Something Very Important

I realised something very important yesterday. I enjoy spinning much more than knitting the yarn I create. I also can't wait to start spinning. It seems to be all I think about these days. Spinning is very important to me. It is my passion!

My mother introduced me to spinning when I was a teenager. She only spun for a while and then her wheel sat in the corner until she finally got rid of it. At the time I found it difficult, but enjoyed it anyway. And being a teenager I prefered to be outside playing cricket with my brother than stuck inside with my mum.

So now I am back spinning again, and loving it. I have two drop spindles, one of which is pictured below. I bought this one from castleman on Etsy. She does wonderful paintings on her spindles. She also has a great spinning and dyeing zine which I get. It is full of great information.


Anyway, I'm madly trying to get caught up with bills and rent so I can buy myself a second hand spinning wheel. I've done so much spinning lately that my arms are hurting. Problem is, I want to keep spinning but my arms won't let me.

Here is some silk fiber I found at home. The colour hasn't turned out very well, but it's verigated blues and a bit of blue/green. I spun it last night. It was an absolute dream to spin, and it turned out very nice.

Here is the silk on the spindle. I have plyed it and when it is dry from setting the twist I will share pics.

This is my current spinning project. There is 175 grams of beautiful multi-coloured merino roving here. It is a dream also to spin up. I've always loved spinning merino. They say it isn't a fiber for beginners to work with, but I don't agree. It drafts easily, feels beautiful and soft on your hands, and spins up lovely and soft.

I'll share pics of the spun fiber when I've done some more.

I'm Dyeing Here

My Aunt gave me a whole bunch of white wool roving. All I know is that it's wool, I don't know what sort. I spun some up with the intention of dyeing it and then plying it.


The above is 4 skeins ready to dye.

The above is 2 skeins dyed pink. I used Rit Dye from the pharmacy. I will be getting proper dye eventually when I am in a better financial situation.

I have two more skeins to dye, and will be dyeing those sapphire blue. I will share pics when they are done.

The above is some of the roving from knittydirtygirl spun up. I plyed it with rayon machine embroidery thread. The yarn is beautiful and soft. It is available for purchase through my Etsy shop.

Speaking of my Etsy shop, I have some exciting plans in the works. I won't share yet, but keep your eye out for exciting new products. :D

It's Official

It's Official! KnittyDirtyGirl of Etsy ROCKS!!!!

I bought this fiber from her (pic below) and it is the loveliest fiber I have ever spun with. It is so easy to draft, and it is spinning up beautifully. The colours blend well together, creating this gorgeous multi-coloured yarn.

If you spin or knit you need to visit Knitty's shop. She has the nicest stuff. She's definately got me as a customer for life now!

Fiber Makes the World Go Around

Lately I've gotten back into spinning my own yarn. It's been lots of fun. I can't sit at my sewing machine for long periods of time anymore because of a bad back, so I have found spinning and knitting to be good therapy.

I am currently using a drop spindle. I do not have a spinning wheel, and a drop spindle is a good cheap alternative.

I have so far created 2 skeins of yarn. The first is a blue/green yarn that I spun, I then plyed it with a white yarn that I spun. Keep in mind that I have not spun yarn for about 18 years. I am happy with how this turned out. You can see more about it in my Etsy shop.

The second skein I created is below. I spun the white and then plyed it with 8 ply acrylic. I have been encouraged by many spinners on Etsy to experiment with my yarn creation. So here it is. It also is for sale in my Etsy Shop.


The yarn that I am working on now will be used for a project that I am planning. I will write more about that when the yarn is done. Here is a photo of my drop spindle with the yarn on it.

My yarn is coming out really well now. It is more even in size with less lumps and bumps. I am spinning with white fiber, but plan to dye it when I have some more done. The white fiber I have was given to me so I have no idea where it came from or what sort of sheep's wool it is.

I am currently waiting for a package with some fiber to spin in it to arrive from America. KnittyDirtyGirl on Etsy has wonderful fiber and I fell in love with some. It's pink (of course), and I plan to mix some Angelina in for some sparkle factor as I spin it. I will be luscious when it's finished. I will post pics when I receive the fiber and when I am spinning it.

Below is some of the luscious fiber that knitty sells.

I will writing more about the yarn and fiber sellers on Etsy. They have some wonderful stuff, so stay tuned.