Things are moving pretty slowly here since I am 38 weeks pregnant. I am managing to get some spinning in still though! Here is a couple of the Finn wool colorways I've been working on. They are all spun into singles now and resting on the bobbins. I will start Navajo plying them tonight.
Finn wool is just a dream come true! It is as soft as merino, but it has a longer staple so it's a bit more durable and very easy to spin thin.
I did a little test N-ply that I swatched last night and it knits like a dream! I'll post a photo of that swatch once it dries.
I can't think of a better way to wait for labor than to play with beautiful wool!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
On The Bobbin: Finn Wool
Monday, February 13, 2012
Navajo Plying
Lately I've been experimenting with Navajo Plying, or chain plying handspun yarn. I work with hand painted roving a lot and I really like the way that the method retains the color changes in the wool.
When I am trying a new technique, I prefer to wing it initially, and then research the technique. The yarn above is my first attempt.
I've since done quite a bit of research on the subject and have learned a thing or two.
Overall, my first attempt turned out quite well. I used a one hand method and it became clear to me that I need to use my left hand to hold the twist so I don' t get little tangles as I work a new loop (see middle photo). I also was treadling very quickly and had my bobbin on fast intake resulting in a frantic spin...clearly I need to slow it down next time.
This morning I found this great video by Sarah Anderson on youtube. I really think that this video is THE video you should watch if you are interested in learning to N-ply yourself. She explains quite a lot in a very methodical, logical way all while showing the technique, slowly and clearly.
I'm going to do a few more play skeins with little bits of singles I have laying around before taking it to the shop. My plan is to N-ply the Finn wool I recently hand painted and offer it up in the shop next week.
Stay Tuned!
When I am trying a new technique, I prefer to wing it initially, and then research the technique. The yarn above is my first attempt.
I've since done quite a bit of research on the subject and have learned a thing or two.
Overall, my first attempt turned out quite well. I used a one hand method and it became clear to me that I need to use my left hand to hold the twist so I don' t get little tangles as I work a new loop (see middle photo). I also was treadling very quickly and had my bobbin on fast intake resulting in a frantic spin...clearly I need to slow it down next time.
This morning I found this great video by Sarah Anderson on youtube. I really think that this video is THE video you should watch if you are interested in learning to N-ply yourself. She explains quite a lot in a very methodical, logical way all while showing the technique, slowly and clearly.
I'm going to do a few more play skeins with little bits of singles I have laying around before taking it to the shop. My plan is to N-ply the Finn wool I recently hand painted and offer it up in the shop next week.
Stay Tuned!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Handspun Yarn Update
Good morning!
Today I am editing photos for my next shop update. At the rate that I am currently waddling, it's looking like I'll be listing new yarn on Thursday, Feb 2nd. Be sure to come by the shop and see all the beautiful blues and greens I have in store for this week!
Today I am editing photos for my next shop update. At the rate that I am currently waddling, it's looking like I'll be listing new yarn on Thursday, Feb 2nd. Be sure to come by the shop and see all the beautiful blues and greens I have in store for this week!
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