My marathon spinning has begun:

I have three bobbins down on the BFL for Ben's sweater.  I have seven bobbins, so the plan is to spin six bobbins of singles and then start to ply.  I should be able to mix them up enough to even out any spinning differences.  At least that's the plan.  I've joined the Tour de Fleece as a rookie and my goal is to have all the yarn spun for the sweater by the time the tour is over.  At least that's the plan.  But life may get in the way, so we'll see.

I won't be be able to spin for three days next week because I'm taking a road trip to the Sisters, Oregon Quilt Show.  Three elderly ladies from our church wanted to go and asked me to go along, so I will be the designated driver.  They are absolutely charming ladies and I think we're going to have a great time.  Bill and I went years ago and it's a beautiful show.  In the 20 or so years they've had the show it's only rained a couple of times and wouldn't you know – it rained the year we went.  I hope I don't bring bad luck this year.

In the FO department, I finished Damson:

This was knit from my own handspun, a merino/silk blend.  This was probably the nicest yarn I've spun so far and it made me ridiculously happy to knit with it.  It is so much more satisfying than knitting with commercial yarn.  I highly recommend the pattern as well.  It's quick and easy and I love the way it drapes around the shoulders and stays put.  No modeling shots until I manage to change into something besides a sweatshirt and jeans.  With our weather that may be a while.

I'm having to take a good, honest look at my sewing room and make some firm resolutions.  I've come to the conclusion that I have more than enough fabric, yarn, fiber and books to keep me occupied for many moons.  In fact, it's getting to the point where I'm running out of room to put everything.  So – you heard it here first.  I'm going on a fabric, yarn, fiber and book diet until I manage to use up some of what I have.  I'm not going to put an exact amount in, but I need to get things down to a more reasonable level.  The only exceptions will be supplies to finish projects already in the stash and the Fat Cat fiber club when she offers it again.  That one only runs for 3 months at a time and it's one I really don't want to pass up.  And speaking of the club – I think I may have won a prize!  On the Ravelry group she posted the names of the prize winners and one of them was Dorothy W.  There just aren't that many Dorothys around, so I'm hoping.  She won't confirm, so I just have to wait until my shipment arrives.  I'm hoping it will come today.

Anyway – one of the first things up on my stash utilization program is to dive into this bag of cotton:

I have loads of dishcloth patterns to try out and right now they're the perfect project for my brain, which seems to be incapable of attempting anything more challenging.  Two down and a third started:

Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th.  Our plans are to have a barbecue here with the family tomorrow and maybe even take in the parade.  And of course, fresh strawberry shortcake from our local fields!  Yum!!