Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.
Oscar Wilde
So I finished plying the Coopworth/silk roving on Sunday, washed it up and thwacked it to set the twist. It came out much thinner than the merino I spun last week, just like I wanted. For about 24 grams (slightly less than an ounce) I ended up with 104 yards and a wrap per inch measurement of about 24 after plying. It acts balanced even though there are some sections that are definitely under plied. And some over plied I’m sure. But it’s definitely a lace weight yarn. And I was pleased with the progress in my spinning ability.
But there was one little tiny niggling problem.
It’s not a lace weight I’d want anywhere near my skin. It has little elasticity, drape, luster or appeal. At all.
Worse, it’s not soft.
I tried to knit up a swatch using a quick lace pattern. Gah. This stuff feels like twine.
So I pouted.
And I tried to kick the cat but he slunk away.
And then I was flipping through The Spinner’s Companion and lo, there it was. The answer to my crappy yarn.
Under the comparison of wool types, there’s my Coopworth.
Under the softness rating, I found the word “Harsh”.
Under elasticity: “Low”.
Under recommended uses: Rugs and outerwear.
Oy.
I was seduced by the color when I bought it (and it’s sister, a lovely coral peach color), just assuming I could use it for anything I wanted. A typical noobie mistake. The unspun fiber doesn’t feel all that harsh and perhaps if it were plyed with a yarn with a higher elasticity might work for a sweater that’s worn with a shirt underneath. Or some mittens.
For now, it’s in time out while I play with something more enjoyable. I’ll get back to it eventually and try spinning it thicker and see what I get.
From now on before I spin a new fiber, I’ll do a little research into its characteristics. I don’t have a problem making mistakes, I’d just prefer not to repeat the same ones all the time.
&
In other news, JessaLu is having a contest. She makes box bags which are terrific for small projects or just because. She’s excited because they going to be available at Sock Summit so to celebrate she’s giving away a bag to one of her readers. If you go over there and leave a comment to tell her “Wool and Spice sent me” then we both get a chance to win one. Ya gotta do it by midnight Thursday (her midnight is my 11 pm) for a chance to win.
Go.
Do it. Now.
Because I said so.
You won’t be sorry.
Maybe you could knit a scarf from that twine for someone you don’t like? Nah, that would be a waste of knitting…
It’s still beautiful. Pair it with something more forgiving and you can still enjoy the color without the pain!
The book: In Sheep’s Clothing by Nola Fournier, is a book no spinner should be without. There is some place for over the coat decorative scarves.
Could you ply what you have now again and make it thicker for mittens or a purse. Or maybe a rug?
I love the color. It’s beautiful.
You could get some softer/nicer/better wool and blend it in. I bet your Jack could make you a drum carder if you ask nicely. ;^)
This is how we learn and it was a lesson learned with a small amount of fiber and time invested. It could have been much worse. And! Your spindling is looking great! There’s a win in there. Even if it isn’t a soft again the skin kinda win.
xo
The box bag you sent me for my birthday is just great for golf. I can load it with everything I need and it fits nicely into the golf bag. I’ve had so many compliments on it you wouldn’t believe it. I think the crazy colors really catch their eye. The wool was so soft before it was spun …
Shoot! I hate when that happens. It’s like cooking something that doesn’t taste good. I’m thinking of a scarf for that election judge except I agree with kmkat – it’s a waste of your time. How about something for the cats