Sunday 24 January 2010

Spinning a Yarn

I’m not doing too well on my posting am I. Time is just flying by and there just seems so much to do.

Over the Christmas period I took some time out to do a little knitting and taught myself to knit in the round on 4 needles (post on that to follow). I then thought it was time to get on with teaching myself how to spin since I have fleeces and more to come in a few months.

So this is the first bobbin courtesy of Chestnut.


A little uneven and bobbly in places but overall I am very pleased with it.

I then plyed it and washed it.


And now have two hanks ready to knit.


As I said, overall I’m pleased with the result for a first attempt; like most things in life it was a learning curve. The thing that I realise most now is the importance of proper ‘skirting’ of the fleece. I wasn’t rigorous enough in removing the guard hairs or the second cuts so it’s not as smooth as it could be, but there is always next time.

4 comments:

Mickle in NZ said...

A great result, the yarn has a beautiful sheen.

I'm currently spoiling my self - knitting a lovely merino yarn that feels sooo soft. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

care and huggles, Michelle and Zebbycat xxx and purrrrumbles

aims said...

Deborah - take it from me - a spinner of many years - if that is your first attempt - everything else will be a piece of cake.

I try to spin blobs into my work because I like the uneven look - the true handmade sweater look. But the longer you spin - the harder it is to not spin a wonderful smooth pull.

Your yarn looks just beautiful. Is it alpaca or sheep?

farming-frenchstyle said...

Your spinning looks great, and it's great to see you back to blogging. Thought everyone had gone away. Can't wait to see your finished results. Good luck.

Living the Dream said...

Sorry I'm late in commenting but your spinning is fantastic, the yarn looks wonderfully soft. I can't believe it's your first attempt.