Finally, Progress

You may recall the Lorna's Laces roving that I was initially planning to spin with no clear pattern in mind. Then I signed up for Mystery Stole 3 and turned my attentions to some alpaca. As I was prepared to begin my adventures, my wheel turned against me. Let's just say that there are apparent personality issues and we're no longer on speaking terms.

Two weeks ago, a handome Ashford Traditional came to visit me until SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival) in October, when I'll go home with a new wheel of my own. Or at least that's the plan. I spun up almost 100g of crappy icelandic pencil roving to get used to the wheel. It had the potential to be so nice, but it was so full of vegetable matter that I seriously doubt I'll use the yarn for anything. Having never spun on a wheel that didn't have a severe personality issue, I was amazed at how easy spinning could be.

I was all set to begin the alpaca when I remembered 4 oz of 50/50 merino/silk that came home with me on Distaff Day from the Handspinner's Guild. I pulled that out and became entranced. Somehow, I'd completely forgotten that I absolutely love spinning silk. I spun and plied about an ounce worth of fiber, giving me about 275 yards of less than fingering but mostly laceweight yarn. Add the beads I ordered weeks ago and we have the beginnings of a Mystery Stole.



I am ridiculously impressed with myself for having spun something that I'm using to knit as I have used my handspun perhaps twice ever. The rest just sits in a basket.



I knit up a swatch while at the doctor's office this morning using US 4 needles.



Then stopped home to block on my way to work. Yes, it was that serious.



When I get home, it's time to start knitting.