Making Yarn - The Journey Continues

I finished spinning and plying the yellow Corriedale. There it is next to the skein of Koigu used as the standard, and the ball is the fuchsia that I did earlier. Overall, the spinning on the yellow is not as even as that in the pink, but I'm happy with it anyway. There was a lot more of the yellow roving than there was of the pink, and I think I got careless at times. There will be a few places where it will have to be cut as I'm knitting with it, because it broke as I was plying it and I just picked up the broken piece and continued plying. This created zuzzies, my favorite new "technical" term. (I learned it from Laura.)

But it's a pretty decent fingering weight, and I can't WAIT to make socks from these handspun yarns! I've still got more fun colors to do from the autumn sampler pack I bought. Next up, I think moss green.

Big thanks go to my husband for being the helper with the plying of the Corriedale. In both instances, I used the center-pull-ball method of plying, because I had spun the entire bit of roving onto one spindle and I wanted to make sure it ended with no waste. He has become a master of keeping it from twisting maddeningly before I can feed it into the wheel for plying. We once again show great teamwork.

I also decided to ply (patience? me?) what I could of the Portland while I wait for more to arrive. This was spun before the Corriedale, and before Sandy IV, and boy, can you tell. It's also such a different wool than the Corriedale - different to control. It resulted in a pretty rustic yarn. Not nearly as uneven as some of my earlier attempts at Sandy's roving, but not as nice - by a long shot - as the Corriedale. I love it anyway, and I think it's going to make fabulous mittens. But I don't have enough for mittens yet, so I'm anxious to receive the rest. I'm excited to get started.

I took two dozen photos of this yarn, and you all know how much red hates to be photographed. That is the photograph that is the closest to what the yarn actually looks like. Also, the yarn is not fully dry in that photo, so it may look a bit different (better or worse, I'm not sure which), when it is dry. I'm nervous about trying to match this when I receive more roving. As people have pointed out, when you improve, it is very hard to go back in terms of the quality of the stuff you produce. I don't want the new yarn to be so much better than the first that it is noticeable. I guess what I could do, if that should happen, is alternate the skeins, much as one would with dyelots, and that would blend it in better.

I started spinning some of the llama down I got at VT S&W, and that stuff REALLY WANTS TO BE SPUN FINE!  It's gorgeous, but because I want to use this as the thrums in the mittens, I also want to spin some yarn that is the same gauge as the red Portland, to be able to use for the cuffs. It is so HARD to control it well enough to spin it thicker, that I've ended up with a real thick-and-thin thing going on. Very inconsistent. And with lots of zuzzies.

Now, who can tell me the best-looking cast-on for mittens that have a K2-P2 cuff? I want something that is stretchy, yet polished-looking. Although I want these mittens to be rustic, I also want a really nice edge that won't look sloppy. These are going to be sentimental favorites for me, I know, and I want them to be as nice as they can be.

I've got a fairly one-track mind lately -- only on the spinning. I pick up the knits, look at them -- maybe do one or two rows if I'm lucky -- and put them down again. At this rate, having not even cast on yet, I'm pretty sure my husband's socks will not be done for his birthday, the 21st of November. I'm champin' at the bit to get going on those red mittens, but first I need the fiber! 

Comments

[Christina]

For ribbing, I just use a cable cast-on. Also, for that sampler pack of roving that you are turning into sock yarn, what about the fancy-pants socks seen in page 16 of this mag?-> http://www.menknit.net/mag/MK1.pdf

[wendy]

I like a tubular cast-on, same as for K1P1 ribbing. BUT in the first regular row, you right-twist every second pair of sts - so you wind up with K2P2. Clear as mud? - K1 to get started then *K second st, P 1st st, slip both off needle, P1, K1. Repeat from * around, ending with P1.

[Lee Ann]

The llama down I did ended up knitting up at about six stitches to the inch and wants to be on size 2s. It's definitely comfier at a thinner weight. I love it :-)

Tubular 2 by 2 caston, as just explained by Wendy, is really beautiful. I've done that with the black ribbed sweater that won't die. Love it.

[Gayle]

Another vote for the tubular cast-on! I just learned how to do it a few months ago, and it's like magic. I've started using it for all edges - cast-on & cast-off.
I'm watching your spinning with GREAT interest, and taking heart from how your spinning obviously becomes better each day. I finally am jumping off the cliff & trying to learn to spin. I bought fiber at VTS&W (probably something totally unsuitable for beginners, but I really liked the colors), made myself a spindle, and am actually making YARN! It's godawful crappy bumpy yarn, and the thick&thin look isn't going to go away (I firmly believe that the thick & thin will balance each other in the plying, even though reality says that's not going to happen) but it's MY yarn and I like it! I'm hoping I end up with enough to make mitts or maybe a hat (or part of a hat, anyway)
So exciting....

[Cara]

Where am I? Cassie? Is that you? Spinning AND socks. NORMA? OH NORMA? What have they done with you?!?

Beautiful yarn you convert you.

[k]

Some call it the Vortex. Some call it the Black Hole. Some call it the Dark Side. Many have fallen to the siren song of spinning. But then you end up with all that yarn that you really should do something with, so you knit.
I love the way that Portland looks. Couldn't you just hang it somewhere?

[Carole]

I think cable cast on works great for stretch but I've been curious about the tubular cast on, too. I'm hoping you'll try that out and blog about it. Ya know, be a guinea pig for me. So how's the ribby cardi? Hmmmm?

[JoVE]

I think there is more detail about that 2x2 tubular cast on on Bonne Marie's blog (www.chicknits.com, did I need to say?). You can also do a K1P1 version of the cable cast on (put the needle in where the yarn is coming out) and I don't know if you could do it as K2P2 as well. I've not tried.

very nice yarn. I find Corriedale pretty easy to spin too. I might need to order some more...

[Rachel H]

I'm no help with the cast on, but very impressed with all the spinning!

[Kathy]

Your spinning is looking SO fabulous. And making this non-spinner interested.

[Kim]

You've become a spinner, sweetpea!! Isn't it great? The center-pull method can drive me nuts when it all twists up. I've wound up with more than one messy bunch of knots.

Thanks for the well-wishes for Joe--the fun just keeps on rollin'! ;)

[Ruth]

Oh, yeah. Tubular cast-on is the only way to go. I resisted it strenuously at first (I called it some names. I'm not proud of that.), but now I use it all the time.

The fleece I bought is still in my stash closet, waiting for me to finish some gifts so that I can play with it. You make me want to get going. Nice looking yarn, there.

[Elizabeth D]

Norma, if you're resisting the tubular cast on, it's possible to use a long-tail cast on in knit and purl. Cast on 2 as if to knit, then 2 as if to purl -- there are pictures on the Web, but the only thing that worked for me was glaring at the yarn and figuring it out for myself. It is discreet and elegant. . .

[Stalker Angie]

Ok, what ya do is work from the toe up. With a D hook, Ch2. In 2nd Ch from hook, sc 6 times but do not join. Mark your beginning stitch and 2 sc in each st around, but do not join. (12 sc). In next sc, ......

Huh?? Oh sorry. Knitting. hehe :P

Your spinning is gorgeous, Norma Dear. I really am impressed.

[JoVE]

Clicking through to Laura's blog does not enlighten re. zuzzies. Can you? And perhaps you could say what is worse about zuzzies than either splicing or weaving in of ends that would be necessary if you break the yarn.

[June]

Tubular cast on.

For the llama down, the finer the fiber diameter, the thinner the singles ought to be. If you want thicker yarn, it is wiser to have more plies than thicker singles.

Your spinning is improving in leaps and bounds. You should be very pleased!

[Cathy]

It's a dern good thing I didn't know you 30 yrs ago when I was learning to spin or I would have been frustrated with my first attempts and would have been the one inventing the "N" word (NORma!!!) I am impressed and looking forward to whatever you make. Tho, Angie - toe up crocheted socks? (scuse me... I gotta go chat with Angie)

[Isela]

Try a tubular cast on, I have read wonderful things about it, haven't ventured down that aisle yet, still stuck on the cable cast-on. I love your spinning post today. I am just learning to spin and it inspires me reading about your spinning sucesses :).

[Aarlene]

Wow, those must have been 'spinning flies' the other day cause you sure have gotten the spinning bug!
For casting on I like the cast on in pattern at http://morcatknits.typepad.com/cast_on_workshop/ at the MEMs LYSH

[erin]

I am in shock as well. Did NORMA just post that she couldn't wait to use her HANDSPUN for SOCKS?! I have to sit down...

[Carrie]

Disclaimer: I know nothing about spinning or plying.
That being said, is there a way to un-ply the Portland and then ply the Old Portland with the New Portland after you receive it and spin it, so one hank looks the same as the other?

[Libby]

I have no idea what cast-on to use. I only know the long tail...maybe I should listen more often when y'all do tutorials?

[rams]

And what, pray, is wrong with straight-ahead long tail cast on? Simple, flexible, elegant. Hrrumph.

And as to center-pull ball plying, Norma, think rudeness, then gynecology. First you flip 'em off and impale the ball on your central digit, with your thumb braking the outer ply as it feeds off; then as the center space gets bigger you slide in more and more fingers, (reminiscent of Nora Ephron saying that in her days of youthful fooling around "there was too much sticking in of fingers and not enough fooling around with the outsides.") This leaves your right hand to monitor the twist and take-in.

It's these little mnemonics (took five minutes to spell that) which help so much...

[TracyKM]

I do a cable cast on, but alternate how the needle goes in, for a K1P1 rib, but I can't get it to work for a K2P2 rib. Sure would like to though!

[Bethany]

Your spinning is lovely.

I don't know how to do the tubular cast-on. I'm curious now, though! I like the cable cast on for socks and hats, so it would work for mittens. It's stretchy and looks the same on both sides.

[Jenn]

Your spinning looks great, Cousin, and I love that pink!

[Childe]

Try the Twisted German cast on - Meg Swanson has an article about it (I have no idea where it is now) and she teaches it in classes) -

I found it with Google -

[Cassie]

Norma? You can stop whenever you want to. Right?

[Helen]

Your spinning is fantastic! :)

[Jan]

No cast-on suggestions (in fact, I'm back now to read the comments. Good question.) but must say your spinning is really looking wonderful! Must get back to my spindle practice. You're an inspiration, m'dear!

[Jae]

I've never tried a tubular cast on, but I like the cable cast on. I've done a K1 P1 cable cast on and it blended nicely with the main rib knitting. No obvious cast on edge.

[Sue]

Very nice yarn! Isn't Corriedale great?

[Sara*]

I am never going to be able to look at someone plying the same way again, much thanks to Rams.

Wow. That is so crazy that I would love to see a picture of it!

[Laurie]

I have nothing to add about cast ons. But alas, Rams is right on for the plying.

[Janet]

Can't find it anywhere in your archives. I'm sure I just completely missed it but what kind of wheel did you get? Just curious. p.s. love your posts!

[Marcia]

Having just finished the MOST AWESOME spinning for sock knitting with Nancy Bush and Judith MacKenzie, I can pass along a few things about making socks with handspun yarn. First, you need to spin short draw. Period. Second, you need to do three-ply, which is now my ply of choice. I know, I know. It takes longer, but it's so much nicer looking, longer wearing, all that. Judith says...it must be so! Wish you, and about a dozen others, could have made the trip. Margene is a doll, as is Anne, and I met Susan, too. All send hugs. SOAR Market was unbelievable....how much trouble can you get into with only 26 vendors? Try two huge crates of fiber, Forsyth mini combs (Judith says..), all kinds of goodies from Woodchuck, tons of stuff from Toni at The Fold, Mother MacKenzie's Dye Kit, and, oh, yeah....a Patrick Green carder, and bags of stuff I can't even remember. Damn good thing we came in a truck.

[Marcia]

Having just finished the MOST AWESOME spinning for sock knitting with Nancy Bush and Judith MacKenzie, I can pass along a few things about making socks with handspun yarn. First, you need to spin short draw. Period. Second, you need to do three-ply, which is now my ply of choice. I know, I know. It takes longer, but it's so much nicer looking, longer wearing, all that. Judith says...it must be so! Wish you, and about a dozen others, could have made the trip. Margene is a doll, as is Anne, and I met Susan, too. All send hugs. SOAR Market was unbelievable....how much trouble can you get into with only 26 vendors? Try two huge crates of fiber, Forsyth mini combs (Judith says..), all kinds of goodies from Woodchuck, tons of stuff from Toni at The Fold, Mother MacKenzie's Dye Kit, and, oh, yeah....a Patrick Green carder, and bags of stuff I can't even remember. Damn good thing we came in a truck.

[Marcia]

Oops...sorry about that. I still can't manage the laptop!