If you live in Utah this has been a short work week (except poor Susan who had to work everyday). The week went by quickly and there is only today to share the details you've been waiting for with baited breath.
Finally one Trekking sock is finished. The color, #133, was so different than many of the tweedy Trekking XXL colorways. It should be easy to make a truly matching pair. The pattern is the Chevron from Sensational Socks and it works up well in a self striping yarn. The end of the KAL is Labor Day Weekend, so I had better get more Trekking done. The second Vintage Victorian Sock has just passed the heel and is heading down the home stretch to the toe. Maybe, just maybe, there will be time to finish them up this weekend. Sock knitting has been more enjoyable than just about any other knitting while the heat has been 'on'. We're hoping for a little cooling trend this weekend as well as a wild and fun weekend, too.
Poor little (as in she hasn't grown much) Langsjal Jóhönnu hasn't had any love this week and only had about an hour of love in the last month! My mojo for Jóhö has worn thin because of the heat (and other things that have my attention). Besides the heat, I must blame my enjoyment of spinning for this neglect. Claudia said my knitting would suffer if I took up spinning and she has been proved right (again). And then there is Mim's lace, which is calling loudly from the stash. It's all I can do not to cast on Icarus or Seraphim. I am an amazingly lazy lace (but not yet fickle) knitter.
Several years ago our knitters guild handed out simple handmade spindles to anyone who wanted to learn to spin. A friend gave me one and said 'Try it'. My response was to decline, as I knew that if I tried it and liked it I would never be able to stop. Well, that is exactly what has happened. Everyday, since I 'got it', has been a spinning day. I've been practicing in the morning, in the evening and even at supper time....spinning all the time. Anne said this white roving would be good for practice spinning and I've been using it all week. 
I've learned more about drafting and fiber prep as its fairly rough texture is different from the red merino (which is still my favorite to spin). Last night I plied it, and while there are places that are a bit too thin or not spun quite enough, it turned out to be well balanced. Improvement! (Click to see.)
There may be a few orders of roving coming my way next week...just sayin' (as Claudia likes to say). The new spindle is very handsome, very light (.7oz) and spins so nicely. Susan thought the first skein of yarn I spun on her was pretty good!
If you're in the Salt Lake area you should check out the Great Basin Fiber Arts Fair. I've signed up for the Advanced Spindle class because Susan said I'd be just fine. Don't you love encouraging friends?
Kim arrives tomorrow and we have plans to spin, knit, chat, hike and dine a bit, too. Details later.
Enjoy a wild weekend and stay cool!
Blue Face Leicester top also makes a fabulous learn to spin fiber. You're doing great!
Posted by: Chris | July 28, 2006 at 05:35 AM
We must be on the same Trekking schedule - I just finished sock one too! One more to go ;)
Posted by: Lolly | July 28, 2006 at 05:46 AM
I agree with Chris. BFL is a great fiber to learn with. It is a great fiber to spin anytime, nearly spins itself.
Posted by: Judy | July 28, 2006 at 05:51 AM
Looking great against the river stones! A bit of spinning each day is how I was told to practice. Three twenty minute sessions is better than a long 60 minute time. Something about when it goes "sour" you just put it down, and when you come back, it is right again.
The class should be great, and yes, you are ready for that.
Posted by: Laurie | July 28, 2006 at 06:05 AM
That spindle is really beautiful. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: hillary | July 28, 2006 at 06:07 AM
Oooops, ends Labor Day Weekend, huh? I forgot. *sheepish*
I guess I better get going on that second sock. It doesn't seem to be growing very fast.
Your spinning is looking FANTASTIC. I sat at my wheel for a few minutes the other night and determined it was not what I wanted to be doing right then....and also determined that I have lost my touch quite a bit.
Posted by: Norma | July 28, 2006 at 06:10 AM
Where do you get your sock needle "stoppers" - those black things on the ends of your needles?
Posted by: Chelle | July 28, 2006 at 06:14 AM
Your spinning looks GREAT, Margene. Just wait until you start on a wheel - you'll never stop! :)
Posted by: Jackie | July 28, 2006 at 06:20 AM
And always remember: you're making YARN.
And, you know, you can knit with that, I hear ;-)
Your handspun and other goodies came, and it's LOVELY--thank you!!! You'll be knitting with it in no time. I plan to knit something tiny with what you gave me....
Posted by: Lee Ann | July 28, 2006 at 06:26 AM
Your spinning looks wonderful! It's cool that you're taking a spinning class. I took one years ago that focused on making designer yarns and explored spinning with other fibers like cotton and silk. It was an awesome class!
Posted by: Susan | July 28, 2006 at 06:34 AM
Spinning is absolutely addictive, isn't it?? That Claudia knows just what she's talking about. :)
Your work looks WONDERFUL! I have a feeling I'm going to learn a thing or two from you!
Can't wait to see you---soon!
xoxo
Posted by: Kim | July 28, 2006 at 07:04 AM
Way to go with the spinning! I'm so proud of you! (Shetland was my favorite fiber to spin on the drop spindle, just saying.) I'm so disappointed I can't come to the Fiber Festival this year..but we'll be in Maine with the whole crew, including my little Utah Grrl from Park City!!
Posted by: Marcia | July 28, 2006 at 07:14 AM
Have a blast this weekend. I'm trying hard not to be jealous but I keep thinking about how I wish I was going to be there, too.
Posted by: Carole | July 28, 2006 at 07:26 AM
What progress! That little white skein looks just wonderful! You're getting it so fast.
Posted by: Cheryl | July 28, 2006 at 07:44 AM
Your spinning is improving so quickly! You've made some great yarn there!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 28, 2006 at 07:47 AM
I made socks for my daughter out of that colorway 133, and liked it so much I've just cast on for the Devin baby sweater from Knitty.
Posted by: Emily | July 28, 2006 at 07:47 AM
Isn't it wonderful to know that you have years and years worth of trying new fiber ?!great spinning ahead ! Glad you're hooked - it's a delightful addition to knitting!
Posted by: Teyani | July 28, 2006 at 08:14 AM
Yep, you definitely sound hooked on spinning to me. Have fun in your class. That red spindle is very pretty. Different.
Posted by: Karen | July 28, 2006 at 08:20 AM
All and your knits look great! You're doing an awesome job on the spinning.
Posted by: Kelly | July 28, 2006 at 08:52 AM
Welcome to the world of spinners. You'll probably find the siren's call of the spindle strong for a while, but eventually things will equalize and you'll knit and spin. I've had some pretty strong phases where I would do nothing but spin and then ignore it all for knitting for a bit. It all works out in the end. BFL is a wonderful fiber to spin! Lovely work.
Posted by: Risa | July 28, 2006 at 09:00 AM
The Trekking sock looks great! There's still time to finish the second one if you cast on soon. Have a fun filled weekend.
Posted by: wool winder | July 28, 2006 at 09:09 AM
Your spinning is looking marvelous, Margene! I'm guessing the difference in your white and your red fiber is enhanced by it's prep before you got it. I'm guessing the white is carded which makes it a bit easier for new spindles and merino is usually combed which is more slippery of a prep, but yeilds a much smoother yarn.
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool | July 28, 2006 at 09:38 AM
That's MY Kim, and I'm so jealous that I haven't gotten to meet her in RL yet! Have fun!
Posted by: Patti | July 28, 2006 at 10:06 AM
Looks like lots of fun. When I went to Steph's talk in Mesa, there was a 2oz hank(?) of bombyx top in the most incredible colors of sapphire, emerald and amethyst. I kept saying, "But I don't spin!" and it kept whispering, "But you could learn..."
It came home with me.
Posted by: Carrie | July 28, 2006 at 11:08 AM
Your spinning is looking wonderful! Have a fun weekend :o)
Posted by: JessaLu | July 28, 2006 at 12:47 PM