Its that time again … time to share this month’s handspun booty 
Pictured above, is 6oz / ~660 yards of 2 ply fingering weight undyed BFL. I picked up 2 lbs of this lovely fiber at Spunky Eclectic a couple of months ago and June seemed like the perfect time to bust into it. I love the silky feel to this fiber and am thinking that I will use this for the West Knits Mystery Shawl KAL but only time will tell!
Next up was 4oz of merino in “Copper Hills” colorway by Greenwood Fiberworks. I decided to spin this up super bulky and thick and thin as I’m planning to knit an infinity scarf with this skein and the next 4oz of this beautiful fiber that I will hopefully spin during Tour de Fleece. This was a really fun spin and I know that it will be both a fun knit and a super cozy FO.
More fingering weight yarn here! This is 4oz / ~ 420 yards of polwarth in “Tribe” colorway by Greenwood Fiberworks fractally spun up as a 3 ply yarn. I really love fractal 3 plys because of the roundness of the yarn and the way that the colors blend and flow throughout. I’m thinking this will be the other skein of yarn for my West Knits Mystery shawl. It should be enough but I’m going to spin up my last 4oz just to be on the safe side.
And last but not least, is 4oz of 2 ply fingering weight BFL in the “Shades Of Burgundy” colorway by Greenwood Fiberworks. I used only a very tiny bit of this second skein of handspun to finish my Oaklet Shawl. I’m hoping to do a post on the finished shawl tomorrow
With Tour de Fleece underway now, I’m working toward my TdF goal AND my 12 lbs in 2012. Lots more yummy handspun yarns to come!
Are you spinning along with TdF or 12lbs in 2012? How are you getting along and what lovely fibers are you spinning? I’d love to hear all about it.
Oh, how I wish I could spin! I’ve always wanted to but there’s nowhere never by where I can learn. I did order a book at the library, maybe that will get me started. Your yarns are lovely!
I was in the same boat Judy. I didn’t know of anyone close to where I lived that was a spinner but I wanted to learn anyway. I picked up a spindle at Castle Fibers in 2007, watched some youtube videos to learn how and haven’t looked back since!
I finally finished my buttony sweater, not completely satisfied with the fit, but still love it. I post pic later
Oooo! I can’t wait to see your sweater!
Wow Simone! I love the undyed BFL, it’s so squishy soft looking and such a creamy white! Your handspun is all gorgeous and I can’t wait to see your finished Oaklet
Thanks Tina. I’m really in love with BFL. I keep coming up with new favorite fibers, so I guess that I just really love wool! he he he
This is my first year of doing the tour de fleece and I’m spinning some spunky club that I got behind on. I can’t wait to see your West Knits Mystery shawl out of those colors.
Congrats on joining up with Tour de Fleece. I saw your post on the Robin Red Breast Gotland. Your finished yarn looks lovely!
beautiful!!
I’ve been following your blog for a little while now and am always inspired when I see your handspun yarn. I just recently purchased a drop spindle as my “intro” into handspinning and am anxious to get started.
I was wondering if you have any great resources – such as books, websites, etc. – that you would find helpful for beginner spinners.
Thanks!!
Congrats Angie on picking up a spindle! I learned how to spin on a spindle as well. Abby Franquemont’s youtube videos were a huge help, that and lots of playing with the fiber. My first yarns were lumpy, bumpy, and super bulky but with some patience and practice (and sometimes a little wine!) it got easier.
The things that I found helped me out most in the beginning were stripping the fiber into thumb wide strips and gently pre-drafting. Here is a link to an awesome how-to video on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us0nk_ryMDI
And favorite tutorial on how to ply with a drop spindle is on Knitty:
http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/FEAThandyplying.html
Hope that this helps you out and can’t wait to see your handspun!
ha! I think wine helps anyone do anything
I watched a few of the videos you recommended and bookmarked the Knitty link for future reference. I am amazed by their skills and knowledge. They always make it look so easy
I purchased Abby Franquemont’s book along with my spindle and it is helpful, just sometimes I need more of a visual for what I’m trying to accomplish.
Thank you so much for the info!
You’re very welcome. The world needs more spinners!
Be sure to keep us all updated on your progress!