training without sweating

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.

 

Comments

[kate]

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!

[Gwyneth]

Drankin' and spinning, you are full of win.

[Emma]

Spinning and drinking. I knew I liked you!

[Julia]

Beautiful fiber! I love Wensleydale. I also love scotch, but I haven't tried spinning while under the influence. Could be interesting!