Navajo Plying

NavajoBlog, originally uploaded by ontheroundfiberart.

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!

How To Prep A Batt for Spinning

Love the look of batts but don't have the slightest idea how to work with them? Allow me to show you how to prep a fibery fun batt for spinning!

This is how your batt will arrive.



First you want to open up your batt and lay it out flat.



Then you want to gently pull your batt into strip's. Leave the end of the strip connected to the whole and alternate ends so that you end up with a zig-zag.



Next you are going to draft out your batt into one long piece- like roving. When you are drafting out the wool you are going to want keep your hands about 6 inches apart. It will require some strength- but be sure to keep control so you don't just rip the wool apart.



It's best to draft out the wool several times to get it the thickness you want rather than try and draft it out very thin all at once. When your batt is drafted to your desired thickness, roll it up into a ball.



Now you are ready to spin!