So I got it in my head that since I'm doing quite well with my spinning, I can start planning a semi-large project of spinning wool to make my husband a vest. I've graduated myself from experimenting and well, more experimenting, to learning the technical basics of spinning.
In other words, I still suck, but at least I know why.
To make a long, ugly story short, I plunged ahead with some fibre I had on hand. I knew I wanted a chunky weight yarn. I also knew that I wanted to make this a three-ply. So, I winged it and I did pretty good.
Here is where my cockiness begins.
I was aiming for a 17st and 24 row gauge with my newly spun yarn. I managed 15 sts and 22 rows.
Not bad, say I. I examined the yarn I made. I wanted it lighter...fluffier.
I'll just spin woolen when I get my batt, I thought.
Oh yeah, there are times when I'm so cocky I can hear God slap his forehead and shake his head in shame.
So, I get my batt. I look at it. I realize I'm not going to be able to spin this like I spin my worsted spun yarn. Yep, I realize that I'm going to have to learn a longdraw. Okie dokie. I've watched videos. How hard can it be? Besides, this is perfect because I want a lighter, fluffier yarn, right? *Insert cocky dance, here*
I abandoned the lace weight superwash merino in a pretty dark turquoise I was spinning...
My Giotto socks were once again forsaken.
The Estonian hand puppet?
Neglected like a piece of old toast.
All of it relegated to the rear of the 'work in progress' line...all in the name of spinning a woolen yarn using a longdraw.
For one solid week I spun. I practiced. I sobbed. I threw fibre [it doesn't go far, but it still felt good].
For one solid week, this is what I have to show for my efforts.
This, an aching back and the confidence of a frisky ram in a herd full of camels.
It doesn't look too shabby in the photo. I must have been making some improvements. Unfortunately, it took a week to not even fill up a bobbin using a method that is supposed to make jolly good speed of your fibre.
Ah well, at least there is one thing I am sure of.
I'm ready for clue 5 of the mystery stole.
Have a good one and Keep On Knitting...
10 comments:
:P i don't wanna see that! i'm still only on chart B!
looks really good, though!
i had a question for ya. do you remember the video you did of the german cast on? (i think it was the german cast on, lol. i know it was a variation on the long-tail). i'm on a hunt to post any good knitting videos for L&V's daily chum blog (did you know i work for miss v, lol?) i couldn't remember when you did it, and i wanted to post the link to the post itself, rather than scrounge through youtube (blech)
Why am I not surprised you're only on Chart B, Minnie! You're busier than any woman I know, I'm surprised you even got that far. LOL
The link to the video of the twisted german cast on is in my sidebar. Help yourself.
Oh! Pretty! ( the stole that is) Just finished chart E on mine about to plunge into F this morning after breakfast :-)
I hear the spinning frustration. I'm spinning with a specific project in mind and its SLOWWWWW going. I'm not even posting pics 'cause they all look the same LOL. All your WIPS look great though. I LURRVE your sheep puppet progress. I just got that as a back issue and considered making one for me... not not the kids... me ROFLMAO!!!
You have a great blog and what a wonderful stole you're knitting. You write so good I can almost picture you spin in frustration. Good luck on your project.
Good for you! I wouldn't even have put forth that much effort. I would have bought the yarn. LOL All your knits are looking lovely. :)
I'm killing time by reading a new novel and working on another project while waiting for the next clue.
You'll find it easier to spin the yarn in a way that you enjoy and then find/design the vest to fit the resulting yarn. Heh. Carol Wulster's "Sweater Wizard" is great for designing, or redesigning, a project no matter what the gauge.
I think the yellow yarn your spun looks amazing! You're really good. And your stole is coming along beautifully! I haven't been able to start mine, but I'm saving all the files!
I am glad to know that I am not the only one that gets sidetracked! your ms3 looks lovely.
Shannon: I hear you about making the puppet for yourself. [g] This one is definitely for my daughter, though...the lamb chop puppet is mine! LOL
amylin: Thank you so much! It's nice to hear that I'm able to convey in words what I'm feeling.
Samantha: If I were starting my ninth month of pregnancy, I would have, too. LOL
Marlene: Oh, I know...but, I've never been smart enough to do things in a way that would make it easier on myself.
Carrie: Thank you! I'm getting there. [g]
Marti: I'm in good company. [g]
Post a Comment