Shetland Fleece

I bought three fleeces to split with a friend. What a lovely surprise when I washed some and spun it from the lock on my spindle. I don't think I even need to process it in any way.

The guard hairs are soft enough to leave them in. The white silver color is wonderful. I'm seeing a Shetland shawl in my future. 

My Russian Spindle Journey

Ever since I took a Orenburg lace workshop with Galina Khmeleva in the 90's, I have wanted to master the Russian spindle.I bought two Russian spindles from Galina. I also bought a contemporary Russian spindle from Gripping Yarns a couple of years ago. This last month I have been honing my skill on the Russian spindle. I got some help from Traci who is getting wonderful results on her Russian spindle.  
Most interesting of all is the different methods that each spinner uses.Scroll to the end of this post for some great videos on Russian spindle spinning

Here is my attempt after much practice. Notice the wonderful ceramic bowl from Heidispottery.

I've also been spinning some Romney/Corriedale on a top whorl. Just this morning I set about to ply it:

Videos on Supported Spindle Spinning

Tibetan Handcraft Spinning

Beth Smith: Russian Spindle

Amanda: Supported Spindle

Feegle: Russian Spindle

Lhamo Spins More:

Holiday Knitting

I made DD a hat to warm her ears when she heads to the barn to feed her horses. 

New Blog Look

This is a new look for my blog. It's nice to change after so many years.

Knitting Backwards

I finally learned how to knit backwards . Thanks to videos on knitting I was able to add this skill to my knitting skills. Now I can knit more quickly on this cowl. There is nothing worse than doing three sets of short rows on the same five stitches. 

One, Two, Three

I'm back!! I am in the swing again after many months of no posts. I guess painting had been occupying my time. 

At least I have been knitting.  I actually finished a gansey cardigan that I'm wearing now. 

I've also commenced working on some spindle spinning. As you can see the three steps are present. The spun singles, the center pull ball and the plied yarn. 

Plying

I just finished plying one skein of this wonderful yarn. I have two more bobbins to ply. Next I will get back to spinning more of the same fiber. I've forgotten how much of this fiber I have since I bought it from Rhinebeck over ten years ago. Talk about aged stash!!! I'm also working on a hat for a friend. I'm hoping it matches her wonderful blue eyes.