Thankfully I was able to use some of my favorite toys to complete my Tour de Fleece challenge. It was a photo finish (for both challenges) and I can't precisely weigh it, but I'm counting it a "win" and collecting my Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey).
I knew exactly what I wanted to spin for the tour this year and really, could I have chosen anything but Punkin yarn to christen the new wool house? I've had such a busy summer though that I picked an amount that I knew I'd have no trouble completing - one and one half pounds of worsted weight yarn. No sweat.
Until everything that happened, happened.
And there I was treadling my toes off, burning the midnight lanolin last night.
And again early this morning.
I have no precise way to weigh my singles - the scale is still packed away - but I tend to spin 4 ounce bobbins using my WooLee Winder (special gear driven spinning bobbins that wind the yarn on very evenly).
And the three pound box is half empty.
So a big thanks to my Jensen spinning wheel.
And Lazy Kate (a toy that holds up to three bobbins for plying yarn).
And to Punkin. Who would probably be really surprised to know that I'd saved his last shearing for so many years (until I felt like I was "good enough" to spin it) and had a whole flock of sheep now and a guardian dog and a wool house almost ready to open to the public. Or not. I always knew he had complete confidence in me.
I will continue to spin the remaining Punkin roving and then ply the first with the last... to try and end up with even skeins of two ply yarn which will then be knit into a special sweater. Pattern as yet to be determined.
For more Sunday Stills...
I knew exactly what I wanted to spin for the tour this year and really, could I have chosen anything but Punkin yarn to christen the new wool house? I've had such a busy summer though that I picked an amount that I knew I'd have no trouble completing - one and one half pounds of worsted weight yarn. No sweat.
Until everything that happened, happened.
And there I was treadling my toes off, burning the midnight lanolin last night.
And again early this morning.
I have no precise way to weigh my singles - the scale is still packed away - but I tend to spin 4 ounce bobbins using my WooLee Winder (special gear driven spinning bobbins that wind the yarn on very evenly).
And the three pound box is half empty.
So a big thanks to my Jensen spinning wheel.
And Lazy Kate (a toy that holds up to three bobbins for plying yarn).
And to Punkin. Who would probably be really surprised to know that I'd saved his last shearing for so many years (until I felt like I was "good enough" to spin it) and had a whole flock of sheep now and a guardian dog and a wool house almost ready to open to the public. Or not. I always knew he had complete confidence in me.
I will continue to spin the remaining Punkin roving and then ply the first with the last... to try and end up with even skeins of two ply yarn which will then be knit into a special sweater. Pattern as yet to be determined.
For more Sunday Stills...
20 comments:
Excellent! Looks like a lot of work but the end result is beautiful.
Never thought of my wool and spinning things as toys, but yes, they are fun to play with. What are the leaves for in your box?
Your spun wool is so pretty. Mine is still beginner 'nubby'. :)
~Lisa
Great post! And pictures too!
You deserve a big pat on the back - or hug - for that. Good job!
Those are bay leaves - to keep moths out. I've stored that roving for 5 years :-O.
There's an award for you over on my blog. :-) BTW, I LOVE that first shot of you in your wool room at night.
these photos are great, so crisp, well done :)
Great collection! Love the spinning wheel!
Looks like you've always been in that studio. The amount and appearance of the yarn you spun is really impressive! It is a good thing that you had your Jensen spinning wheel and other toys to play with to accomplish your goal in the TDF. Congratulations!
The photos are great... especially the wheel.
I didn't even join the tour this year. Too much going on. Congratulations to you for a fine finish! Speaking of "fine"...that looks like some mighty fine yarn! Do you usually spin fine?
Like Michelle, I love the shot of you spinning in your wool room in the first photo.
Bay leaves, huh? I'll have to give that a try. I thought perhaps they were Eucalyptus.
I love the vairty of things you posted! great job!
Very cool toy, love the details of your spinning wheel.
The "Lazy Kate" photo is really great. I really like the first one as well though. Lots of work, but fun, huh? Very impressive!!
What beautiful images of your work! How wonderful that your work time can be play time as well!
Beautiful. I think Punkin would be proud of this special tribute to him.
Tammy
WOW what great photos!!! I love seeing the spindle!!!
I agree with Tammy, I think Punkin would be very proud! Your toys/tools are beautiful as well as the pictures.
Beautiful! You are very talented!
What a special tribute to a very special lamb/sheep.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Did a little reading on your blog. I like seeing photos of your spinning toys-tools;and loved the photo of Ewenice. I hope your dog is working out well for you, and that you don't have to wake up to snuggly sheep much longer!
Wonderful photos! Oh to spin..how very talented you are! :)
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