So my last two posts have collected more comments, each, than I usually get in a week. WOW! I have tried to reply to each and every one of you but I'm a little behind. All I can say is that I really really appreciate every single comment.
To all of you who commented on the sweater, I'm now seriously considering revisiting it when I have my deadline work completed. I will likely use one of the heather Aurora 8 shades, perhaps green again, maybe in an oatmeal shade.
To all of you who have weighed in about parenthood, thank you. I am realizing that I need to not let crazy people get under my skin and that most normal people think you should do what feels right for you. I just hope that you guys out there represent a fair sampling of the public at large because there was a lot of very thoughtful feedback. It's especially nice to hear some of the personal stories. I may not want babies for me, but I love that other people are raising wonderful children, since, I hear, they are our future.*
Ok, back to normal posting, just as promised.
So, today's post is about the beautiful optim roving I got from Janel, some luscious carbonized bamboo, that Sachi sent me, and some great instruction from Spinning Spider Jenny, which I have employed rather poorly but enthusiastically.
The girls, of course, help me model my new yarn.
Everything came together for me, when Jenny posted about spinning from the fold. I've spun from the fold before and didn't have a problem with it, but I didn't really see why I would choose this method, over my normal method of spinning from the end of roving. It was when Jenny mentioned that spinning from the fold was a good option for very slippery fibers that I became excited. I had spun a bit of the bamboo before that, and had some trouble, but this changed everything. All of a sudden, my hard to control fiber was just gliding into place. I was smitten. Jenny, if I ever meet you in person, I may have to hug you. You've been warned.
After spinning up a bobbin of the carbonized bamboo, it occurred to me that I had a bobbin and a half of optim just waiting to be put to good use. I plied the two together, using Jenny's instructions for Plain Vanilla Two-Ply et voila, yarn.
I have about 238 yards of worsted weight two-ply yarn that should work up into a pretty, every so slightly variegated, tweedy gray fabric. The yarn is unbelievably soft to the touch and I'm pretty excited to knit it up into something special.
Tomorrow, Thea has her first Puppy Agility class. You can bet there will be pictures, if I can drag Leo along.
* Yes, I know that was corny, go tell it to Whitney Houston.
Hi Marnie,
I'm blushing but ever-so-pleased that the recent posts helped you. Beautiful yarn!!!
Cheers, Jenny P.S.Will indeed welcome a hug when we meet...giving you one cyberly until then.
Your handspun is so luscious! I just love the sheen and color! And the dogs are as cute as ever...and such sweet little helpers. :)
my goal is to spin lux fibers like that. i can't wait, particularly after seeing yours!
Wow, great yarn! Your girls are so pretty - I hope you get some pics from Agility!!
Wowee! What a fantastic idea! I might just have to get some of that Optim from Janel. I've been eying that colorway and this is just the right excuse to buy some.
Nice yarn! I often feel like that's the only way I can contribute to spinning-related posts, even if I love looking at the pictures and hearing about spinning.
But your yardage estimate brought a question--what do ou do to use up 250 yards or so or worsted-ish yarn, anyway? I bought a hank of Silk Rhapsody once because I couldn't stop petting it, and I still have no idea what to do with it. :)
Ooh, puppy agility! Can't wait to see the pictures!
I just ordered some merino/bamboo roving. It's been quite a while since I did any spinning from the fold. Maybe it's time to revisit that! I think I'm gonna take my spinning wheel on vacation with me this year...
Hi Marnie -
Where did you get that cool bobbin? Is it a high speed?