Playing with the dye pots again

(And I have the fingernails to prove it…)

Some dipped, some injected, some spattered, some painted with a brush…. no end of fun! The unwound skeins above are not yet finished, but they will end up as sock yarn and/or mini skeins. The samples at the top are on a new base of kid mohair lace weight. I like it, but it may be better suited to more pastel colours.

May in the UK has been utterly grim, weatherwise (at least in this corner of the South East – I haven’t travelled far). So indoor activities like the above are ideal. I use mostly acid dyes in England – much less messy than the natural plant materials or indigo that I prefer in France (where I can work outside, with proper SUN!)

I did get out walking today though – despite the chilly rain. I usually end up on the Downs or along the seafront but today I went Urban. I have been lucky enough to have lived in Brighton for my whole adult life – mostly right in the city centre – but there are still numerous back streets and little squares to discover. Because there are so many separate conservation areas, there is a lot of information online – so I set out like a proper tourist to explore. It is quite surprising how much you never notice till you actually look for it…I shall do more!

Bluebells for Teresa

In memory of Teresa Kasner, who would certainly have appreciated them. I can only echo the thoughts of CJ, Christina, Meredith and so many others who have lost a blogging friend. Teresa’s background, life and even interests may have been quite different from mine – but it didn’t matter, her warmth and enthusiasms meant it was impossible to miss a post. I am shocked and saddened there will be no more. Thank you, Teresa – and condolences to all your family, especially Dayle.

Such grief and darkness at the moment.