I mentioned previously that I had some of my first spinning washed and set. Some of that is still in need of a good soak and set, and I hope to get it done before heading to Korea. Here's a pic of that mess.
The ball in front (hand wound because I have neither a swift nor a ball winder, but I'm not complaining, hehehe) is what has been soaked and set. The two bunches in the back still need that process done to them. I have no idea how much yarn I ended up with, but I can tell you the stuff isn't that great. However, I must keep in mind that this is my first overall attempt at spinning on a drop spindle...well spinning on anything really. It is very unevenly spun with some parts being big, some being small, some spun a little t
oo tight, and some not enough. Overall, I guess it's ok for a first attempt. The roving I used was polworth (I think that's what it's called), and it was nice to work with. I got it at London-Wul back in April when I took the class on drop spindle spinning. To the left you can see a bit more of a closeup on the varying sizes I managed to produce.
oo tight, and some not enough. Overall, I guess it's ok for a first attempt. The roving I used was polworth (I think that's what it's called), and it was nice to work with. I got it at London-Wul back in April when I took the class on drop spindle spinning. To the left you can see a bit more of a closeup on the varying sizes I managed to produce. I have no idea what I'll make with this, but it will probably end up as a scarf. Like I said, I have no idea how much yarn I ended up with, and I'd hate to start something like a hat or pair of mittens and end up running out of yarn. Also, with the different thicknesses in the ball/skein/whatever you want to call it, I don't know if it would be wise to knit a hat or mittens with it. I might just end up making a simple garter stitch scarf...unless anyone else has any other ideas.
This is my latest spinning. It's only single ply as of yet. See how much more uniform it is, and how much thinner it is? I must say I am liking this one much more than the first attempt. I've since learned to use not as much of the roving and to pull (or whatever you call it) it apart more than I had in the first attempt. It is also polworth and I've just really started to spin it. I'm just wondering if it is possible to knit with a single ply, and if so what; or is it better to ply it with another single? Please spinners, let me know!I am also hoping to get sock yarn out of my spinning (at some point), but being such a newbie at this, I don't think I'm quite ready to make sock yarn just yet...I don't know if it takes a lot of practice before one is ready to spin sock yarn, or if newbies can attempt it. Any spinners out there have any idea?
Other than the spinning, I haven't really done any knitting. We had a few days of unbearable (at least for me) heat and I just didn't feel like doing much of anything except for sitting in front of the fan and trying not to melt. My neck was also bothering me (stiff and sore) for this past week and it still is a little...though I can actually move my head without my neck hurting. Right now it basically feels just a little stiff and no real pain - which is good.
I want to knit. I stand in front of my stash gazing at my yarn, looking at my patterns, thinking of what I should make (or at least finish i.e. socks and a baby sweater I started), but I can't muster up the energy or desire to actually sit down and knit more than a few stitches. I think part of the "problem" is the whole getting ready for Korea thing. That has sort of taken precedence over anything right now, which is understandable. But, at any rate, I will be knitting again, and hopefully soon - as in before I leave for Korea!
My Sockapalooza, Christine over at Needle In My Vein, has received her socks and they fit! Woo hoo! I hope she'll enjoy wearing them when the weather gets a little cooler/colder. Why not make a visit to her blog; tell her I sent ya (not that that will get you anywhere or win you anything). My pal (the one knitting for me) has left a comment saying that she's got mine on their way. She'd been on vacation and had forgot to mail them before she left, which is ok. To be honest, I was a little late sending Christine's socks as well. Anyway, I'm hoping to get my package before I leave for Korea. That would be way cool!
Off to try and knit or spin or start making my list of what to pack, or do absolutely nothing...just depends on what I feel like doing (or not doing as the case may be). Happy knitting!
Edited to add: I am not sure why the paragraphs are all joined together (or at least most of them). I separated them, but for some reason blogger is sticking most everything together. It makes it look like I don't know how to write in paragraph form - really, I do know. It's just blogger's fault.
7 comments:
I would love to learn to spin at some time. Yours is looking very nice. I can't help you though with any of your spinning questions, know nothing about it.
When do you leave for Korea?
I leave for Korea on August 22 - one week from today!
I think your spinning would make a lovely garter stitch scarf - very rustic and homey. I like the colors, too. I hope you have a great time in Korea!
Wow, Shelley, after all the planning and getting ready, it must be so exciting to be so close! I'll miss your goodbyes, as I'm off on holidays myself this week. But you'll be missed! :0)
Your singles are beautiful! I will be wearing those socks more once it gets cool over here. I was wearing them a bit around my air conditioned apartment. :) Where did you get the bamboo yarn from? I would love to see if I can get my hands on another skien.
That yarn is great for your first attempt using a drop spindle! I was never good at that. I think It will make a wonderful scarf!
I'm not sure about the single ply, I think it might break to easily. If it was me I'd ply it back on itself. I too want to spin sock yarn but don't know where to start. First I want to get some lovely handyed roving... and let it inspire me!
I hope you have safe travels to Korea! will you be blogging from there too?!
Hey Shelley! Good luck and have fun in Korea!!!
Now about your spinning!! That is beautiful stuff!!! Much better than my first attempt! I broke down and bought a traveler recently and have been having a blast with it!!! How strong are your singles? Do they break when you pull lightly on them? If not you certainly could do some lace knitting with them! If they do break easily, you need to put more twist on them so the fibers get caught tightly. You can ply them and with each ply (or however you say it.....how ever many hand spuns you ply in it it will get stronger.
As for the sock yarn, the way I understand it, you can spin a thicker, single ply, OR you can ply it to sock weight. I plan on making socks out of my latest handspun.....it was delish-----ous space dyed merino! OH it is so yummy! I am just learning too so if you find anything more out, or if you hear that something I have said is wrong PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know!
Post a Comment