With the Tour de Fleece kicking off in two weeks I better start training already. The purpose of the tour is a challenge. For the cyclists and handspinners alike, it's the big one.
When I'm not actually doing something, most likely I am thinking about something.
I've been thinking a lot about personal challenges lately, and decided to look back at what I spun during the challenge day of last year's tour...
July 2007:I can briefly re-cap the challenge day with a picture representing my personal Col l'Aubisque: feathers. Dyed feathers.
I first looked up some technique in the book: Spinning Designer Yarns by Diane Varney. (a must have for spinners - don't you think?) The book confirmed what I thought: 2-ply yarn, trapping the stem of each feather in a coil.
Plus it's a rainbow yarn, just for the wow factor. It's a fandango yarn for sure, but I'm nervous about setting the twist. I don't want to ruin the feathers by getting them wet. I'm hoping a little steaming will do the trick.
My unsolicited advice: way over-spin the single first, so you don't over-ply while doing your coils. That is if you desire spinning with feathers. Perhaps nobody else would. I accept that.
Back to today, this moment, right now:
I must admit I don't have it in me to tackle such complicated yarn these days. I really want to spin smooth, even yarn now. Useful yarn. Utilitarian. Purposeful.
The real challenge will be to sit down and spin every day for three weeks. I am nearly looking forward to it. Join me, won't you? Sign up today.
3 comments:
Wow, what a yarn!!
I'm really excited to join the tour this year. (Thanks for hosting it!)
Hello! Is there anywhere I can buy this beautiful feather yarn?
Thanks!
Hi polkamatic! Thanks for the question. I haven't been able to part with the yarn yet. It's still in my stash. If I ever decide to sell it I'll be sure to make it known. Thanks!
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