Friday, January 05, 2007

Handspun Sock Yarn - My First

Wednesday I started my third year of spinning classes. When I started attending these classes my thinking was that I was only there to learn about yarn; how it's made, the differences in fibers and what yarn is good for making certain items. I had no intention of becoming a Spinner and definitely didn't intend to purchase a wheel.

Watching lots of other people spin is mesmerizing! Took four classes, one month, to hook me. One very nice woman lent me a castle type wheel she wasn't using - she had two others at home. (I couldn't imagine owning three spinning wheels!) I practiced and practiced and purchased my own wheel two months later. And I've been spinning ever since.

Not to say I've been turning out quality product, just having fun. Once I could consistently keep the wheel spinning and the fiber twisting I set myself the goal of making a fingering sock yarn at some distant time in the future. We worked on it in class and I kept trying but I never could make a single fine enough or smooth enough. Socks prove that old "Princess and the Pea" thing; as you walk the soles of your feet can feel the smallest bump.

Jumping ahead two years I was given just under two ounces of fine merino that I hand dyed. The fiber dyed so nicely I set out to try spinning very fine singles - one more try at sock yarn. I'm still not sure if it was my skill or the fiber but I was easily spinning consistently fine/thread singles. I Navaho ply it. (That method shows off your color runs and gives you a 3 ply yarn.)

Here's the result - 1.7 ounces/138 yards:









I'm very pleased with the colors too.




4 comments:

hakucho said...

Your hand spun yarn is gorgeous! Color is wonderful. Oh, someday I want to learn :)

Have fun knitting some socks and please show us the finished results...can't wait :)

Anonymous said...

I am totally in awe of somoeone who can change roving into real, live yarn!
Congratulations to you.
(The gorgeous colours are a bonus.)

I haven't yet been seduced by spinning - yet - because it just seems so impossible.

janeyknitting AT yahoo DOT ca

Christa Brassington, said...

I came across your blog today while looking for spinning classes in San Diego. I love the variety you have on your site!
I'd love to know where you take your classes- if it is open to ultra-beginners (never even touched roving. Ha!)

Christa Brassington, said...

Sorry, my email is christabrassington at gmail dot com