Aisha Celia Knits & Spins

The Blog has Moved

2008-04-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

My blog has moved to my new website!

www.aishaceliadesigns.com/blog

Early April in Northern California

2008-04-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

I headed south to Los Gatos, California for a short vacation recently. The weather here in the Midwest has been enough to drive the toughest of Minnesotan crazy. I had plans to build new yarn rack displays and relax. Here's what I did!

We went to the Farmers Market on Sunday. It was an over cast day but I still enjoyed the outing. This is a photo of a vendor selling artisan breads.

Here are a bunch of beautiful vegetables!

Here is my Dad's wood shop. We built a great yarn rack and are planning on building many more.

I always have to visit a yarn shop when I travel. This time I headed to Yarn Dogs. It's a great shop in Los Gatos by the high school. They have a great variety of yarn and a very nice staff. I will definitely be going back.

Shop Update!

2008-03-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
AishaCelia.etsy.com

Pin Cushion

2008-03-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a little bit of sewing. When I should really be spinning yarn for my next 3 craft fairs. Ahh the art of distraction. I made this cute little pin cushion from Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. It turned out great, but 2.5 hours for a pin cushion! I am a beginning sewer so maybe it was me.

I purchased this great fabric at Crafty Planet!

Sock Monkey Rag Quilt

2008-03-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a little sewing lately. I was inspired to make this rag quilt for my niece by the Knit and Tonic blog. This was a quick blanket project and it turns out great! I bought most of the flannel at Treadle Yard Goods in St. Paul, Mn.

Striped Noro Scarf

2008-02-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

I haven't knit a scarf since my novelty eyelash days ended many years ago. This scarf is like no other! I'm using two different color ways and I absolutely love how its turning out.

Brooklyn Tweed is the force behind my inspiration. If you haven't checked out his blog, you've been missing out.

Intertwined

2008-01-24T14:47:00.000-08:00

Lexi Boeger's second book is now available! The book features a skein of my yarn on page 289. I'm thrilled to be a part of this book/revolution!

For more information visit Lexi's website

The Magic Loop

2008-01-12T15:53:00.001-08:00

I am completely in love with this technique! I'm making EZ's mittered mittens using the Magic Loop and wish I had learned this technique earlier.

The Magic Loop

Finished!

Next Show!

2008-01-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

Handmaiden Show
February 10, 2008
10-6
VFW on Lake & Lyndale

Here are a few photos of my new handspun!

Take a Class

2008-01-06T19:20:00.001-08:00

Feb 17, 2008: Beginning Spinning
Believe it or not, YOU can spin yarn to knit! Aisha will teach you to create single-ply yarn with a drop spindle. You will also learn a simple two-ply technique, which can be used to create custom yarns out of store-bought fibers. $35 materials fee payable to instructor at first class includes all required supplies
Sundays, February 17-24, 1-3pm (2 sessions) $50 + $35 materials fee (drop spindle & roving)

You can register for this class at Crafty Planet 612.788.1180

2007-12-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!

Santa brought me a big pile of O'Wool!

What did he bring you?

A Great 2007 Craft Fair Year

2007-12-09T20:03:00.000-08:00

I had a great holiday craft fair season. I will be doing a large shop update tomorrow. So... if you still need a gift for a knitter/crocheter/fiber lover get your order in. I can't guarantee shipping after the 10th of December. But remember if your local (Twin Cities) we can arrange a pick up.

Thank you so so much for those of you who made it out to No Coast or Handmaiden Craftmas, I had a great time!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Thank You!

2007-12-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came out for No Coast 2007. It was a great weekend of crafts and friends. I look forward to it next year!

-Aisha

4 Days until No Coast Craft-O-Rama!

2007-11-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of the yarns I'll have at No Coast Craft-O-Rama! (I'm getting really excited)

Superwash merino handspun in amazing apple green blend

Corridale wool single

This one is a blend of all the little bits I save

The new line of hand-dyed commercially spun yarns

Now I have to get back to spin!

Not To Be Missed

2007-11-15T22:10:00.001-08:00

First you're going to want to see this....

Then the following weekend you're not going to want to miss this

I'll be at both, so come by and say hi! i have tons of new stuff for these two shows.

Do I really need another spinning wheel?........YES!

2007-11-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

Recently I decided that I NEED another wheel. Now, we all have this happen to us. We decide we NEED something and then get slightly obsessed with getting it. I already have two spinning wheels. But, I keep telling myself this would be the perfect traveling wheel. Oh, the things you tell yourself!

Here is what I NEED

Isn't it the cutest! This is the Hitchhiker. It is very small and can fit as my carry-on for my next trip to anywhere.

Do you have a Hitchhiker or know someone who does? Let me know what you think about it.

Happy Saturday

Sneak Peak!

2007-11-04T08:12:00.001-08:00

These are 8 ounce skeins of 100% Merino wool. Dyed with high quality dyes, by me. They're huge skeins, over 500 yards a piece!

Here's a sneak peak of some of my latest handspun.

Hope to see you at No Coast!

No Coast Craft-O-Rama 2007

2007-11-02T21:44:00.001-07:00

This years No Coast is going to be the best yet! Make sure to come and stop by my booth, I'll have lots of new stuff.

Today

2007-10-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

I just got home from a good dye session, 5 hours, 15 skeins and 10 ounces of roving. Also washed a bit of fleece. Of course I forgot to take pictures. I always remind myself on my way out the door and then promptly forget. I have been getting ready for my next two shows. There is always a goal, a number, of skeins I want to have for any show. This "goal" is always very high and I work my butt off to reach it, and sometimes fall short. Tomorrow I will dye more!

I love spinning and dyeing yarn, that's why I still have a smile on my face after a long afternoon in a hot, steamy kitchen.

My next shows:

Hudson Christmas Tour of Homes and Craft Fair
November 17th
Hudson, Wisconsin

No Coast Craft-o-Rama
November 30 & December 1
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Just because

2007-10-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

My Leafy Mitten

2007-10-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of photos. This mitten has been fun to do. I still need to seam the top, knit the thumb and block it. OH and then make it's mate!
Front

Back

The pattern is Arnhhild AH 105.m Leafy Mitten. I knit it using Frog Tree Alpaca, a total of 6 colors. I purchased all of my supplies at The Yarnery.

No Coast 2007 and Norweign Mitts

2007-09-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Yea! No Coast Craft-O-Rama is right around the corner. I will be very busy the next few months getting ready for this 1.5 day sale on November 30 and December 1st. I had a great time last year and am looking forward to it.

My friend Becky from Small Motor Designs and I are taking a Norweign Mitten class at one of our local yarn shops. Here's my cuff.

Renegade Wrap Up

2007-09-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Renegade, south side of the Division St. Look at all the fun being had!

Our booth

Saint Paul Craft Mafia members: Oona of Run Amok, Me, Rebecca of Hazel and Melvin's Room and Heather of Hezzamade.

Here are some of my favorites from Renegade Chicago:

Charlie and Sarah
Erica Weiner
Fernworks
The Small Object
Sublime Stitching
Super Maggie
Squid Fire
and last but definetly not least, the best booth neighbors
Daydream Silkscreen

We had a great time in Chicago. Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

Renegade Craft Fair 2007

2007-09-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Come and visit me this weekend. I'll be with the Saint Paul Craft Mafia!

New Fiber Shop in Town!

2007-09-03T17:58:00.001-07:00

The Fiber Studio opened last weekend. I'm so excited to post about this fantastic new fiber spot here in the Twin Cities. Located on Nicollet and 48th, this spot is a gem. Pam carries beads, antique parts, dyes, yarn and fiber. I'm sure I'll be a regular customer.

The goodies I picked up on Saturday!

Awesome gift

2007-09-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

My mom kept talking about how she was making me something that was too large to have on her lap on a hot day. So, I thought she was making me a quilt. But, when it was done I received an awesome circular needle holder! It is two sided, one side for shorter needles and the other for long. It has pockets for all of my mini needles and accessories. It has all the things you would want from your dream circular needle holder.

Here it is!

The Saint Paul Craft Mafia Kitchen

2007-08-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Established in 2006, the St. Paul Craft Mafia (SPCM) is comprised of
10 independent, hard-core crafters in Minnesota's Twin Cities. We all
share DIY passion - from fashion to craft to beauty to art and
everywhere in between. Most members of the SPCM own and operate a
respected and established business, representing the DIY spirit.
Together, through our individual unique talents and crafts, we provide
mutual resources of support, promotion, information sharing and fun.
We assemble as a group to represent DIY at its finest, and spread the
love and splendor of hand-made craft!

The first Craft Mafia was founded in 2003 by nine crafty business
women in Austin, TX. Since it's development in Austin, other Mafias
have popped up across the globe, including but not limited to the US,
Canada, England, and Australia.

Lunch in the kitchen. Rebecca and Brooke enjoy a little yarn pasta.

My Pasta

Julia Child embroidered by Oona of Run Amok.

Blended Monkeys. Rebecca created this, they're being BLENDED!!

Grinder monkeys. If you look closely you can see that the monkey is gringing himself.

Hallway shot.

So Sad, That onion got cut.

Thanks to everyone at the Textile Center!

You can check out our website and blog for more info on familia.
Saint Paul Craft Mafia
Saint Paul Craft Mafia Blog

The Quilt is Done

2007-08-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

Yes! The baby quilt is finished! This was my first quilt and I loved making it. This is for a friend who is having her first baby. I used Amy Butler, Heather Ross and Kaffe Fassett prints.

I took a class at Crafty Planet with the lovely Trish. It was a four week class and was very reasonably priced.

My Birthday and much more

2007-07-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! This last Saturday was my 27th birthday. I had a great weekend away with all of my girlfriends. Last night my mom brought over my present, 11 knitting books and two gift certificate to my favorite local yarn shops! I will be glued to these books for the next few months.

I'm taking a quilting class at Crafty Planet! I love it! Here is a photo of what I have done so far. We're making a baby blanket. I'll post more photos as it takes shape.

MORE about my trip to northern California

Noe Knit!! is one of my new favorite yarn shops in San Francisco. This large yarn shop is in a quite neighborhood, and is a great place to find something special. I had already spent most of my yarn budget by the time I got there :( But, I picked up 3 balls of Dalegarn. I'm planning on making THIS with it.

You can check out Noe Knit's website HERE.

This is the beautiful Art Yarns Silk Rhapsody I purchased at Art Fibers in Saratoga, California. I'm planning on using one of the lace patterns in Arctic Lace to make myself a scarf.

Ahh, Santa Cruz beach. My sisters and I went down to the beach for a afternoon. I love the ocean.

On my needles:
My Cable sweater in Silky Wool. I have about 14 inches of the body done.
Lace Scarve in Louet Linen/Silk. I have one more lace repeat to go.
Finished Noro cable/button hat! I just have to sew on the button.

My favorite blog these days Brooklyn Tweed

My Fiber Vacation

2007-07-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

I am currently in northern California visiting family. One of the best parts of coming here is the fiber shops. Yesterday I went to one of my favorite yarn shops, Knitting Arts in Saratoga. I gained 3 skeins of Blue Sky Alpace, Alpaca/Silk for the stash! Also two skeins of the most amazing hand-dyed pink silk/mohair with sparkle! I will post photos of both when I get home.
Photo of Knitting Arts.

On Monday I'll be driving to Kensington so I can visit Deep Color Studio. This place is a tiny gem. They carry a lot of fiber. Last time I went there I got Alpaca, Llama, Polworth and silk noil.
Picture of Deep Color Studio.

Between the fiber shops I am going to the beach, eating great food and just relaxing. I have also been getting some knitting done, that sweater is cruising right along.

I also found out today that Saint Paul Craft Mafia will be at Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago this September! As of now we have Aisha Celia Designs, Hazel and Melvin's Room, Hezzamade and RunAmok representing SPCM!

Happy Summer and I'll see you at Renegade Craft.

Aisha Celia Designs

Shop Update!

2007-06-27T18:31:00.001-07:00

Hi! I updated my online shop this evening. I will have a lot of hand-dyed yarns posted soon.

Just "click" on the Shop link to the right ------------>

New gadgets!

2007-06-25T14:17:00.001-07:00

I started knitting my first sweater. Yes, it's true I have never knit a whole sweater. I like knitting smaller projects (the kind I can finish). I found this beautiful pattern by Louisa Harding. I chose Silky Wool in a great brown color. The picture doesn't quite show the true color.

Here the picture of the sweater. I'm not going to do stripes, just simple and pretty brown.

I got a new swift, the old one needed to be retired. I really like this one!

Also a new ball winder. This ball winder will wind up to 1 pound of yarn.

I'll be posting pictures of new yarn very soon.

Fo Hawk, Market Bag and Yarn!

2007-06-12T17:46:00.001-07:00

I finished the baby hat! It was a quick knit and it turned out great. If you want to make your own scroll down for more info in my last post.

This is a pattern I picked up at The Yarnery recently. It's a market bag pattern by Theresa Gaffey. I knit it in the yarn suggested, Rowan Glace. It was a good mindless knit and I think it turned out well.

Oh my! You know sometimes late at night you find yourself shopping on the internet. The next morning you wake up and say "what have a done!". Well I was so happy when I received my Fleece Artist Jacket kit in the mail. It's more beautiful then I remember.

Picture of the jacket. I purchased the kit through www.colorsongyarns.com

I have been spinning like a maniac. Here is a photo of my new Louet S20. I decided it would be a good idea to get a teaching wheel. I love my students, but it's hard to watch a newbee man-handle your fancier Ashford (you understand, right?).

Another view of some of the yarn drying.

That's it for now, as my mom would say "upward and onward".

Fo Hawk Baby Hat!

2007-06-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

I am knitting this pattern right now. It's a great pattern, not too difficult that you can't bring it to your knit night at your local bar, but enough patterning to keep your attention.

Here is my hat. I'm using self-striping sock yarn. The pattern has you change between two yarns, and I'm just too lazy for that.

The cute mug in the picture was made by my friend Jennie. Check out her website www.jenniethepotter.com

This is the pattern photo:

copy and paste this link:
http://grosblog.wordpress.com/2007/05/16/sweet-baby-cap/

Oh, Shepherds Harvest

2007-05-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of the Shepherd's Harvest festival here in Minnesota. I am so tired that all I can do is give you an inventory of all the great things I got today:

2 mugs made by Jenny
1 lbs. dyed mohair locks
10 oz. mohair curls
2.5 lbs. cormo x merino fleece
5 lbs. 2 oz. Corriedale x Romney fleece
5 lbs. Corriedale fleece
Sock kit
Mitten patten
Pom pom makers
Spinner's yarn gauge
6 skeins worsted weight merino yarn
600 yard skein of beautiful alpaca yarn
12 oz. hand-dyed merino roving
12 oz. coopworth/silk dyed roving
1 lbs. shetland roving
8 packs of Angelina sparkle
1 lbs. 2 oz. crazy color batts
felt cap to be embellished
Louet S20 spinning wheel (my new teaching wheel)!

I'm so tired and so happy! More info and pics later.

HERE ARE THE PICTURES!!!!

Merino Ram! He was so pretty.

Cashmere goat.

This is one of the sheep that was going to be shorn that day. I'm not sure what breed they were.

Shearing

Shearing more

Shearing more and more

When the shearing was over only 3 minutes had passed! That's right, it took her only 3 minutes to shear that huge sheep. After the sheeps hair cut she got a pedicure.

Art-a-Whirl 2007

2007-05-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

St. Paul Craft Mafia will be participating in the Northeast Minneapolis Art-a-Whirl! We will be located in the Casket building.

Come and see:
Aisha Celia Designs
Crafty Planet
Giraffe
Hazel & Melvin's Room
HezzaMade
RUN AMOK

For all the info go to www.nemaa.org

See you there!

Craftstravaganza 2007, done!

2007-04-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza 2007 is done! It was a beautiful day and tons of people came to see the 90 vendors, musicians and participate in workshops.

I had an absolutely wonderful day! So many people came to visit during the day, telling me lovely things about my yarn. Thank you for all the support I appreciate it greatly.

Here are some photos of the event:

Crafty Planet

Hazel and Melvin

My Friend Jess

Small Motor Designs

Small Motor Designs necklace

Me at my table

My table

my table again

Shop Update 5-1-07!

Crazy April!

2007-04-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza is approaching and I am so excited. I did a head count of skeins the other night and I'm feeling that this time I will really have a good amount. I am focusing on handspun yarn, local (yarn comes from a farm in MN) hand-dyed yarn, hand-dyed yarn and spinning fiber. Right now I should really be making batts, but that can wait til Sunday.

I am about to run out the door to my SPCM (Saint Paul Craft Mafia) meeting. I am so glad to be working with such a great group of craft artists. You will definetly be seeing more of us soon!

Here is a hint of what will be at Craftstravaganza

Have a great weekend, I won't be writing for a little while. Going to Florida (with all my girlfriends) then hopping to New York (yarn shop hopping and a little work), then Craftstravaganza! It's going to be a wild couple of weeks.

Craftstravaganza! 2007

2007-03-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

April 28th, 2007 will be the second Craftstravaganza! This is a great craft fair being held at the Minnesota State Fair grounds. Come to the Fine Arts Building and enjoy great crafts, music and workshops.

For more info go to www.craftstravaganza.com

psss.... Aisha Celia Designs will be to your right as you enter throught the front doors.

Special Delivery!

2007-03-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

Well, things are going very well for my little business. I just purchased a lot of supplies and they have started to arrive. I ordered 60 skeins of yarn from Great Wool. They are a local farm here in Minnesota. I am going to start dyeing it all tomorrow. Here is a pic of the huge box.

Then yesterday my package from Hello Yarn arrived. I ordered one of her sampler packs. I have been spinning for three years now and have taken every class I can get my hands on, but I still am not familiar with "exotic" fibers. It has these fibers: cotton denim, ginned cotton, hemp, tencel, tussah, hand-dyed superwash merino, cotswold, alpaca, camel down, cashmere, mohair and more! It totals 12.5 ounces of spinning fun!

More is coming this week! from Paradise Fibers, Copper Moose and a yarn company! I am so busy, and so happy.

New pics of my older favorites

2007-03-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

Celia's Fiber Mania

2007-02-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend was full of wonderful fiber and tons of snow. You see I have started a new facet to my business. With a lot of support (pushing) from local felter Marie Mayhue, Roseanne (she owns Rosebud's Cottage) I have started selling hand-dyed wool. Yesterday I started the huge task of dyeing 5 pounds of wool. I am getting my wool from a local farm in Alexandria. I am hand-dyeing this local wool and then packaging it.

I almost forgot to mention, on the day I ordered my 5 pounds of roving they were shearing their flock that weekend. So, I got 2 pounds of the most beautiful fresh fleece!

The beautiful Rambouillet wool

Fleece on the left, roving on the right

Preparing the dye

A couple of dye pots

Viola! after 8.5 hours here is a photo of some of the finished roving

Starting March 5th, 2007 you can find Celia's Fiber at:

Borealis Yarns
The Yarnery
Rosebud's Cottage

and hopefully meny more shops soon!

my new flickr account

2007-02-23T19:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/18143977@N00/

The Cable, Bobble Hat is Done!!

2007-02-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

I finished! Just when I thought it was never going to end. I have to say that I do love it, but I won't do it again. I used Lamb's Pride worsted, 1.25 skeins. I really like the little cable that runs along the brim and the top edge. The seed stitch really pops when put in the middle of the diamond cables. Any ways it's probably the most intricate thing I have ever knit. Yea! for knitting challenges. If you want to knit this fantastic hat here's the info: Fiber Trends, Braid & Bobble Hat, AC-60.

Come to The Mall of America next weekend for KNIT OUT. I'll be there teaching knitting! For more details, www.knit-out.com

Celia's Fiber

2007-02-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

Today was a very busy day! As you can see I finally got my act together and got Celia's Fiber packaged. Also my blank greeting cards are ready to go. My SHOP got a much needed update as well. If you would like to carry Celia's Fiber at your shop please contact me for wholesale information.

Celia's Fiber, 1/4 of an ounce. These packs are great for your next felting project.

My mom was the one who talked me into doing greeting cards. I'm glad she did because I think they turned out great!

more of Celia's Fiber

You can find Celia's Fiber at Borealis Yarn Shop in St. Paul or on my website.

6 Degrees of Fiber

2007-01-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

January has finally hit here in Minnesota. I have to say that I don't mind it as much as some. Look what I just did, I started by talking about weather! Ah, that is the most Minnesotan thing you can do.

Well things are going well. I've been getting a lot of work done. My drum carder is spinning at top speed and my wheel can barely keep up with my speed tredling. I am taking on an employee which is very exciting. It seems that I can't get enough stuff made, enter LISA! She will be helping me prep fiber 1 day a week.

I am also talking a class at The Yarnery again. This time it is Cables and Bobbles. I am having a great time and learning alot. My friend Becky from Small Motor Designs (her link is in my LINKS area) is also taking it. We have so many plans brewing.......... Here are some pictures of some of my latest skeins and my cable-bobble hat.

I hope all is well for you and you're staying warm where ever you are.

Keep your eyes open for Celia's Fiber coming soon!

Camera fixed, drum carder un-clogged!

2007-01-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Alright, let's see here. Mondays are MY work day. I don't work at my 9-5 job on Mondays, I work on my yarn business. It's a race every Monday to see if I can get even more done this Monday. I would have to say that today was a success! I got my camera back from Canon today. It seems that the digital cameras that have AA batteries are a little touchy. I also got the guts to take apart my drum carder with some help from the online support offered by Louet. It really wasn't that bad. The best part is I got the clog out and learned how the thing works. After that I made 14 batts!

Here are some photos of new yarn, new batts and my un-clogged drum carder.

This one was made out of all those lovely left-overs you get off the small drum on your drum carder.

I purchased this roving from Susan's Fiber Shop. It's romney, alpaca and silk.

Some of the batts and my drum carder.

Camera broken

2007-01-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

I don't have any pictures this post. My fancy NEW camera had to be sent to the manufacture. I put in a new battery and the screen said CHANGE BATTERY. Any ways after a lot of batteries I sent it to be repaired.

I don't have a lot to report in the world of spinning. I have been playing with some new fibers. Baby alpaca and baby camel. I got thesed on my last trip to CA at Deep Color. It is this amazing little shop in Kensington. The disappointing part is that they are open limited hours and don't ship. So, if you happen to be there when they are open make sure to check it out. I have also fallen back into a couple of "comfort methods", slubs and singles.

I have become addicted to taking classes at my local knitting shop, The Yarnery. I took socks, 2 color knitting, and now cables and bobbles. It's a garenteed way that I will finish a project. Also it's fun to hang out with dorks like myself.

I have been enjoying the two color knitting a lot. I would almost say that I am obsessed! I will post hats when the camera comees back.

When that's it for now.

Happy day!

Susan's Fiber Shop

2006-12-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to a few reasons. It was my nieces 2nd birthday, Thanksgiving and to take a little trip to Susan's Fiber Shop.

Susan's Fiber Shop is a wild experience. I brought along my brother and my niece. When you pull up to the farm you see her flock of Romney sheep. We went into her shop, which is a small metal building on her land. There is so much of everything you could think of in there. Yarn, books, fiber, wheels, drum carders, niddy noddys, looms, beads and more fiber. We had a great time while we were there. She was having a great sale, I received 45% off my purchase!

www.susansfibershop.com

Shop Update

2006-12-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

Between No Coast Craft-o-Rama, the Weisman Museum event and trying to get my shop updated, I have been spinning every waking minute! Keep your eyes open this spring for a new line of Hand-dyed yarns.

Also Craftstravaganza announced their 2007 date, April 28th. This year it will be held at the Fine Arts Building on the fair grounds. Jenna and Andy are great organizers and will put on a great art fair. You can check out the website at www.craftstravaganza.com

I did a shop update this evening. So, take a look and remember there is still enough time before Christmas;)

www.aishaceliadesigns.com

No Coast was a blast!

2006-12-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who were able to come out for the No Coast Craft-o-Rama. It was a smashing success! I sold out of my handspun by 5:00pm. I met so meny great people. I can't wait for next year!

4 Days until No Coast!

2006-11-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of some recent skeins.

The world of yarn is exploding!

2006-11-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

Things have been so exciting lately. I taught my first class at Crafty Planet and it went so well. Trish and I already set up the next session. It is going to be February 18th and 25th. I cover the basics of using a drop spindle, then for the second session I allow enough time for everyone to try out my wheel. We have a great time.

The Weisman Museum on the University of Minnesota campus invited me be part of an event in December! It's December 9th and is a evening of food and discounts on the gift shop. I will be set up there, spinning and talking about my process. Also, selling my yarn (if I have any left after No Coast).

Then there is No Coast Craft-O-Rama! It's getting very close. All of my friends are helping work my booth so hopefully I'll be able to go explore all the other artists goods.

So...sign up and learn how to spin at my class, come to the Weisman and don't forget about No Coast (really how could you).

November is here!

2006-11-09T22:09:00.000-08:00

Ahhh!! No Coast Craft-o-Rama is just around the corner. I have been spending all of my free time spinning and dyeing. I can't believe it's already November 9th. I am so excited to be part of an amazing craft art movement here in the Twin Cities. The Saint Paul Craft Mafia is a wealth of information and connections. I just wanted to post a little hello and let you know I'm still here. I purchased a new camera and will post photos soon, I promise.

If you don't know the No Coast Craft-O-Rama is being held at the Midtown Global Market on December 2nd. You can check out the website at www.nocoastcraft.com

Spinning at Crafty Planet

2006-10-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to teach my first drop spindle spinning class at Crafty Planet in Minneapolis. It's November 5 & 12th, we are going to learn a lot and have a great time. Sign up now! there are two more spots available.

No Coast Craft-O-Rama is getting closer. I have been spinning and dyeing 2 full days a week and every other minute I get.

Camp Plucky Fluff & Deep Color

2006-09-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Wow! Where do I start? Well, I have been here in Los Gatos, California since Thursday. I drove up to Placerville on Saturday for my class with Lexi Boeger of Plucky Fluff (www.pluckyfluff.com). We spent all day Saturday and Sunday spinning at Boeger Vineyard, it was great! Lexi taught me a lot of really cool techniques. I mostly went to Lexi's class becasue I had fallen into a comfort zone in my spinning, The last 6 skeins I made were all 2 ply and simple. I definetly got shaken out of my comfort zone. I will post some photos when I get back. If you ever get a chance to take a class from Lexi I would definetly recommend it.

Here are a few of the yarns I made:

On Wednesday I drove up to Kensington which is right outside of Berkeley. I had heard of a fiber shop there called Deep Color (www.deepcolorstudio.com). It was a beautiful store. They do alot of their own dyeing with natural and chemical dyes. I got some natural color merino, baby alpaca, baby camel, mohair locks and hand-dyed polwarth.

That brings us to today. I am going to teach my sisters how to knit hats. Which is a great excuse to go to my favorite yarn shop ever, Knitting Arts in Saratoga.

Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival!! Pictures and Fun!

2006-09-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

This last weekend my mom and I jumped in the car and headed for the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. We started our fun filled weekend with two all day classes on Friday. I took Spinning Medium and Big Yarns and my mom took Natural Dyes. The picture above is of some of the folks in my class. We learned alot from Carol, she is a wonderful teacher.

My mom dyeing in her class.

On Sunday morning I took my second class, Playing with Plying. It was taught by Stefania who was also my mom's natural dyes class teacher. We had a great time and I came away with balanced yarn!

Stefania

This bag of Shetland wool is from Bramble Wool Farm. On the left is my new basket! It's made by Lantern Moon. I definetly think I got the best one.

This pink Corridale is from Stefania. It is dyed with natural dyes and is amazingly soft.

I purchased some boucle from Yarns by Design to dye. I also finally found Fleece Artist roving. I've been looking for this for a little while. The picture definetly doesn't give is justice. It's this wonderful meld of natural greens.

One of my favorite vendors was there Hidden Valley Farm. As always they had they're awesome Coopworth.

I brought back so much good stuff that I couldn't possibly post it all.

Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival

2006-09-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'm running out the door heading to the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival! Lots of pictures, stories and contacts coming soon!

New Yarns!

2006-08-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

This skein is my favorite out of this last batch. I bought hand-dyed roving from Sweet Georgia and absolutely love the color!

I call this one Chocolate Cherries, it's 150 yards. I also bought this roving from Sweet Georgia Yarns.

This one is 196 yards and Merino.

Orangina! I used the very cool technique of Navajo Plying on this one. It is a smaller skein, 72 yards.

I finished my first sock! Now I just have to finish the second one and I'll post a picture.

Socks, Secret Pal 8 & Spinning Jewels

2006-08-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a sock class at The Yarnery. I'm so glad that I finally decided to get help from a professional. After quite a few failed attempts it's nice to have a pro to show me. I decided to use Koigu for my first pair of socks. I've never knit with it before and I absolutely love it! I just finished the cuff and ankle, next the heel!

My co-worker Sue made me these amazing rings. They are a set of three that I wear together. They have words all around the bands. DYE, SPIN, TWIST, SPUN, DRAFT & PLY. Sue is a very talented silver-smith and I love how the rings turned out. If you would like some rings for yourself with your own words contact me and I'll pass your info on to Sue.

Thank you to my Secret Pal! I received a great package last week. The blue hat is really cute and fits well. Plus, who doesn't love Cascade 220. Thanks again!

Dyeing in the heat & my studio

2006-07-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been hotter then hot here in lovely Minnesota. It's puts a crap on my spinning. It's not very fun to handle wool is this weather. The top picture is of the 12 sock weight skeins I dyed on Monday. I'm really happy with how they turned out. I've been experimenting with my dyes. Adding more or less water to the powder to create different saturations.

The second picture is of my studio. I love my studio. I just bought a new mac and am loving every minute I can play around on it. As you can see it's a small space, but perfect for me!

I almost forgot....I have a website now, www.aishaceliadesigns.com make sure to check it out. One of my favorite pages is the Links and Resources page. I have put some of my most favorite websites.

This monday is another big dyeing day. So, I'll update again soon.

100 Degree Coils!

2006-07-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

It's been hitting 100 degrees here in Minnesota, and yes I have been spinning in this horrible heat. I should also add that I do not have an air conditioner! The last time I moved I decided that I didn't need it anymore (what a fool).

Today I grabbed my Handspun Revolution book by Lexi Boeger and decided that it was finally time to try out some of her designs. This one is the Super-Coil on page 51. I can't believe how much yarn it takes up. See, you take a single and thread, you ply about 3 inches then you push the single up towards the orifice. I used maybe 60 yards of left over singles and got 15 yards out of it when I was done. Once I get my Jumbo Flyer for my Ashford Traveller I will be doing this one again!

Craftstravaganza 2006 is done!

2006-07-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

Craftstravaganza was great! We arrived in the morning to a relaxed atmosphere, had a cup of Peace Coffee and started to set up. Around 10:30am I did a short live tv interview on our local WCCO morning show. They asked a couple of questions and then had me spin. It was pretty funny! (The pic above is of some knitted samples I had on display to show the yarn in action)

This is a photo that was taken later in the afternoon. As you can see, there's not much left!

This is a pic of Andy (one of the wonderful organizers of the event) and myself. Cheers to all the great people I met and a fantastic day!

Craftstravaganza is here!!

2006-07-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Craftstravaganza!!! Make sure you are there. Minnesota State Fair Grounds 9am-4pm. There will be 68 crafty vendors, music, food and wookshops. So, get there early.

I will have a huge table full of my crazy yarn. I will also have a selection of hand-dyed yarns. I will be showing a few pieces knit with Aisha Celia Designs yarns. Ahhh!! I am so excited. I can't wait!!

No Coast Craft-o-Rama!

2006-06-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

I got in! I got in! I'm so happy to have this awesome oppurtunity. This is a great one day craft sale held in Minneapolis at the brand new Global Market. I went to the event last year and was blown away by the turn out! It was crazy and hard to get around, that's why they moved to a larger venue, I think. So, between Camp Plucky Fluff, Craftstravaganza and No Coast Craft-o-Rama I'll have no problem keeping myself busy. Yeah!
(Click on logo to go to the website.)

Spinning Camp!

2006-06-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am so excited! I signed up for Camp Plucky Fluff with Lexi. Yeah!! It's two days of spinning crazy-fun yarns. It's held at her family's vineyard in Placerville, California. I can't wait! It's September 23rd-24th. I don't know if anyone actually reads this, but if you do and you're a spinner you should join us. Check out Camp Plucky Fluff . Here is a picture from the vineyard!

Jumbo Skeins are great!

2006-06-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

This is a big one. I purchased a bunch of Merino at the Sheperd's Harvest Festival. I dyed 4 ounces and spun two singles, which then became this 2 ply skein. It's 328 yards! I've never spun a skein with this much yardage before. It took about 1 1/2 days, and a lot of patience.

Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill

2006-06-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here are two new skeins. I been spinning everyday in preperation for Craftstravaganza. I like how these turned out, I might not be able to part with the dark one. I purchased these fiber at the Sheperd's Harvest Festival from Hidden Valley Farm and Woolen Mill. I enjoyed spinning her beautiful mix of coopworth and silk. I'll be putting in another order very soon!

Saturday Harf

2006-05-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a great Satuday. Besides the fact that it's a 3 day weekend, there was also a sale at one of my favorite local yarn shops. Borealis Yarn Shop is having a 3 day sale, and let me tell you it's dangerous. I went early this morning and got there minutes after the door opened. I have to say I didn't spend as much $ as I was thinking I was going to. I mostly got things for my Secret Pal 8 buddy and a couple of skeins to finish my Harf. But, I'm sure I'll be back before this long weekend is over.

I also got to do a little bit of dyeing today. They are all Merino and each weigh 4 ounces. They turned out great...if I may say so.

I thought since my blog is called Aisha Knits and Spins, I better post one of my knitting projects. I've been working on my Harf for a little while now and I'm almost done. The funny thing is, I'm finishing it on a weekend were the tempeture is 90 degrees! Here is a picture (above). I'm knitting it in Diameito, it's 70% Wool, 30% Alpaca. I used 4 balls and the pattern comes from Spincycle Yarns.

I have the spins!

2006-05-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of new ones. I have kind of been sticking to the basic spinning techniques. I haven't been doing my regular style. But what is "my regular style"? I am working on Navajo Plying. As you can see in the skein with the autumn colors.

Sheperd's Harvest Festival

2006-05-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today I went to The Sheperd's Harvest Festival!! It was great. My mom and I went and met up with a couple of my friends. We spend 5 lovely hours there today. We saw almost everything. Two barns full of vendors, llama barn and the sheep breed barn. Here's a picture of the stash I got today and a couple pictures of the festival. I'm going back tomorrow for an Intermediate Spinning class. I'll post more about that later.

It's later now and I'm home from my great class. It was taught by Jerry and Loretta Pedersen from Blackberry Hills Farm. I learned how to Navajo ply, spin cotton, flax, mohair and dog hair. Here are a coule of pictures from my class.

Also, here are some of the vendors I really liked: Great Wool, Wool n' Weave Fiber Arts Studio, Riverwinds Farm (715)667-3499 they have great price on Merino, Hidden Valley Farm and Blackberry Hills Farm.

Spincycle Yarns!

2006-05-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

This handspun yarn is awesome! I just got my delivery from Spincycle Yarns today and inside was this beautiful yarn. It's 100% Merino, 120 yards and it's called Ishtar. I have been meaning to ordering something from them for awhile. By looking at their very nice website you get a feel for this team of spinners. Here's a quote from they're site: "We hand-dye each batch of fiber to reflect the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. All of the yarn is spun on our foot treadled wheels, as we rock out to music in our studio. We travel to market, shows and sheep/fiber farms in a station wagon powered with bio-diesel, a veggie oil based fuel. For all other missions we ride our vintage cruiser bicycles. We are committed to bringing you funky, fresh yarn, to keeping your knitting original, and to delivering the knitting inspiration!"

I also got the Harf pattern, it's a hood and a scarf. I will post a picture when I'm done with it. The picture of the tattoo was on they're website. The sheep with the pirate patch and knitting needles is they're logo. Thank you Spincycle for my beautiful yarn and very cool pattern!

2006-05-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Secret Pal 8 is almost here! I decided to sign up for this very cool "club". They pair you up with a spoilee and a spoiler. Over 2 1/2 months you spoil a stranger and someone spoils you. Now this is a knitting thing, it's not completely random. I'm excited for it to get going. I have to post the answers to my questionaire so my spoiler can find it.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love to knit with unique handspun yarns. My favorite wool in the whole world is Malabrigo. I don’t like synthetics.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My mom made me holders that roll for all of my crochet hooks and knitting needles. She’s awesome!
3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I’ve been knitting since I was a kid. I would say I’m intermediate level.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No, but I should look into that!
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Lavender and Rose Water, but not together.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I do have a little bit of a sweet tooth. I love milk and white chocolate. Mostly I am a salt person.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I knit and spin. Right now I’m really into spinning. I work at a bead store, so I really don’t need any beads. I also like to sew but I haven’t done it in awhile.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like all kinds of music. Right now I have the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in my CD player. I guess I like pop/rock/indie rock.
9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? Colors I like a lot: Turquoise, Olive Green, Fuchsia, Sea foam Green. I’ve also been getting into more natural colors.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with my boyfriend and his cat Sophia.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I live in Minnesota so I wear all except for ponchos. Not that I’m against the idea.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Bags, hats, scarves and funky accessories.
13. What are you knitting right now? Flowers
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I like Straight and circular the same. I like wood and bamboo.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes
17. How did you learn to knit? My mom taught me
18. How old is your oldest UFO? Um..I've been working on a vest for my dad since December:( I keep getting distracted.
19. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
20. Is there anything that you collect? Drop spindles and yarn, but not on purpose
21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get
your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Geez I’m not sure. I have subscriptions to Spin Off and Vogue Knitting.
22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Cables
23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I am not a sock knitter
24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) July 21st

Spring Has Sprung

2006-04-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally sprung here in Minnesota! This is a yarn I've been working on for awhile. The fiber is from the mill ends I purchased. This is a wonderfully soft yarn. I picked up the leaves at Paper-Source I'm lucky enough to have one of their stores close by. It took quite awhile to wire on all 100 leaves. It was worth all the work, I'm very happy with how it turned out.

If anyone is interested in a fiber swap, click here.

Spring Dyeing

2006-04-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

I got some dyeing done yesterday. I'd been waiting for my package from Brown Sheep Studios. I bought 4 pounds of they're mill ends. I am very happy with the quality and I can't wait to get more.
I'm using these new dyes called Landscape. The brand is from Australia and I love the colors. They're very simular to Country Classic Dyes but with a wider varity of colors.

Craftstravaganza!

2006-04-18T22:02:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited for Craftstravaganza!! I am one of the lucky 67 who got into this fabu craft show. It's Saturday, July 8th at The Minnesota State Fair. You can check out the website for info on all the vendors and more details, www.craftstravaganza.com. So mark your calenders!

On a side note...I have a ton of yarn to spin before then! But, Sheperd's Harvest Wool Festival is in a couple of weeks and I'm looking forward to getting some fun new fiber. We have quite the fiber community here in Minnesota. I'm looking forward to meeting some folks and spending a weekend up to my chin in fiber! If you want to check out the festivals website it's www.sheperdsharvestfestival.com

Spring Moss Handspun with Habu accents

2006-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a skein I made tonight. It's 53 yards and is amazingly soft. It's Merino plyed with Habu novelty yarns. I picked up these Habu yarns on my last trip to New York. They have a beautiful showroom in the garment district. It's hard to find but worth the trip. You can check out their website at www.habutextiles.com

New Wheel

2006-04-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yeah! My new wheel has arrived. My lovely parents got me my new Ashford Traveller. She is a single drive, double treadle beauty.

This wheel came at the perfect time. I recently got accepted to the Craftstravaganza (www.craftstravaganza.com) and set a goal for myself to have 100 skeins for the sale. Well with this new wheel I'm going to have a blast meeting this goal.

Maybe you have to be a spinner to understand this... I find myself just gazing at it sometimes.

Aisha Celia Designs walks the runway!

2006-04-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Aisha Celia Designs hits the runway!

On April 1st, 2006 my designs were showcased in a fashion show at The Minnesota Museum of American Art. There was a great showing and we all had a great time. I can now check Fashion Show of the list! CHECK

These photos (click on photo to enlarge) are of my tank top, scarflets and accessories. It is all hand-dyed, handspun and handknit. The necklace is felted beads by RachelMarie. You can see her beads, yarns and more at www.knittydirtygirl.etsy.com. Thanks to Maddy, Rachel, Emily, Colie and Julia who did a great job modeling these pieces.

Look at that great smile! My models were the best!

Photography by Noah Bucher, www.candidstreet.com