It is rather strange to have your routine changed, especially since it’s been just about the same for the last five years, but I suppose having ones routine messed with once in a while isn’t that bad. With that being said, I’m so happy that this is the last week my hubby will be working evenings!
I finished the second sleeve to my Aidez and have casted on the back of the pattern. So far I’ve knitted the ribbing and now I’m getting ready to start the cable pattern. I haven’t made as much progress as I had hoped but that’s alright as it’s still too warm for me to wear it here in Phoenix.
I have made progress on my spinning though, which makes me very happy!
Last weekend I shared this photo …
And today I’m sharing this photo …
I’ve also had a chance to finally sit down an watch Spinning Dyed Fibers by Felcia Lo. This class has been very enjoyable and I’ve learned quite a bit. One thing I’m looking forward to is the section on Andean and Navajo plying. I’m really excited about learning Navajo plying and hope that I can finally understand how use this method in my spinning.
A
s you can see in my bobbins above, I spun the bobbin on the right a bit different from the one on the left. I learned how to do fractal spinning and found this technique to be quite an interesting experience. I really love the length of the color in the bobbin on the right an as you notice, there’s less of a barber pole effect as in the bobbin on the left. It will be interesting to see how these two will look once I start my plying, which will happen over the next few days.
There are two articles regarding this method of spinning, The Fractal Stripe by Janel Laidman found in the Summer 2007 issue of Spin Off magazine and Fractal Spinning by Alex Tinsley found in Issue 38 of Knitty Winter 2011. This method seems to be very popular among spinners and it creates a fantastic coloring in knitted items.
So as a spinner, have you tried fractal spinning?
Q – Was the one of the left spun to get a fractal? Were both long draw or short forward draw? Both are quite lovely! The fiber colors are so scrumptious. We just learned both Andean ply and Navajo ply in class. I’m thrilled that Andean ply is a good way to ply the spool that still has yarn when the other one is empty.
The heat has come back here. What the heck? Did you get the storm we just had on Thur and Fri?
Hi Q – I’m still learning spinning methods, so the on the left was done before I found out about the fractal. These basically are an experiment and both spun long draw. I’ve yet to try short draw but that’s coming. How wonderful that you took a class on Andean and Navajo plying! I would love to have a class but have been trying to learn by online methods
Yikes, that’s bad the heat came back! It’s been wonderful here since Friday, so maybe we did get a bit of your storm.
Q – We’re lucky to have a spinning class through our local adult school. Do you have that over there?
Lucky you! No, we don’t have that here or at least I don’t think we do – now I’ll have to check.
I love fractal spinning (well, most spinning, so …)!
It is rather fun and I’m enjoying learning something new
Definitely! I really need to get back to my wheel …
Love your handspun singles, and can’t wait to see what it looks like plyed. I’ve tried navajo plying but not the andean plying. I haven’t tried fractal spinning yet.
Thank you Ginny and I’ll be posting photos soon
No idea what fractal spinning is, but I’ll follow those links.
I had no idea either Caitlin but after learning the concept, I rather like it
I can’t wait to see what you make with the yarn.
I love fractal spinning and navajo spinning…and I have andean plied (but only to spin on a spindle, not my wheel yet). Spinning is just fun all around! And your bobbins are gorgeous!
Spinning is truly fun and thank you so much