Friday, April 29, 2011

Handspun Friday - unknown fiber

This was a larger project than usual. Originally it was meant to be used for the Mitered Crosses Blanket for Japan, but after finishing the yarn I don't think I want to use it for that. It's too solid colored for it. I'd like to have a little more variation throughout, so this handspun yarn has to sit and wait for what it's going to be. I'm most likely going to use it in different projects.

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Happy smelled the sheepy smell, which was there, but not overpowering so.

So I went to my fiber stash and grabbed a bag of undyed fiber. To my dismay there was no indication in or on the bag what fiber it was. I have only one photo of it which said Mixed breed on it. I can't remember where I bought it or what it is. But from the feel of it, it's a Medium wool, something like Columbia (which I remember buying at one point, but I still have several more bags of fiber, and I didn't go check if it's still there), or Corriedale, which I've never bought in this large amount.

The fiber fluff above fit on six bobbins nicely. It was a pleasure to spin right out of the bag. There was a little veggie matter, which I picked out as I went. Otherwise it was clean. There was the smallest amount of Lanolin in it, which kept my fingers smooth, but not uncomfortable so.

Pre-washing:
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That's Maggie whizzing by, just glancing at me, what I'm doing there. No time to stand still though.

This was a wonderful feeling of accomplishemnt when I hang it all out to dry:
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And the fruits of my labor:
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It fluffed up a bit after it was dry. I've navajo plied it, and got seven skeins of yarn, with a total of 1,688yds. The whole bag was 704grams/24.8oz heavy (weight of finished yarn).

I kind of got a taste for spinning natural fiber now, and will see what else I've got in my stash to spin something like that in between those colorful Fiber club offerings. I hope there will be some kind of hint with the other fibers as to what they are though.
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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
And for all Canadians: don't forget to vote on Monday!!!
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11 comments:

faith76 said...

Very productive, lots of yarn to knit up...

Enjoy your weekend! Leah x

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

I love seeing the pictures of the gang "going their thing" in the midst of you working with your wool. That was a massive undertaking but it sure came out lovely. Such a warm cream color and, of course, the spinning is unbeatable. Have a wonderful weekend ~ we are escaping down to San Clemente for a pet vacation and hopefully some blissful sleep :)

knottygnome said...

wow, that's a lot of handspun! great job. it looks so squishy.

Michelle said...

I've been starting to lean towards solid fibers myself. Seems more useful in knitting larger garments. Still have lots of both though!

cauchy09 said...

wow, i'll never cease to be amazed by your spinning! gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous.

Susan said...

Now it's only one step away from processing your own fiber. Just sayin'.

Walden said...

Wonderful! Are you going to dye it at all?

Anonymous said...

I have a couple of "batches" of fiber for sweaters. But 1500ish yards of yarn for a sweater seems daunting. You make it look easy. I am inspired!calcater

Linda said...

I love the look of that yarn, inspiring spinning as always!

Virginia G said...

That's a lot of work! Go you for productivity. :)

Oh, and I love the Maggie driveby.

Beverly said...

Wow! What productivity. Are you going to dye it or leave it natural?