Spinning Sock Yarn

One of my goals in spinning and knitting is to spin my own yarn for socks. At SAFF (the Southeast Animal Fiber Fair) in October, I bought some ready-to-spin superwash fiber. Superwash fiber has been specially treated so that it can be washed in a washing machine without felting. I've been working on spinning it for socks.

Sock yarn needs to be firm, so it holds up well. I also want it to be fairly fine, as in not bulky yarn. All that meant it took FOREVER to spin the four ounces of fiber I bought.

I finally finished spinning the singles. Then I was faced with the decision of how to ply it-- 2-ply? 4x4 cable? Chain/Navajo ply? As usual, I had not managed to fill two bobbins evenly, and since I didn't want to waste any of the fiber, a 2-ply was out. A 4x4 cable had pretty much the same issue, even if I plied from center pull balls. Also, I like the idea of preserving the color runs (chain plying does this beautifully!), so chain plying was the winner.

Here's the result--a picture of the singles still on the bobbin, and the chain-plied yarn on the wheel:

My Boys Know Me So Well

My husband and son went to a Revolutionary War Reenactment in Camden, SC, on Saturday. They both know that I've been wanting to learn to spin, as in spin fiber into yarn (nothing to do with bicycles or exercising, silly reader). So what do you think they brought back for me? A top whorl drop spindle!

It's a really simple device that uses a shaft and a weight to spin and draw the fibers into yarn. I can't believe how much there is to know about spinning: types of spindles, length of fibers, thick vs. thin yarns and how to create each, how to make 2-ply yarn.

Okay, well, the device itself is simple, but getting it to create the yarn you want takes practice. My spindle came from a lady at the reenactment, along with her video and roving (the fiber prepared to spin). Her name is Renee Gillespie and her video makes it look easy and I think I can do it!

The picture above shows my drop spindle and the rather bumpy yarn I've spun so far. Oh, and if you're on my Christmas list, expect something "primitive" this year.

I Love Yarn Shops!

I convinced my husband to go to two, yes two yarn shops today, as well as a craft store. I only had to spend a few minutes in Lowes and Tractor Supply in return. Anyway, here's what I found:

The gorgeous sparkly ribbon is called "Sari Ribbon" by Louisa Harding. It's from Turkey. The coordinating yarns are 80% pima cotton/20% merino wool by Sierra from Peru. I also found some beautiful, creamy wool with just a touch of cashmere.

There was so much more. I could have spent all day, ooo-ing over the wonderful textures and colors. I had no idea how tactile I am until I started crocheting regularly. The yarn must feel good in my hand or I don't want to work with it. These shops are heaven for serious (and frivolous) fiber addicts.

I live in a very rural area. It's remarkable to have two such amazing specialty shops within an hour of home.

Shops visited:
The Sassy Knitter
Barbara Sue Brodie Needleworks


Ahhh, new yarn....

bedesisters go to Aiken

It was time for a field trip and the bedesisters headed to Aiken, SC. Aiken is a great place with a wonderful town center. We headed for Hayne Avenue, a crafters paradise.

I wanted to touch all the yarn at Barbara Sue Brodie Needleworks. They have a fabulous shop with yarns you won't find just anywhere. Here I am, in crochet heaven!

We then went next door to the Aiken Quilt Shoppe, where Sarah helped us find the perfect fabric for our new sign. We're going to embroider our name on it to use at shows. (I say "we" but really mean "have some else" do it for us.) Here's Lori watching as our sign-in-the-making is cut. Isn't that fabric awesome? It looks like suede.

And you'll never guess what's in the back room of the quilt shop... an absolutely stunning model train. It's a whole city back there!




















We also found the best place for beautiful ribbon, Southern Fabrics. Lots of ribbon and I like it all.

And of course, a girl's got to eat, so we stopped at the Aiken Brewing Company. Hint: try the creamy chicken salad.
I love my work!