La Lana Wools

April 17th, 2007

If you are not a knitter, look away! If you are — or perhaps even just an appreciator of hand-made goods and pretty, shiny things — then you may enjoy these additional photos from my trip a couple of weeks ago to La Lana Wools in Taos. Figgered they were purty enough to toss up here.

As a non-dyer it’s hard to believe that they manage to get all these shades using plant-based dyes. Some of the richer tones require double and even triple processing to achieve.

A pile of absolutely gorgeous silk and cotton blend gem tones.

Hard to tell from this photo but these were long ropes of hand-painted variegated yarns.

I don’t even know what you call a yarn this thick and rope-y but it’s got to be like knittin’ straight from the sheep.

A peek at the wool yarns and roving in the back room.

These lovely wools had inspired names such as “greeny” and “bluey.” Having been the childhood owner of one stuffed duck named “Ducky” and a doll named “Dolly,” I can appreciate this type of quiet genius.

Baskets for roving for the spinning-inclined. One day I really will get to usin’ the spinning wheel I bought from my friend Margaret.

Dried flowers, plants and even onion skins are used for achieving the colors of the yarns.

I’d probably never knit with something this thick ‘n funky but, man, is it beautiful to look at.

Entry Filed under: Knittin', Sewin', Craftin', Travelin'