Day 1 Tour de Fleece - Into The Whirled 50-50 Tibetan Yak Merino - Creating Singles

I spun half the 4 oz. of Into The Whirled 50-50 Tibetan Yak Merino in the Vampires of Venice colorway into singles. The color is so beautiful.

 

Split the fiber in 4.  Planning on Navajo plying to keep the colors distinct and lovely.  Beautiful to spin.  My first time with yak.  Soft & fluffy.  Yum!

Spun on my Ladybug, the Lady Rue.  As always, terrific to spin on!

Nice start to the Tour de Fleece.  And that was with spending some time creating stitch markers for the SSK swap.  I may need to share pics of that too.  I saw something about creating them with Shinky Dinks!  Such a great idea.  I took some pre-shrinking pics, but not post.

DH suggested I sell them on Etsy.  And I pointed out the time involve.  He laughed and agreed.  Between time & material costs, I don't think anyone could afford them!  *laugh*  Though in theory, I could get quicker with the process.  But I think that could take out a lot fo the fun.

One 8 x 10 sheet was able to create 12 stitch markers.  But I goof on two of them.  One ripped as I was cutting it.  I would keep it for someone else.  I t*think* it will stay okay as most of it baked together.  But not going to give it away in case it breaks.  And another I goofed on the drawing.  So I tossed it.  I was trying to rush to get them into the oven before the oven was needed for dinner.

And as it turns out, the Shinky Dink instructions suggest using a toaster oven which was far better.  Our oven doesn't have a light.  And you need to watch them closely to see when they flatten back out.

Only thing I would change about the set up might be the attachment point.  I *may* make some with some loops rather than the leverback earring pieces.  I like the leverback pieces as they work like crochet stitch markers.  I like those for knitting.  They are wonderfully flexible.  You can use them like a regular stitch marker or attach them to a stitch if needed. 

But because of the way they sit, I had to attach two jump rings so they would hang right.  Not terrible.  But also not ideal as they may be too long for some people.  So in hind sight, I would see if there are any leverbacks with an loop facing the front instead of the side.

Mind you, I just looked at some I have gotten from The First Draft. They have charms & are sideways.  The charms look good that way.  The Shrinky Dinks, not so much.

Best I get to some cleaning so I can get some spinning done today.  I got up late today (my turn to sleep in.)  Then I hope to get some good spinning done.  And perhaps another sheet of the stitch markers.  *fingers crossed*

DH was good enough to pick up two packages of leverbacks for me.  So I can make 32 stitch markers for the SSK swap.  I just counted & there are 56 people who said they are in!  I would love to make more.  But we shall see how it works out in terms of timing.  I can bring the materials with me when I am on vacation.  But there isn't a toaster oven.  Mind you, there is a much *better* oven than we have at home!  So time will tell.

Best I am off to get some things done.  *sigh*  Woohoo!  Cleaning!  Kitty litter first!  Oh, the glamorous life!  *queue Sheila E*

Tour de Fleece 2016 - Preamble

So I have decided to participate again this year in the Tour de Fleece.  I really love it.  And it motivates me to spin.

The dates are Saturday July 2 to Sunday July 24th, 2016.  So you may see more posts here.  Who knows.  *laugh* 

I won't get to participate in the tail end of it as I will be away at SSK.  Given I am flying, I decided it was best to leave the wheel home.  So I am borrowing one for classes.  But I am will not have one with me.  However, I am taking a week of vacation during the time of the TdF.  So that allows for a whole lot of spinning time!  So that should be great.

Here's what I hope to spin.

 

Time will tell if I get all that done...

I am participating in the same groups as last year with two exceptions. 

I am sorry not to see Team Browncoats this year.  *pout*  But things happen.  *smile*  It was a small & chatty group which was nice.  I really enjoyed having an excuse to watch Firefly again too.  *smile* 

Also Team Babe is not running this year either.  It is a great team of people.  I will miss them.  But I also felt kinda guilty last year as I didn't use sweet Door at all.  With my new-to-me Ladybug, the Lady Rue, joining me a little over a year ago, it was all about spinning on her.  And I confess, other than possibly plying with Door, I suspect this year will be the same. 

I keep wondering if I can find a smaller group to participate in as I really like them.  And the groups I am in currently are all pretty large...  Odd thing is I just looked!  There is no Doctor Who or other tv stuff.  There is a Team Jane which is for Jane Austen fan.  Not a big enough fan to participate in that one.  Huh...  Kinda sad...

Teams I Joined:

Schacht

Spin Your Stash

Loop

Into the Whirled

Loop & Into the Whirled are fiber specific groups. 

I am aiming high with Loop this year & going for a Double Bump again.  I don't know if I will succeed. But I have two beautiful Bumps that I think will look awesome together.  I got one as a prize last year from Loop.  And I kinda knew that it needed to pair with one I already had!  It is Beautiful Nightmare & The Devil Made Me Do It. 

Kinda washed them out a big with the light.  Think the group pic is actually a bit better.

For Into the Whirled, I have a lot of their lovely fiber.  It was hard to get it down to just one choice.  So I have two.  I think I am going to start with the 4 oz of the Vampires of Venice colorway in 50/50 Tibetan Yak & Merino.  I bought this at MD S&W this year.  It is gorgeous. 

The funny part is I bought this and didn't take it out of the package.  When I did... WOW!

I think it needs to be Navajo plied to keep the luscious colors intact. 

My plan is to spin this first. 

Then the Loop Double Bumps.

And if I have time, I want to spin the two 4 oz packages of 221B.  It is beautiful stuff.  Greys & purple.  Mmm...  I already knit socks from the colorway in their Kettle Dyed Sock Yarn & love the colors.  The fiber is 85/15 Polwarth/Silk Blended Top.  So the silk takes the color differently.  It is lighter.  But oh so lovely as well.

But I figure if I don't think I can get that done in time, I may just go stash diving!  I have a massive fiber stash.  *smile*

Hope this year rocks!

Baby Got a Bath

So my Ladybug for a bath.  *smile*

I got my wheel a year ago.  The previous owner had given her a "bath treatment" before I bought her. 

The treadles were getting a bit grimmy.  And I thought she could do with a good rub down.

Of course, being me, I did reading & watching.  Ordered supplies.  And finally did it this morning.

I watched this video:

https://youtu.be/IthA-_4SMMU

It is very useful. 

I followed it with mods of course, being me.

Schacht recommends Danish oil.  And I felt that she could use that.  It gives it a slight tougher finish.

So, here's what I did - mostly followed the video except adding the Danish oil.

- Water wipe down

Barely damp, just to get the dust & grime off

- Murphy's "wash"

I used the Clean & Shine Spray.  It is at the dilution needed for cleaning.

- Brasso for metal bits

I think next time, I would do the wash & Brasso in reverse order.  So that way it would just wash off if it got on the wood.

- Danish oil

I took a look at http://wooltherapy.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-babies.html who used Danish oil.  I followed her instructions.  Rub oil in.  Let it sit for 30 minutes.  Buff.  Repeat, but let sit for 15 minutes.  Funny part.  After doing that, I realized those are the instructions on the Danish oil.  *laugh*

- Wood Beams

I am going to let the Danish oil sit for the 8-10 hours recommended on the tin.  So either tonight or tomorrow, I will rub her down with some Wood Beams.  I have done a lot of reading on the forums.  It seems some people swear by only one or the other.  But some say they do the Danish oil every 2-3 years.  But on a more frequent basis, they use Wood Beams.

I think that is the best plan.  Especially with the treadles.  My feet aren't perfect.  I live in an urban area.  So they do get grimy sometimes.  Probably doesn't help that I have Mary Jane style shoes.  So some dirt is probably getting into them when I am out & about.

I am hoping this helps.  I confess that I was spoiled with my Babe.  It was really no maintenance.  I think I cleaned it once or twice the eight years I have had it.  It is PVC for the most part.  The treadles are wood, but not finished.  So I don't even have a guess what would help them.  So I just leave them be. 

I am hoping the Wood Beams will really make her glow.  A lot of people say that happens with the Danish oil.  But I don't really see that.  So either she was better off than I thought or I didn't buff enough...  Not sure honestly.

I should try to take pics.  Though I should have done before & after shots.

BTW, here is the link to Wood Beams:

http://www.goodiesunlimited.com/woodbeam.html

Another Year When Carin Has Me Thinking about Goals

Carin from the Round the Twist podcast mentioned goals for 2015.  And looking back, I realize that she has inspired me for several years in the past.

I wasn't going to take on any goals.  But listening to hers, I was inspired to set a few. 

I am not going overboard.  Here's what I am thinking.

Participate in all the SSK KALs
I am still stunned I got a spot in the Super Summer Knitogether this year.  I have been listening to the Knit Girllls for many years.  But this is the first year I tried for a spot.  And I got in!  I am super excited.

They are having five KALs before SSK.  Each one earns tickets for raffles.

Charity KAL - Items made for certain charities and brought to SSK - runs right up to SSK
Romi Hill 11/20/15-1/31/16
babycocktails - Thea Colman 2/1/16-3/31/16
mercedesknits - Mercedes Tarasovich 4/1/16-5/31/16
Pattern by any SSK participant including teachers: 6/1/16-7/15/16

I can earn one ticket for every 100 yards.  I can also earn 2 tickets for using one of the SSK vendors.  And 2 for handspun.  Coolness.

I like that most of them are two months long.  So it is a good chunk of time & completely doable.  

SocksComplete three pairs this year.  And yes, I am counting the pair currently on the needles and nearly done.  But hey, it is something. 
 I should set a higher goal.  But I have been lagging on socks lately.  I get past the foot & then just stall on the leg.  Feels like I should be done, but it isn't.

I just checked.  I only knit *two* pairs for all of last year.  So three is an increase!  I wear my handknit socks all the time.  So I definitely need more!

Darning 
Thinking about my socks.  I realize that I should *darn* some of the pairs I have that have holes that can be repaired!  So my goal is for two pairs to get fixed. 

Finish DH's Sweater
I started it in 2012!!  For the Year of the Sweater.  Again, Carin from Round the Twist inspired me.  It needs a buttonband & buttons.  That is it.  But I fowled it up and haven't had the heart to rip it out and start again.  *sigh*  So close...

I fear it may wait until Stash Dash in May.  But so long as it is this year, I will be happy.  DH might be happier sooner however.  But it has been a warm winter so far.

A Spin on Spin the Bin
I am still trying to find details on this.  Lara form the Knit Girllls has done it several years.  Leslie is doing it this year unofficially.  I think I may have already missed the deadline to join in the group. 

In looking at the Knit Girllls group, I have decided on a different spin on this.

I want to spin 12 bits of fiber.  I say 12 but am not locking in what they are.  This way I can spin things as they come into the house rather than locking in things now. 

Also, I say bits of fiber rather than braids or batts.  This is because one of those should be some silk. And they aren't in the standard braids or such.

I went crazy at NY S&W shortly after I started spinning.  I have multiple bits of silk.  I have an entire silk kit with different types of silk.   And wanna guess how much I have actually spun?!  I have spun part of a silk hankie with a spindle.  But other than that, I haven't spun any pure silk.  And even the spindle one, I haven't spun the whole hankie!

I have even bought the download video of Spinning Luxury Fibers Volume 1: Silk when Interweave was having a sale.  But I don't think I have watched it yet.  Or certainly not all of it.

I think those are good goals.  They make sense and are completely achievable.  So hooray for that.

Wish me luck.