Spinning! I finished another 8 oz. of alpaca singles this week - woohoo! This is actually spinning FOR someone, not just for fun, but I still enjoy it. I've been pushing myself to finish the next installment of yarn for the alpaca farm owner, even though she's not in a hurry. Now that I've gotten this far (still need to ply), I feel I can dedicate myself to knitting as much as I can on my socks by Wednesday night, when I will cast off at whatever length they are so I can wear/take them to Sock Summit on Thursday.Blog friends and surprises! I admired some glittery black Shetland/grey llama/icicle batts on a blog I follow recently, and the creator of them said she was tired of looking at them; did I want to trade? I didn't feel I had anything of equal attraction to trade, but she said she would happily take some of Braveheart's roving and Rechel's cloud. So I sent off my trade, and today hers arrived:
Not only did I get this beautiful fiber to spin (maybe for some dressy socks?), but Tina also included these stunning stitch markers!
I am as bad as a crow; glittery things really catch my eye and I LOVE these! Thank-you so much, Tina!New Shetland converts! I've been getting regular updates from the new owners of Beau and Boo. Even though they are new to sheep, they are totally smitten, amazed at the boys' intelligence and personalities. Since they've raised and shown dogs for many years (conformation, obedience, agility, rally, hunting), there are frequent (and favorable) comparisons; it wouldn't surprise me to hear that one or both boys have started to earn titles! Watch out, Babe; you may not be the only cross-species star. :-) Here are just a few of the photos I've received showing the boys at their new home (the owners are utilizing an empty kennel as a fold, and a hunting blind as shade shelter):
That's all the fun for now from . . .
9 comments:
Your spinning is looking really really good, and those stitch markers are awesome! Does your swap partner know what a treat she's going to have with Rechel's cloud fleece? Hope so! :-)
Great background!
Glad to hear that Beau and Boo got a wonderful home together. These little wethers can be awesome ambassadors for the breed. Thanks for sharing their pictures.
Tammy
Your spinning is really, really good.
Thanks for the compliments on my spinning, friends. The next challenge will be to spin a fine enough, consistent enough single to make a three-ply for socks (I've read one MUST use at least a three-ply for socks, comments?)
It looks like Boo and Beau got a great new home. I always find that people underestimate sheep until they meet the Shetlands. I don't have any other breeds or even cross breeds so I don't know if it is a Shetland thing. I wish I could find time to do spinning etc, but with animals, kids, college and work I'm pretty stretched. Looks great though.
I like the simplicity of your new look, and the sparkle of your new toys!
On the socks - yes, I've heard that 3-ply is good for socks. I haven't done any yet myself either, though :-) It's on my list!
Your spinning looks wonderful!! How much do you have left?
As for sock yarn....there is no hard and fast "rule" as to what sock yarn must be like. You can use a single if you like. I have found that most people will spin a 2 ply yarn for socks. The yarn can be plyed a bit more tightly....but it really depends on your personal preference. I mean, if Noro can produce a single for a sock yarn....why can't you? Have fun with it.:.)
Post a Comment