Here’s a shot of my newest clover lamb in progress 
This little guy will most likely be in the shop tomorrow.
The color is even more of an eye-hurter in person. It’s one of my hand-dyed and I LOVE it! I used Jacquard Acid Dyes which are great. (Turquoise and Kelly Green are screamers like this one, too.) The fuchsia is so loud that finding coordinating colors is a real challenge. But setting up design problems like this is one of my favorite parts of making softies.
After crocheting this little guy I have less than half a skein of worsted weight left. Since I dyed it awhile ago I’ve purchased fingering weight and roving from KnitPicks and a HUGE canning pot for the stove. If it isn’t too hot here in Chicago I think this will be a dyeing weekend. I’m going to see how it goes when I dye all three yarns together. I’m hoping that I will be able to get all three fibers dyed evenly at the same time. If it works I will be able to do things like make animals with fluffy heads that match the rest of their body. Back in the day I used eyelash and furry yarns, but now it’s important to me to used as many natural materials as possible, so I’ve turned to wool roving instead. The thing I miss about these yarns is the long wispy fibers, though. I need to find a way to give this effect with Peruvian highland wool. I guess I could use Leicester top but it’s a lot more expensive. Maybe I should spin the roving loosely? Then I’d need to learn how to use a drop spindle! Good thing learning new fiber crafts is one of my favorite things too
In other news…I think I mentioned before that I am on Lyrica for my headaches. My neurologist said that the goal for my treatment is a 70% reduction in pain, which sounds pretty good to me. The new med is definitely taking me in that direction. But it’s making me blow up like a balloon 
It has me thinking about food all the time and I’m struggling with making good choices too. I’ve got a huge bowl of berries on the kitchen table right now, which is helping, but it’s not enough. I’ve had trouble with my weight since I was a very young girl. For now I think my best attitude is to be OK with my size 16 body. That’s a real challenge, but if I dress well, do my hair and put on a bit of makeup I think I’ll feel better.
Love the focus on using natural materials. Love the colors. Love the peek behind the curtain at your work in progress. Love the love for a size 16 body.
In reading your blog and clicking through your Flickr photostream, I have been inspired to take chances in my designs, and at a time when the inspiration for my work was really stagnating.
You can always use a dog brush to make the roving furry-er.
Hi Elisa~Thanks for the advice
On my last doll I used a mohair brush to do the same thing…the problem is that the ends of the wool get really delicate and sort of shred if you pull them. Then again, my things aren’t really meant to be played with…
You could try using washed wool locks for hair as well. They would dye up just like the roving. Not just long, curly ones like wensleydale or lincoln. There are so many varieties that I can imagine as fuzzy or wispy doll hair.
That’s a good suggestion, Nora. I have some locks in a drawer somewhere…
Another adorable animal
I like the way you use colors. Every thing works : )
Happy to hear that the medicine is helping you.
Hi Beth,
Just want to let you know that you were featured in a Malaysian newspaper on Saturday. This is the online article. The actual/printed article has a few pictures of your creations. I can mail it to you if you want – just email me your address.
Jace
Hi Beth!
I love LOVE the fuschia! Maybe you would let me watch the dying process one day?
Guess what?? I just started my first cutecake from your book (after much staring at the book and feeling like not a crocheter). I love it. It is amazing.
Luff,
Bonnie