Kangaroodyer

Kangaroo Dyer Workshop Updates

2011-05-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the last word on the two separate individual workshoops I will run this summer in Greenfield.

KANGAROO DYEING CLASS. One day Workshop.

Learn to dye protein fibers, such as wool and silk.

10-4:30 on Sunday, June 12, 2011 or on Saturday August 13, 2011

Downtown Fiber Art Center

278 Main Street 3rd floor

Greenfield, Mass. 01301

In this class, you will learn about acid dyes, learn to mix dye stock, and prepare fiber for dyeing. You will dye a gray scale with your prepared fiber and a 12 color progression. Time permitting, individual projects will conclude the day.

Students will come to class with 24 skeins/bundles of fiber prepared before class, as well as a materials list provided to students upon registration.

I will provide an assortment of dyes for use in class and experimentation.

For more information and to register go to http://www.fiberartstudios.com/apps/webstore/products/show/2380112

I hope this helps! Gail

DYEING WORK SHOP

2011-05-14T08:26:00.001-07:00

DYEING WORK SHOPS
I will be teaching 2 one day workshops on Animal Protein Fiber Dyeing. The first one is Sunday, June 12, 2011 and the second is Saturday, August 13, 2011. Each one runs from 10 am to 4:30 pm, at CherScapes on Main Street in Greenfield, MA 01301. Limited spaces available. For more information or to register go to http://www.fiberartstudios.com/apps/webstore/products/show/2380112

TAX DAY GIVE AWAY

2011-04-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

TAX DAY GIVE AWAY - After visiting my Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/kangaroodyer) or my web site (www.kangaroodyer.com) write a note on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Gail.Callahan.The.Kangaroo.Dyer) and you will be entered in a drawing for a Skein of Yarn AND my book 'Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece' on April 18th. The winner will receive the book and the skein mentioned in the Facebook note. Enter as often as you like.

Where has the time gone! That's a familiar lament for all of us I suspect. At any rate, I've been busy dyeing, creating, thinking - new yarns, new colorways, the start of a new book (planning and thinking stages, only) and a new Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Gail.Callahan.The.Kangaroo.Dyer) to separate my personal page from the business aspects of what I do.

So little time, so much to do........

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2010-12-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

I hope your holiday was as joyous and special as mine and that the New Year brings you Peace, Happiness and Prosperity.
Still time to sign up for a Two Day Workshop on Dyeing ! I will be teaching a basic 2 day workshop on dyeing in Greenfield, MA January 22-23 2011, at 278 Main Street Suite 307. Tuition is $200. A non-refundable $50 fee is required at sign up. Contact me by email at kangaroodyer@comcast.net for more information and to signup.

Sign up for the next Sock Club. First mailing will be @ January 15, 2011.

So little time, so much to do........

2010-12-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

The third Sock Club mailing is complete. 'Marine' is on its way! Be sure to sign up for the January Club . The first yarn will be in the mail on January 15, 2011. This is a great stocking stuffer!

2010-12-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Gail Callahan Announces

Kangaroo Dyer Basic Workshop
January 22-23 2011: 9-3
278 Main Street Suite 307
Greenfield, Mass 01301

Course Content

Fibers
What to expect from Protein fibers.

The elements that affect dye color.
Preparing Fiber for Dyeing

Skeining

Scouring

Soaking

Dyes

Safety

Types

Mixing

Stock Solution

Storing Dyes
Color

Study the color grid and discuss the components of successful composition.

Mixing colors using the pure primaries: red, yellow and blue.
Tuition
$200 - $50 is required at registration and is non-refundable. Materials list will be supplied as well as homework requirements. All details will be available mid December 2010 by contacting me at kangaroodyer@comcast.net.

Sock Club

2010-11-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

I have opened up the sign ups for the January 2011 Sock club today because of popular demand. In my defense, I can categorically state that at least I waited till after Thanksgiving to become enmeshed in the Holiday Frenzy! I will not, however, let Black Friday spoil my view of what Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas Season means and I shall continue to practice random acts of kindness and delight in the responses of my fellow travellers in this realm we occupy.
I hope yesterday brought you all a sense of comfort and thanksgiving for the many blessings afforded each of us. Whether you celebrated quietly or in a large gathering, I hope you found the tranquility and inner peace that you needed.
The best is yet to come......
Best, Gail

2010-11-24T10:52:00.001-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!! I hope you all have time for yourselves to think about all the wonderful blessings you've received this past year and in your own way to give thanks for them. For anyone who thinks it wasn't such a great year - remember you can always be thankful that things weren't worse.

WOW !!!

2010-11-10T15:24:00.001-08:00

I received a link to Amazon’s “Best Books of 2010: Crafts:” http://tinyurl.com/3xrbw93 I was delighted to learn that my book Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece was selected third in Best of Books of 2010: Crafts Top 10 by the editors of Amazon. You can read their comments and see the other recipients by following the link. None of this would have happened if my editor Gwen Steege had not encouraged me to write about Dyeing and Storey Publishing hadn’t provided me with an excellent support group including photographer John Polak, art director Mary Velgos and photo stylist Lisa Newman. Thanks also go the contributors and friends at Webs, America’s Yarn Store.

2010-10-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

RANDOM MUSINGS

In order to make my Silk Yardage more available, I have priced it per yard for the individual who wishes to make smaller pieces or accessories. Multi-yard orders will have a 20% discount returned to them through PayPal.

This past year, I introduced two new yarn lines to provide you with a greater fiber choice – Poet Seat Yarns and New England Yarns. The Poet Seat Yarn Line started with a 50/50 blend of Superwash Merino and Silk, then 75/25 Superwash Merino and Nylon, and added a DK weight 50/50 and most recently Superwash Merino, Cashmere and Nylon (80/10/10) and finally Baby Alpaca, Silk and Cashmere (70/20/10). The New England Yarns are my entry into the heavier weight fibers – BFL/Alpaca 50/50 and 100% BFL. Your response to these entries has been very gratifying.

I will continue with the other fibers as they become available in a reliable fashion and I hope to experiment with plant fibers as time allows.

I am always interested in hearing about your ideas for colorways, combinations, names and what inspired them. That helps to keep me from getting into a color rut! What's your FANCY!

Gail

Hand Dyeing Silks

2010-10-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hand dyeing is not just for yarn and fleece, despite the fact that is the name of my book. If you have any protein fiber, one which comes from animals, you can dye it with the formulas in my book Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece. I have been dyeing silk yardage for several years.

One of my silks was featured last summer in Elle Décor Magazine, and we received orders for silk yardage to be used for dress making. Many people use this yardage for a type of felting called Nuno felt. If you look at Chris White’s web site, New England Felting Supply, (http://www.feltingsupply.com/) you can see samples of this technique and listings of her classes.

If you are interested in learning how to dye silk, check out the Webs (http://www.yarn.com/) listing for my upcoming class in Northampton, Mass. I will also be offering a class at a location here in Greenfield, Mass. after the first of the year. I will keep you posted once the details are finalized.

One of my customers, Heather, purchased silk for a class she took using this felting technique. She sent along some pictures of her results (see below). I like the outcome so much, maybe I should ask her to return the silks??

Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Fair Dyeing Class

2010-10-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from The New York Sheep and Wool Fair at Rhinebeck where I taught a one day workshop in dyeing to a great group of people from near and far. We did have some interesting challenges with wind (gusts up to 40 mph) knocking over the tent heater and one of the work tables. But we (the students and I) persevered and I know they went home pleased and more knowledgeable than when the morning started. My thanks to Kathy and Steve Elkins from Webs who sponsored the class, and to Pam Art, from Storey Publishing, who assisted and also sponsored my book signing (Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece) in conjunction with the bookseller Merritt Book Store. Three other Storey authors; Eddie Eckman, Judith Durant and Melissa Morgan Oakes were also signing their new books. See pictures below.

As well as continuing to teach dyeing at Webs, I am planning a workshop on Dyeing at a location in Greenfield for this January. It will probably be a two day affair over a weekend and limited to 8-10 students. Details to follow.

AND THE WINNER IS ....

2010-08-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER IS …….. JENNIFER. Please contact me so I can send you your choice of yarn. My e mail address is kangaroodyer@kangarooder.com or kangaroodyer@comcast.net. Be sure to include your full name and address. Thanks to all who left messages. I will be doing this again so stay in the habit of visiting and commenting.

Please visit my web site (www.kangaroodyer.com) and Etsy site http://www.etsy.com/shop/kangaroodyer and check out the AUGUST SALE EVENT

Sandy's Shawl

2010-07-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

This is a picture sent in by Sandy of a beautiful shawl with the accompanying details.

Shawl/Scarf knit with Kangaroo Dyer Sock Yarn and Indian Summer Shawl pattern both purchased at Webs (http://www.yarn.com/) ~ so quick and easy to knit~~ Sandyhttp://wwwsandyknits.blogspot.com/.

Remember to sign in and leave a message to be included in this months drawing for a skein of yarn on August 1st.

Fiber Cooperative

2010-07-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my friends – old and new. If youv’e arrived from the Fiber Cooperative and expected my Web Site, sign in and leave me a note to be eligible for the drawing. Everone who visits and leaves a note will be eligible for this month’s drawing. The first drawing will be on August 1 and will be for a skein of yarn of the winner’s choice from either the ‘sock or luxury yarn’ group. To get back to the website click http://www.kangaroodyer.com/ , to get to my Etsy Shop click http://www.etsy.com/shop/kangaroodyer , to get back to the Fiber Cooperative click http://thefibercooperative.com/.
Thanks for stopping by. Gail

Finished Shawl

2010-06-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

From time to time I've been sent pictures of finished products which have astonished me. The way the yarn metamorphoses under talented people is inspiring to me and keeps my creative juices flowing. I have wondered how to showcase these efforts and this is my first attempt. Jennifer Weissman, shadystroll on Ravelry, sent me these pictures of a shawl she knit using my Poet Seat superwash Merino and silk yarn called ‘Down Under’ from a Ravelry pattern ‘Catenary’ created by Kiersten Brandt. Not only is her craftsmanship beautiful but her photography skills are also outstanding. She said, “what a lovely yarn, and what a beautiful colorway! I really enjoyed working with it and love the finished product…. the simplicity of the pattern works beautifully with a variegated yarn. And yes, the yarn is a dream to work with! So soft, and the colors were just lovely. I dropped everything else while working on this project because it was such a pleasure.”

I hope you agree that this is a good way to recognize the efforts of talented people and to share their work and joy. I hope to be doing more of this in the future. Please give me your feedback. Who knows, I might even figure out how to incorporate the pictures and the commentary so they are not stacked up on one another.

Best, Gail

Undyed Fibers

2010-05-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

11 May 2010

For those of you who have been asking, or thinking of asking, I have added a section of undyed yarns in their natural state as I receive them. They are listed on my website www.kangaroodyer.com in the section titled ‘Books and More’.

I think I have resolved the S&H charge problems. In the U.S. shipping is by First Class Mail and is free for all yarn and silk products. Out of country charges are listed and any excess charges will be refunded but no additional charges will be incurred as long as International First Class is acceptible.

Life continues to be exciting. Next week I am teaching a two day workshop at Harrisville. I continue to work on my dyeing techniques by practicing and experimenting with my friends.

Gail

2010-04-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

20 April 2010
Yarn and book sales have continued to be impressive. For those of you who might have missed them, here are two examples of the reviews I have been getting - Clara Parks’ Review in Knitters Review http://www.knittersreview.com/article_book.asp?article=/review/reading/100318_a.asp and Jimmy Beans book review http://deshiyoutube.com/video/dOk_J1s-S4o/Hand-Dyeing-Yarn-and-Fleece-Book-Review.html

Please note : Shipping Charges in the U.S. have been eliminated on my Etsy and Web Sites and will be refunded where I haven't been able to make the appropriate PayPal changes.

I am dyeing a DK weight Superwash Merino and Silk 50/50 which I will be adding to my shop in the very near future. I'll probable start with some old favorites before launching into new colorways. Your input would be helpful. Are their colorways you'd like to see in a DK weight? Let me know.

So little time, so much to do........

Thanks to Sheepgal!

2010-03-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, as I was getting ready to go to the Wellesley Booksmith for a book signing with Kristin Nicholas (gettingstitchedonthe farm), her darling daughter Julia ,and Melissa Morgan Oakes,(melissaknits) I stopped to take a quick peak to see if any lambs has been born at Springhill Farm. It was an honor to see that Barb posted a challenge to her readers and offered a copy of my recent book, along with her luscious yarn as a prize. As part of the conditions of the challenge is that people post a comment on my blog. I was shocked to see how many people looked at the very humble, (needs to be improved) posts and left comments of support and enthusiasm. Thank you everyone and especially to Barb for the kindness and support of my book!

2010-02-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

Look at this darling kangaroo given to me today by Karen, the store manager at Webs. Isn't she adorable? I am glad she was there to keep me company at the book launch at Webs. Great company, great food and drink, and most of all a very grateful and humbled kangaroodyer. How can I thank everyone for the love and support in making the book Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece a reality? It is a Webs book, all but one of the patterns are from Webs staff, the only other by Barbara Giguere of Shelburne, a beautiful pair of kangaroo mittens. Two knitters, Bonnie Lemme and Gwen Steege, knit scarves for the book.
I love you all. Gail

2010-02-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

Book Pages

These are pages from my book that I wasn't able to download yesterday. Hopefully they will give you more of an idea about what the book is about and how it is oriented.

This picture to my left shows the Kangaroo mittens which were created for me by Barbara Giguere. The pattern is available in the book. The mittens are worn by Melanie Jolicoeur who appears in several other compositions.

The Rainbow Dipped Sweater was designed and knit by Linda Burt and also knit by Marion Halpern.

Dori Betjeman designed and knit the Infant Cardigan And Ruffled Cap which you see immediately below. Over the next several days I'll post other examples which I hope will whet your appetites .

2010-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

IT'S HERE ! !

My book Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece is currently available for sale in bookstores and yarn shops around the country. You may order a signed and personalized copy, on request, from my Web Site (http://www.kangaroodyer.com/) under Sock Yarn link. The cost is $18.95 plus $.95 tax and S&H. . If you're on a budget and want to save some cash, order from http://www.amazon.com/.

Full-color photographs by John Polak
168 pages; $18.95 hardcover Spiral Bound

ISBN 978-1-60342-468-4

"This stunningly beautiful book, which contains more user friendly methods and appealing effects than I have ever seen anywhere, made me want to find some undyed yarn in my stasyh, and begin experimenting. Thanks to Gail Callahan, I will now seek out undyed yarns and begin to color my own." Cat Bordhi, author of Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters.

My Book

2010-01-26T14:27:00.000-08:00

This is the cover of my new book Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece which should be in the stores by the 1st of February. Personalized, signed copies will be available from my web site http://www.kangaroodyer.com/ as soon as I receive my order from Storey Puiblishing. for $18.95 plus S&H charges. You can also email me at kangaroodyer@kangaroodyer.com for more information.

The book would not have happened without the talents of the many contributing artists and designers, many my co-workers from Webs, and the support of the wonderful people at Storey whose astonishing art work and photographs bring the concepts to life.

Gail Callahan, the Kangaroo Dyer

Yarn, Roving and News

2009-09-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

So much time has gone by…. Life is much too busy, but in spite of everything I am excited about my new yarns…

In the luxury category, there is a set of 6 COLOURS in Kid Mohair and Silk at a special price of $100. They can be ordered individually for $20 apiece. Also, more than one skein of each color is available.

That is also true for almost any of my yarns – they can be ordered in multiples and will be provided from the same dye lot.

In the sock yarn category, there are three new offerings – the changing of the seasons is affecting me – two are Autumnal in there color tones (Autumn Fantasy and Sunrise on the Desert) and the third evokes a fall feeling with mist rising in the meadow (Misty Morning) although in truth it could also be early spring. All 3 are in a 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon combination which makes them long lasting and easily cared for.

Finally, for you Spinners, in the spinning fibers category there is a new roving in superwash Merino (Forest Primeval) which is again in keeping with my autumnal mood.

So much to do and say, so little time..........

New scarves and yarn

2009-08-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

I've been right out straight with family and work obligations so I've not had time to keep you informed of my doings... On the right, you can see a silk Crepe de Chine scarf called 'Sedona Hills' and below is a picture of 'Sea Glass' also in Crepe de Chine. They are both available on my Web site (http://www.kangaroodyer.com/) and on my ETSY page.

I've also created a new line of Kid Mohair and Silk in a range of pastels. I'll be posting them later but you can have a sneak preview with 'Zinnia' which is a delightfully soft and fuzzy yellow.

The other posted yarn is 'Beach Towel' in Superwash Wool and Nylon. I just loved the way these colors came together and they reminded me of my recent trip to the Ogunguit Beach.

So little time, so much to do........

Kanga and Roo

2009-07-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

A friend gave my this kangaroo and joey for my recent birthday and I thought I would share them with you. It certainly reminds me of why I became the 'kangaroo' dyer and not something else.

This rain is annoying! I've had enough! Haven't you? I need to work in my garden, but I don't like being wet and uncomfortable and MUDDY!! Hot and Humid and uncomfortable I can stand but not wet and muddy. Of course on the bright side, I wouldn't be writing this Blog if I were in the garden.

In other news, the SUMMER SALE is on in both my ETSY shop and on my Web Site. Everything on the web site is involoved in the 20% discount whereas only marked items on the Etsy site are. Time to try new yarns and fill your stash for the winter. The sale will run through the month of August. Spread the word!

Best, Gail

Summer

2009-07-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well summer is finally here!! Now I can begin complaining about the humidity and heat – even though I actually love the heat. Maybe now my tomatoes will start growing and producing. I was hoping for a bumper crop so I could replenish my stash of Salsa.

Speaking of producing – I’ve posted new Lace Weight Tencel, Superwash Merino Roving, and Sock Yarn this week end. Take a few moments and look through my website (www.kangaroodyer.com). I will be posting more sock yarn, scarves, and silk yardage for Nuno felting projects.

Remember, you can always request colorways and yarn types. This does not obligate you to purchase until you’ve seen the pictured results and like what you see. The advantage to me is the flow of new ideas – that’s part of the excitement of creating.

So much to say, so little time....

Best, Gail

Balloon Fest and Web Site

2009-07-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's been an exciting 6 days since the Web Site went live! I know from the emails that the site is being used as well as from the sales. PayPal is a little uneven in its handling of S&H Charges but with patience and understanding , it will all work out. The same old policies continue - if you are avercharged for S&H, a refubd is issued promptly.

Saturday night the Balloons went by - I thought you might like to see how close they were to my house.

Best, Gail

Final notes on August 9th dyeing class.

2009-07-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

I hope by now you have been thinking about what you want to use for the upcoming class. I talked with one student who wants to dye cloth for rug hooking. It will be great to have a variety of fibers to be able to compare our results.

I talked about the need to wind the 48 skeins, and put 3 ties on each to keep them from tangling. In this post I will show you how to tie and label each skein for dyeing.

There are innumerable ways to wind the skeins. Since the skeins must be about 15 yards each, (don't fret about a yard or two) understand that you need to measure the circumference of the selected objects and divide by 36 inches to get the yards. In other words, placing my two chair backs near each other, and wrapping the yarn around the two is about 60 inches. So, to get about 15 yards I need to have 9 revolutions. (15 yards x 36 inches =540 inches: divided by 60 is 9 revolutions) Do the math for your objects.

I have a niddy noddy (funny name) which I use. Here is a photo of one.

Often students use a large piece of cardboard to wrap the yarn, or the hands of a friend.

Once wound, the ties need to be placed to keep it from tangling. Here is a photo.

Next step is marking them in a way they will tolerate the wet dye bath and survive with the writing intact. This is where I use the tyvex envelope and tie them in this manner.

Please use a waterproof marker, or a pencil to number them. You will need one set numbered from 1-36 and another from 1-12. That's just about all you need to do before the class. if you have any questions, please email or call me. I look forward to the 9th! Best, Gail

Launch day + One

2009-07-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

The first day of the new Web site (http://www.kangaroodyer.com/) has been exciting and not without its moments of terror. In trying to get the site up, I lost it completely! Gone - new site, old site, original site. I was devastated! Fortunately, the team helping me (Susan, Sherry and Ernie) had anticipated my every move and had backed up the next to the final version so when I sent up my SOS Sherry was able to resurrect the site and I've put back some minor changes (like a better picture of me) and have added more yarn. Over the next several days I plan to get as much up as possible without trying to duplicate my ETSY site.

The Victorian Pastels Lace Weight Alpaca and Silk Yarn has an accompanying Scarf created for me by one of my friends. I've included more pictures here to show off her exquisite work.

Take a look!

2009-07-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Our new web site is up and running. My husband Bill and team have been working long days and nights to get everything working. Take a look and let us know what you think. http://www.kangaroodyer.com/

Preparing for August 9 Dyeing Class.

2009-07-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

In this post, I am going to give you options for selecting yarns, ways of winding the skeins, and ways of marking them so you will know just what formulas you used to dye the yarn. Preparing fiber for the August 9 class at Webs.

Thank you to my students for checking in here on the blog to get ready for the class next month. In this post, I am going to give you options for selecting yarns, ways of winding the skeins, and ways of marking them to record the formulas you will use to dye the yarn.

A couple of housekeeping issues: The materials need to be purchased ahead of time and not from the instructor as originally stated. I thought I could search for some exotic and new materials for the class and have you purchase them from me, but since the preparation is key to a successful day, you should select from the choices I will list, and get the yarns ahead of time. During the afternoon session, there will be an opportunity to purchase yarns at the store for specific projects you may select. But for the morning session we will all be working on a 36 color wheel and a 12 color gray scale.

In the past when I taught this dyeing class I showed the students how to prepare the yarn during class time. At the last class, one of my students, Harriet, mentioned that Cat Bordhi makes videos ahead of time to show the students how to prepare for the class. In lieu of a video, I will photograph and post helpful pictures for you to use to guide you. This will save time for more learning and playing the day of the class, instead of doing the monotonous time consuming winding of 48 small skeins of yarn to make the color wheel and gray scale.

Here are some examples of yarns used successfully by past students.
Valley Yarns Northampton/ball
Valley Yarns Superwash/ball
Plymouth Encore/ball
Cascade 220/in a 220 yard skein
Brown Sheep worsted/ball
Harrisville Design Shetland and Highland/on cones 2 different yardages with the Shetland weight finer than the Highland

Whatever yarn you select, you will need to calculate the number of skein/balls/cones you need according to the following calculations. If you look at yarn.com you will be able to get the statistics for the yarn you select.

Your total of skeins is 48. The yardage should be about 15 yards per skein.
48 x 15= 720 yards total. You can fool around a yard or so from the total of 15 if that is necessary to not require you to purchase an extra skein, but just make certain that each skein is the same yardage.

Enough for right now. Please see the following post for winding the skeins. Thanks, Gail

http://gailthekangaroodyer.blogspot.com/

Finally, Drying Off

2009-07-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

The past month in Massachusetts has been unseasonably wet. Not only has the rain bothered farmers and gardeners, but dyers as well. Getting the fiber dry is always a challenge but when the humidity is 100%, it makes matters worse. I am in the process of getting an order ready for Webs to take to the Sock Summit http://www.socksummit.com/ in Portland Oregon on August 6th through 9th. I first heard of the summit from Melissa Morgan Oakes http://melissa-knits.blogspot.com/ who is going to teach classes on knitting two socks at a time.
Thankfully this morning the sun is out and the wind is blowing. We figured out a way to rig up plastic piping to fit between two grids to place the yarn to dry.
This proves to work much better than the tipsy racks we were using to hold the pipes. When the wind blew up, or the cat decided to seek shelter from the sun the racks would fall over. The only issue is that the front porch continues to be the best spot for putting the yarn. I hope it will be all cleared off before we host a bridal shower for my friend Regina Phillip's daughter Morgan on Friday. Yarn will make a colorful backdrop for the event. Oh well.

Socks

2009-06-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Learning how to use this Blog site is a challenge and a half. But I'm determined. Here is the pic of the socks I mentioned above - What lovely work!

Gail

Floating

2009-06-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

I'm still floating about the way the galley proofs look and the responses from my wonderful friends who have seen it. My husband kept telling me that it was something special but he's biased! Now I have to wait until it is actually published to see if people who don't know me feel the same.

A nice lady from Illinois, who signed up for my Book Club sent me a picture of socks she made from one of my creations. I'm going to have to learn how to copy and transfer it to this blob site and to the sock club page. I hope others will join her in sending me pictures of their creations.
Best, Gail

My Book

2009-06-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

What a day yesterday was! The Publisher sent me the 'galleys' of my book - Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece: Custom-Color Your Favorite Fibers with Dip-Dyeing, Hand-Painting, Tie-Dyeing, and Other Creative Techniques by Gail Callahan (Hardcover - Jan 27, 2010). The cover is posted on Amazon.com. I'm so excited that I had trouble sleeping last night. Of course, I think the book is BEAUTIFUL! I wish it was already published so you can all see it. It is the quality of the pictures and the art lay-out that makes it so wonderful for me.

Right now I'm waiting for the final look at my new web site which is due any day now. (I sound like the kids in the car 'are we there yet?') but it does seem like I've been struggling to get this created for a long, long time. Of course, every change and improvement brings its own set of problems. But I'll deal with them when I need to.I hope I'll have more good news tomorrow.

Gail

Web Page

2009-06-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that almost a whole year has passed since my last Blog! So much has happened - so much that's GOOD!!!!
First - Kangaroodyer @ Etsy.com has been a phenomenal success and has become the driving force.
Second - My book on dyeing is in the hands of the publisher and will be released in January, 2010. More later.
Third - My new and revised and BEAUTIFUL Web Site will be up and running any time now (sounds like an Oldies title).

My hope is this will be a much more interactive Blog site where you can ask me questions and tell me what you want with NO obligation on your part except honest feelings. And I and/or others can chime in. I find I don't do well if I'm the only one talking!

More to follow.

Best, Gail

Fixing up the Painted Lady.

2008-08-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

This is the reason we have been spending the summer here at home. At the end of last year we noticed lots of paint peeling on the north side of the house. So as soon as the winter was over, we found a painter brave enough to paint a 3 story Victorian at the corner of two busy streets. Even planting a ladder is a challenge with the sidewalks and cars passing by. Tom Suchanek and his crew of students and friend Joe George were up for the challenge.Tom is the retired athletic director from Greenfield High School and former major league baseball player. He certain knows how to command respect and works as long and hard as his crew. (One of his crew is his darling son,Ryan who was just back from his honeymoon and is a teacher at Cushing Academy.)

Since I have fiber everywhere in my house and was in the midst of dyeing a large order for the Stitches Midwest shipment for Webs, I had dyed skeins of yarn all over the place on the porch, on the clothes line, you name it. Many of the younger men were confused by exactly what I do and probably still are! A few of them went home with yarn for their Moms and Grandmothers.

The most startling finding was the dry rot at the top of the clapboards near the roof. Apparently the water ran off to the side and caused the area to rot. It is very clear that Tom gave the house a really thorough going over. The areas which looks like eyesores look just like new. It was really interesting to hear all of the passers by making comments like: "you missed a spot" or "great job". It feels like we are ready for the winter with the house safe and sound with a new coat of paint. The Painted Lady has had a face lift. Great Job Tom and gang!

Chicken Sitting continued...

2008-08-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I certainly am learning about posting, naturally the hard way! For some reason I lost the rest of the post for my Chicken Sitting.

Living right in the city of Greenfield, Massachusetts with the post office, YMCA and Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters at the ends of the streets I can see from my front porch was not a place I ever thought would have chickens. But never say never...

This is the essence of what has happened with the 4 chicks: Rick Laura and Belle are my neighbors who just started raising hens for eggs. They are away for a few days, and I was asked to watch "the girls" for them. Rick said it was easy enough, just make certain they have fresh water, that the food remains dry and ample, and that they need to be in the coop for the night to protect them from any night animals who may dig under the fence or otherwise endanger them. He said they "always go to the coop at sundown around 7:40pm". Night one, two and three...not at 7:40, more like 8:15! Maybe it was because I repeatedly went over to check on them (with lettuce, basil and garlic in hand) and they heard me coming and came out to greet me, or because they were behaving like many of the creatures I have cared for in my life.

It has been fun while the weather is warm and I am not plodding through the snow early in the morning or late at light. I will never look at chicken again in the same way. Maybe being a vegetarian is not such a bad idea.

Chicken Sitting

2008-08-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

I never imagined I would be watching chickens for my neighbors. First of all you have to understand I live right in town. I can actually see the YMCA

Visit with my joeys and why the Kangaroo?

2008-08-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

People ask me why I am called The Kangaroo Dyer. It has nothing to do with Australian fibers or something exotic from "down under". The genesis of this trademark originated when my sons were very young. At the time I was making quilted totes and baby blankets for my family and friends who, too, were having babies. One thing lead to another, and after a period of time people wanted to purchase my creations. My sister Joanne is very clever with marketing and writing. We tossed around ideas about a label and she asked me what I wanted my work to symbolize. The most important thing to me have been my sons, Ross, Casey and Tim Burns. (Above photograph left to right, Ross, Kangaroo, Casey and Tim.) They always came first. A close second is my need to be creative. We came up with the kangaroo because she has her babies in her pouch, and her hands free to do other things, like quilting, weaving, and now dyeing. I have used this logo for almost 40 years, and she has survived all of the changes. I am fortunate to have a very creative brother. Bill is a graphic artist now living in New Hampshire. He designed the original kangaroo. She recently had a makeover and she looks quite happy with the results.

These photographs were taken last month in New York City, where the three of them are living. Ross, Casey and Tim arranged a birthday dinner at the Landmarc restaurant. It was delicious; especially the mussels! I forgot how much they eat. The refill of the bread basket reminded me of the old days when I could not keep enough food in the house. Afterwards we walked around Columbus Circle and went into the Essex Hotel to see the rooftop gardens and meet some of their friends. It could not have been a better birthday.

Visiting

2008-08-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you wondered where I've been - This picture explains it. I'm holding Riley on my left and Finley on my right. Somehow people think all three of us are asleep - twins will do that to you. They are adorable and growing like weeds.

Since I've been back I've been busy dyeing! No surprise there. I'm particularly pleased with my 'new' colorway series called "SEA". I'll try to post the pictures later today - I hear you can grab them from ETSY but I haven't learned that trick yet. But let me wet your appetite with the descriptions -

Cranberry Sea

If the Owl and The Pussycat can put to sea, why not on a cranberry sea? There's not much cranberry, but what there is, is eye catching! Their boat is made up of contrasting blue-purple and gray blue green leaves with just a touch of foam.

Coral Sea

Bright tropical nights and sparkling days with coral colored seas and palm tree landscaping. An ideal combination for a vacation or a yarn to experiment with.

Honey Sea

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My husbands says this is one of the most sensuous yarns I've dyed. A beautiful vermilion border with honey brown and peaches and cream skin and...Well you get the idea. Any more and I'd have to mark this mature. Let your imagination run with this amazing combination of colors.

Well, I hope I've left you with something to think about. If you can't wait to see these, go to my shop on Etsy. Talk with you later.

Gail

Baby bay wrap

2008-07-23T04:49:00.000-07:00

HELP !!!
I was asked a question yesterday about a 'bay wrap over a baby sweater'. The person was looking for a knitting pattern. Meant nothing to me - so I Googled 'bay wrap' and got over 9 million hits! I did learn that this is a baby sling or 'carryall' and widely for sale as such. Several people were also looking for crochet patterns for the same thing. Do any of you know where I can find a knitting or crochet pattern for a 'baby bay wrap' ?

Thanks for your help. Best, Gail

2008-07-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

Progress is slow but inexorable! I think I'm getting the hang of this. I thought you might be as fascinated as I was when I discovered that Queen Anne's Lace starts with a RED dot in its center.Then, as it becomes more open the red becomes BLACK! Of course, I wanted the picture on the screen right to be FIRST with info and the pic on the left to be 2nd. Can someone help me???

2008-07-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well this is what caused all the excitement last night. The first picture is looking through my Birch clump in the front yard. The house is my neighbors. It's up! up! and away!

2008-07-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Well its been a long 24 hours!! When I left you before the 4th, I expected to be able to leaen how to add pictures and have time to keep you informed about my activities. The summer sale on my Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=57917) has been going gangbusters so I've been right out straight. I'm also planning on a visit with Finley and Riley, my twin granddaughters. Now , I hope there is a picture uploaded of them that you can see, so you'll know why I'm so excited about going.

Coming soon will be silk scarves and silk for Nuno felting. I'm trying to work out the logistics for posting and colorways.

Hope to be back tomorrow and daily thereafter. Best, Gail

Hello and Welcome

2008-07-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hi -

My friends and family have been after me to start a blog. I'll need a lot of help so I'm hoping you'll ask me questions and give me advice about what I'm about and what I ought to be doing. My only promise is that I will read anything you send me and take to heart all constructive criticism -

Fortunately, this site knows more about what I'm about than I do - somehow it found my first attempt after I went looking to see what this blog looks like. So far, I've been busy dyeing and posting (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=57917 ) on my Etsy shop but I'm looking to branch out so that I'll remain fresh. Currently I'm in the middle of a 'Summer Sale' and percolating new colorways. I'll post some of my ideas over the next few weeks between visiting and helping with my grand daughters (twins 10 weeks old), spinning - I love it!! so relaxing, and developing a line of silks for NUNO felting.

I'll be back tomorrow. Need to find out how to get pictures up on the blog site. GAIL