Above is some of the sock weight yarn I indigo dyed this summer. Jakki picked a dotty skein to knit her jeans socks with.
I'll be dyeing further skeins of sock and double knitting next week but I thought I would make a cowl in one of the less contrast dyeings of merino dk to show how it looks. It sits really snugly up the back of my neck (ideal for short haired types) but is rather smart when folded down too. At the rate that autumn in marching in, I will be wearing it very soon.

 

 I had ten pairs of sharp Japanese thread snips left in stock so they all got embroidered pouches recently.

 Did I show you this little Indian block print bird before? He's got a line of sequins along his back and is the subject of a workshop I am running later in the year. Can't promise real sunshine then, but the fabrics are so bright they always lift the spirits

 This rich red aran weight yarn is one hand dyed by Helen (Ripples Crafts) and destined to become part of my Winter 2013 sweater (which means it gets started this winter, not necessarily finished...)

Tea and Sea

Tempted to post up more images from the Summer Isles but first, yet another reminder about a forthcoming event. 

SUNDAY 22 SEPT from 2pm till 5pm

SOUTHDEAN HALL, Chesters, TD9 8TH

AFTERNOON TEA

Entry by donation to 

Macmillan Cancer Support 

and then...

lots of delicious baking 

- sweet and savoury -

 served by a long suffering man in a kilt

and a winsome French maid 

Go on, you know you want to!

The week on the island was hosted by Helen Lockhart of Ripples Crafts. She's an indie dyer living off grid in Assynt, who has a great reputation for delicious colour combinations in her yarns, inspired by the landscape around her.

 The Summer Isles issue their own stamps

 And do a fine range of sunrises

 The view from the top of Meall Mor, the not-very-big highest point on the island

 Looking across the bay to the Schoolhouse where I stayed

Pleasure Island

I spent most of last week on Tanera Mor, the biggest of the Summer Isles, in the glorious north west of Scotland. I was there with a great group of talented and creative women and we had a busy/relaxed/sunny/wet time. 
Here are some of my images, starting with the MV Patricia which transported us there.

 

 

 

 

Hello... I must dash!

Rushed about all last week to make sure Tart HQ was full of work, and otherwise clean and tidy. 
Spent a great three days talking with familiar faces and new ones too, chattering about my Indian trips and wrapping up purchases. 
Rushed about so far this week doing admin and packing too, because I am off on another adventure tomorrow--just a little one but it promises to be great fun and very beautiful.

 Midge, quietly hoping she will get to stay in HQ when visitors arrive...

 One busy Mirjam, pondering which papers to use...

 Another creative type...Tony with scissors

And all to make their mark on my Tart's Tree of Life!