Beginning Spinning

2 ounces of Baby Merino Pencil Roving spun in singles.

I bought the roving last October at SAFF, and I finally got around to spinning it about a month ago.  I think I did pretty good.  The singles are similar in diameter, and while they are slightly over spun it should help the singles hold together if I decide to ply them.

I found the baby Merino soft and smooth, pulling apart easily unless tightly spun.  The put up in pencil roving made it ridiculously easy to draft.  The roving seemed to want to be lace weight, but I am still not a fast enough drafter to spin a thinner diameter.

I am currently spinning regular Merino in normal roving put up.  I am planning to ply this fiber and I hope to show pictures of my progress soon.

SAFF - the Fiber (Photo Heavy)

On the show floor we saw variations in fiber type, and color galore, but it was in the room full of unwashed, un-carded, and un-dyed fleece in which I was able to see the beauty in the variation between species, breeds, and even sheep. This variation knitters, and eve spinners are rarely able to see, but which I think can give the greatest appreciation for the materials of our craft.

Below are pictures of a few of the fleece we saw.

Welcome to SAFF

The event floor.

Last Thursday Gadabout Knitter, myself, and our husbands set off in pursuit of fiber, and were awarded with SAFF. This was my first fiber festival, and while the event was a bit smaller than I expected, I was not dissapointed. There was fiber galore, of various types, and price points, and quantities, as well as in every state from unwashed, to hand dyed pencil roving, to finished yarn. Even in this relatively small venue the sheer amount and variety of fiber was a bit overwhelming.

I quickly became glad that I came armed with a plan of attack and a set amount of spending money (I gave my husband the plastic, just in case). I had planned to find small amounts of a variety of fibers. I did not want blends (although I did buy a few), because I want to spin each fiber by itself to see how it feels and behaves, and take notes on my preferences - like a wine journal. I purchased a very wide variety of fiber types (details and pictures to follow), and was able to stay well within my budget ... to my surprise.

Since we have been back life has been in chaos getting the kids back on schedule, unpacking, and finding space for all of my loot. In addition, Halloween is tomorrow night, and costumes must be made.

More of SAFF, my "new" office space, and Halloween to come.