Not A or B
I am neither a spinner nor a dyer, but I play one in real life.
Last summer I had a notion of trying my hand at spinning. So, on a borrowed wheel in a borrowed holiday home with a recently purchased, self-processed and hand-dyed Galway Cross fleece, I had a go at spinning, fancying myself having a real ‘Ma Ingalls’ moment. Much like any beginner, the yarn was unintentionally thick and thin by turns, but it was the product, however wonky, of my own two hands.
And so it sat in my cupboard gathering dust and wool moths.
But now, the Guild has determined parameters for our exhibition at the Dublin Knitting & Stitching Show this autumn. Aha! Reds, oranges and yellows with a Samhain theme…Gaelic word for November. Righty-o!
Thus, my wonkily hand-spun yarn has now become…
Kiddie Fetchings
Lest you think this is a brilliantly inspired investment in the younger knitwear lover, let me confess that Plan B* (see below for Plan A) began as adult-sized Fetchings, however as the knitting continued they looked huge, fit for a meaty-pawed woman. So, out went a few sets of ribbing. Erm, a few sets too many. And now, I am unabashedly targeting them for the younger Fetching wearer! Need to finish the retro ‘idiot-mitten’ string tying them together, give ‘em a wash to fuzzy them up and we’ll be all set!
*Warning: Felted Fleeces Faux Pax
Plan A for this Guild project had the wool originally destined as a cool pair of felted slippers, but did you know that not all virgin wool is feltable, fullable or otherwise shrinkable? I didn’t either. Though having done a significant number of felted knitting projects, there are some breeds that won’t shrink. And yep, the Galway Cross seems to be one of ‘em!
your fetchings are so much cooler than mine. the ones you knit for kate were equally cool. and to think, you spun this yarn too! well done.
30 May 2007 at 1:51 am
What a great project for this yarn. Very nice. Is the Galway cross the same as you sent me? It seemed to me that it was crossed with a down breed and from what I understand the down breeds don’t felt so well. I guess the moral is, always try to full the sample swatch! Still, your recovery was great.
31 May 2007 at 4:59 am
Those are so very cute. I just ordered my first spindle and a very small batt of yarn a couple of hours ago. If this works out, I know a guy who owns a sheep.
31 May 2007 at 6:33 am
You obviously are ARE a real spinner. Your yarn is so pretty.
I haven’t visited “you” for a while. Loved your Starbucks story. I got a free voucher one time because I had to wait too long (5 minutes). I do like the Starbucks that Russ brews for me at home, but I know what you mean about the taste seeming a little bitter. I like Gevalia too. What brand coffee do you like best?
01 Jun 2007 at 6:44 am