We interrupt this broadcast of purchased fiber with a spinning project update.
You might remember the wool I kettle dyed while my aunt was here. (See Dyed in the Wool) When I finally got around to carding it I realized that I had accidentaly felted over half of it in the final rinse. Mental note to self: Do not try to work the soap into the wool, even gently. It creates a mess.
Due to various mistakes, teachable moments, and the occasional ruined chunk, my “thistles” roving (see previous post) turned into a whopping (ha-ha) 45 yards of light worsted weight. (Measured on my new umbrella swift!)
The Finished Thistles
I’m still not sure if I like the color. One minute it looks like it’s rusted, and the next it looks like I tried for Christmas colors and failed miserably. It actually looks prettier in the picture then it does in real life! It’s not my personal preference, but I don’t think it’s awful. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it. Maybe I can use it to try out a pattern or something.
My aunt and I decided to dye some machine-spun sock yarn in lovely shades of turquiose, chestnut, and pink. (At some point those were really trendy colors, but I don’t keep track of those things.)
The Colors
I decided to spin the “Heather” roving that I dyed (see Thistles and Heather) into a thick single, then ply it with some thread. While I was trying spin it on the drop spindle I discovered that it’s really hard to spin an even, thick yarn. I ended up with a sort of “thick and thin” novelty yarn, which is rather pretty. I have no idea what I’ll do with it, though.
"Heather" Yarn
The colors turned out grayer than I’d thought they’d be, which is nice because that’s what I was originally hoping for.
Close up
Two Rovings
If anyone is interested in replicating these colorways, here is how I made them.
Or, sort of merrily. The carding is fun. And, unless I’m doing something drastically wrong, it’s very easy.
Freshly Carded Wool
That was the question. Thankfully I figured it out. Throwing caution, a lack of a lazy kate, and normal procedures to the wind, I charged ahead into the unknown world of two ply. Here is the finished yarn I made from the teal/cream/brown variagated Romney roving. (Romney Jackpot)
Spun 2-ply
It all started in my aunt’s living room. My family and I were on vacation, and we were coming up with different ideas for cottage industries that I might be able to do. My dad thought of weaving, since I liked yarn, and in the process of researching looms and whatnot, my wonderful aunt brought out a copy of SpinOff magazine. I was hooked.