Low Twist Single Spun Yarn

I was trying to spin a single that would resemble Manos del Uruguay... this is as close as I got. I have come to the conclusion that this type of yarn, although it looks like it should be easy, is the most difficult to spin, at least for me. The wool is Blue-Faced Leicester that I dyed and then drumcarded. I spun it "woolen" on my Louet, with the drive band on the largest whorl and plenty of take up so I wouldn't be able to accidentally add too much twist. The staple length was between 6-8 inches so not too much twist was needed. I know it is impossible to spin a "balanced" single, but this skein was hanging pretty darn straight and relaxed!!

Cooking on Thanksgiving Day

We woke up to a blustery day, complete with heavy rain and winds and decided stay home and cook instead of spending several hours on the road with other happy travelers in search of food. I put a turkey in the oven and quickly headed off to the garage to dye... Both skeins are Superwash Merino. I mixed up several colors and hand-painted both skeins using the same colors, however the "base coat" and the "top coat" as I like to call them, were dramatically different in both skeins. Interesting.... now let's see how they knit up!

Dyeing Brave...

They say that you're not being brave if you're not afraid... well, dyeing can be quite frightening, especially when you are dyeing 2+ pounds at a time! Well, I am happy to report that the results are becoming more and more predictable... here are more recently dyed yarns - Left: Merino/Silk/Cashmere. Right: Baby Alpaca/Merino/Cashmere.

More on Dyeing...

Here are two more colorways - both are 100% Superwash Merino Wool Yarn.

The Color of Leaves...

I couldn't resist trying to capture Mother Nature's Palette... this yarn inspired by falling leaves.

Dyeing Superwash Yarn and other Blends

I've been dyeing... so what's new! Here is some 100% superwash merino yarn (top left); and 75%merino/25% Nylon superwash yarn (top right) both are great for socks. The bright rusty orange at left is a novelty nylon yarn, as is the brownish yarn peeking through the center. The two bottom skeins are merino/silk/cashmere blends. I am using Judith MacKenzie's Eco-friendly super-milled acid dyes and regular household vinegar. What fun this is!!!