I started a new job recently and the hours are a bit earlier than I'm used to but I'm getting used to the 4:00 AM alarm. Sleep is overrated anyway but the weekend has become a most treasured time.
The spinning has been sporadic with some good results lately. I finished the project for the Ravelry group "Ply-by-night". The group is a spin/knit along where we all spin the same roving and then knit the same pattern.
The pictures show the progression of the project. It was spun long draw woolen style about 18 WPI. The pattern is the Morning Surf Scarf but it was knit long ways to show off the color change.I'm currently spinning some 70/30 merino silk that I purchased from a wonderful lady I met on Plurk. Moonlight Baker has an Etsy shop with some really special fiber that I just couldn't resist.
Next on the queue is some other new fiber I just bought that is not what I would normally buy. Hey, I'm trying to step out of the box a little. Mrs. Twisted loved the colors when I showed her so she will most likely knit something for herself with it.
5.4 ounces of BFL, colorway Eowyn from Dicentra Designs. VERY soft and I think it will be pretty once it's spun.The doorway should have some more boxes including one from knitpicks in the next week or so. I contacted the farm where my Cormo fleece come from and the shearing is in the next month or so. I'm very happy to have the knowledge that more fiber is coming my way so I can feel free to spin what I have. I know that sounds funny but I didn't want to spin it all if I couldn't get more of the same quality.
So much more to talk about but I'll do it another day.
OK that's enough for now, I'll try to blog a little more often.
Life Is Good
I see that you have the red fiber wrapped around both hooks. Is that to hold it while you take the picture or because you are using both hooks while spinning--- something which is supposed to really help while spinning itty bitty singles.--?
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about new fiber being a big incentive to get back in front of the wheel. That was why I joined another fiber club, even though a lot of people dismiss them, I find it really inspiring to push myself into doing something I might not normally pick.
That was why I was interested in Ply By Night, but man, there is nothing like designing by committee to get an overall project that is unfortunate. I wonder how many people looked at the colorway and said, "Well if we're going to use 'sunlit vomit' orange, I should vote for a really ugly pattern to pay them back." Yours is one of the better looking final products, and it is still somewhat garish. You were not able to make a silk purse from that sow's ear, you got a vinyl handbag -- which is hugely impressive.
I saw the discussion for what the Ply By Night people are going to choose next fiberwise; it just looked like they were choosing among "worst value fiber vendors". None of them had any deals where there was free shipping after a minimum order. And they were all at the high end of the price spectrum for a very basic fiber. I am sure they will end up picking some pink or orange colorway.... the votes for blue and green and purple will be split and the jerks who are angry about the vendor choice (I promise it will not be me.) will vote for the worst color to screw everyone over. Or the pattern will be wearable by preemie newborn hermaphrodite poodles only. I stopped watching because it was always going to be something.
Great to see you blogging again, Jerry. Your spinning looks great, as usual. Good luck on the new job.
ReplyDeleteHi Friend! I am so glad to hear that you and Mrs. Twisted are doing well and it was a job keeping you away from updating! Especially in these economic times.
ReplyDeleteYour spinning looks wonderful, I love the colors, especially the blue/purple colorway.
Have a great Sunday and rest of the week!
Your spinning looks amazing!!!! I hope to be half as good someday and can't wait to get back to practicing again on my wheel (and not working 24/7)
ReplyDeleteI saw the tequilla sunrise scarf yesterday looking through my friends' activity and meant to say something. It came out perfectly!!!
ReplyDeleteJerry,
ReplyDeleteYour spinning, as usual, is fabulous. The scarf is absolutely gorgeous and I liked the way it was knit.
I hope the new job is going well, in spite of the early morning.
Take care of yourself.
Mary Lynn
I cringe at seeing the words 4am now. Just makes me think of Starbucks. Bah! I'm so glad I don't have to work those hours anymore....
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new job and I hope to see you two soon :)
Your spinning and scarf are lovely!
ReplyDeleteYour scarf came out great! You did a superb job with that colorway. Thanks so much for the nice photo of the top that I dyed and for mentioning it on your blog.
ReplyDelete