... as in, "wow! Tripods are BRILLIANT!".

Peter dug his out for me because taking crisp images for my fiber was extraordinarily tough. Using no flash and closeups the shutter speed and exposure were both quite long and my hand, no matter how still it was, shook far too much for the quality of image I was looking for.

The tripod with a self-timer helped immensely, and now the last item on my list to making my pictures how I would like them is a light box, either constructed from this tutorial or one premade from here. Especially with it being winter here and overcast most days, with those days being dreadfully short, I am finding it VERY difficult to take a shot with the proper lighting I need. Even my brightest shots look dim unless the fiber is glaringly bright, and I don't want to yse direct flash because it distorts the colors.

Speaking of 'dreadfully bright' items, I have two new rovings listed in my shop, with one more drying that is a real stunner. I am happy with how both these turned out, though the Daffodil roving didn't dye up to the strength I wanted and I needed to do an overdye on the yellow sections, but I am actually very pleased with the results, if not the predictability of them. The pictures don't do it justice, it is so lovely and springy and bright, it will make a softly colored, fluffy yarn when its all said and done... perfect for a baby hat and socks combo or even a wool diaper cover.

The second yarn is a total stunner named Nightfall, and it's just lusciously vivid. Jewel toned, rich, and yet not blaring or overstated, I am almost sad to see it go but I know someone else's wheel will appreciate it much sooner than mine would! It is mainly turquoise and midnight blue with pops of fuschia and violet... just gorgeous, and remind me very much of these crisp, shockingly bold sunsets we've been getting of late.

The third yarn will be revealed, but it is an Indian Summer or Nectarine to me at this point, though the colorway name has yet to be irrevocably assigned. It also got overdyed in sections to reduce the white field and give it a bit more richness in shade, but it was fabulous either way. I will try to remember to post some images of these in my permanent gallery at a later date.

In kidlet news... Callie has been AWFUL lately. She's been sniffly and stuffy for days, but she's tantrumy to boot. Her eating has been terrible and her bottom's unhappy, too. This makes for a very crabby toddler. She just went down for a nap and after three hours of straight whining I confess I am quite thankful. I hope she is back to her normal, cheerful self again soon. Lilah's been a peach, as always. She's really turning into a character and we're having wonderful 'conversations' now. She'll cheese away for a smile or a laugh, and I just adore those gooey, toothless grins (even with the spitup dribbles). She's almost four months old already, I can hardly believe it. I am in no hurry for another one but part of me wishes she could stay in these baby days forever. Each new age brings new joy, but I am particularly fond of this cuddly, babbling phase she is in. I can hardly wrestle her sister into a two second cuddle while reading nowadays, so I am really missing my snuggly babies and Lilah is happy to oblige.

More to come soon, I have to get ready for bell choir now. YAY!