Handspun Sock Yarn, Take Two
My first nice skein of handspun yarn was meant to be sock yarn, but it turned out to be a little bit too heavy and I didn't have enough for two socks. So I started knitting mittens with it instead. My second attempt worked out much better.
Plying some Crown Mountain Farms superwash merino in It's My Party
Here I'm in the middle of plying my second batch of superwash merino from Crown Mountain Farms. I love it and I'm going to order some more. For the first batch I spun and plied 100g and just in case I don't have enough to knit both socks, I decided to spin up another 50g.
Makeshift shoebox lazy kate
This is how I ply. Rochelle gave me a huge Louet spindle that I use for plying, mainly because it's so big it can accomodate as much as 100g before the cop falls apart on me. I wind my singles onto a toilet paper roll that I shove onto my ball winder. I flip my shoebox upside down and stick the spindle in a hole I've made for support. Then I use my left hand to both hold the spindle up and provide a bit of tension so the singles wind onto the toilet roll smoothly. I pop the roll off my ball winder, shove a knitting needle through it and suspend it in the shoebox. I do this with two rolls, and then I ply from that.
My first handspun sock
I've just finished the gusset decreases on my first sock. I'm really thrilled with it! The yarn is somewhere in between a fingering and a dk weight. The sock is 60 stitches around (I usually use 64 when I knit with fingering) and it's knit on 2.5mm needles.
Grape corriedale, spun on an Ashford Joy
That's not all the spinning I've done. Rochelle came over on the weekend and brought her wheel with her. I spun and plied this teeny bit of corriedale, and I'm really pleased with myself although the yarn itself is horrid and unusable. There is just so much to keep track of on a wheel! Even though it was difficult and I felt like I had no control over what I was producing, I had a blast and it's just a matter of time until I am able to consistently draft and achieve the correct amount of twist like I do with a spindle. I hate wishing the time away, but I can't help but want to jump to July when my Lendrum will finally come in.
Cuba says Happy New Year!
Cuba, my eldest yet littlest cat is 3 years old now. Such a grown up lady!
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Comments
that yarn and sock are absolutely gorgeous!
You did all of it o a drop spindle? ! Lots of applause here!
We'd be delighted to post your photo on our finished creations page on the website if you'd like.
Nice job!
Teyani · Jan 10 · 1:10 PM
Thanks! And yes, I'd love to have my yarn/socks in your gallery.
Maggie · Jan 10 · 1:16 PM
Your sock looks amazing -- simply gorgeous. You must be so thrilled.
I've finally succumbed and ordered a spindle (a Cascade Little Si) so hopefully I'll be able to spin yarn worth knitting.
kimbelina · Jan 10 · 1:46 PM
'Gorgeous sock...but I just don't get this spinning stuff...
The kitty OTOH, I get completely. What a sweetie!
Chelle · Jan 10 · 2:19 PM
oh my word that is one gorgeous sock.
wow, great job!!!!
ann-marie · Jan 10 · 3:43 PM
oh my word that is one gorgeous sock.
wow, great job!!!!
ann-marie · Jan 10 · 3:43 PM
That post was dirty! Toilet paper rolls being shoved up onto ball winders, sticking the spindle in a hole, FINGERING! Who knew spinning would be so smutty?
Cuba, you are so cute!
sandra · Jan 10 · 4:20 PM
Everyone has already said all there is to say about your yarn and socks. I saw this yarn in person on Saturday when I went up to Maggie's and I can tell you it is as nice in person as it is in the picture. I LOVE the sock. I MUST buy some of the same colourways. I am going to wait a little bit because I have some knitting I have to get done before I add to my fibre stash. See, I told you I should have left the wheel at your place for a little while.
Rochelle · Jan 10 · 5:54 PM
Wow! Mags, that looks awesome! I can't believe how into this you are getting; I swear to god you're going to be out shearing sheep with me soon! I too will pioneer, I half do it now at the olde schoolhouse anyway, why not go all the way.
We have all been/are sick, but we talk about visiting you all the time. As soon as we are no longer hacking and sniffling I look forward to seeing the sock LIVE! ;)
*littlestar. · Jan 10 · 8:04 PM
You are so talented I could slap you. What beautiful things you're making! You should be VERY pleased with yourself. :)
freakgirl · Jan 10 · 9:54 PM
Wow. Good job.
And pretty kittie!
Marjon · Jan 11 · 1:14 PM
I want to fondle your yarn (so bad)
Soosan · Jan 11 · 3:31 PM
DIRTY
freakgirl · Jan 11 · 5:29 PM
Wonderful colors of those socks!
Anna · Feb 3 · 3:14 PM