Looks like it'll be a while before this is done and I can get back to Seamless Hybrid #2. Not that it really matters; it'll be quite a while before The Mister would want to wear a wool sweater.I haven't done any more spinning since Sunday (I've been out the past two evenings and still have to prep the rest of the fiber), but my niddy noddy finally came yesterday, along with some pretty new fiber (padding for the box, you know), so I was able to skein up and wash my first handspun on my own wheel. It's still a tad bit damp on one end and still smells rather sheepy, but isn't it pretty?
It's definitely a bulkier-weight yarn (I haven't done a formal wraps-per-inch count yet) and there are some thick and thin parts, but I'm very pleased. It's undyed BFL, approximately 30 yards, and thankfully well balanced. It won't knit up to much, maybe just a fun, fluffy edging; I have a feeling I'll just want to keep it in a skein and admire it.
If that's not enough yarn pr0n for you, how about the latest STR? It came Saturday; in my excitement over my wheel, I completely forgot that it had been shipped out, so it really came as a surprise. I love the colorway, and I'm especially enamored of the pattern that came with it. I just need to finish up the really boring socks (read: 2x2 rib) for The Mister that are currently on the needles before I can cast on.
On a side note, I just did a big load of handknit socks, and I feel it is my duty to let you know that my Jitterbug socks are still bleeding when I wash them. The wash water is every bit as turquoise as it was on the first wash, too. I'll let you decide whether or not to invest in Jitterbug for yourself, but I most definitely will not be buying it ever again.
I like the RSC colorway and REALLY like the pattern. I wasn't counting on liking any of the patterns (you know me and "holes" in my knitting ...) so that was a nice bonus. I am hoping that we get more variegated yarns in future shipments, though. Lucky will be up next after my New Pathways frenzy :)
ReplyDeleteThat really sucks about your test knit. Bummer!
That STR *is* pretty! As is your first handspun. I vote to keep it as an art piece. Kinda like that Dyed in the Wool wine bottle. Worthy of display!
ReplyDeleteI was tempted to buy some Jitterbug over the weekend but then I remembered the skimpy yardage, my big feet and the bleeding dye and was able to resist. Some Koigu came home with me though...
ReplyDeleteYou know that green sock yarn I was using the other night at knitting that came from the "A Piece of Vermont" store? She sells roving, too. Just thought I'd mention.
your handspun is so pretty! I would save it and admire it - it's such an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are having fun spinning!
ReplyDeleteThat Socks That Rock colorway is beautiful.
I just received an order of yarn to knit MY MISTER a Seamless Hybrid sweater!
I don't know what a 'Niddy Noddy' is but it sounds dirty;)
ReplyDeleteAnd of course the year I back out of the RSC is the year that I have loved every color way. Grr.......
Bummer about the test swatch. I love your handspun, though! I think you did very nicely, and I will tell you that I've heard several times that you should always keep your first skein so you can go back and compare it a year (or more) later to what you're spinning then.
ReplyDeleteI am LOVING the STR color studies so far, and think it would be amazing if that were the theme for the whole year.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your question, my plan is to knit up the patterns provided because I joined to learn different methods other that cuff down with a heel flap. But looking at Ravelry, I can see that some of last year's colors were better suited to different patterns. For example, I thought the Flower Power colorway worked much better as Monkeys than that anklet pattern.
I dunno. Now that I'm reading more on the STR blog and the different groups on Ravelry, I didn't realize people could get so up in arms about expressing dissent!
I love the STR. I'm telling you - much better than last years (for me anyway). I will probably give it another chance next year.
ReplyDeleteWow - that STR makes me wish I had signed up for the 2008 club. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLovely first handspun!