DulciYarn -- Sweet Threads from Carol Walker
Read all about it -- the launch of a new line of products from Music Lady Carol!
Click here to see photos of these unique items: DulciYarn
You already know that music has been a major part of my entire life, but underneath was always a love of "making stuff," especially working with any sort of fiber or fabric.
As a little kid I was sewing stuffed animals and doll clothes; by high school, I was knitting sweaters; as a young married with a kid, I sewed everything from my own dresses to my husband's sport jackets, along with the obligatory baby sweaters and toys, plus various needlepoint, crewel, macrame, and cross-stitch decorations for our home.
But there was one thing I'd always wanted to try but never took the plunge -- weaving. Buying a big loom was a real commitment in terms of space, cost, and time, none of which I had in excess. But one day, not too long ago while Toby and I were on an RV trip, I saw a small loom on sale in a gift shop -- almost a toy, really, but it was already threaded with brightly colored wool -- and I thought, What the heck -- it's cheap and if don't like it, at least I'll finally know.
I didn't like it -- I LOVED it -- instantly!! Five minutes of weaving those little strands back and forth, resulting in the magical appearance of squares in very satisfying color combinations, and I was hooked. Or maybe I should say, I was warped!
So, this past spring, as we again prepared for an RV trip, I decided to spend some real money and buy an RV-sized rigid heddle loom -- not a toy by any means, but big enough to make scarves and placemats and table runners.
Toby and Charley (the dog) enjoy long hikes and walks. I don't. So while the two of them planned a 12-mile trek around Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, I was planning my first project. And much to my own surprise and delight, by the time they got back, I had warped the loom, and actually had a couple inches done on my first scarf. And to my further surprise and delight, it didn't look too bad!
With a lot of practice, I thought (and a good excuse to buy and experiment with lots of different yarns), I might be able to make something that others would enjoy having, even if it was just a bookmark!
Hmmmm... I could even make dulcimer straps! Yep, this could definitely work.
The Nutmeg Festival in Connecticut was coming up in October. Would that give me enough time to make a few things for display alongside my books and CDs? Well, yes -- I made the time, and eight of my scarves will make their debut at the same location where I have also released most my dulcimer projects.
If you will be attending that festival, you'll see these beauties in person. And for everyone, I invite you to take a look at these first creations, each one of which has been named after a well-known dulcimer tune. (Thanks to Toby for this idea!!! xoxo)
Click here to see photos of these unique items: DulciYarn
You already know that music has been a major part of my entire life, but underneath was always a love of "making stuff," especially working with any sort of fiber or fabric.
As a little kid I was sewing stuffed animals and doll clothes; by high school, I was knitting sweaters; as a young married with a kid, I sewed everything from my own dresses to my husband's sport jackets, along with the obligatory baby sweaters and toys, plus various needlepoint, crewel, macrame, and cross-stitch decorations for our home.
But there was one thing I'd always wanted to try but never took the plunge -- weaving. Buying a big loom was a real commitment in terms of space, cost, and time, none of which I had in excess. But one day, not too long ago while Toby and I were on an RV trip, I saw a small loom on sale in a gift shop -- almost a toy, really, but it was already threaded with brightly colored wool -- and I thought, What the heck -- it's cheap and if don't like it, at least I'll finally know.
I didn't like it -- I LOVED it -- instantly!! Five minutes of weaving those little strands back and forth, resulting in the magical appearance of squares in very satisfying color combinations, and I was hooked. Or maybe I should say, I was warped!
So, this past spring, as we again prepared for an RV trip, I decided to spend some real money and buy an RV-sized rigid heddle loom -- not a toy by any means, but big enough to make scarves and placemats and table runners.
Toby and Charley (the dog) enjoy long hikes and walks. I don't. So while the two of them planned a 12-mile trek around Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, I was planning my first project. And much to my own surprise and delight, by the time they got back, I had warped the loom, and actually had a couple inches done on my first scarf. And to my further surprise and delight, it didn't look too bad!
With a lot of practice, I thought (and a good excuse to buy and experiment with lots of different yarns), I might be able to make something that others would enjoy having, even if it was just a bookmark!
Hmmmm... I could even make dulcimer straps! Yep, this could definitely work.
The Nutmeg Festival in Connecticut was coming up in October. Would that give me enough time to make a few things for display alongside my books and CDs? Well, yes -- I made the time, and eight of my scarves will make their debut at the same location where I have also released most my dulcimer projects.
If you will be attending that festival, you'll see these beauties in person. And for everyone, I invite you to take a look at these first creations, each one of which has been named after a well-known dulcimer tune. (Thanks to Toby for this idea!!! xoxo)