Two weeks ago I was chain plying some singles made from Fat Cat Knits fiber. A beautiful merino/bamboo/nylon blend dyed in gradient colors that I wanted to preserve. It didn't go well. Some of the singles had so little twist in them that they fell apart. I had to knot things together far too often.
Boy was I mad! Beautiful fiber, well prepared in lovely colors and a significant investment in my time and money all ruined because I rushed things. I didn't let enough twist enter the fiber, and I didn't sample enough while spinning to make sure things were going well. I finished the plying anyway, but was so disappointed in myself that I didn't skein it up.
Then came the K-W fair and I started spinning up my new fiber. I went for the Gotland from
Hubbart Farms first. I was attracted to it because the
cloaks worn by the good guys in the Lord of the Rings were made from Gotland fiber. My yarn came out quite pretty and I'm thinking I'd like to make some color work fingerless gloves from it.
While I was at it I decided to skein up my despised chain-plyed yarn from before. Time healed my wounds because now I'm in love with it! I don't know that it would make good socks, being underspun, but who cares? Look how pretty it is:
Not nearly as bad as I thought. I couldn't even see the knots in it. The colorway is called
Wizard Tower and I was thinking of it for Jim, since he's a
D&D fan. Want a closer look?
Not too shabby. Possibly even usable. What's the moral of the story? I guess I'm too hard on myself.
I agree that we can be our own worst critics. I'm glad you took a second look at the yarn and are pleased with how it did come out. The colors blended very nicely. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know how to spin but I bet it's really complicated with critical decisions determining the outcome. Your yarn looks beautiful. I hope someday I'll be making similar stuff.
ReplyDeleteBoth types are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, and any imperfections make them all the more so because it shows that they were made by a human, not a machine. If you want perfect yarn, buy it from a store. If you want yarn with more depth and personality, celebrate the one-of-a-kind handspun, glorious flaws and all!
ReplyDeleteWhat are you going to make Jim out of the Wizard yarn?
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job with the fibre.
ReplyDeleteWhat's that lighter colour yarn in the pic with the Gotland/Alpaca? It goes beautifully for colourwork.
Looks good from here. We are always our own worst critics
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful! I wouldn't even consider attempting it (spinning). Just a recipe for disaster in my hands!!
ReplyDeleteLooked at your choice of sweaters from a few months ago: I'm in love; Twist + Shout got me! You are SUCH an enabler... LOL