Spinning With Friends
I had a wonderful time last weekend, though I’m just getting around to posting about it. Dorothy (Missouri Star) and her husband Bill came to visit us over the weekend. They live just a few hours from here, though we rarely get to see one another, for one reason or another. Now that she’s retired, and I have a more sane work schedule, I hope that situation changes!
Dorothy and I both used to say that we would never take up spinning. Ha! I fell hard last summer, and it was only a few months later that she was asking questions about spindles and wheels. When she joined the Beginning Spinners group on Ravelry, I knew that it was all over. She bought a spindle, then got a wheel last month. She brought her wheel with her, a nice Ashford Traveller, and some pretty hostess gift Romney fiber from a neighbor’s sheep, named Rainbow! We did a little spinning, a lot of chatting, eating, and generally having fun. John & Bill hit it off, and managed to find things to do that didn’t involve spinning or talking about spinning. They brought their Corgi, Maggie, along with them, and after a bit of jousting amongst the dogs to figure out who the biggest alpha bitch was, everybody got along just fine.
Dorothy is a natural as a spinner. Go look at what she’s been spinning on her blog (but come back!). After just a few weeks, she’s spinning nearly laceweight, very evenly.
I managed to finish spinning a whole pile of Cormo (that insulation yellow stuff from several posts back, though it hasn’t been washed up yet, so it’s not ready for a photo op). I did start a new spinning project while Dorothy was here.
The fiber is from Chasing Rainbows Dyeworks, in the color Forest. I bought 2 ounces of this color in a merino-bombyx silk blend, and another 2 ounces in the same color in merino-tencel. I have the silk blend all spun, and I’m about half way through the tencel, then plan to ply them together. We’ll see how that works out. I did do a little couple yard sample, and I think I’ll like it. Here’s where I bought the fiber. The colors really are that rich.
Last but not least, here’s one of my spinning helpers. Lewey tends to sit right under my feet while I’m spinning, and Will is just pretty sure this is where he belongs.
And this is probably why he’s so friendly lately. When the weather’s better, he’s outside a lot, but he’s not a big fan of rain.
Come to think of it, I’m getting a bit tired of that rain myself!
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If you haven’t done so already, go here and read Stephanie’s post about Haiti. She’s said it much better than I can. If Doctors Without Borders isn’t your favorite charity, pick another one, but dig deep and give. If we can all afford to have computers and yarn and fiber toys, we can certainly sacrifice a bit of cash to those affected by this horrifying disaster.
Thursday, 14. January 2010 14:09
Having a spinning buddy sounds like a blast!
Thursday, 14. January 2010 16:12
We had a great time! Maggie wants to come back and I think after those chocolate martinis Bill will definitely tag along. You’re getting around to blogging about sooner than I have – it’s been a busy, busy week.
Thursday, 14. January 2010 17:05
Hmmm…you’ve piqued my interest in spinning! I’m not sure it’s something I want to try, but at least I’m thinking about it. What makes spinning as much or more fun than knitting? Maybe I just don’t get it.
Friday, 15. January 2010 5:11
Looks like y’all had a great time!!
Friday, 15. January 2010 6:11
Yay for your spinning!
Friday, 15. January 2010 7:10
You guys are going to make it hard for me to stick to my knitting (and not be tempted to spin).
Friday, 15. January 2010 9:10
Does Willie do any more involved “helping” involving his paws and the yarn you’re spinning?
Friday, 15. January 2010 14:55
I love that you and Dorothy got to spin together – what fun to have a spinning friend!
Those forest singles look so beautiful and shiny – sounds like it will be a heavenly blend.
Saturday, 16. January 2010 17:52
I’m almost scared to say I’m never going to try spinning. I think I’m not anyway. Thanks for your remarks about Haiti. We all have to do our part to help, for sure.
Monday, 18. January 2010 8:38
what a wonderful time you all had! and gorgeous spinning. (my wheel has not been out of the closet since I last saw you – alas)
Doctor’s without Borders is such a great group. And I totally agree.