The Icarus

In addition to spinning the fiber from the last post, I have completed the Icarus that was published in the Interweave Knits, using Alpaca with a Twist. The pattern was quite simple, only one change . . .a suggestion from Mel . . . to knit in the back of the knit stitch between the yarn overs. I think I may knit another one . . although not right away as I am in the middle of the Flower Basket, another easy knit. I would highly recommend the Icarus or the Flower Basket as a first shawl project.

On the needles . . in addition to the Flower Basket, cashmere BTW, are a pair of socks and a FairIsle hat.

Hmm... just saw Vicki's beautiful Jonquil roving she received from Lisa. Gee, maybe I'd like some of that as well. Check it out at Fiber Corner.

Roberta

The Matchup

I was pleased to be able to dye a merino roving to match an aqua/violet silk top I found in my stash. My plan is to spin each and ply together. . . about a fingering weight for a shoulder shawl. So, the merino is already on the wheel and merrily filling a bobbin.

On the needles - the Icarus with only three rows to go should be finished today. That will probably be the next post. Also a Fairy Hare hat for my son's birthday. This staying home for a time is paying off.

First spindled yarn

This yarn was spun on my new Kundert, then plyed on the wheel so I don't know if it can legitimately be called "spindled yarn." I've yet to find the answer to that, but I do know I loved spindling it. The silk/mohair/alpaca fiber was purchased at MS&W from the Persimmon Tree booth. I don't know if you can see the sparkle in the picture, but the silk gives such luxury to this yarn that I've already decided on my next project . . . silk/merino.

Another MS&W purchase was a Bosworth spindle. It is a .77 oz. tulipwood whorl and a bloodwood shaft. The woods are so warm and appealing. I'm quite pleased with it.

I see it has been a month since the last post. The lapse of time does not signify inactivity . . . only dyeing and plying experiments. Core spinning intrigues me so have been playing around with different fibers to see what all the possibilities are. Since I am keeping a record of my experiments, I'll post them when I'm satisfied I have done enough.

As for knitting . .. finishing the fourth hat for giving and nearing completion of the Icarus. There defintely will be a picture of that when done. . . and that will be soon, I hope.

R.

The Return

Much has happened in my world of fibers since my last post. I am not going to try to fill in the blanks, but rather to begin again as much is happening every day it seems. For one thing, I have almost filled a bobbin of wonderfully soft shetland that I have been practicing the long draw on.



And . . . I am spindling on a perfectly balanced, perfectly wonderful spindle. Here you see a bit I have started of a fiber blend of silk, alpaca, and mohair.



Hope to have much more on the next post.