While dyeing and drying though I spun up a skein of just plain old 2-ply sock yarn, which I now need to finish plying the scraps left on the bobbins so I can get to spinning the colored stuff.

I’m going stir crazy. Resting is easy, unless I’m absolutely supposed to do it because it’s good for me– then it becomes a huge inconvenience. Suddenly all those books I was looking forward to reading become too pedant and dull to actually describe with words. I start resenting everything, I know it’s irrational but it totally makes sense in the moment.

I decided I absolutely hate it when people tell me to “Take it easy.” Really? Can I please have detailed instructions on how to take it easy? I have no idea, I’ve been taking it hard with chocolate sprinkles– is that not the right way? I’m so confused.

Also, I can’t tell if my camera is taking crap pictures, or if I’m just unable to focus my eyes clearly because I’m in pain. I tried putting my reading glasses on but that didn’t help. I can’t tell if their smudged if I just can’t focus my eyes. I’m not even sure what I’m typing right now.

Doesn’t this look like fluffy shiny deer guts? The effect is far more realistic in real life than I was able to capture with the camera. I thank goodness that the smell is not that of authentic intestines.

One of the things I like about dying silk is that it’s fairly goof proof so long as I give the dye enough time. It can be treated like an animal fiber and put into acid dye, or like a plant fiber and soaked in soda ash. I ended up using scarlet RIT dye (which is a little of each type of dye), warm water and giving it a good three hours soak before pulling it from the dye pot.

I can’t believe how paranoid I was the first few times I handled the stuff and how casual I am with it now.

Spun up it makes a more attractive and much less graphic yarn. It’s almost appropriate for Valentines day.

When I have my second bobbin full I plan to ply it, but it is so tempting to leave some portion as a single to weave in with the flax that is currently languishing on the other wheel.