SPINNING A YARN!

What's this all about then, Snoops posting photos of fibre? Yes...... really, truly, I've officially begun! At last I have a wheel and can begin my new journey. I knew I would have to sooner or later when I spent the day with my pal josiekitten during the Easter hols. She initiated me into the wonderfully relaxing,soothing and satsfying world of spinning. Well, it wasn't quite like that, as my fingers, hands and foot didn't really know what had hit them. It was tricky, but within half an hour I knew this would be a new addiction. So, after taking some weeks to mull over the situation and decide whether or not I could possibly manage to cram in time for a little spinning each week as well as knitting, I decided to take the plunge. Of course, this extra time I need to find takes absolutely no account of time needed for housey stuff (horrid but necessary!) or school stuff (also very necessary, to provide the pennies for the fun stuff!)

I was so excited when the large box arrived on Wednesday morning. So excited that I didn't even open the box! I know that sounds slightly strange, but I just wanted to savour knowing it was ther for a little while. I planned to do the setting up that evening. So, armed with a screwdriver, a hammer, a pair of scissors, a candle - yes, that's right, and a large glass of Merlot, I began construction.

It was surprisingly straightforward! It's been a long time since the days when Mr Snoops and I bought those horrible flat pack furniture bundles. Nine times out of ten you would get almost to end , only to find one vital part was missing!! I was anxious, I have to admit, but the instructions were clear, the candlewax had done its job of lubricating the ends of bits that needed to be squeezed inside other bits, Snoops remained calm (aided by the Merlot!) and before very long............ voila!

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL! She's an Ashford Traditional and is looking very lovely.

As luck would have it, Thursday turned out to be one of the rainiest and gloomiest days of the summer so far. Just perfect for closing the doors, staying in and learning to spin. Oscar kept me company and learnt the hard way, that sticking his nose too close to the wheel or the spindle would only end in tears.

I bought the Asford Book of Hand Spinning to help me along, but actually found that I used the simple little pamhlet that came with the wheel.

I bought 500g of BFL tops to get me going. I had done my homework and found out that it has a long staple (the fibre length) and is the easiest fibre to work with. It was unbelievably soft!

I managed to spin two singles....

Please don't pay too much attention to the underspun and massively overspun lengths! Remember, I am at the beginning of my journey!

These were then plied......

...... and wound onto my new niddynoddy. See, I'm learning all the technical words too! Next, it had to be soaked and dried.

Not bad for a beginner, eh!

This morning I couldn't leave it alone. After much stroking, fondling, cheek brushing etc. etc. etc. I decided it had to be dyed! I bought some Helen Deighan dyes at Knit Nation. They are very easy to use and just require making up with water, pouring onto the yarn (in a microwaveable container) and then microwaving to set the dye. Once you have rinsed the yarn until the water runs clear and dried it, you're done. I used a 10g pot of SLATE and a 10g pot of PLUM. This is the result!

I LOVE it!

What do you think? I know there are loads of bad bits, but hopefully each time I spin it will look a little bit better. I know I have a tendency to overspin. Also, I need to stop the wheel straight away when I get in a muddle. So, there's two things to sort out next time!

Can't wait to spin this one!

Just before I go, Oscar has asked me to lat you know that he's been in the 'wars' again! A cut leg from his morning run at the water park last Sunday, resulted in a general anaesthetic and stitches!!!!

He's on the mend.

I need to show you what's on the needles at the moment. You'll love it! I'm knitting the gorgeous 'Woolen Rabbit' yarn that I showed you last time.