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June 23, 2006
Practice Does Make You Better
Who knew? I guess all that stuff people tell you about practice is true. I really think I've gotten a lot better at the whole spindle thing. As you may recall, my first attempt didn't go so well. And the second attempt, well it was better, but not by much. But, this latest attempt ... it's going so much better!
I'm getting fairly even, well twisted yarn and I'm spinning from combed top! I am really enjoying the mid-whorl spindle. This thing spins like a dream (even though I've dropped it a few times! They don't call it a drop spindle for nothing.) I find that it's a lot easier to spin for 15 minutes on the spindle than to sit down at the wheel, which I suppose is the point of having one - instant gratification. This week has gotten away from me and I haven't sat down at my wheel since Sunday, but I am planning on plying those singles tonight. We'll see how it goes.
And, I think my tension on my fair isle is improving a bit with practice.
If you look above that checked garter stitch border hell, you'll see some kind of crappy tension, but when it moves into the green and orangey colors things are evening out a bit (the green and orange stuff is what I've done this week - not a lot, but...). I'm trying to remember to spread the stitches out and my right hand is maybe starting to get the hang of things. I hope I just continue to get better as this project progresses.
Tonight is the photo shoot for the Oak Ribbed Socks, so I'll have pictures for you in the next day or two. Have a great weekend.
Comments
Your spindle spinning looks terrific. But I hope you're not neglecting my friend Lennie. Have a fab weekend!
Posted by: Carole at June 23, 2006 10:45 AM
Oh, you will get better. In fact, it's looking pretty good!
Posted by: Marina at June 23, 2006 10:53 AM
Successful handspun *and* working on the fair isle! Looking good!
Posted by: Diana at June 23, 2006 11:33 AM
Oh, my gosh...the Fair Isle is beautiful, just beautiful.
And the spindling looks great!
Posted by: eunny at June 23, 2006 11:34 AM
beautiful fair isle! wish I could spin like that! Maybe I shoudl practice, too...
Posted by: michaele at June 23, 2006 11:35 AM
I've been practicing on the spindle, too. Your spinning looks fabulous! Butterfly is beautiful and you'll be an old pro at FI knitting in just a few more rows!!
Posted by: margene at June 23, 2006 11:46 AM
Your fair isle looks great. I bought a spindle recently but I haven't tried it yet. I'm a little intimidated by it.
Posted by: hillary at June 23, 2006 12:38 PM
My drop spindling improved drastically after I got my wheel. It allowed me to get a feel for drafting without having to obsess over what direction the spindle is spinning etc. Your yarn looks great! I did some spindling last night too. I prefer that for small amounts of fiber. You're doing sooooo great with the spinning!
Butterfly is looking beautiful as well!
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool at June 23, 2006 1:59 PM
OH wow Butterfly is coming along nicely, it's going to look great on you come this fall.
Posted by: Rebekah at June 23, 2006 2:40 PM
Fair Isle...sigh. I've admitted defeat and will stick to ganseys and guerneys! Yours is looking wonderful! So is the spinning, but don't neglect Lennie!
Posted by: Marcia at June 23, 2006 3:31 PM
Nice spindle spinning. It's so exciting when it finally turns into "real" yarn!
Posted by: jessie at June 23, 2006 5:46 PM
Butterfly is looking great - but it looks completely impossible to me!
Posted by: Zarah at June 24, 2006 8:22 AM
It's encouraging to hear that your spindling is getting better.. I'm still hoping on my end. The fair isle is tricky at first, but it will become second nature by the time you are done.
Posted by: Birdsong at June 24, 2006 9:30 AM
Sometimes wooden needles such as Clovers, work better for fair isle. They tend to catch the yarn better and help with the tension.
Posted by: Peggy at June 24, 2006 5:33 PM
Wow - your fair isle looks fabulous. I love the colors. And your spinning is great as well!
Posted by: mari at June 24, 2006 10:46 PM
Butterfly is looking great! Your spinning looks good as well. You are mastering 2 great techniques simultaneously! What a multi-tasker you are. And I'm sure there is somew sewing going on as well!
Posted by: Stephanie at June 26, 2006 8:49 AM
Both are looking great - practice is a wonderful thing!
Posted by: Stacey at June 26, 2006 9:41 AM
