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October 28th, 2009
cindie_loo
 | 09:14 am - Tudor Poppy, Yarns and Penny Whistle Inspiration Jars
It has been a very busy week and I have multiple projects on the go. Last weekend I taught a really fun art yarn spinning workshop with the Port Perry spinning guild and had a great time.
The other night I was feeling a little bored so whipped up a Tudor-inspired freeform jacket for Poppy. Here he is:
I also finished the first Blackrose sock. This is a terrible flash photo but it does give an idea of how lovely the lace knits up.
And, I am in the nesting mode that happens around holiday season..trying to get ready for shows and such.` I am making these new little Penny Whistle Inspiration Jars as I call them:
I will be selling them at the Stitch n Kitsch show in December. (http://www.stitchnkitsch.com) In the meanwhile, they are loads of fun to make. Little jars full of different art supplies and embellishments with a hand coloured drawing and handmade label around a decorative jar lid. They have a real alchemist feeling to them and they make me want to horde them and put them up on high shelves to be discovered in 50 years.
Also, the Muststashyo site has been updated with loads of new bamboo sock yarn. We are working on episode 3 right now as well.
You can check out the shop HERE
And there is still plenty of my new Doll Feet sock yarn line in my shop.
 
 
 
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October 23rd, 2009
cindie_loo
| 01:41 pm - Doll Feet Sock Yarn
I posted my new line of 8ply lightweight fingering sock yarns in 28 colourways - Doll Feet
http://www.studioloo.com/sweetpeasockyarn.htm
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September 28th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 12:19 pm - Muststahyo Podcast is Live - and new yarns!
Hi everyone,
I just launched a really fun project that has been in the works for a while. I am recording a podcast with Mathieu of http://www.manspun.com and we have worked together on a new line of bamboo sock yarns exclusive to this podcast and aptly named CINDLEBAR MATSTASH.
You can find the podcast and the shop at http://www.muststashyo.com. Here are some of the yarny goodness!
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September 27th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 06:06 pm - Lots of Dyeing,
I have done so much dyework this week! The new yarn line is almost ready! Here are a few sneak peeks!
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September 25th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 08:32 am - New Art Yarns and Other Stuff
Just updated the shop with all sorts of bouncy, new art yarns - http://www.studioloo.com/yarns.htm
Also, I finished this little urchin sculpture...for a friend
And a Dorothy themed cowl for a Wizard of Oz related swap I am doing - modeled by Mathieu.
Today is a big dye day. I am releasing a whole new line of sock yarns and sock clubs and such...so so so much to do!
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September 23rd, 2009
cindie_loo
| 11:13 am - Busy, Muststashyo! and so on!
I have been a very bad blogger! A lot has happened over the last while though!
I have what might be a very exciting future business opportuity coming up, but it is a large financial goal and one that I can't let myself share or get too excited about yet - unless mama wins the cash cow!
Let's see, what have I been up to? I was part of a feature in the latest Spin-off magazine - the Spinning Art article.
http://spinoffmagazine.com/media/p/3036.aspx
You just have to register or sign in to have a read.
Also, I am recovering from the excitement of Worldwide Spin in Public day! I am still receiving lots of great emails and messages about how much fun everyone had. It is great to think that with the help of so many people I was able to organize a worldwide event! Now to get things ready for 2010!
You can check out highlights from WWSIP Day over the next few weeks here on the blog: http://www.spininpublic.com
My new project is a co-op I am doing with Mathieu of http://www.manspun.com (who just had an awesome Craftzine feature here: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/09/meet_mathieu_of_manspun.html
We are recording a podcast and will be launching an exclusive line of yarns called Cindlebar Matstash very soon!
You can hear our theme song, recorded by a couple of the guys from the always awesome Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad here: http://www.muststashyo.com. The podcast is Muststashyo! - a podcast about art and craft, focused a lot around yarn and fiber art, with a funny appreciation for the moustache! The site is not finished yet but in the meantime you should check out http://www.flutesquad.com or look for the boys on Myspace because they are all super talented and amazing guys. Our first show will have one of their new tracks that will be on their new album.
Anyhow, that's one sneak peek for you..here's another - our Cindlebar Matstash bamboo sock yarn - this stuff shimmers and it is totally yummy! More to come soon!
I will be updating the shop with new art yarns very soon, and this weekend will be having a big dye day - so expect a lot of new yarns. :)
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September 16th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 08:28 am
Wow, has it really been this long since I updated my blog? Yikes, but good news! I have been really busy and up to all sorts of fun stuff!
I just updated the shop with a bunch of lovely yarns - both art yarn and bamboo lace!
Here's a look at the Grape colourway:
And, here's a peek at one of the new art yarns. This is 'Antique Tree'
All art yarns here: http://www.studioloo.com/yarns.htm
All lace and sock yarns here: http://www.studioloo.com/sweetpeasockyarn.htm
Very shortly, once photographed, I will be posting a whole load of spinning fibers as well! If you are on the newsletter, you will get the update.
Much more exciting news! First off, I have been interviewed and featured in the latest Spin-off magazine along with a bunch of my art yarn spinning friends. The article is 'Spinning Art' by Tracy Hudson. If you are not a subscriber you can actually download a copy of the article here: http://spinoffmagazine.com/media/p/3036.aspx
Also, I have a new retailer selling my yarns! A friend has opened a shop in Jordan, Ontario - not only that but there is a yarn shop across the street, and it is quaint and in the midst of wine country! So, check them out. The shop is called The Fibre Garden. They are still working on their website but you can find them on Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-fibre-garden
This weekend is worldwide spin in public day!!
You can check my site http://www.wwsipday.com for an event near you or if you wish to join me, I will be attending the Port Hope event. Here is the info.
So, if you want any info. about the event, just pop me an email, ravelry message, LJ comment, or throw a cow at me or something. :)
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August 1st, 2009
cindie_loo
| 08:57 am - Birthday Studioloo Update!
Today is my birthday!! So, I have updated the shop with a load of new yarns and fibers!
Check out the new fibers! http://www.studioloo.com/fiber.htm
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July 23rd, 2009
cindie_loo
| 03:37 pm - Jewellery Clear Out!
All of the jewellery on this page is Free Shipping and 15% off the price shown!! (Canada and US)
http://www.studioloo.com/jewellerynew.html
So, get in on some awesome handmade jewellery. All pieces are one of a kind and you will be sure to get great comments! :)
Email me - cindy@studioloo.com and I will send you a custom invoice with the discount! :)
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cindie_loo
| 09:36 am - Studioloo Clearance Day 1
Hi all,
I am in desperate need of clearing up studio space here at Casa del Studioloo. So, for the next week or so, each day, I will be posting a few sales and clearance items and such - so stay tuned!!
Today's offers are as follows:
  
Free shipping on the purchase of 3 or more yarns from here: http://www.studioloo.com/sweetpeasockyarn.htm (This is lace weight and sock yarn. **Note - Amethyst lace is out of stock at the moment until I dye up more this weekend)
The Ballerina Elephant:
On sale for $30 with $5 shipping:
He was crocheted by hand, by me, his stuffing if fireproof and his eyes are safe - with metal backings. He is really soft and squishy, a real armful, and is wearing a lovely pink tutu. Make him yours! Email me - cindy@studioloo.com
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July 19th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 08:30 am - Big Yarn Update - Hand Dyed Bamboo Lace, Sock Yarn and Spinning Fibers
Here is a peek at the update:
I have dyed up a new line of bamboo lace weight yarns, as well as some new sock yarns, including an interesting yarn base of 70/30 viscose/seacell.
Lace and Sock Yarn here: http://www.studioloo.com/sweetpeasockyarn.htm
Spinning Fibers here: http://www.studioloo.com/fiber.htm
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July 16th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 10:50 am - Yarn Shop Updated, What's Else...
So, the yarn shop has finally been updated with some new goodies!
I am also working on a whole website redesign with cart and all that not-so-fun-to-build stuff and it is slowly coming along. It will eventually be so much easier to get everything all updated. I have my updates down to a science now but could stand to be better organized. It will come with time. Also I am branching out in a million exciting directions. It's funny how at certain points you find yourself uninspired and in a perpetual block but then at other times, your brain can be this carnival of new ideas. I am riding the merry-go-round at that carnival right now.
Here are some yarn shots..
 
 
 
Many more and such here: http://www.studioloo.com/yarns.htm
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July 15th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 09:29 am - First Socks, Yarn and so on!
The last couple of weeks have seemed to fly right by but I have been up to a lot of things. I hosted, along with Laurie of The Black Lamb our first Spin in Public day. It was a lot of fun and you can check out highlights at the Spin in Public blog over the next few days. You can find it here: http://www.spininpublic.com/
Here's one of my bobbin shots
Also, I have done it! I finished my first pair of socks. Here I am showing a little leg.
The only down side to learning something new and embracing it is the overwhelming urge to shop shop shop, and in this case, buy sock yarn. I am an indie dyer and I dye a lot of my own sock yarn so really there is no reason for this. So, I am trying not to fall of the wagon too hard. I am going on a bit of a yarn diet over the next while and trying to knit from my crazy, giant stash. We will see how that works out. I have finished a few new yarns as well, they will be added to the shop soon.
Hope you are all having a great, crafty, summer!
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June 26th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 09:16 am - Michael Jackson Tribute, Moss Gardens, Heels and What Not!
Things around Casa del Studioloo are a little sullen today. It's funny how you never know how you will feel about something until it happens. The death of Michael Jackson yesterday hit me hard and made me feel a little bit like I was on my own planet lastnight. However, I wasn't! I was at the fabulousity of the Knitty roundtable! and I met lots of fun people and got to play with some lovely yarn...and splurge on lovely iced teas and coffee and mmmmmalabrigo at The Purple Purl.
Here are a couple of my crazy little swatches from lastnight:
I have also decided to pull myself out of my MJ sad by spinning up a Michael Jackson tribute yarn. Here are my materials:
Lovely natural seacell blended with black merino from The Black Lamb and some gold thread, sequins, and black and gold glitz. We will see what happens with this. Not sure where I am on it yet.
Let's see..what else have I been up to?
I affixed a bunch of old wine corks from my days as a drunken sailor to the banister upstairs.
Did a little kettle dyeing:
And I finished up my first moss garden:
Have a good day everyone!
ps - sock progress!
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June 25th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 09:35 am - Pottery, Moss, Starts and Finishes
I have been a very busy bee, just finishing up the first 10 of 30 pottery classes I plan to complete over the next year before I can join a local pottery guild. My first set of classes was a lot of fun and I really liked the teacher and how she is very creative and not afraid to help you, even when you don't want help..but need it. She knows how to talk to people and help them get the best results. I can't wait to return to these classes now that I know more about how things glaze. I think that it is really only half concern in shaping, sculpting and forming your piece. When you glaze it, you have no real idea of what will happen (especially because I am a beginner) so it can be exciting but end up happy or not so happy. I think I am happy with about half of my original pieces from this first set of classes. Some will go to Goodwill however. :)
Here are a few little snaps of my pieces. There are bigger and more images on my Flickr.
 
 
 
 
My favourite piece I think is also the weirdest and technically most unprofessional one - this toadstool dish:
For those of you who may not already know, I am crazy about gnomes and nature. I am working on my first jar moss garden. So exciting!
These will be my implements:
And, I collected my moss:
There are also new yarns in the shop:
http://www.studioloo.com/yarns.htm
Even a new gnome one!
Oh, and check it out - I caved and I am finally knitting socks! The Jaywalkers are my first attempt.
I am thinking that relatively soon, once I figure out my cart application, I will be putting a new face on Studioloo.com and perhaps I might stop blogging here and start blogging on my site. I have two livejournals and sometimes it can be a little daunting to update both. I don't really talk about any personal items on the internet so there is not much of a reason to keep 2 journals...hmm much to think about.
Happy crafting!
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June 2nd, 2009
May 23rd, 2009
cindie_loo
| 10:31 pm - Spin in Public - Website Launch
Hi Everyone,
I have been working for the past few weeks on a new website geared at celebrating the spinning of yarn and organizing spinning events. You can check it out here at
http://spininpublic.com/
Also, we have created a swag store and you can get our logo on a shirt, mug, etc. just for the fun of it.
Happy spinning!
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May 22nd, 2009
cindie_loo
| 09:50 am - Barbie's Ice Cream Social
Just a few shots of my latest yarn. I will likely put her in the shop tonight or on the weekend.
Barbie's Ice Cream Social
I left their hair all very long so the artist can give them any haircut they desire, or leave as is. :)
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May 17th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 01:00 pm - Freeform Felting - Ravelry Time Capsule Fiber art Panel
I finally managed to finish the project I have been working on most of the week. It was for this Ravelry challenge: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/novelty-and-art-yarn-spinners/643969
Basically, you are to take a bunch of your scraps of yarns, fibers, etc. and throw them all in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag with some soap and felt them in the washer. I decided to make a piece of art for my studio with them. I used a load of different friends and people who inspire me and a genus name generator and sewed all the felts onto a canvas with the genus name of each of the friends. Here are some pics:
There is a whole Flickr set here with individual details on each piece:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/studioloo/sets/72157618337669000/
Here is the progress on the skirt I have been working on. I just need to sew on the appliques.
Also, pottery class is going great. I need to remember to bring my camera to share what I have made so far. I am working on a few little pieces at home as well including these sheep buttons.
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May 10th, 2009
cindie_loo
| 09:37 am - Golden Grumbles
This was a yarn spun for this challenge:
http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/novelty-and-art-yarn-spinners/578132/1-25#10
But I wanted to share it here too for those of you who might not follow the Ravelry challenges/groups.
I finished this yarn yesterday after waking up early in the morning and getting the story all finished up. I will post the story below with photos of the different facets. It has been spun in a full end to end storyline and when knit up, will follow exactly, the storyline. I will put more footnotes and details at the bottom so this post might be long.
**"Golden Grumbles"
Cindy (2009)**
Once upon a time there was a little boy who went walking through a golden acorn forest in search of some animal friends. As he approached a large pink tree with black flowers he noticed something hiding behind it. He crept ever closer to the tree and started to hear the squeaks of a small animal.
 
Intrigued, he slowly started to creep around the majestic tree following the little pitter-pat of footsteps. Then he stopped and whispered 'hello?' and heard the fast and heavy breathing of something very scared. He looked around at the golden water trickling over the pebblestones in the river and said 'who are you?'.
Suddenly, the darkness of one thousand lonely hearts fell upon the forest and the boy heard a really muffled grumbling. The creature replied 'Grumbles'. The boy, suddenly realizing that perhaps he didn't consider all the consequences of haphazardly wandering into the woods in search of friends, understood he was at the mercy of whatever was hiding behind the tree.
 
He did the only thing he could think of at the time. Throwing caution to the wind and ignoring all of those 'Don't Feed the Wild Animals' signs he noticed at the gate, he offered the creature some of the candy he had brought along in his sack. The creature grumbled 'Candy? mmmgrbrrrmmm' and had visions of the swirling colours of hard candy, and long strings of pulled taffy.
Wide-eyed, frisky, and very very fluffy, he crept around the tree to the boy. With puckering cheeks, and briskly whiskers, the boy realized he was being stared down by none other than, a wild golden hamster!
For the next few hours, the boy and the hamster ate lollipops, licorice, taffy, caramels, candy corns, jawbreakers, bubblegum, and those swirling, coloured hard candies the boy had found at the bottom of his Grandma's purse with the humbugs. As they gobbled them down, the hamster recounted his tale to the boy.
 
It was a sad tale of how from almost birth, the golden hamster could not find friends because of his name, 'Grumbles'. His brothers and sisters, and even his mother chose never to listen to him when he talked, believing that all he would do was grumble on and complain about things. He explained that it was not his fault that he was named Grumbles even before he could squeak.
Eventually, Grumbles got really tired of having no one to talk to and being treated as a second-class, bronze hamster that he developed a habit of grumbling about his troubles. It was his way of venting his frustration but also made him feel like someone was talking to him. The sound of his own voice was suddenly of great comfort to him.
Grumbles recounted of his failed school friendships and how eventually he packed his red sack and decided to retreat to the woods and live on the land as an outlaw. He found the patch of land near the majestic pink tree and settled there, grew a garden of asparagus, brocolli, wheat, corn and beets. He made a pact with the local birds that involved him supplying them with winter seed in exchange for them not eating him.
 
Grumbles and the boy found that they had lived very similar lives filled with failed friendships. Hours passed since they started talking and eating candy and now the only grumbles they could hear were the complaints of two very bad stomach aches.
Grumbles invited the boy into his modest straw and mud cave and they decided after a long nap that they would remain friends and the boy would live with the golden hamster and help him both cultivate the land and free him from the enslavement of the birds.
For years the two friends lived together, sewing seeds and growing wheat and even a field of candy floss. With never another lonely day, there was never another grumble, and they lived happily ever after.
NOTES:
Here are a picture of my supplies (minus all those time-consuming hamsters I needle felted - they are shown above)
And here they are all laid out as per the storyline:
And here are some finished shots of the yarn:
I tried to depict all of the visual parts of the story including:
Candy - felted beads and candies and long pink sections to show pulled taffy
Bronze Hamster - with bronze bamboo
Mud/Straw Cave - Some grey and brown wool with hemp
Childhood - one of the felted hamsters is a wee tiny baby
Golden Acorn forest - hand dyed gold merino/viscose with acorns in it
Grumbles and grumbling - throughout the yarn are grey locks to represent what grumbling looks like
Pink Tree with Black Flowers - Pink wool with black flowers
Fluffy-ness - Fluffy Ecospun
Garden - a section of green, yellow and dark plum - to represent asparagus, brocolli, corn, wheat and beets
Golden water over pebbles - Golden mohair locks with stone coloured felted beads
Darkness of 1000 hearts - a section of dark black
Birds and seeds - tiny birds and sprigs of berries and seeds trapped in the yarn
Needless to say, this was a labour of love, but I am happy with how it turned out. It will be up for adoption at some point with a signed manuscript of the story.
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