Sunday, March 20, 2011

Like spinning on a wheel…

It’s been too long since my last spinning project and I’m not sure why, exactly.  Fortunately, it’s just like riding a bicycle. 

Boy 1 was having “lessons” for a while so a bobbin was tied up with his learning yarn…but I finally decided to take back the wheel.  He helped me pick this roving – remember the BFL I won in novamade’s contest last summer?

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I divided it into 3 equal(ish) parts using my scale and began spinning.  I finished the first bobbin and realized I would need to clear some leftover fiber off two bobbins in order to make this 3-ply yarn (I only own 4 bobbins).  After a somewhat frustrating time re-teaching myself to Navajo ply (thank goodness for YouTube), I got this little 17-yard skein:IMG_8568 And I tried my best to Navajo ply Boy 1’s singles, but they were so uneven that it kept breaking.  I got this far (36 g) before just throwing the rest out in a small fit of temper:IMG_8570 Once I cleared the bobbins, I walked away for a day and came back to spin these:IMG_8533 IMG_8535 Ahhhhhh, better.  The singles have been plied now and the finished yarn is drying – I’ll show pictures tomorrow!

And… I’ve decided that it’s time to learn the long draft.  I want to be able to get a fluffier, loftier, woolen-style yarn.  My current (and only) technique is for worsted-style yarn, created without allowing any twist to enter the drafting zone.  It makes denser, drapier yarn.

I read a post on a Ravelry forum that the MDSW catalogs are out – someone got theirs in the mail on Saturday.  Not me, though.  Maybe tomorrow?!??

2 comments:

  1. I'm in awe of your ability to spin. Those bobbins are so colorful and lovely. Can't wait to see it when it all comes together.

    Wish I was going to Maryland Sheep & Wool...(sniff)...

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  2. I haven't gotten my MDSW catalog yet either!

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