FF: Spinning bulky singles
Last week, I posted about my infatuation with the animal that produced this,
My infatuation has now expanded dramatically, since I have transformed 4 oz of crimpy gorgeousness into this.I really wanted some bulky singles from this fiber, but my default spin when I'm not actively trying to do something in particular is about 28-30 wpi. So this one took a bit more thought.
First step was to strip the top lengthwise. I figured the less drafting I had to do the better, since then I wouldn't have the opportunity to get too thin.
Then it was sitting in front of the wheel (7:1 ratio), don't draft too much, don't pinch out the air, don't smooth! Phew.
The singles ended up puffy and fluffy and squooshy,
and fairly unbalanced, not surprisingly.
A fulling finish later, skeins were balanced and lovely. I was expecting a dramatic shift in the wpi from pre-bath to post-bath, but it didn't change as much as I thought it would. Went from about 10-11 wpi to 8-11 (I guess I drafted a bit too much in some sections, hunh?).
So now it sits on my countertop, beautifying my house and waiting for me to finish one or two other projects before I cast on for the cowl.
Final specs:
Fiber: Briar Rose Fibers BFL, colorway "Ply by Night"
Spun at 7:1, Lendrum ST
No plying!
Finished hot/cold/hot/cold/hot/cold water with some agitation
Final wpi: 8-11 (bulky weight), ~230 yds/4.5 oz. I love the yardage from not plying. Plenty for the cowl and maybe something else!
And a funny video for anyone interested. Do you think PETA would approve?