meme a while back.....

1. What I was doing 10 years ago:
Miss G was a newborn and I was doing some consulting work from home for an aerial agricultural outfit. It was the best of both worlds, I was at home with Miss G whilst still keeping a foot in the industry.

2. What 5 things are on on my to-do list for today (in no particular order):
- Pack orders
- Order fibre
- Fix lunch
- Go to visit my gorgeous sister and hair stylist extraordinaire, Ev, for a cut and colour. It's sad that the only time we are managing to be face to face at the moment is at cut time. We need to rectify this.
- Catch up on emails

3. Snacks I enjoy:
- Chocolate is good. Especially white chocolate. Even more so if it's Lindt.
- Freshly baked Beestings
- Umm..anything sweet is good.
- Home made Salami. Nothing better.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Hmmmm!
I'd make sure family were taken care of...there'd be alot of investing etc, and donations to childrens charities.
I'd also charter a QANTAS Airbus and we'd all be going to Rhinebeck, or Soar or something.

5. Places I have lived.
- Griffith, NSW
- Stanbridge, NSW
- Naples, Florida
- Canberra ACT
- Echuca VIC

I won't tag anyone, but if you'd like to do the meme leave me a comment so I can come have a read :-)

Weekend plans.....

2008-08-22T13:13:00.002+10:00

Miss G has discovered Intertwined, I forsee some art yarn action here this weekend.
T has decided that he can 'spin wool' too, so one of the spare Traddies has come down from it's perch on top of the wardrobe and he quite happily treadles and occasionally can be seen to poke a bit of (waste) fibre into the orifice.
That's spinnin' y'know.

This lot took up residence here today. I'll be busy taking pics and loading goodies onto the website. Wish me luck getting it all done!
There may have been a short, sharp conversation about the painting in the bathroom that is still not done. No towel rails either.
Maybe this weekend? One would hope :-)

EGMTK! Fathers Day Gift Guide

2008-08-21T13:54:00.002+10:00

Stuck for ideas for Father's Day? ;-p
Why not consider an Ashford Knitters Loom?
The next time HE asks WHAT it is you intend to do WITH all that YARN...hand him his Loom and tell him to get busy ;-))

It so happens I have a 30cm Knitters Loom in stock looking to be adopted. 10% OFF rrp as always, making it $202.50 plus postage :-)
Just sayin' .

Poking my head above the mess.....

2008-08-19T11:04:00.002+10:00

The new solid Merino colours have started arriving! All that remains is a photo session and they'll be available on the website soon...just as soon as I can make my way to the shooting table.
I am using some new packaging too...it's all shiny and crinkly and nice. Nice is good :-)

I am having trouble getting to my shooting table because I've made a mess. A somewhat large mess in fact.
I decided the week before last (and following the lead of some spinsistas stateside) that my stash needed/wanted to be out where I could see it. Determined to carve out more carding and spinning time for myself I figured if everything was out where I could see it I'd be ready to rock when inspiration struck.
So now I have a whole wall of wire cubbies....and the majority of my personal stash is now out where I can see it.
But I made a slight mess getting everything out....so now I'm madly trying to restore some order..and having fun doing so...and finding things I'd forgotten I had!
More pics to come when everything is tidy again...
Thanks to everyone that left a comment or emailed regarding Miss G's yarn. I got her to sit down last night and take the time to read what everyone wrote. There was lots of giggles along with a couple of bright red cheeks happening here :-)

Just updated......

2008-08-17T15:29:00.001+10:00

There's some BFL action happening over at the website!

EGMTK! Fibre Club.......Welcome email

2008-08-15T12:04:00.001+10:00

I sent an email to all Fibre Clubsters earlier today - if it doesn't arrive your end please let me know :-)

I may have created a Monster!

2008-08-14T21:54:00.002+10:00

A few months ago Miss G expressed a desire to spin and asked if she could have 'the Traveller Wheel' for her own. (Backing up just a bit...I bought a second-hand Ashford Traveller ages ago, it was a good price....and it needed a home k?)
Anyways, I was chuffed that Miss G was showing an interest in the craft and told her that yes, if she wanted the Traveller it was hers. Go get it and put it in your room and give that baby a name says I!!
This is what Miss G went and put in her room. My Lendrum. Ooops! Turns out that Miss G figured that my Lendrum was a 'Traveller' as anytime we left the house for longer than a night the wheel 'travelled' with us.

Fast forward to mid-July and Miss G's 10th birthday and this wheel was the star attraction. It's not a Lendrum, however it is a double-treadle and comes with a blue carrybag and that apparently allows it to pass muster.
There has been much spinning. In fact I don't think a day has passed without Miss G sitting at her wheel and spinning.
I might as well tell you that my Ashford Carder is gone. Gone I said. Clamped to the desk in Georgia's room. The child makes batts like there's no tomorrow. I'm sure if she could lift my Louet it'd be in her room too.
The other night I caught her trying to slink through the loungeroom with a little too casual kind of look on her face. Turns out that she had 'borrowed' one of my HollyEQQ batts with the view to 'spinning it just to make sure it spins ok'.
Right ;-/
So in the interests of preserving my own stash, Miss G has been let loose to gather a little stash of her own, under my supervision of course!

It's all good though - it's a blast having a spinning buddy 24/7!

In other news, a website update is in the works.....hopefully before the weekend is over :-)

Also, I have tentative days for my Weaving Workshop(s) in October. At this point in time I'm looking at the 6th and 7th of October. There seems to be enough interest to hold two workshops (workshops are limited to 10) so watch this space for more details soon.

New spots open!

2008-08-11T20:42:00.001+10:00

I've just added a few more spots for the EGMTK! Fibre Club :-)

Extra spots - EGMTK! Fibre Club

2008-08-11T19:15:00.002+10:00

WOW!!
Due to the speed at which the Fibre Club spots sold out last night AND the sweet-as-sugar emails from those of you that missed out offering bribes of chocolate (white please), coffee (only REAL coffee), alcohol (send ANYTHING) and frilly knickers (WTF??) I'm going to re-jig things and throw a few more spots open for sign-ups.
Let me get the little folk to bed and I'll make a quick post here and over on Rav to give you the heads up :-)

New EGMTK! Fibre Club.........

2008-08-10T23:52:00.003+10:00

Sign-ups for the new EGMTK! Fibre Club are now being taken over at the website!

Two of my favourite things.....

2008-08-10T19:50:00.002+10:00

Coils, coils and more coils!

Alchemy Chai....I found some today at Safeway.....after Coles discontinued it almost 2 years ago.
Life is good :-)

Cobram Spinners and Weavers Sharing Day

2008-08-05T00:24:00.002+10:00

Just a quick heads up that I'll be away from my 'puter tomorrow!
I'll be off peddling my wares at the Cobram Spinners and Weavers Sharing Day - I'll see some of you there, looking forward to catching up and having a gab :-)
I'll respond to emails and orders when I return home late in the afternoon.
Orders that are due to go out will be mailed by my ever efficient man and little folk...
And...I will remember to take the camera!

A bit of updating action....

2008-08-03T14:20:00.003+10:00

I had a small window of opportunity (i.e John and the kids were out of the house!) so I snuck a few new hand dyeds up onto the website.
So far there's some Optim/Soy/Bamboo and BFL/Soy - I'll get some more happening tonight when the little folk are sleeping!

Back on track.....with some Friday Facts!

2008-08-01T10:03:00.005+10:00

* Oh wow...a whole week has passed since I last blogged. Unbelievable. I think I just plain ran out of words. I know that those of you who know me in real life find this hard to believe...but it happened. Trust me ;-p

* I am going to update the website in the next few days. I'll be taking down all the hand-dyeds and putting up some new babies. Sooooo, if there's something that you've had your eyes on, grab it before it disappears!

* I went on a bit of a shopping spree.....and then some. There's 30+ colours of Merino in both colour blends and solids on order. Expect to see them trickling in over the next few weeks :-)

* I'll be announcing the next EGMTK! Fibre Club next week...watch this space for details! Numbers will be limited.

* I knew I should've jotted down some notes so that I'd remember all that I wanted to tell you.
Guaranteed I'll finish up here and it'll come to me.

* I'm going to be at the Cobram & District Spinners and Weavers Sharing Day with my EGMTK! goodies next Tuesday, if you're interested in coming you'll find us at the Yarroweyah Memorial Hall which is right on the highway. The day kicks off at 10am and winds down at around 3pm. I'm looking forward to it, the Guild Sharing Days are always fun :-)

* My partner in crime, Nicola of Ashford NZ is making a return visit in October and we'll be conducting a Weaving Workshop in Echuca. Numbers will be capped at 10, so if you're keen please let me know - Colleen , I have you down!

*The camera batteries are charging...so I'll leave you with a picture of a perfect little sock knit for me by my gorgeous spinsista Annie - isn't it divine?
* Finally, I'm off on a secret squirrel mission tomorrow. That's all I can say, BUT it does involve my Pay It Forward signer uppers...ssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

xoxo

Friday Facts.....

2008-07-25T21:12:00.002+10:00

* Bendigo was OUT. OF.THIS. WORLD. Yes, it rained and blew and was colder than all get out but it was damn good FUN! A HUGE thank you to Donni, Kate and Ruth - I couldn't have done it without you and I wouldn't have wanted to. Michelle, thanks so much for sharing the Wooldancer love and sending goodies to share! To everyone who stopped by to say Hi - THANK YOU. It was great to put some faces to names and catch up with old friends and new.
A special thank you to Sally who hung out with Miss G on Sunday. G manages to work your name into everyday conversation at least 10 times a day!
I'm going to stop now.....I could go on talking about who I saw etc, but I'm terrified that I will forget someone (I am limping along here on one brain cell) and I would hate that!

* My Ashford Demonstration Day on Wednesday with Nicola was awesome. I was overwhelmed at how many people turned up and equally as overwhelmed (i.e totally unprepared) for how much everyone wanted to shop! Watch this space as Nicola and I have been scheming and planning and have a Weaving Workshop penciled in for October this year.

* Mixed Bag Fibre Club parcels will be in the mail on Monday! Packing has started with some help from my little folk :-)

* Before I go, I need to thank Suzi (who accidently deleted her blog) for all her help in the lead up to Bendy and the Ashford Day - thanks honey. :-)
Also to Dot - thank you for the hug on Sunday...I needed it. Thank you xoxo

* The bunnies have a blog! Go visit my beautiful Spinsista Charly and her bunnies and say Hi :-)

* I'm off for now. There have been many, many late nights and T tells me that my eyes don't look so pretty anymore, so I'm off to commune with my bed.
More to come after I've slept!

Mixed Bag Fibre Club.....

2008-07-17T09:16:00.002+10:00

Another quick post to let Mixed Bag Fibre Clubsters know that your final fibre parcel will be mailed after the 23rd of this month.
We've had some much needed rain in these parts....which in turn has made drying fibres quite the challenge.
I'll sit down right after my Ashford Demo Day and get them all parceled up and on their way to you! I'm guessing I'll be looking for an opportunity to sit down by then!

Quick Post

2008-07-17T08:20:00.003+10:00

OMG...I've been flat out like a lizard drinking getting everything ready for Bendy. I've had good blog intentions and have even gone as far as having my blog open to remind me that I needed to post....but I just never quite made it here.
So here I am :-) Finally.
Donni and Kate have arrived safely. Wine was consumed and things were a leetle bit merry here last night as we bagged and tagged fibres ;-P
We're heading off to Bendy soonish to set up and have a poke around.
Donni has Knit Picks Options Sets in both nickel and harmony wood as well as some very scrummy scarves and wraps.
My beautiful spin sistah Michelle a.k.a Wooldancer has sent a huge box of her wooldancer majick in the form of batts, handpainted yarn and delectable handspun as well as her drop gorgeous Colliers!
Miz Sheepychic herself will also be there with her divine fibre-y goodies :-)
Please stop by and say hi if you can!
Better run for now xoxo

EGMTK! Top Paddock Merino/Angora and some Gottie too!

2008-07-06T09:15:00.003+10:00

I didn't make it here last night to post and let you know that I'd updated again, this time with some EGMTK! Top Paddock Merino/Angora.

There's not much left though...! If you're up for a bit of stash enhancing I'll be updating again before the weekend is over, this time with some BFL/Bamboo and possibly some BFL/Soy :-)
Do you remember the Carded Gotland Lamb that was so popular last year? I have some more!
It's up on the website now :-)
This next update that I'm planning will more than likely be the last before Bendy, so if there's something that you're after don't be shy!
Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend xoxo

EGMTK! Update and Friday Facts.

2008-07-04T23:04:00.005+10:00

* There's been a bit of updating action over at EGMTK! headquarters tonight, with more to come. I'll get some more goodies happening over the weekend then I think that might pull me up until after Bendy.
Here's a little sampler of the Top Paddock Optim/Soy/Bamboo that made it's debut tonight.

* I forgot one of my dearest buddies birthday. Yes I did. I am such a goose! HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLLY!!
I promise it won't happen again. Ever!

*Check out what my spinsista Annie has been up to. How kewl is that? Even better....Annie rang me to tell me her awesome news - I am still grinning like a fool :-)

*My gorgeous sister is coming to hang out with me tomorrow. I can hardly wait. You know what this means don't you? Cut and colour! Ev will do my hair and then maybe I'll get to cut hers...with guidance of course ;-P Much coffee and chocolate will be consumed. The Lindt word was mentioned. Can't wait to just sit and gab.

*I am very relieved that this week is drawing to a close. It's been a hard one for sure. Thank you all so much for the kindnesses you've shown me during this time, you all are just too wonderful for words. Truly. Thank you Thank you Thank you xoxo

I want you to do something for me please......

2008-07-01T09:23:00.004+10:00

If you have a mole on your body and notice changes, get it checked please. Immediately.
15 years ago my Aunty Sharron had a mole on her leg that she noticed changes in - off to the Doctors for a diagnosis and it was a melanoma. Worst case scenario stuff
Sharron had the melanoma removed and I remember thinking after the op that the Surgeon had messed up bigtime because there was an awful scar, (it looked like a hole had been dug in the back of her leg) my Mum who is a Registered Nurse explained that this was commonplace and that ALOT of tissue had to be removed from around the melanoma to ensure that all the nasty cells were gathered. Ok. The dust settles and everyone gets on with life.
12 months ago Sharron noticed some changes and sought the opinion of two Drs who both assured her that the changes were merely a varicose vein. If you are getting the feeling that this isn't going to end well you'd be right.
I'll spare you the lead up and the gory details but 7 weeks ago Sharron was diagnosed with secondary spread melanoma in the form of tumors on her brain. Inoperable. The most that could be done was some radiation therapy in an effort to buy some more time.
The 'varicose vein' at the site of the original melanoma wasn't a vein at all...it was a reactivation of the melanoma.
Sharron passed away this morning at dawn at the age of 47.
If you need to, please make an appointment with a Dr now.

Almost done.....

2008-06-28T20:49:00.002+10:00

The shower is in.....the chock of timber was there to keep the doors braced until the silicon dried

The tiles are all done......
Waiting on door handles and drawer faces....and some plaster work.
Words cannot express how excited I am about all the bench space!
I've been dyeing too :-)
More pics over at flickr.
I'm shooting for an update tomorrow...some time, hope to see you then :-)

We're nearly there..........

2008-06-24T22:29:00.004+10:00

The Great bathroom Renovation of 2008 is nearly done. Nearly. We are close.
These pictures were taken on Saturday - things have progressed rapidly since then, especially considering that I was builderless today! All the tiling and grouting is done and I think another day should see all the loose ends tidied up as far as the builders go. As soon as they're all done we'll get Jason the Plasterer and Shagger the Sparky back to do their thing.
Then I can paint. White to begin with until I find the right shade of pale grey. I'm keeping everything very neutral for resale purposes...I figure I can add some colour with towels etc...but if I were to go town with the colour on permanent fixtures...that might not be so good for resale.

The boys have been able to use the bath the last few nights much to their relief....T keeps reminding me that he and C are 'just tiny little boys' which is T-speak for 'don't make us get in that shower in the laundry'!
Growing up we had a bathroom with dinky mosaic tiles and I HATED them with a passion.....here I am years on revisiting the mosaics!
My little laundry corner.......no more outside laundry! YAY!
I'll grab some more pics tomorrow :-)

EGMTK! & Ashford N.Z Demonstration Fun Day flyer

2008-06-24T22:15:00.002+10:00

Ewe Give Me The Knits!

Ashford NZ Demonstration Day

Where: Echuca Workers & Services Club

(in the function room to the right of main entrance)

165-171 Annesley Street, Echuca Vic

When: Wednesday 23^rd July, 2008

Time: 9am-4.30pm

Cost: $10 per person

Come along for a day of fibre filled fun! Nicola Bota, the Australasian Sales Manager of Ashford NZ will be demonstrating the Ashford way of spinning, weaving, dyeing and felting.

I will also have a selection of EGMTK! hand dyed fibres available for purchase!

If you would like to join in the fun please RSVP as soon as possible as numbers are limited.

Please RSVP via phone or email

Ph. 5859 1006 0r 0438 824 766

Email: mandie@ewegivemetheknits.com

9.00am Meet and greet and have a cuppa :-)

10.00am Rainbow dyeing fleece wool and yarn

11.00am Colour and fibre blending with the Drum carder and hand cards

12.00noon Lunch

1.00pm Novelty spinning using the Ashford Joy wheel - boucles, silk & fibre blends from the above

2.00pm Needle or traditional felting

2.30pm Quick warping with the KL loom

3.00pm One Pot dyeing using different fibres in one pot

4.00pm Show and Tell

4.30pm Shopping

I look forward to seeing you there!

Please feel free to call or drop me a line if you have any questions,

Cheers,

Mandie Chandler – Ewe Give Me The knits!

www.ewegivemetheknits.com

Update has started....

2008-06-21T23:19:00.002+10:00

I've started updating the website. Expect to see new hand dyeds making an appearance over the next two days as I work to get everything photographed and loaded :-)

We are in the home straight with the bathroom, the majority of the tiles are down and it's starting to look like a room again instead of a bare shell. I'll post some pics tomorrow :-)
I'm off to bed, I've been fighting off a cold for the last couple of days...I'm hoping some sleep will be the magic cure :-)
Enjoy your weekend!

Sneek Peek pics....

2008-06-20T22:24:00.002+10:00

I'll be back over the weekend with some more progress pics of the bathroom. Things are really motoring along, the cabinets are in and tile laying has commenced - WOOT!
I'll also be updating the website with some more hand dyed pretties - here's a little preview :-)

I'm heading for the hills with the latest copy of Spin-Off tucked under my arm!
Have a good weekend :-)

Progress pics......

2008-06-18T07:01:00.003+10:00

Whoo! The plaster is hung, the floor/tile underlay is down and the shower and bath are in!
Not much will be happening today, one of the guys will come out and paint some more of the luminous blue sealer of the walls and floor in readiness for the tiles to be laid.

The bath was christened last night. Miss G is more than happy (and old enough for that matter) to use the temporary shower in the laundry, but the boys not.so.much. Both of them are terrified of the shower, so I hauled out the baby bath and we've been bathing in front of the fire every night. Fun but MESSY!

The Plasterer will be here to do his thing maybe tomorrow I hope? Apparently though, the tiling can be done in and around what the Plasterer does. This is a good thing.
This is the laundry space, complete with a waste/drain that will be directly under the washing machine to compensate if need be for any flooding/overflow disasters. I haven't flooded the washing machine in recent history...but it's bound to happen when you least expect it...right?
I've been rockin' the dyepots too...I predict a weekend update in my future! I'll be back with some sneak peek pics as soon as everything is dry :-)

Still renovating.....

2008-06-14T23:26:00.003+10:00

The bathroom renovation continues!
Here's some pics from Thursday and Friday...on first glance there doesn't seem to have been alot done, but there's been lots of prep work to get the space all square and ready for the flooring to be laid and the plaster to be hung.
Shagger the Sparky has been and done his thing and we have all new wiring ready to rock as soon as the walls and ceiling are up.
This pic shows where the new bath will be....back behind the bath space and out of view is where the new shower will be.

This pic shows what will be the laundry space....the washing machine will be located to the left of the soon-to-be-gone toilet door with the dryer mounted above and a flick mixer and laundry trough located in the cabinetry that will be fitted next week. There'll also be overhead cupboards on this wall. The existing toilet door/space will be plastered over and a cavity slider located around the corner in the hallway to allow access to the toilet without entering the bathroom.
We will have cabinetry installed (flatpax from Bunnings) that starts under the old long gone window, a vanity basin will be dropped into the bench.....the bench and cupboards continue along the wall and around the corner to incorporate the new laundry area.
This pic was taken yesterday, insulation has been installed and Marc is busily laying flooring in readiness for the tile underlay to go over the top.
Marc did accuse me of taking pics of his butt :-P
Who me? Never!!
The entire south exterior wall of the house was removed yesterday and replaced with cement sheet. There were 3 wonky windows on the wall (2 in Miss G's room and 1 in what will be C's room) that we have removed and boarded over - the plasterer will work his magic next week and patch the gaping holes. Each of the rooms still has a window each, the windows that were removed were on the damp side of the house and looked out onto a colourbond fence. No great loss. We also had insulation installed on this wall too.
In other news, the Landscapes dye order has arrived and added to the website, you can find them here :-)
Not much else to report, we spent the morning in town shopping and picking up the benchtops for the bathroom and this afternoon running to the tip with renovation rubbish :-)
I hope to motor through some chores in the morning and maybe fire up the dyepots tomorrow afternoon - wish me luck!

BFL/SOY Update is done........

2008-06-13T21:47:00.002+10:00

I got the update done earlier than I thought I would! WHOOO!
You'll find all the new pretties here :-)
Thanks for looking - have a great weekend xoxo

EGMTK! Top Paddock BFL/Soy Sneak Peek pics

2008-06-13T16:21:00.003+10:00

Just a quickie to let you know that I'll be updating the website much later tonight - there's 18 or so BFL/Soy braids that will be looking to be adopted!

There's also some updated bathroom pics to be flashed as well - see you later tonight :-)

The bathroom, it is GONE!

2008-06-10T18:24:00.002+10:00

The much talked about and long awaited bathroom renovation of 2008 is underway!
We spent the long weekend demolishing the cruddy, old bathroom to make way for the new. It was a mammoth task, but we saved ourselves a wad of cash by doing the demolition work ourselves. I am now proficient on the jemmy bar and can swing a hammer just as wildly as the next person :-)
Let is also be said that demolition work is a wonderful way to vent, particularly after one's partner has boiled one's car causing the radiator to morph into a fountain AFTER the cars' onboard computer sounded the alarm to indicate that the car was indeed HOT. Several times over :-/

Here's a pic of the demolition in progress....plaster off, shower gone....bath about to be gone.

Looking towards the same corner, with another wall gone! The wall still standing is load bearing - so the builders put a beam up into the roof space today...so the wall is gone now.
We're about to head off to the tip here. The bath was cast iron and weighed a tonne. I'm still amazed that John and I were able to get it up onto the trailer.
More progress pics to come :-)
The Mixed Bag Fibre Club parcels are all packed and ready to go - ENJOY!
There has been some dyeing action in amongst the chaos...there'll be an update just as soon as everything is dry :-)

Update done!!

2008-06-05T23:38:00.002+10:00

There's some new fibrey goodness available on the website! Tonights update is made up of Optim/Bamboo and Merino/Bamboo.

The Mixed Bag Fibre Club fibres are finally dry, so next on the *to do* list is taking care of getting them all packaged up and in the mail :-)

I'll also be firing up the dyepots tomorrow night...I have a new Top Paddock blend for you to try....BFL/Soy.....YUM!

The building works kick off here in the morning...please cross your fingers that it all runs smoothly!!

Merino/Bamboo Sneak Peek

2008-06-04T23:55:00.004+10:00

At last the Merino/Bamboo and Optim/Bamboo are all nice and dry. I had *planned* to update the website tonight but got sidetracked several times...so I'm shooting for tomorrow night.

I'm also expecting a shipment of Landscapes Dyes any day....so if you've been waiting on some colours they'll be here soon!

Dyepot Daze.....

2008-06-02T22:29:00.015+10:00

I had a super productive weekend...I love it when everything seems to fall into place and I can spend some quality time playing with the dyepots.
I really feel like I accomplished all that I set out to do, instead of spending Sunday night making mental lists of everything that didn't get done!
Deep huh? ;-p

I splashed some colour on some Optim/Bamboo and Merino/Bamboo. These babies are STILL drying, but just as soon as they're done some of them will sneak up onto the website.
I also managed a tiny little play late on Saturday night with my new Louet. I think I'm in LURVE. It's a huge change from my Ashford Fine Cloth.....but I'm loving that I can throw anything at this carder and it munches it up without complaint.
I can expect to pull 100 gram batts of this baby...though I got a tad excited and pulled this one off at 75 grams.
I threw in heaps of fun stuff, BFL, Merino, Soy, Targhee Locks, Silk Thread Waste, Angelina, Gliteratti and Shredded Currency.
Tomorrow I start dyeing up the second instalment of the Mixed Bag Fibre Club (hello! can you believe that it's that time again?) I really want to get them all done before chaos sets in with the bathroom makeover.
Which leads me to tell you that yes, we did go to Shepparton and visit the Big Hammer Shop...and we have to go back AGAIN this weekend.
I apparently had 'that look' on my face when John said that we'd have to go back for visit No.4.
I'm all about getting EVERYTHING we need in one trip. John not so much.
Marc the Builder and PA the Sparky will arrive Friday..and demolition will commence on Saturday.
I will be buying chocolate ;-P

Lightbulb Giveaway......

2008-06-02T15:56:00.003+10:00

Just got the following in my Inbox;

Green Energy is giving away 10,000 Energy Saving Light Globes.....simply visit here to leave your details and receive 2 globes FREE.

Can't hurt?

And the winner is.........

2008-06-01T21:34:00.002+10:00

(cue drum roll)

Tinkingbell is the winner of my Name the New Ewe comp! Tink is at this moment in time laying on a beach on a tropical island, so this will give me time to get some yummy goodies together and flash some pics of the fibrey prizes before sending them her way:-)

Everybody, please meet

"Fleecity"

Thank EWE to everyone who took the time to enter my little comp - I had a hard time just settling on one name...but FLEECITY it is!

Friday Facts.....

2008-05-30T23:06:00.003+10:00

My Paternal Nan crossed over last weekend and my thoughts and feelings have been scattered in a thousand different directions. In the interests of self-preservation I have had limited contact with my Fathers family(factor in the very bitter separation and subsequent divorce of my parents) and the events and behaviours of this week have only served to confirm that the decision I made all those years ago was the right one for me. All that aside, my Nan was a lovely soul who deserved far better than what life dealt her. Spread your wings and fly Nana, the peace that you craved is now yours xoxo
Moving right along now.....don't forget about the EGMTK! Ashford Demonstration Day to be held in Echuca on Wednesday 23rd July at the Echuca Workers Club. We'll be doing some dyeing, spinning, weaving and generally having some hands on fun. Cost for the day is $10 per person and places are limited. Let me know if you'd like to come along :-)
I updated AGAIN tonight!! There's some Silk Thread Waste, Red Lurex Thread and yummy Silk Rods to be had.....and there's still more bling and fun add-ins to come.
Marc the Builder is going to make start on the bathroom next Friday...he's going to rig us up a shower out in the laundry and whilst showering out there will be akin to standing naked outside and being hosed down I'm very willing to experience some short term pain in order to achieve long term gain. Tomorrow we go to Shepp AGAIN to visit the Big Hammer Shop (Bunnings) this time to gather flooring and pick up the tiles that we chose last weekend.
Speaking of pain, I have had a sore foot for months. I couldn't quite decide if I had damaged or pinched a nerve or whether I had a collapsed arch. An ankle brace and heat packs brought some relief but it was still niggling away...not quite getting better, but not getting so bad that I felt I needed to see someone about it. That was until this week. I woke Monday morning and could barely put my foot to the floor and it soon became apparent that I needed to do SOMETHING! I couldn't get in to see a Doctor for 2 weeks, so I ducked around the corner and let Stan the local Massage Therapist and Football Trainer dude have a look. Turns out that I had a twisted ligament across the top of my foot that had started to bed down between two bones and cause grief. Not 5 minutes later it was all untwisted and feeling much, much better. Thanks Stan :-)
Have a wonderful weekend. I am planning to acquaint myself with my new Carder tomorrow night and then spend some time with the dyepots on Sunday :-)

More updating action.......

2008-05-29T22:58:00.002+10:00

I'm on an updating roll...just finished putting some EGMTK! Top Paddock Merino/Soy on the website.

The Merino/Soy is my favourite blend out of all the Top Paddock blends that I do to date (there are some new blends coming soon!)....this current batch is blended with some 19 micron Merino that the Wool Dude re-homed with me :-) Very, very nice!
I'm thinking that there'll be some more updating happening again tomorrow night....and then another marathon session or two with the dyepots over the weekend.

Got YARN?

2008-05-29T15:45:00.002+10:00

YARN No.10 is available on the EGMTK! website now!

Be sure to check back late tonight......I plan on loading up some more pretties :-)

BFL........

2008-05-28T23:55:00.002+10:00

Just a quick heads-up to let you know that some BFL has made it's way onto the website.

There's a swag more to come....tomorrow night I'll try and work on getting some Merino/Soy loaded :-)
I'm heading for the hills before I turn into a pumpkin.
p.s. I haven't forgotten about the details for the EGMTK! Ashford Demonstration Day on JULY 23rd in ECHUCA....just waiting on a call back to confirm the venue :-) More as soon as I know!

It's here......

2008-05-27T23:29:00.002+10:00

Look at what arrived today. Tis a very beautiful thing :-) Nooooooo, I haven't had a chance to have a proper play yet....I've just played 'pretends' - y'know where you just turn the handle.
The handle turns very nicely ;-p
There's a good reason for not cranking up the carder though.......

Guess what? I shot some new hand dyeds up onto the website!! There's 9 new Merino/Tencel pretties looking for new homes :-)
I also have BFL and Merino/Soy waiting in the wings along with some Silk Rods. I really need to get the Silk Noil onto the website too.
Rumour has it that a new Top Paddock blend arrived this week in the form of Superwash/Nylon top. Hmmmmm....NICE!
Back tomorrow with all the details for the EGMTK! Ashford Demonstration Day :-)

I think I'm alone now.....

2008-05-26T12:49:00.002+10:00

For the first time in YEARS I am all alone. I'm at home ALONE. On my own. By myself. For longer than an hour.
It feels very, very strange and I don't think I like it much at all. The house is very quiet and I feel like a lost soul even though I am getting HEAPS done!
John and the boys have gone to Melbourne for the day to pick up a shower screen and base and Miss G is at school.
It was John's idea to take BOTH boys with him so that I could have a day of dyeing. I am having a hard time imagining him coping with an almost 4 year old and an almost 2 year old!!
We shopped ourselves silly in Shepparton on Saturday and crossed a bath, floor and wall tiles, vanity basin and bathroom/laundry cabinetry off the list.
Thankfully we are almost done with gathering everything so Marc the builder (as opposed to Bob the Builder!) will be able to make a start sooner rather than later. Cannot wait.
Fingers crossed everything will go to plan and Marc and his offsiders will be in and out in a week.
I've had a few emails about Louet products and if there's enough interest I'll place another Order in the next couple of weeks.
If you are keen to get your hands on some Louet products please email me to register your interest :-) Like everything shipping/postage related, the larger the Order the more savings there is to be made.

Friday Facts.......

2008-05-23T22:51:00.002+10:00

Out of all the builders/bathroom renovator types that I called only one bothered to show up. He even showed up when he said he would. Marc was here Wednesday night looking at what needed to be done, and called back out tonight with a finished estimate. We will be supplying all the fixtures and fittings etc and Marc will be supplying the labour, he figures on a week or so to get the whole job done. Thankfully we won't be without a bathroom for that time as he is going to rig us up a shower in the laundry. Better still, he will be making a start in a couple of weeks!! There's more good news.....because we will have a HUGE space in the bathroom once all the walls are out we are going to incorporate the laundry within the bathroom. This leaves our current laundry which is attached to the house but not accessible from within the house, EMPTY. But not for long...I'm claiming it as my dye kitchen!! Be.Still.My.Heart.
I've just whacked some new goodies up on the website. There's some new Merino and Corriedale as well as the new edition of Wild Fibers magazine.
Yes, I have been dyeing like a crazy woman and have even managed to get some of it dry. There will be new hand dyeds available on the website soon. I promise.
My new drum carder hasn't arrived yet. I'm sure you'll hear the squeals of unadulterated delight when it does. I am hoping/praying/wishing it will arrive next week.
Tomorrow we are going to shop for everything we need for the bathroom. Please pray for my sanity. PLEASE.
Again, THANK EWE for all the entries to name my NEW EWE - I can see that I am going to have a hard time making a decision :-)
I've started loading holiday pics up onto my flickr if you'd like to have a peek. There's loads more still to come.
Enjoy your weekend! xoxo

Whoa - THANK EWE!!

2008-05-21T14:19:00.002+10:00

Whoa!!
I woke this morning to a swag of names for my NEW EWE - thanks for the giggles over my early morning wake up coffee :-)
Keep them coming, your creativity and ingenuity is AMAZING!!

Name the New Ewe!

2008-05-20T23:31:00.002+10:00

I need some help naming the new EGMTK! Ewe!
Please email your suggestions or leave a note in the comments :-) Enter/suggest as many times as you like.
The person who suggests the name I choose will receive a yummy parcel of EGMTK! fibres delivered to their door :-)
Entries close at the end of the month...that should give you all plenty of time to think up something clever!

Need Louet?

2008-05-19T23:06:00.002+10:00

I've been meaning to say that I'm a Louet Dealer Chick now, so if you need any Louet goodies just yell :-) You know how I lurve to enable ;-P
Just to be sure that Louet's ordering system is fully functioning I thought it wise to place an order...y'know? Just so I know how it all works...for future reference and all.
OH BE STILL MY HEART - I ordered me one of these babies..and it's somewhere between Holland and here as I type this. Absolutely. Cannot. Wait. I have lusted after a Louet Drum Carder forever...and even more so after Holl got one for Christmas and taunted me with it's wonderfullness!

This will make up for the pain of not being able to spin while we were away....because someone left part of their wheel behind!

Meet the New Ewe!

2008-05-19T15:52:00.002+10:00

Introducing....(drumroll)....

THE NEW EWE!

I needed some graphics that were a better fit for me and my bizness, so after much asking around I found a Designer who was able to interpret my ideas.
I wanted a sheep with attitude that was also quirky and fun......but there's just one problem :-(
My new Ewe is nameless :-/
I'll be back tomorrow with details of a little competition to see if you all can't help me name my new Ewe!

Friday Facts......

2008-05-16T23:22:00.003+10:00

Last night we had a front move through and dump rain on us along with a very spectacular light and sound show. Yay! More rain predicted. Fingers crossed.
Did you know that Rainbow Lorikeets have an unfortunate habit of squirting/spraying poop? Bobo shat on me this morning. Just so you know :-/
I am still editing pics from our holiday. It would appear that John is a snap happy fool! More pics to come. This was taken at Mogo Zoo, if you look closely you'll see a Pygmy Marmoset just to the left of C's right hand. They are gorgeous and so very tiny and very, very CUTE!

John knocked a wall out in the bathroom just over 4 years ago....and then stopped. My man has a chronic case of renovatitis startitis. I am done waiting. And then some. I have called in reinforcements and next week will see several rounds of 'free no obligation quote' action in the sad, old bathroom. Nothing fancy. Just simple and basic. I will keep you updated and possibly even post BEFORE pics AFTER the job is completed. Maybe.
My girl Julie is renovating too. If you are into Vintage, Primitive, Old, Rustic, Quilts etc best get yourself over and check out Julies site as well as her eBay auctions. It all has to GO!
More fibre arrived today!! The Wool Room is now packed to capacity and the EGMTK! stash has spilled over into our bedroom. Must update website!
I have a date with the dyepots tomorrow night assuming all goes to plan. Cannot wait.
There's more but I can't remember :-(
Have a wonderful weekend xoxo

Mixed Bag Fibre Club Parcels in the mail today....

2008-05-15T14:41:00.001+10:00

Just a very quick heads up to let all the Mixed Bag Fibre Clubsters know that your parcel is in the mail - ENJOY!

Home again....

2008-05-13T16:41:00.002+10:00

We're back!
While we had a great time away, I'm always happy to be home again even if it means doing the headless chook thing x 10 to catch up :-)
At the moment I'm madly packing the backlog of orders and as soon as that's all done my attention will turn to packing the first mail-out for the EGMTK! Mixed Bag Fibre Club.....I want those parcels in the mail by weeks end.
Lots of new goodies arrived while we were gone, they'll make their way onto the website just as soon as I work through my list of must-get-dones!
I have lots of holiday snaps to share - I'll be back as soon as soon as I get caught up with pics and a run down :-)

Off for a getaway...

2008-05-02T06:17:00.002+10:00

OMG...I can't believe that it's been almost a week since I last blogged :-(
Just a quick heads up that we're nicking off for a getaway up on the NSW South Coast....we'll be back on deck on Monday 12th May.
I anticipate/hope/believe that I will have internet access, so fingers crossed I'll be able to check in and say Hi :-)
Also, any Orders placed during this time will be processed when we arrive home :-)
Talk soon
xoxo

A tale of two shawls.....

2008-04-26T21:49:00.005+10:00

Before I tell you about these two shawls I want to start out by saying that there are no words to fully express how much they mean to me....and how very much they are treasured.
But I will try. The telling has taken some weeks as I get emotional (this is a grown up word for doing the ugly cry with associated sound effects that is guaranteed to scare small children and make the cat run and hide)..but here I am for the umpteenth time trying hard not to get emotional.
This beautiful Swallowtail shawl was gifted to me by my dear friend, Annie who lives in Canada.
I admired this shawl from it's very beginning...even dragging Kate in on my drooling sessions.
We oohed and aahed over the yarn choice (Curious Creek Wasonga) and colourway (Autumn in New England) at Annies place of work. We even went and drooled over Annies project page where it clearly states that the shawl was being knitted for me......I didn't see that even though I looked at the page countless times....poor Annie lived in fear of someone I knew pointing it out to me, but it was definitely a 'meant to be' thing that myself or anybody else didn't notice.
In the meantime, Annie was knitting away and all concerned that the colourway was all wrong for me as I'd just had my hair coloured red, pink and purple. Nothing could be further from the truth....is this not one of the most beautiful colourways that you've ever clapped eyes on?! I am a goner when it comes to rusts, teals and turquoise at play together...definitely weak at the knees material!
Sooooooooo, without much warning (I think Annie made an off-hand comment about a parcel being on the way, but not to get too excited cos it wasn't much...) a parcel arrived.
And inside was this most divine and beautiful Swallowtail just for me. I didn't even have it out of the parcel and the tears started to flow...then the sobs came...(this is where the little folk took fright and the cat got outta Dodge).
I was so humbled and blown away that someone would make something so beautiful...just for me.
This shawl holds much significance for me...and I've sat here with tears rolling down my face for the last ten minutes searching for the right words to explain the significance...but they won't come, so maybe that will be another blog post a ways down the track.
THANK YOU doesn't seem enough Annie...but you know how much this shawl is loved and treasured xoxo

Instead of knitting the nupps that the pattern calls for, Annie has placed beads instead - they're just stunning....I love them! There's more pics on Annies flickr.
Do you remember this shawl that I blogged about here? It arrived here last week - it's mine!
Holly has a way of extracting information from me without me even being terribly aware...and we'd had a conversation about this shawl and the colourway, yes it was gorgeous, yes I LOVED it...and yadda yadda. As only I can do...I had the bull well and truly by the foot and thought that I'd try to 'help' Holly sell the shawl by blogging about it.....!! Holly informs me by that time the Persian Shawl was already sitting in my box waiting to be mailed. In the meantime, I'd ordered some of Holly's luscious locks and they were on their way down here..along with the shawl unbeknown to me. I should've twigged that something was up when Holl kept asking if my parcel arrived...but I didn't...I was completely and utterly clueless...still.
So, in due course my parcel of fibres did arrive from Holly...on top was a grocery bag with 'something' in it with the handled tied up in a knot...I took this out of the parcel without even glancing at it, set it aside and started to dig my fibres out so I could cop a feel. A full 10 minutes later I decide to investigate the contents of the grocery bag....and there was the SHAWL!! Cue the ugly cry AGAIN!
Poor Holly had to listen to me blubbering my thanks down the phone..snifflin'and sobbin. Mind you, all she could do was laugh at me...she'd got me good, even down to putting the shawl in a grocery bag so as not to alert me that it contained something special!!
Miss Holly is responsible for my shawl fixation/obsession and I now have three HollyEQQ creations....each of them different.....and each breathtakingly beautiful.
This shawl was a collaboration between another talented friend, Sandy and Holly. Holly worked her majick with colour and dyed the locks (Mohair and BFL) and sent them to Sandy for spinning...Sandy then sent the yarn back to Holly to create the shawl. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Thanks Holl xoxo

To finish off...here's some Sari Silk Ribbon that's now available on the EGMTK! website.
The colours are AMAZING...and every bit as vibrant as this pic :-)
Don't dawdle if you want some though...these pretties have been selling fast!

Wish List Fibres......

2008-04-22T17:37:00.002+10:00

Do you see the Wish List of Fibres over to the right?
THEY'RE HERE!!
They arrived today along with a shipment of pretties from India...so much fun in one day AND I didn't molest the Courier drivers....I was very restrained until I got everything inside ;-P

Here are the Wish List Fibres that arrived:

Brown Llama Top
Brown Camel Top
Fine Shetland Top
Wensleydale Top
Coopworth Top
Grey Icelandic Top
Norwegian Top
Masham Top
South African Fine Top
BFL Top
Falkland Top
Welsh Top
Grey Swalesdale Top

More pics to come just as soon as I get everything unpacked and checked off :-)

It's about to get crazier around here......

2008-04-19T23:14:00.002+10:00

It's not long 'til Bendy y'know...I want to know who thought it was a clever idea to post that countdown thingy here on my Blog???
I am going to have to shift gears ever so slightly, as John has announced that we are heading off for a week away. We leave here on Friday the 2nd and will return somewhere around the 11th. I think. I hope.
I did think to show him my diary and point all that I want to have done for Bendy so that it's not a mad scramble at the last minute. He thought it helpful to point out that it 'looks like you're going to be busy" :-/

So I have been busy.
These batts were a custom order. As much as I don't usually enjoy custom work these were fun!
They are very textured and contain Merino, Bamboo, English Leicester, Sari Silk, Angelina, Silk Noil and Glitteratti.

I've also been playing around with some Reeled Silk twists, adding some colour and having a play - they take dye like nothing else!
Finally, this is Silk Noil that I've been wanting to dye - watch out for this on the website.
The EGMTK! Top Paddock Blend Fibre Club parcels left here yesterday - I made it to the Post Office just in the nick of time........my 70 kilos of Gotland Lamb fleece arrived just as I was trying to get out the door!
Now to sort and skirt the abovementioned fleece and get it off to the Mill for processing - pics to come.

Updated!

2008-04-16T21:40:00.002+10:00

The Update happened!! Really, it did!! You can find 12 new hand dyeds here on the EGMTK! website :-)

The swag arrived today for the Fibre Club parcels.......I'm going to be a parcel packing fool so that they're in the mail on Friday :-)

Tomorrow night's the night.....

2008-04-15T23:33:00.003+10:00

I had myself all organised to update the website tonight with some hand-dyed Top Paddock blends...and in true Murphy's Law form there's something up with the server.
So, while to website is operational....the control panel isn't. Go figure.
The upside is that I am now SUPER organised to get an update happening tomorrow night!

I have my fingers crossed that the swag for the Top Paddock Fibre Club parcels will arrive tomorrow...which means that mail-outs are more than likely going to take place this week - YAY!
See you tomorrow night....there will be an update!!

EGMTK! Top Paddock Optim/Tencel........

2008-04-12T00:08:00.003+10:00

Just a quickie to let you know that there's 4 new hand dyed Optim/Tencel tops available on the website :-)

Still to come is Optim/Bamboo, Merino/Bamboo and Merino/Silk - I'm tipping that I'll get them happening tomorrow night :-)

EGMTK! Top Paddock Merino/Soy

2008-04-11T11:50:00.002+10:00

4 new hand dyed EGMTK! Top Paddock Merino/Soy tops have made their way onto the website!
Fingers crossed the rest will follow in an orderly fashion - fingers crossed I'll be able to take some pics tonight once I get the little folk to bed :-)

Thank you for the emails/good wishes/phone calls after my last post - you all rock :-)

Mini BFL Update

2008-04-08T11:32:00.004+10:00

I managed to get some hand dyed BFL up onto the website late Sunday night.
Still to come are EGMTK! Top Paddock blends of Merino/Silk, Merino/Soy, Merino/Bamboo, Optim/Bamboo and Optim/Tencel.
I had hoped to have it all up on the website by now, but there's been a break or two in my stride after receiving some news about the health of two family members.
Good vibes, positive thoughts and prayers would all be appreciated :-)

I have started dyeing the last round of the current Fibre Club and as soon as the swag arrives they'll be in the mail and on their way! I'll post here to let you know to look out for them.
I'll also be working on getting the rest of the update happening :-)

EGMTK! Mixed Bag Fibre Club - taking sign-ups!!

2008-04-05T20:32:00.001+11:00

All done!
Details for the next Fibre Club are on the website now :-)

EGMTK! Mixed Bag Fibre Club

2008-04-05T18:04:00.003+11:00

Please watch the website later tonight!

More Alpaca/Corriedale....

2008-04-03T19:05:00.003+11:00

There's some more Alpaca/Corriedale Blend on the website now!

Meet.......

Tangerine

Grape Jelly

New EGMTK! Fibre Club.........

2008-04-01T17:14:00.006+11:00

It's April already and that means two things here at EGMTK!
1. This is the last month of the Top Paddock Fibre Club
2. The announcement & sign-ups of the new EGMTK! Fibre Club
Watch this space for more details.......

This baby arrived in my letterbox today......you'll forgive me if I'm a little quiet :-/

EGMTK! Optim/Soy Top Paddock Blend.....

2008-03-30T18:17:00.002+11:00

I'm about to release the newest EGMTK! Top Paddock Blend onto the website.
Can you guess what the blend is?

This mini update contains only the new blend - there'll be another update next week with a great variety of fibres and blends :-)

Introducing Green Tea - Alpaca/Corriedale Blend

2008-03-27T20:34:00.003+11:00

I've just loaded some Green Tea Alpaca/Corriedale onto the EGMTK! website. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised to feel how soft this blend is - very nice indeedy!
There are limited quantities available - this particular blend is being phased out and will be replaced with an Alpaca/Merino blend further down the track. Can't wait :-)

I've been meaning to say (and keep forgetting...story of my life at the moment!) that Donni started a EGMTK! group on Ravelry way back in October last year. Our little group has steadily grown and we number about 50 now. So, if you're on Ravelry please drop in and say Hi :-)
I'm off to dabble with some dyes - shooting for a mini-update over the weekend and something more substantial next week...will see how I go!

2008-03-26T12:15:00.003+11:00

I've been tagged by Velma.......

These are the rules!

1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

My six non-important things:

1. I have a close and personal relationship with Peanut Butter. Generally on toast with lashings of real butter with either cheese, jam or banana.

2. I have trouble sitting still, which manifests itself as fidgeting if I'm in a situation where I'm compelled to sit still.

3. I'm not much good with human blood. This disappoints my Mum no end I'm sure as I come from a long line of RN's. Mum is a Theatre Sister and my Grandmother was a midwife.

4. I prefer vintage over new anyday. The older the better.

5. I don't watch much TV - see #2.

6. I am not a morning person, most definitely a night owl. I don't talk much first thing ;-p

* I'm not going to tag anyone - feel free to consider yourself tagged if you wish to be and leave me a comment so I can come have a read :-)