May was another productive month for me spinning-wise. I finished spinning another pound of fiber bringing my total for 2012 up to 6 lbs – halfway to my goal! It took me a little longer to get the pictures that I wanted because it seems like it has rained everyday here since the first of June (no, I’m not complaining although a little more sun would be welcome).
This month I lucky enough to spin 4 oz of Gotland Sheepswool (pictured above) which I was very excited about. The colorway is “Robin Red Breast” by Spunky Eclectic. It is a long wool with a beautiful, silky, slippery feel very much like mohair. My 4 oz bump of fiber got spun up into 2 ply fingering weight yarn which is destined for handspun socks. I really love using longwools for socks because I find it makes them nice and durable (which socks certainly need to be).
The next spin was 4 oz of merino in “Paper Roses” colorway by Greenwood Fiber Works. This is one of my absolute favorite colorways and unfortunately, my pictures just don’t do it justice. This braid of fiber was spun up to approximately 450 yards of 2 ply fingering weight goodness and I’m thinking that it would look great knit up into a pair of cozy armwarmers.
My third spin for May was 4 oz of BFL in “Shades Of Burgundy” colorway by Greenwood Fiberworks. I love mix the rich plums and light mauves in this colorway! I have another 4 oz of this to spin and my plan is to evenually knit an Oaklet Shawl (I love Tina’s so much that I definitely need my own!).
And last but certainly not least is 4 oz of Polwarth in “Tribe” colorway by Greenwood Fibers. This was fractally spun to a 3 ply DK weight yarn with the plan of knitting a super cozy pair of thrummed mittens. I love the roundness and bounce of 3ply polwarth. So squishy and cozy!
With all this yummy handspun growing monthly in my stash, I’m thinking I may have to take 2013 off from spinning just to knit all the wonderful project I envision for all of it (just kidding)! I must say that I have been enjoying every minute of my 12 lbs in 2012 experience and I LOVE looking into my stash to pick out yarn for new projects. I have learned a lot so far this year about fiber, yarn structure, and sheep breeds and their fiber characteristics and I look forward to diving in even deeper.
So what have you been busy with? What new and crafty things are you trying out? I’d love to hear all about it!
Hi
My sweater is going really well, finally! I was wondering if you learned to spin on your own or did you go to school? I would love to do Fiber Arts or Textile Studies. I always say WHEN I win the lottery I’m going to do it. lol
So glad to hear that your sweater is coming along well. I would love to see pictures when you finish.
I learned to spin on my own by pouring through library books and watching youtube videos (Abby Franquemont is one of my faves) but I definitely agree with you on wanting to take Fiber Arts or Textile Studies. There is just so much to learn about in these areas that a person will never, ever lack for something new to try
Absolutely beautiful! Still spinning Romney but I love how it’s looking. Right now I’m working on a piece of embroidery for a pillow cover
Can’t wait to see your both your Romney (one of my favorite fibers!) and your pillow cover. You are such an inspiration with your many crafts! I have yet to try embroidery but you are seriously tempting me to give it a go after seeing your latest project.
Gorgeous, gorgeous handspun! Love those colors. Remind me of candy. Yum! I’m knitting my first pair of socks with the magic loop method, and loving it. Can’t wait to see these knitted up!
Thanks Martha! I’m so excited for you starting your first pair of magic loop socks. Magic loop is a fantastic technique and I use it for almost all of my socks, fingerless gloves, and sweater sleeves. You’re going to be so hooked (if you aren’t already!). he he he
Awesome colors, I really like it. Really fantastic, I want to use this kind of colors for my head band patterns that my friend Liz designed for me. I can’t wait doing those knitting designs.
Thanks so much Nathaly
Truly beautiful colours. Keep going girlie!
Thank you so much Rosa