Dearest Dorset

I chose you for my latest of spinning exploits because you were something new to me. Your svelte four ounce skein and squishy hand was attractive. The light brown Chai Tea colorway given to you by the good people at Gnomespun Yarn, brought to mind thoughts of unassuming gentility.

What a pleasure you were to spin! It had been about a year away from the wheel. Just a few rough inches and the rest of the 165 yards was a smooth, triumphant experience! To the tune of Alicia Keys new song, this wheel is on fire! Yes! We are well on the way to getting through my goal for Maryland Sheep and Wool.

According to your label and The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook by Deb Robeson, you are felt resistant.
For this reason, you are my dearest dorset, my new favorite fiber.

Welcome to the Thunderdome

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival is in May. It's March. I have cabin fever. As cat is my witness, there is no room for another tuft of fiber in the cupboards.
So, what is a spinner to do?
SPIN!! Spin like the wind!

Here is the deal. There are sixteen pounds of inventoried stash to my shame ( there's more, but if it ain't accounted for, there is no shame to confess). Pushing the limits of sanity, I think that I can knock out eight to ten pounds by May 2nd...
Who's taking bets!

Navajo Spinning at VKL

Yesterday at Vogue Knitting Live, I had the opportunity to attend a class in Navajo spindle spinning with Katharine Cobey.
While it was not my first rodeo at the technique, it was the first time that I had successfully spun.
Instead of palming the spindle, I was taught to just use my fingertips. That helped me focus on the long-draw. That's another maneuver that did not agree with me in the past.

I enjoyed this trip to VKL, though it was short and sweet. With a ridonkulous stash of fiber and yarn, the plan was to just purchase on skein of Quivit, which I did from Bijou Basin Ranch. Dragonfly Fibers tempted me with a skein of Traveller in Violetta and Squishy Lace in the Mushroom Hunting colorway. Bead Biz offered Czech glass beads of a mingled green and turquoise color. I have no earthly idea what project to use them on,
That don't stop the shopping! You know what I'm talking about... I see you blushing...

Stitches East!

My knit, sip, and learn trip has come to a close. As I await the train back home from Hartford, I'm still enjoying yarn and new friends.
Check out this scarf to be. It's Decadent Fibers' Creme Puff Tunisian crocheted with a hilariously large hook from The Bagsmith.
Finished in one evening! Love it!

Next Knit

Thanks to the inspirational knitting adventures of SharonV, I'm working on the Hogwarts Express shawl.
The yarn is Kitchen Sink Dyeworks Luxe Merino Fine. Just a touch of cashmere makes it scrumptious!