No Time Like the Present

Alas and alack, my beautiful skein of handspun didn't end up with quite enough yardage for Flutter. The vision of Flutter knit with this yarn as been with me for so long that the disappointment was deep. But, this skein is so soft (cormo/angora), so luxurious that it would make up beautifully into any scarf or shawl. Flexibility is key to the spinning/knitting process. 

This fiber spun effortlessly and every minute at the wheel was enthralling.  It takes several weeks of hit and miss spinning to fill a couple of bobbins, and then to ply the yarn, but the hours spent are enjoyable and entertaining.

It didn't take long to decide which pattern to use as I'd fallen in love with Old Shale as soon as I saw Marcia's.  Her beautifully spun fiber knit into an exquisite shawlette, and it felt right for this yarn, too. The soft colors work well in the pattern and we're off to a fine start. 

The siren song of spinning has been loudly filling the house. Walking past the room where Emmylou (my wheel) resides is difficult to do, as she sits inside calling and drawing me in. The fiber dangles attractively, the chair looks inviting and Emmylou promises enjoyment and fulfillment...a moment in the present.  It's a tough combination to ignore and, admittedly, I often find myself giving into their will and taking a few minutes to watch as the fiber slides through my fingers, slips through the hooks and onto the bobbin. 

As soon as one project is finished another is begun and I've quite enjoyed spinning this wheel of wool/mohair from Julie's Etsy Shop. The fiber told me it would make a nice single, and that sounded like a perfect way to go.  I'd enjoyed knitting the Icelandic singles in the Shetland Triangle, plus singles are a good way to extend the end yardage.  

Before I'd started the singles I took a few minutes to spin up a sample skein of the gorgeous alpaca/charred bamboo blend I'd purchased from Anne. This might be the most delicious fiber I've ever spun and it practically spins itself.  I'd love to think enough yarndage could be gained to knit Girasole. It's a long shot, but I will spin with this large round shawl in mind, and if there isn't enough (who would want to run short!?), I'll find another lace stole.  The yarn sample is soft, fluffy, elegant with the bits of silver peeking through the shades of gray.  No matter what it becomes it will be heavenly and I will do my best to do it justice. 

Spinning, and lace, are a perfect compliment and contrast to MoDo.  They keep me sane in the face of (self induced) pressure.

Comments

[cindycindy]

Old Shale looks gorgeous. I mean gorgeous! The yarn is perfect for the pattern. And, the alpaca/charred bamboo? I'm drooling. Now, mine is calling me and giving me the "eye";-)

[Chris]

Wow, you have been spinning up a storm! The colors of that wheel of fiber are wonderful.

[(formerly) no-blog-rachel]

I'm sorry you didn't have enough of your handspun to do Flutter, but it certainly is beautiful and your Old Shale is going to be gorgeous!

I have Flutter on my list - and some Alpaca/Silk waiting to be spun - you may have just inspired me.

[Robby]

Dang! Each successive picture is more tempting than your last. And me, trying to avoid the huge gravitational pull of spinning.

[Kristin]

I'm so envious! I can't wait until I'm finished with the alpaca show so that I can spin whatever I want. (The really nice samples make it really hard to put them down and move on.) Plus, I'm ready for some color after all of the naturals.

[Kim]

Girasol in Anne's roving will be heavenly!!

[Wool Winder]

Beautifully spun yarn for Old Shale!

[Judy H.]

Beautiful, all of it. I can't wait to see Old Shale progress.

[Anne]

I really like the Old Shale shawl pattern with that handspun. A nice fall-back choice. :)

Thanks for the pics of the new gray roving spun up too! I'm having to live vicariously since it all went away to new homes.

[Nora]

More gorgeous stuff! Those purples are just what I need today.

[Miriam]

Oh crap! I forgot that you were spinning that for flutter! That sucks about the yardage. I know what kind of fiber stash you have though. I am sure you could find SOMEthing in there that would work :) Maybe even something else to spin up that would work.

[Cheryl S.]

The yarn is perfect for the pattern. It knew what it wanted to be.

[Manise]

How disappointing! I have 4 oz of Seashells. Unfortunately it's BFL and not Cormo/ angora otherwise I'd wing it your way in a heartbeat. I do like how Old Shale is looking though. Gorgeous handspun as always.

[Julie]

I think your Old Shale is going to be gorgeous! Your handspun is beautiful!

[Marcia]

Your Old Shale is going to be fabulous...I loved spinning and knitting that pattern. I think I got more use out of the scarf sized version I did than a full sized shawl, but would like to do a bigger one someday. (I wish Barb Parry would make more of those batts with the angelina. It was just enough sparkle!) Your other spinning projects look very intriguing, too. (Note to self: get the wheels oiled and going!)

[Cookie]

Temptress...

[Chris]

Beautiful soft color for a lusciously soft fiber. I'm knitting a cormo angora sweater right now and yum! Your old shale shawlette is starting off very nicely.

[Stephanie]

*sigh* Look at all that gorgeous fiber and lace. You make me want to spin AND knit lace.

[Knitnana]

Just beautiful!!!
(((hugs)))

[Diane]

Gosh I really like the colors in your handspun. I can't wait to see what becomes of it when it's all grown up.

[Pat K]

Beautiful fibers all the way around!

[Tonia]

You spin wonderfully. Oooooo cormo and angora. I bet that was a dream to spin and you never wanted it to end. Yummmmm

[paula]

The Old Shale is pretty too. I love all the colors you show here.

[Renee]

Gorgeous ~ all of it!
I wish I knew how to spin, it sounds magical the way you describe the experience. Dare I say "Zen"? :)

[Sarah]

It looks like you found a good match with the Old Shale. I just adore the colors. Spinning is an excellent companion.