Spinning Around
Since I talked about knitting the other day, I think I’ll focus on spinning today. That and all my knitting projects right now are Christmas presents or have so little done, they aren’t interesting yet. I have a couple of spinning projects going at the moment. The first is on my wheel (a folding Lendrum). 
This is what I have spun from 2 pounds of 56’s wool. I’m not entirely sure what that means but I like it. A friend sent it to me when I got my wheel. It’s very easy to spin and while it’s not as soft as merino it’s spinning up into a nice lofty yarn. I dyed it using Lanaset dyes to get a nice light orchid color in my crock pot. I’m spinning a 2-ply at approximately dk weight, something like 14 wpi. Hopefully, it’ll work well for the Autumn Leaves Sweater in the newest Rowan. I’m not going to knit the leafy bits that are stuck onto it and I'll do it in one color. I need about 1700 yards and I’ve spun and plied about 800 so far. There’s a ways to go but spinning is very meditative for me. It’s one activity that I can focus on and silence the rest of what’s going on in my head.
My other spinning project is taking longer than expected. At the Estes Park Wool Market back in
June I bought 4 oz of merino/silk blend from Lamb Spun. Beautiful stuff although the picture doesn’t do it justice. I love it! I’m spinning it on the lovely spindle I bought from Handspun by Stephania the same day. It’s polymer clay and spins like a dream. Sorry I couldn’t get a good picture of it. It’s red with a golden sun design on the whorl. I’ve been slowly spinning up spindlefuls here and there since the day I bought it. I haven’t had a particular project in mind for it so there hasn’t been any rush. At first I thought about socks but I ran across a pattern for a herringbone lace scarf the other day. It’s a very simple pattern that I think might look nice with the variations of green and blue. It’s spinning up at a dk to fingering weight so I think it will make enough yarn. I thjnk I have a couple of hundred yards spun and plied so far.
Tomorrow Margene returns from her travels. I’m sure she’s going to have lots of wonderful pictures and stories to share. Let's give her a big welcome back with lots of comments.
Yes, I'm home...late last night. You and Val have been the best guest bloggers anyone would wish to have. Thank you for all your hard work. I bought some wool from Stephania at Rhinebeck. It's been fun to spin on my new Golding.
Posted by: margene | October 25, 2006 at 05:55 AM
Wait, Margene is commenting on her own blog! I hope that comment counts for you, karen.
Posted by: susan | October 25, 2006 at 06:11 AM
I'm waiting for Margene to tell us spinning stories about HER wheel.
Damn, that woman knows how to keep a secret.
Posted by: Lee Ann | October 25, 2006 at 06:29 AM
I can hear your spinning wheel way up here in Canada. You have some beautiful yarns to work with. It has been nice getting to know you gals. Take care and come back soon!
Posted by: peg | October 25, 2006 at 06:33 AM
Your spinning is goregous!!
Posted by: Kathleen | October 25, 2006 at 06:48 AM
Nice yarn! It's been fun to have you blog!
Posted by: Kim | October 25, 2006 at 07:02 AM
Your spinning tooks great. You've been an excellent guest blogger. You gals really did a wonderful job for Margene.
Posted by: hillary | October 25, 2006 at 07:04 AM
All I can say is that you guys have done a great job filling in for Margene...she better watch her back! Beautiful yarn...how about sharing your dyeing process on Twisted Knitters?
Posted by: Marcia | October 25, 2006 at 07:09 AM
Great spinning; great guest blogging!
Posted by: Nancy | October 25, 2006 at 07:28 AM
Lovely yarns, and I adore that orchid color! You will have to guest-blog once in a while so we can see what it becomes.
Posted by: Roxie | October 25, 2006 at 08:17 AM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Carol | October 25, 2006 at 08:29 AM
What fun you've been! I have to say you've done a great job while Margene has been away. :)
Posted by: Kelli | October 25, 2006 at 09:33 AM
I *love* Lambspun's fibers. They spin like a dream. Though I have to confess to not having spun them on a spindle...
Your handspun Autumn Leaves sweater will be gorgeous!
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool | October 25, 2006 at 09:39 AM
great spinning - i love the color of the merino/silk blend that you're spinning on your spindle! thank you for sharing and hope to hear more from you!
Posted by: | October 25, 2006 at 10:21 AM
sorry, the last was my comment - wanted to add that i hope guest blogging have inspired you and val to start up your own blogs - isn't it great to be able to share on the web?
Posted by: debbie | October 25, 2006 at 10:26 AM
My God, woman. You spin like a dream!
Posted by: Leslie | October 25, 2006 at 10:28 AM
56 is the Bradford Count. It refers to the grade of the wool fiber (how much Merino blood and/or the diameter of the fiber). Rosemary Brock has a truly excellent set of articles and links at textilelinks.com. There is a short article called Wool & Mohair Grades.
Posted by: Sylvia | October 25, 2006 at 11:19 AM
Wow! What gorgeous handspun!
Posted by: Kelly | October 25, 2006 at 02:12 PM
I just love both of your yarns, but the green is especially shiny and appealing - would make a great scarf. Thanks for filling in, it's been fun.
Posted by: Birdsong | October 26, 2006 at 02:01 PM