So 4 ounces has become approximately 550 yards of this lace weight yarn.

Not exactly what I expected.  It’s more brown than I thought it would be, but still lovely.  I’m thinking the next 4 ounces should be socks – a nice 3-ply.  I don’t think I need anymore of this in lace weight.

I finally decided that I needed to finish some spindle spinning and get the plying done.  I have about 310 yards of the pink and 98 yards of the blue.  The blue ended up being a sample – I need to work on that some more as it’s not good for the project I have in mind.  Thank goodness I only bought 1 pound 10 ounces… I have more than enough for the shawl in mind.  The pink – well I’m still mulling over what to do with the pink.  Another should shawl?  Because a girl can’t have too many? I’ve been studying Ravelry, but nothing has spoken yet.  I should mention it’s average fingering weight.  Since it was a superwash it was slicker and bounced from lace weight to sport weight.

Happy Whisker’s on Wednesday.  Jasmine said, “Talk to the paw, ok?  Because I’m not in the mood.”

Also – I’m still getting in my 250 words a day.

Madison is helping today and giving you a size reference.  She’s average cat size.

I really wanted a tiny travel wheel.  One that would be easier transport and be plane friendly.  I did bring it on the plane back with me.  It did get an extra bag check, but we went through just fine and it did fit on it’s side under the seat in front of me.  Once I got it home, DH suggested it would fit in my big LL Bean bag.  It did fit with the extra treadle on and now it’s traveling back and forth with me to S’nB and fitting under the table for out of the way spinning.

I’ve been spinning on it and it originally had a little squeak in the foot pedal, but I got that worked out today.  It is a little louder with the direct drive, but not annoying for me.  You don’t notice it at all at Panera where we knit.  This wheel seems to work great for my short legs, as I’m able to sit back on the sofa and spin very comfortably with it.  When I sit up in the chair I have to remind myself not to hunch to it and work in a comfortable position.  However, that may be with the batt too – as it has some bits that too them to pull apart.

I should have a first skein of 4 ounces off of it soon then I’m planning on doing some brown roving, which will be for the Tasha shawl.

It fits in the palm of your hand or in your pocket.

Up close of the wood

So there you go – they feel like potato chips – I may need more than one of these cuties.  You can find them on Etsy at Threads Thru Time.  Super fast shipping too – I bought mine early Monday morning before I went to work and had it by Thursday afternoon.  It’s test spun before it ships and they supply a nice little amount of roving to play with once you get it – so you can start spinning right away.

I found it funny that this weekend I also spent time with the Respect the Spindle DVD and worked on my spinning.  The newest tool in the world with one of the oldest known tool in the world.  I’m a study in contrast.  Just a little practice and I’m getting much faster with my spindles.

Finally I broke out the wheel and spun some of this gorgeous roving that I got at the Madison event a few weeks ago.  That by the way is a fabulous event with lots of great vendors.

The only problem was my hands turned a little orange.  I hope there is not too much bleeding when I set the twist.

I spun this gorgeous Cormo x 3 ply and it seems to be thicker than I thought.  I originally planned to make the Tasha Shawl out of this one, but now I’m thinking it’s too thick for the shawl.  This is on a size 10.5 needle and it’s a struggle to get the stitch off the needle.  I’m re-evaluating my options and going to knit a swatch, but Raveneli has caught my eye and I think I may have enough to make the vest.

After a marathon spinning session – I got 360 yarns of 3-ply fingering weight yarn from about 4.5 ounces.  This is made from a Corriedale/Mohair blend.  I sent in the mohair and Spinderellas added the Corriedale.  I believe the Corriedale was top so it was it was fluffed up and so easy to spin.

I think 3-ply is my favorite yarn to knit with – it does take longer to spin, but I think it’s worth it to have the smooth roundness.   I started knitting as soon as the twist was set and look here…isn’t it gorgeous.  This is a free pattern – Saxony by Lisa Lloyd and maybe my best hand spun project yet.  I’m thinking hand spun cabled sweater now.

So one of my goals for the month was to get two spinning projects that have been on the wheel for a long time.  The white is done and is for Tasha shawl.  I have to dye it – I don’t know what color yet.  I still have two more bumps with the gray to do… phooey and it’s the 31st.   Well that will have to be the goal for February.

I also did some sampling of some Cormo silk blend that Julie and I had made last spring.  I started off fine, then a little less fine, and then fingering weight.

Here’s the samples knitted – I think I like this a little heavier.  I may have to try for a sport or worsted weight to see if I like that one next.

Bev got a picture of me in my La Novia – handspun yarn.  I had to have my own pin with it and I love how it turned out.

Finally I finished up my Grafton Batt.  About 300 yards of lace weight yarn.  Yum.

Also in future spinning news – I’ve been brushing the girls and look what I’m saving.  I’m thinking a future shawl.  It’s so much like bunny fluff.

Then I also got a lovely tea cozy as a get well soon gift from Julie.

Finally there has been spinning…

I had to sit in the living room, so I busted out my light weight Joy.  This is a Grafton Fiber batt and I think it’s going to be a light fingering when all is said and done.

Oh and I also may have added a new fountain pen to the ever growing herd.  The purple Lamy fine nib.

I inked it with Diamine Monaco red, which I like but probably not in this pen.  I think I’m going to ink it with PR’s Black Cherry next.