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June 12, 2006
Plying
On Friday night I finally took the time to put the plying head and band on my spinning wheel and I sat down to try my hand at plying. It wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be, but I obviously have a long way to go.
I plyed using 2 colors so I could see how things looked, and as you can see, some of my singles were not very good. Interestingly, the gray was a lot more even than the white, but that could have been because I spun the white first or that the white is top and the gray is roving. At this point, it's really hard to tell. I think I over-plyed a bit, but I couldn't really tell you. I guess I'll have a better idea of how to do things "properly" after I spend two days with Maggie Casey at Estes Park. All in all, I was pretty pleased with my first attempt. There are some places where one strand wraps around the other and things just aren't right, but I suppose that's normal for a first try.
Other than my spinning attempt, I spent the rest of the weekend working on baby knits. I finished the kimono, but couldn't get motivated to seam it. I did buy some cute ribbon on Saturday. I have to mail everything on Wednesday, so I'm going to try to seam it tonight. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I started a burp cloth and think it's just adorable. It's so soft and squishy!
Last night on my way home from the grocery store, I saw this little fox hanging out taking in the scenery.
I think she's the mother fox that has a den in that pasture. Every summer I see her with her little babies and they are so sweet. Not that I think she's that sweet when she's hanging out close to our house - fox eat cats (if they can catch them) and I worry about Isabelle. Luckily, she doesn't get too close because of Riley, and Isabelle is a really smart cat.
This week is a short work week because my spinning class is Thursday and Friday. I'm excited to learn more about spinning and to meet all the wonderful people who are coming.
Comments
Your plying looks great! I found that the state of my singles made ALL the difference in my plying. I still think I'm plying a bit tight, but it's much better than it was. Report back after your class! I'd love to hear what you learned!
Posted by: Cara at June 12, 2006 10:16 AM
I think the plying looks really good for a first time! I can't wait to see what you learn in class!
Posted by: Stacey at June 12, 2006 10:21 AM
That looks like Biggy Print! =) Looks great to me! So jealous you get Thursday AND Friday off to do something fun (and non-work related).
Posted by: Angela at June 12, 2006 10:32 AM
Beautiful handspun - I love the natural colors.
The fox pics are wonderful!
Posted by: jillian at June 12, 2006 10:48 AM
The plied yarn looks neat! Plying seems complicated to me - I've never seen anyone do it. I have to admit that I'm fascinated by spinning. Must... resist... :)
And the fox - neat, but definitely a bit scary so close to your house. Especially if Isabelle is mostly an outdoor cat.
Posted by: Cyndi at June 12, 2006 11:09 AM
You're going to learn so much! I'll bet you go home with BAGS of fiber to spin;-)
Posted by: margene at June 12, 2006 11:11 AM
Where do I start? First, that yarn looks absolutely gorgeous! You should see MY first attempt at plying! Anyway, you call it "novelty yarn" and put it away for posterity. You WILL learn much this weekend...wish I were going with you guys. And then that "burp cloth"....adorable. What really cracked me up, though, was the photo shot on the "way home from the grocery store"....can't believe there is a GROCERY STORE anywhere near that gorgeous scene! Have fun in Colorado...take pictures and lots of notes and say hi to all the bloggers for me. (Another little tool you might buy is a "flicker" for opening up locks of all that free wool you will be getting.)
Posted by: Marcia at June 12, 2006 11:32 AM
I think it is a fabulous first try at plying!
Posted by: Purly Whites at June 12, 2006 12:23 PM
i love that white and grey yarn. it's very unique and subtle.
i also love that burping cloth! is that in the MDK book as well? i need to go through that book again this summer.
Posted by: gleek at June 12, 2006 12:39 PM
I think your yarn looks fabulous, and I'm betting you will like it even more when its knit up.
I've got a plain denim Bag Lady bag and love mine. Good choice!
Posted by: claudia at June 12, 2006 12:43 PM
Heehee... I'm with Amanda. My first thought was that your yarn looks like Rowan Biggy Print! (Not so bad to have 2 people thinking your yarn is actually Rowan yarn!!)
Posted by: Kathy at June 12, 2006 12:52 PM
Have fun at your spinning class! I admire all you spinners, it seems like it would be really difficult. I'm sure your wheel will have fun in his new bag too!
Posted by: Sarah at June 12, 2006 1:13 PM
I love your yarn! The plying is great. I think your "issues" (and they are YOUR issues because I think it looks terrific) are more with the evenness of your singles than a problem with the plying. But you'll learn loads at your classes.
Sigh. I wish I was bringing my wheel to Estes. D'ya suppose someone might let me spin on their wheel if I beg?
Posted by: Carole at June 12, 2006 1:34 PM
I wouldn't worry too much about Ms. Fox. She's far more likely to be snacking on fieldmice than stalking your kitty.
What does the back of the burp-cloth look like? (The front is lovely!)
I made a pair of baby sweaters in the exact same colors recently. Are you suing Cascade yarn, by any chance?
Posted by: lisa at June 12, 2006 2:03 PM
Whoops. That's Using, not Suing!
Posted by: lisa at June 12, 2006 2:04 PM
Your plied yarn is gorgeous. Even if it's a bit wonky and uneven, it's your first plied from Lenny and no other will be quite as special.
Besides, call it novelty and no one will be the wiser.
I love the fox pictures, every now and then we'll see them here, but they aren't so common. Coyotes are becoming more and more common though.
Posted by: Rebekah at June 12, 2006 2:27 PM
id love to see the other side of the burp cloth!
Posted by: sylvia at June 12, 2006 2:39 PM
The plying looks remarkably even, Stephanie, especially considering the singles you were work with. I think that is a great looking novelty yarn! I still can't believe I get to meet you in less than a week! Wheee!
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool at June 12, 2006 9:15 PM
Your plying looks great! I hope you have a great time at the Estes Park.
The burp cloth is so cute!
Posted by: caitlyn at June 13, 2006 9:30 AM
The yarn looks really phenomenal - have fun at your spinning classes! (I always think that means stationary bike class...)
Posted by: eunny at June 14, 2006 1:46 PM
