Handspun Yarn
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
Am sure many of you do not realize that I also hand spin 2 ply yarn when I have the time. I have been spinning neigh on 10+ years now.
I have a double treadle Majacraft Saxony, which I just love.
This is some of the imported Gotland fleece I have on my wheel. This is finished yarn being made into a skein.
Normally I just spin local fleece but in the Gotland case, it was a very rare treat indeed to have the privilege to make this into yarn. Gotland wool is the same fleece that was used to make the Capes and some of the clothing in the Movie, “Lord of the Rings”.
This sweater was made of local Coopworth fleece, that I handspun into yarn. My great Aunt Norah then made it into a beautiful sweater for me.
I still have roving left over from my flock of sheep I raised. Most of it being Brecknock Hill Cheviot and Black Welsh Mountain. To have a softer handle to this fleece I added equal parts of Llama fleece from a local Llama breeder.
Also have more Coopworth and Blueface Leicester Roving both coming from local NW sheep breeders and British top shot through with Tussah silk. Every bit of the green British top with the tussah silk has been sold as soon as I can finish it.
Ever wanted to see how a spinning wheel works?
I had my DS do a video short of me Plying the Coopworth yarn. Please excuse the house clothes.
http://inkbrushcreations.blogspot.com/2009/05/ply-coopworth-yarn-video.html
This 2 ply yarn is measuring 16 Wraps per inch, which would put it in the category of Fingering yarn. Only way I can describe the color is… a Heathered very light beige/grey.
Would make a beautiful sweater, hat, scarf or what ever your heart desires.
This Coopworth comes from a Shepherdess in Mid/Eastern WA area. It is very fine and soft compared to the other Coopworth fleece I have dealt with. The photograph shows the first ply being spun up and the Roving next to it. This will end up being a 2 ply yarn.
What yarn I do have for sale can be seen at my Etsy store at… http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5598628