…well, it’s not very attractive yarn – being both under-spun and over-spun – and I suspect that people would pay good money not to knit with it, but those are minor, frivolous details. It’s twisty stringy stuff, and it stays together (so far).
Brace yourselves…
There, isn’t that perfectly hideous? I’m proud of it, though. It’s about 43 yards and 10 inches, or 39.5 metres. I don’t know what weight it is because it varies between slubby and thick to almost dental-floss thin. I’m happy to report that my spinning evened up considerably towards the end, though.
I used up all of the Bowmont roving that I bought at the iKnit day, and promptly ordered 100g of Blue Faced Leicester tops from World of Wool.
Attempt the Second:
I’m getting the hang of it now. It’s still thick-and-thin, but seems to get more consistent every time I pick up the spindle for another go – and I do so frequently. There is certainly a learning curve, but I like the challenge very much. I’m leching after a lighter spindle (so as to spin fingering and lace-weight – I would love to be able to use my own handspun in my doll clothes, for example!) and maybe a spinning wheel at some nebulous point in the future.
Further reading:
- iSpindle.com
Lots of instructive videos, covering all aspects of spinning on a drop spindle.
- Spin-off magazine
PDF articles on spinning basics and techniques.
- Ravelry group: Beginning Spinners
Extremely informative forum – Ravelry members only, for now.
- Youtube: Spinning Up Close On a Drop Spindle
- Youtube: Drop Spindle Basics
Abby Franquemont’s video tutorial and tips.
- Youtube: Drafting on a drop spindle
Close-up of one drafting method.
- Wikipedia: Spinning article
A good overview of spinning in general.
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I think both skeins look great! I like the first for a squishy hat. :)
@Phoe – Thank you! I think it might have to be a teeeensy squishy hat, but I’m dying to see how it knits up… maybe I’ll knit an egg-cup cover! :)
that’s awesome! Hey, a lot of people love thick and thin yarn. ; ) Thanks fo rhte links!
@Julie – I just keep telling myself “it’s art yarn! People pay good money for thick-and-thin in shops…” and that makes me feel better. :) Thank you!
Wow, there’s a very visible difference between the first and second attempt. I think you should feel proud for climbing that learning curve so quickly. (Both are beautiful though, IMO.) And anyway, I was just reading that so often experienced spinners attempt to go back and spin thick and thin yarn like they effortlessly managed to do when they were new spinners, and are surprised to find how difficult it is to do. Apparently it requires quite a bit of skill.