I think the first time I heard mention of Tour de Fleece was two years ago. In one ear, out the other. It hit my radar again last year and I filed the idea away. This year and I am eager to begin. Of course there is a Rav group.
Before any big sporting event you need to train. My training looks something like this.
This is Wendsleydale from Dragon Fibers.
The colorway is Violet Shades and I have four ounces to play with. This is my first time with this particular fiber. The plan is for it to become a 3-play sock yarn. I purchased this roving with a specific recipient in mind. Someone who loves purple and knitting socks. I am surprised by the amount of blue in the fiber, so it remains to be seen if this yarn will be gifted to my purple friend or someone else. I do have a certain someone else in mind, I do not know if she knits socks. Anyway, I split the braid into threes, did a bit of pre-drafting and sat down to spin. Oh, first I mixed myself a drink to accompany the spinning.
My first impression is that this sheep breed is probably related to Icelandic. I will take the time to look it up later. The fiber is a little rough and LONG. I mean really long. At first spin I was shocked by how long a draw it needed. Longest I have ever worked with. Once I got a feel for the long draw I relaxed and enjoyed the fiber. While it is easy to spin thin, I think the fiber is probably very well suited to a thicker yarn. It would make a wonderful light and well insulated worsted yarn.
Second impression is that this fiber has to be pre-drafted. I split the fiber into thin strips before pre-drafting. The yarn spins up so fast that there is no time for pulling and tugging while the wheel is spinning.
Third impression is that this is the fastest 3-ply sock yarn I have ever spun. I spun the 1.3 ounces that I had pre-drafted in less time than it took me to finish my Screwdriver. I am a bit of a lush, so this is a big deal.
I prepared the next section while finishing my cocktail. I can’t wait to see what it will look like in the end.
Although I have no desire to spin myself, I am fascinated by the process and love to see other people spinning. Please show more pictures!
Posted by: kate | June 16, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Drankin' and spinning, you are full of win.
Posted by: Gwyneth | June 16, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Spinning and drinking. I knew I liked you!
Posted by: Emma | June 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Beautiful fiber! I love Wensleydale. I also love scotch, but I haven't tried spinning while under the influence. Could be interesting!
Posted by: Julia | June 16, 2009 at 11:01 AM