As promised, I have not one but TWO finished skeins of handspun to share this week! I did two quick and dirty spins of some Southern Cross Fibre as part of my effort to plow through older stash. First was a mystery, a bag of fiber that was a prize from Tour de Fleece 2015 (yes, 2015). Not even David knew what the fiber was, and I was clueless as well. All I can tell you is that it was soft! I split it into thirds and did a traditional three ply with it that ended up worsted weight-ish.
The color isn't quite accurate here; it's a bit blown out. This photo of it on the niddy noddy, before washing, is a more accurate representation:
After washing and drying, the skein measured about 140 yards, so it's pretty dense, but that was expected.
Next, I turned to some South African Superfine in a colorway called Fragonard, one of several in a short series that David did inspired by artists. I will admit up front that I never really cared for this colorway, but I also don't care much for Fragonard's art. Still, South African Superfine is lovely stuff to spin. I tried to spin my singles a bit finer and ended up with a slightly thinner yarn (somewhere in the range of sport to DK weight):
The big skein is about 157 yards. The tiny skein was plied on a spindle using the singles that were leftover on one of the bobbins after the first bobbin of the three ran out (there was so little left on the last bobbin that I just tossed it). It's a bit less than 14 yards of fingering weight. Seems like it might be good for an acorn or two, Kat?
Here's a closer view of the big skein, which ended up very marled.
Though I certainly didn't plan it, it occurs to me now that these two skeins might go together very well!
Up next are the other two artist-inspired colorways, Caravaggio (on Corriedale) on the left and Kandinsky (on Rambouillet) on the right:
As you can see, I've split both colorways up lengthwise. The Corriedale split easily into quarters, but the Rambo was a little more temperamental and split into three strips that aren't very even. My plan for both is to spin one bobbin of singles, spinning the strips sequentially, and then chain plying. I've already got Caravaggio on the wheel with the hope that it will become sock yarn (it is Socktober, after all!). These are two colorways I like, so I really want to preserve the colors as much as possible. I don't think I'll have these done by next weekend, but at least I'll have some in-progress shots to show by then!
Two more lovely handspun skeins, and I definitely see some acorns in your future!
ReplyDeleteI'll bet it's fun to spin up a mystery bag! Makes me think of getting the DumDum suckers with the '?' label in my Halloween loot...(I always hoped for Cream Soda!) Looks like some fun colorways to look forward to in the coming week, as well!
ReplyDeleteI just wish there was a way to identify the fiber -- and I'm not licking it!
DeleteOOO! YES! that yarn will be perfect for a couple of acorns! I have been averaging about 6.5 yds per acorn. :)
ReplyDeleteJust lovely, Sarah. Your yarn is always so beautiful.
ReplyDeletestunning, Sarah. simply stunning. I never grow tired of seeing those balls of fiber become yarn and then become something to wear. thank you for sharing all of it!
ReplyDeleteJust amazing. I still don't understand how it all works, but it's fun to follow along :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the acorns!
I LOVE the colours on the bottom right!! OMG this is so pretty! Do you rather spin colourful yarn or do you like the "quieter" tones equally well? The new yarns look so beautiful! Like pebbles in the rain.
ReplyDeleteI typically like the bright colors because it's more entertaining to spin them, but sometimes I like the change of something undyed/natural.
DeleteThank you! That's what I thought as well, that it's a little easier to keep interested. (Maybe I should start spinning the colourful fibre in my stash first instead of trying to spin up the unicoloured fibre.)
Delete