More Finished Handpun

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I have finished both my skeins of handspun from my spindle experiment! I dare say I might be getting the hang of this to some degree

The first skein I finished was one ounce of an unknown merino. I ended up with a bulky weight single that after washing and whacking was 27 grams and 31 yards of yarn. I definitely have some over and under spun parts but its holding together and not twisting up on itself as badly as my first attempt. For this one I used a smaller and lighter wooden drop spindle.

The second skein I finished was one ounce of an unknown merino batt. Again I ended up with a bulky weight single that after washing and whacking was 28 grams and 34 yards of yarn. Almost exactly the same as the first one. And for this one I used the heavier and larger maple drop spindle.

All in all, I made two successful yarns. Both are not perfect but I learned a lot about my drafting technique/ability and how best to finish my singles. Now…what should I spin next??

Oh Snap…..Gingersnap

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Happy Mother’s Day to me!! I sent my hubby a wish list this year and he came through big time! He picked some goodies from Gingersnap of Canadian fame.

He picked the PERFECT bag and a unique sock set. They aren’t colors I would have picked but they are kind of stunning. The hubby swears like a sailor and I will think of him everytime I use the bag, lol.

The yarn is their Zest Fingering in the Penguin Plunge color with the bright yellow contrast color. I’m thinking socks with contrast toes, heels and cuffs? Maybe a cowl….I think this needs to marinate for a bit.

What will not marinate is this project bag. It features nice long handles and a wire framed opening. I really need cast on a new project to christen this project bag. So many ideas!!

Happy Knitting!!

A Second Antagonist Sock

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No second sock syndrome here….I cast on my second Antagonist Sock!

The yarn is just so scrumptious! The BFL really feels sturdy and soft as I create fabric. And the first sock fits really well so I’m continuing the second sock same as the first. And don’t you just love the beautiful speckles?

Happy Knitting!!

Of Course I Need Drop Spindle Bags

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I may have a self isolation shopping problem. Or as I prefer to think….I’m supporting small businesses and relieving stress. I was window shopping on Etsy and found a maker out of Oklahoma, MagpieWishes, and spotted some drop spindles bags. And magically two bags fell into my cart.

I picked out two different sheep fabrics with fabric drawstring closures. The bags are padded and well lined. They *should* help me protect my tools from my children….maybe. I’m still a sucker for a good tool and a cute bag. I’ve already put them to good use!

Happy Spinning!!

FO Friday: My First Ever Handspun

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I finished my first every handspun yarn! This was my first attempt at spinning on a drop spindle with some mystery fiber from my inherited stash. It’s very inconsistent and wildly overspun but it’s mine and I’m proud of it!

Project: Handspun bulky singles

Fiber: Mystery orange wool

Method: Top Whorl drop spindle plied in what I think is S twist?

I managed to get 32 yards of singles yarn that weighed 31 grams. Overall I think it’s a bulky yarn but I don’t have a wraps per inch tool.

I really had to work on the finishing of this yarn because it was wildly overspun. It had so much energy in it that it was twisting up on itself. I wound it off on to my knitty knoddy and let the singles rest. I then gave the yarn a good batch in hot water and a surprisingly satisfying thwack when done.

I did have to weight the yarn when I hung it to dry as it was still wanting to curl up on itself. When it was dry it did seem to have relaxed in it’s twist a bit. I think my next spin I need to work on putting less twist into the yarn. But I did manage to make usable yarn! I’m super proud of myself and I’m already itching to start my next spin!

I’m sure I’m making a thousand mistakes and not following proper technique. But I’m having fund, making yarn and its a wonderful distraction to everyday life! Happy Spinning!!

Loving My Rainbow

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My Prism Break Hat has seemed to magically grow thanks to many many video meetings and conference calls. I really need to dig out my measuring tap and see how far I am into the hat.

The rainbow micro stripes really just make me so happy. The yarn changes really often and keeps me interested. Not to mention its my patented tried and true soothing stockinette for my tired brain. As I head back into my office for my work week, I think this will be my backpack knitting and secret comfort object.

I’m not sure if I’m ready for this project to be done or not. Good thing I have a good stash to pull from! Happy Knitting!!

How Cool Is 3D Printing?

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I am a sucker for a good tool. My recent foray into spinning has led me to expanding my tool kit. I found some cool spinning tools on Etsy and I decided to see how the 3D printed ones would work out.

I picked up a mini skein sized knitty knoddy and some removable stitch markers. I found IGLPrinting on Etsy and they had really fast turnaround and customer service. I was really please with how my purchases turned out!

I even put the knitty knoddy to good use on my singles from yesterday!. It really made a really nice skein and the added benefit is that I could soak my skein while on it!

I think I might put this one through the paces before I go out and get a larger one. I’m interested to see how the plastic holds up to use and how much I really use it. But for now it was an affordable and fun treat for me.

Happy Knitting and Spinning!

All The Singles

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I cannot help myself…I started two new spinning projects. I have two drop spindles, one is heavier than the other. I was curious to see what the different weight of spindles would do with similar fiber.

My first project is on the heavier spindle and I’m working on some of the fiber I picked up at Winter Woolfest 2020, its about 1 oz of a merino wool fiber. This is the same spindle I used for my first every handspun. And I’m focusing on consistent but not over spinning the singles. The fiber is super soft and feels great.

My second spin is a similar 1 ounce of a merino blend fiber but this one is on my smaller top whorl drop spindle. Because it is lighter I had to get used to putting more effort into getting the twist into the fiber. It has evened out as I get more fiber on and the whole project gets heavier.

I’m using a park and draft method for both spins. I’m curious to see if I get similar or different yarns in the end. Right now I’m excited to have a new creative outlet. It’s been a nice wind down in the evening after PB and Jellybean go to bed.

What is your wind down?

Ready For The Fluffy Decreases

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I have added the third and last color block in my Fluffy Sockhead Slouch hat and I’m ready to start the crown decreases! It really didn’t t take that long to finish the main portion of this hat after getting the latest color of suri alpaca yarn added. There is a big difference in color but I really like the contrast.

I’m loosely following the Sockhead Slouch pattern by Kelly McClure. I am not doing the full prescribed length of the pattern. I have been trying this hat on and I am shooting for a small amount of slouch instead of the prescribed extra slouch. The fabric is super super soft and this has been really zen knitting wise. The decreases really shouldn’t take that long and I’m excited to get another FO under my belt during this time of self isolation.

I wish you love, light and a big hug from my little corner of the world! Happy Knitting!!

Half Of An Antagonist Sock

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Welcome to Friday everyone! May it be as happy and peaceful as possible during this time period as possible. I am excited this Friday because I have a HO (half finished object)!! I finished the first Antagonist Sock.

I am really pleased with this project so far. I didn’t have a super concrete plan in mind so I just kind of worked the leg until I was bored and then I started the ribbing. Turns out I made a “just a little bit higher than shorties” sock. It is not low rise at all but fits nicely at the base of my ankle. The fabric feels good on my foot and the whole sock fits nicely. I am definitely moving on to getting sock number two on my needles. The little speckles and pops of color are really making my soul happy.

In these photos you might notice a new tool. I was completely surprised by the husband with a present for no reason surprise. He found some metal sock blockers on the interwebs and got them for me. They are PERFECT my large lady sized feet. He definitely earned some husband points on this one. I really like a great knitting tool!

Happy Knitting!!