This Week I Fell in Love....
I made a commitment this New Years to knit from my stash (ya, I know, all the rage last year but this is a personal commitment not a band wagon). I have resolved to be more responsible this year with regards to lots of other things and it feels good to work towards something on a less concrete note.... I want to make an achievement in a personal sense ... and that feeling of freedom that comes from saying, "I want to do this - and I will" ... OK OK I realize I'm being clear as mud ... oh well..... anyways, suffice it to say I have closed a number of shopping cart windows already without making purchases and it felt surprisingly good. Now I want to be clear that it doesn't mean I'll never purchase any yarn or fiber at all this year, just put a real firm hand on 'stash enhancement'.
I want to spend some more time spinning at some of the different fibers I have already, before I make the mistake of buying more of something I hate - like the latest batch of Bonkers I'm spinning right now - a blend of 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Tussah Silk. At the time I bought it, the description captivated my imagination saying "it spins like buttah - buttah I tell ya!". I recall my wistful sigh at the cost and only bought (thankfully) one hank. All I can say is the alpaca & merino must have come from the rump end of the oldest toughest rams in the flock as the entire wad is coarse and rough, not soft and smooth. There are also numerous long guard hairs in it (more than twice the diameter of the main fiber). It does not flow smoothly between the fingers and all the pre-drafting in the world does not improve it. If this is her idea of butter I'll pass on the next batch of toast she makes, thanks!
Yes, yes, I'll post pictures of it soon!
This one hank has made me almost swoon with delight over the 7 pounds of 50/50 merino silk I bought this spring from an ex-spinner for a mere $13 a pound (compared to $20 for 4 oz for the one Bonkers hank). The superior quality, soft hand and fine texture of it makes the Bonkers hank look questionable for dishcloths! It really drove home my good fortune and that all that glitters in hand dyed is not gold! I decided I will be spinning my stash blend before I consider purchasing any more silk blends, now that I appreciate it as it deserves!
Contrast this spinning adventure with my latest dalliance into temptation .... of course, from Wild Geese! Fresh from the custom mill is some Alpaca with turquoise and hot pink silk thread. Yes, the picture is very poor, but not to worry, you'll be seeing more of it, I promise!
This IS black gold - plush and baby soft! The same cost per hank as the Bonkers (plus it's already spun!). When I opened the parcel and pulled out the bag I was pleased, such a deep natural jet black, then, I opened the bag .... oooooooo baby! I touched it and it was all over! I fell (unexpectedly) head over heels! Regardless of my initial thoughts, this yarn is NOT for stash enhancement - it is already being wound into cakes for immediate casting on! I have in mind a cabled sweater, something very feminine, something very personal, something - for me! Several of the patterns in the Spring 2008 Interweave Knits are possibilities, I haven't finalized the choice. I have to finish the other sleeve on my brown yoke sweater first (more on that later) so that will give me another day or two to decide. I have to admit it's been a while since any yarn has excited me like this has! All I can say is "Wow! Barb! Thanks for the email about it!!". (Glad I got some before it's all gone!)
I want to spend some more time spinning at some of the different fibers I have already, before I make the mistake of buying more of something I hate - like the latest batch of Bonkers I'm spinning right now - a blend of 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Tussah Silk. At the time I bought it, the description captivated my imagination saying "it spins like buttah - buttah I tell ya!". I recall my wistful sigh at the cost and only bought (thankfully) one hank. All I can say is the alpaca & merino must have come from the rump end of the oldest toughest rams in the flock as the entire wad is coarse and rough, not soft and smooth. There are also numerous long guard hairs in it (more than twice the diameter of the main fiber). It does not flow smoothly between the fingers and all the pre-drafting in the world does not improve it. If this is her idea of butter I'll pass on the next batch of toast she makes, thanks!
Yes, yes, I'll post pictures of it soon!This one hank has made me almost swoon with delight over the 7 pounds of 50/50 merino silk I bought this spring from an ex-spinner for a mere $13 a pound (compared to $20 for 4 oz for the one Bonkers hank). The superior quality, soft hand and fine texture of it makes the Bonkers hank look questionable for dishcloths! It really drove home my good fortune and that all that glitters in hand dyed is not gold! I decided I will be spinning my stash blend before I consider purchasing any more silk blends, now that I appreciate it as it deserves!
Contrast this spinning adventure with my latest dalliance into temptation .... of course, from Wild Geese! Fresh from the custom mill is some Alpaca with turquoise and hot pink silk thread. Yes, the picture is very poor, but not to worry, you'll be seeing more of it, I promise!
This IS black gold - plush and baby soft! The same cost per hank as the Bonkers (plus it's already spun!). When I opened the parcel and pulled out the bag I was pleased, such a deep natural jet black, then, I opened the bag .... oooooooo baby! I touched it and it was all over! I fell (unexpectedly) head over heels! Regardless of my initial thoughts, this yarn is NOT for stash enhancement - it is already being wound into cakes for immediate casting on! I have in mind a cabled sweater, something very feminine, something very personal, something - for me! Several of the patterns in the Spring 2008 Interweave Knits are possibilities, I haven't finalized the choice. I have to finish the other sleeve on my brown yoke sweater first (more on that later) so that will give me another day or two to decide. I have to admit it's been a while since any yarn has excited me like this has! All I can say is "Wow! Barb! Thanks for the email about it!!". (Glad I got some before it's all gone!)
I can't believe you've got yourself that gorgoues yarn! I was just looking at it on Barbs blog - today! I've been buying some roving from her, and she had the blog link on her e-mail. I liked it as soon as I saw it. I'm glad you've got it, and hopefully we'll see it knit up soon!
I'm sorry about your bad experience with Bonkers fiber. I think we all get some of that. But there's good stuff to be had as well.
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Don't wait too long if you think you want some - I understand it's limited quantity and going fast! I almost wish I could wear the skeins it's so nice and not have to wait to knit it up!! LOL!!
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