August Handspun

August was a really fun month spinning-wise for me.  I was lucky enough to be asked to do a spinning demonstration for the Women’s Institute during Old Home Week, I got to try out TWO new fibers, and I also got to spin some more long wool (love!), and I spun a whole pound of just hand dyed Spunky fiber.

The first picture is 4oz of Romney in “Lobster” colorway by Spunky Eclectic.  Not only am I super happy with my finished yarn, I’m also really happy with the picture I snapped as it shows off the gorgeous, almost silk-like shine to this wool.  I’m hoping to knit this up into a Haruni eventually.

The second bump of fiber, you’ve already seen all knit up as my Handspun Camden Cap.  This is Portuguese Merino in “A Bug’s Life” colorway which was July’s Spunky Club Fiber shipment.  I really enjoyed both this fiber and the colorway and am eager to spin Portuguese Merino again very soon.   It feels a bit more like Corriedale than Merino to me but it is bouncy and sproingy and a very fun spin.

Next was 4oz of Gotland in “Dog Gone It” colorway by Spunky.  This is another favorite fiber of mine that I just can not get enough of.  Spun up as light fingering weight singles it is silky and drapey and dreamy.  These skeins are definitely going toward making a Rumpus Recipe Shawl.  I just have to pick out a contrasting fiber to spin up to go along with this.  I’m kind of leaning toward … surprise, surprise … more Gotland but in its undyed state.  :-)

The last 4oz spun for August was the August Spunky Club Shipment of Swaledale in “Eating Maine” colorway.  This wool had me quaking in my boots just a little bit.  I had heard from others that Swaledale can be a tricky spin as it tends to be a tougher wool suitable for outerwear and houseware.   When it arrived I was very pleasantly surprised with the texture and it spun up like butter!   It was quite an enjoyable spin, plus I really love the colors.  This 4oz is either going to be a fun new purse or a very pretty Yarn Bowl.

So August brings my spinning total for 2012 up to 9.5 lbs!!!  I’m only 2.5 lbs away from reaching my spinning goal and surprisingly enough, my yarn stash isn’t taking up anymore space.  If anything, my yarn stash is smaller because I seem to knit up my handspun almost as fast as I spin it.

How is your crafting going?  Are you working toward any big goals?  Have you tried out new techniques or materials lately?  I’d love to hear all about your adventures.