Deep Color Studio, Fleece Day class

I spent my Sunday at Deep Color Studio in Kensington, CA (near Solano Av in Albany--can you say Gordo's?!), a fabulous studio cottage stuffed with fiber and natural dyes (and a brilliant instructor). I took one of Claudia's classes-- "Fleece Day" where we learned about how to select fleeces, their types and varieties, what to look for and avoid thru different acquisition methods... but the hands on part was the BEST. We washed fleeces (including one of mine, purchased when I bought my wheel), and learned about carding and combing, and how different fleeces would spin.

True to form I took my camera but forgot my cf card, so no pics. Just as well, I eavesdropped on conversations about the lameness of some bloggers (no, I didn't mention I have over 450 blogs in my bloglines now, or that I jabber on here in my little anon corner of the world...) but nonetheless the atmosphere was really nice and non-intimidating. I think I was the only one who hadn't taken a class with Claudia before (or had even been to Deep Color!) but I didn't feel outcast like I did at the nearby Stash. (I'm such an introvert, stuff like this is so important to me.)

It really was eyeopening, the washing of fleeces... reading Alden's book (we're on a 1st name basis, the way he talks to me!) I felt that in my shoebox apartment there'd never be a chance for me to wash fleece. Claudia really opened my eyes though, showing me I didn't need to do it inside in my bathroom (without a bathtub, if you didn't know!)-- that Ace Hardware would be my friend, and that it really wasn't that scary, if at all. I love that, when someone can "teach" you the accessibility of something you always were intimidated of. Its not so much the words but the "don't worry!" vibe... unteachable but definitely something I can pick up on and make my own.



I don't think I'll be washing fleece anytime soon (did I mention we washed this honker I bought? I have no idea how much is here, but its beautiful...), but to know I CAN is so freaking empowering. I did take a spin on some handcards as well-- I bought myself a pair for mother's day (still in transit) thinking I wouldn't be able to go to the class this weekend (it was full, but had a last minute dropout)... so I'll be making rolags a mess of my little fleece soon.





No one tell me I need a drumcarder, please.

I did pick up a bit of merino top... the depth of color in the finished product is going to be amazing.



Definitely someone's "color" but not superwash, so no socks. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.

There was so much stuff I could dive into (roving, dye, naturally dyed yarns), but I knew I would be coming back. Claudia's class was the most fact-filled 4 hours I'd spent in a loooong time (including those when I actually made it to my law school seminars!) If you have a chance, take a class at Deep Color. I want to take her intensive dye class, but its a little steep for me. Taking the fleece day class though, I know it would *totally* be worth it.

Don't forget to congratulate Hillary for being drawn randomly for some STR and zerO stitch markers, too :) I had no idea what a GOOD feeling I'd get reading all yall's "best day" comments-- if you haven't read thru them, just skim and you'll just... feel good. I did :)