A plan is in place for Emmylou (my Lendrum wheel) and I to spin our way through the Tour de Fleece with team CrankyPants. While it's not in my nature to be as cranky as this group (they have the art of crank down pat!), I certainly lived up to their standards with the great knitting disaster and the weekend meltdown.
Spinning was a nice way to assuage the tortured knitting soul and treadling melted away the angst. First on the wheel for the Tour is an alpaca/silk fiber from Maia's company, Tactile Fiber Arts. She has faith in my ability to spin this fiber into a fine lace yarn of about 450 yds. I may have treadle fast enough to make dental floss of the fiber, but we'll see in the end. One bobbin is finished and it's so, so pretty.
My goal for the Tour is to spin with Project Spectrum South in mind. There's a bit of red fiber hanging around the stash and spinning from stash is der rigueur. This luxurious 80% merino/20% cashmere is from last years Spirit Trail Fiber Club and the intent is to spin a yarn suitable for the lace mitts in the Summer issue of Piecework. The fiber was heavenly to spin and a test skein turned out nicely.
Since Project Spectrum continues for a month after the tour, I should have time for another braid of fiber from Spirit Trail, a gorgeous, vibrant red. This one is a 50/50 cashmere/silk and the color is electric, hot and exquisite. Isn't this an "oh la la color?"
I'm not sure I have the ability to make this into a good yarn but, I am willing to give it a try. It's just so-o scrumptious and luxurious. I've been devouring Amy's new Spin Control book and find it very accessible, easy to read and full of great tips and information. I'm building up confidence to spin my mountains of fiber stash.
I'm in team CrankyPants too, but I think I'm in the same boat as you as far as crank not being in my nature. I've been trying though. Good luck with all your spinning goals!
Posted by: Yarndude | July 08, 2009 at 01:38 AM
I really should just subscribe to Piecework. I seem to have a reason to pick up every issue that comes out. The alpaca silk looks divine! I'll be cheering you guys on. I'm spinning along on the days I can but PT will not let me spin as much as I'd like to just yet. Go Team Crankypants!
Posted by: Julie | July 08, 2009 at 04:49 AM
Those mitts will be gorgeous in that yarn. You rock my socks, grrl. I'm still sorta putzing along, but at least I'm putzing, right??
Posted by: cindycindy | July 08, 2009 at 04:59 AM
I'm certainly cranky enough for the Crankypants, but my spinning stinks. Yours is lovely!
Posted by: Nora | July 08, 2009 at 05:16 AM
Such gorgeous spinning! I'm pretty new to the craft and just got my first wheel. I signed up for 3 months of and Tactile Fiber Club and can't wait for the first arrival. Such yummy fiber! Spin Control rocks! Several ideas I want to try for improved spinning.
Posted by: Geri | July 08, 2009 at 05:32 AM
Oooh-la-la is RIGHT for that last braid. !!!
Posted by: Norma | July 08, 2009 at 05:44 AM
Gorgeous fiber and spinning! My goal is to spin down the stash. So far I've spun up 12 oz. Hooray!
Posted by: Carole | July 08, 2009 at 06:01 AM
You picked perfect colors for summer spinning! I'm sure you'll reach your goals too. :)
Posted by: Anne | July 08, 2009 at 06:31 AM
Oh, that Spirit Trail fiber is gorgeous!
Posted by: Chris | July 08, 2009 at 06:33 AM
Cashmere and silk? Num.
Posted by: Cayenne | July 08, 2009 at 06:42 AM
With such lovely fiber and your positive attitude on the team, I can see CrankyPants wearing that yellow Tour de Fleece jersey!
Posted by: jill | July 08, 2009 at 06:46 AM
I was too late to get into Tour de Fleece :(. Your spinning looks GREAT!
Posted by: Kim | July 08, 2009 at 07:19 AM
Um, you have a fast flier for Emmylou, ya know! When I finally got around to trying it, I was amazed at how much easier it was to spin fine yarn. Just sayin'......! (Something to do with ratios and all that math crap, but it does mean a bit less treadling.)
Posted by: Marcia | July 08, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Oh yeah...the tour....I was supposed to be spinning for that, too...
Kidding aside, I love the fiber you are working with!
Posted by: Kristin | July 08, 2009 at 07:44 AM
Spinning must be in the air (due to the chilly weather??)
that last hank of fiber practically sizzles!!
Posted by: Teyani | July 08, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Must. Look. Away. Too tempting. . .
Posted by: Kym | July 08, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Love!
I know you can turn that last hank into some amazing yarn. You've got the touch, grrlfriend.
And don't worry. I'm cranky enough for everyone on our team.
xo
Posted by: Cookie | July 08, 2009 at 03:44 PM
I do have faith in you! Love all the red! Spirit Trail does such nice work!
Posted by: Maia | July 08, 2009 at 05:15 PM
Beautiful spinning!!!
Posted by: Julie | July 08, 2009 at 05:42 PM
The cashmere/silk wants to come live with me. It said so. I heard it just as plain as day.
Lovely spinning as usual.
Posted by: Diane | July 08, 2009 at 07:38 PM
I'm trying to be cranky for the team, too, but I keep giggling and it spoils the effect...
You've got some gorgeous fiber there. More than enough to soothe the knitting pain, I think!
Posted by: gayle | July 09, 2009 at 07:43 AM
That roving is a gorgeous shade of red!!! Received my copy of Spin Control in the mail today. Can't wait to sit down with it.
Posted by: Robin | July 10, 2009 at 08:54 PM
The spinning is gorgeous! I like your color-themed TDF goal.
I have been wondering about that book. It seems like everywhere I find a mention of it, people are very positive. My grandmother just bought a wheel and is looking for good spinning book recommendations. I think I want to check out this one closer.
Posted by: Sarah | July 11, 2009 at 02:28 AM