... I wouldn't be able to go to the faires and share my craft. So another big, huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone that stopped by Mischief & Mirth at this year's Connecticut Renaissance Faire. And especially to anyone that purchased anything from us.
I was fortunate enough to be there three out of the four weekends, bringing my two antique wheels and a bunch of drop spindles, and got to demonstrate some spinning. I showed a ton of people how it works; some even wanted to work on it themselves (remember: "pinch, pull, slide!"). I taught my not-quite 7 year-old and a 9 year old how to spin on Belle. I hate history, but was satisfied in my ability to describe the history of spinning, even if dates were sort of generalized.
Our next planned show (me and the leatherworkers) is the spring CT Faire, and then Mutton & Mead. I believe the leatherworkers are planning to be at the Fetish Flea again this year, among others. Due to scheduling, we're taking a break from Arisia this year (boo).
In the meantime, next week I'm hoping to start getting things back up into my store in time for holiday needs. If there's anything you don't see but would like, please feel free to email me, contact me through Zibbet, or pm me on Ravelry.
Thanks again to everyone that came and supported us! We love you!
Friday, October 30, 2015
Monday, October 5, 2015
I can stop anytime I want to
After finding Belle, and bringing her to Mutton & Mead, we've been planning on my bringing her down to the fall Connecticut Ren Faire to do some demos. They've given us a bit of extra space, so I can set something up. In the meantime, I've been looking for good pictures depicting the history of spinning, as well as reading up on some of the high points. My plan has been to bring some raw wool, washed wool, my hand cards, and Belle. I've also always wanted a more period-friendly flyer wheel, as my Spinolution and HeavenlyHandspinning wheels are too modern for a faire, and it would be nice to show the progression to the more modern wheel technology.
I watch Ravelry, and Craigslist, and even Ebay. Most days checking in, to see if there's anything good. Imagine my delight when someone on Rav posted she had been fostering Homeless Puppy #1 and was looking for a home. For free. And she's only about an hour and a half away from me!
So, meet Hermione.
We're not sure where/when she's from, but best guess puts her at about 200 years old. She has a maker's mark, "C.C", but no luck yet in finding to whom it belongs.
She looks similar to a Nova Scotian wheel someone else posted on their blog. That one had a different mark, made by someone named McDonald, but in the same time frame. So right now, my guess is that she could be from Nova Scotia, about 200 years ago. But no real idea yet.
I've got her up and spinning happily. I've managed a good two or three ounces of art batt this weekend. You'll notice the flyer bearing has been replaced. After throwing the driveband repeatedly, I swapped out the suede lace for some braided raffia. It's stiffer, so holds the flyer at a better angle. She's repeated the band-throwing a couple of times, and increasing the tension has helped. Once the cotton band reaches its maximum stretch, it should be good and stable for a while.
So she's coming to the CT Faire with me this weekend. Stop by and say hi if you're there!
I watch Ravelry, and Craigslist, and even Ebay. Most days checking in, to see if there's anything good. Imagine my delight when someone on Rav posted she had been fostering Homeless Puppy #1 and was looking for a home. For free. And she's only about an hour and a half away from me!
So, meet Hermione.
We're not sure where/when she's from, but best guess puts her at about 200 years old. She has a maker's mark, "C.C", but no luck yet in finding to whom it belongs.
She looks similar to a Nova Scotian wheel someone else posted on their blog. That one had a different mark, made by someone named McDonald, but in the same time frame. So right now, my guess is that she could be from Nova Scotia, about 200 years ago. But no real idea yet.
I've got her up and spinning happily. I've managed a good two or three ounces of art batt this weekend. You'll notice the flyer bearing has been replaced. After throwing the driveband repeatedly, I swapped out the suede lace for some braided raffia. It's stiffer, so holds the flyer at a better angle. She's repeated the band-throwing a couple of times, and increasing the tension has helped. Once the cotton band reaches its maximum stretch, it should be good and stable for a while.
So she's coming to the CT Faire with me this weekend. Stop by and say hi if you're there!