Monday, July 22, 2013

Tour de Fleece Finish Line

Here's my Tour de Fleece yarn...


I finished it up yesterday...on the final day of the tour.
It's 100% Merino and it's super soft and fairly even in thickness.
It's somewhere between a fingering and DK.  The color is Sandalwood.


I had hoped to spin up and ply at least 600 yards and get started on a project during the tour.
But, life got busy and I only spun and plied four ounces for a total of 213 yards.
But, for me and how little I usually spin...this is an accomplishment to be proud of.

I was even more proud when I took it off of my niddy noddy and held it up...
there was not even the slightest bit of twist in the skein!  Wow!
I've been told that is a good thing.  I guess it means my yarn is well balanced?


I'm so excited about it that I plan to spin up at least eight ounces more.
I can't wait to get started on a project with it!  
I've already started searching for the perfect pattern.


 Woo hooo...handspun yarn by me! 

Here's a question for other hand spinners...
When you're finished spinning and plying yarn do you wash it?
Do you let it sit for a while?  Do you just start right into a project with it?
Or....I just heard of this a few years ago and I don't quite get it...
do you wash it and beat it and how?  I'd love to hear what you do and why.

I was told years ago that it's best to wash it and hang it to dry to set the twist.
So, that's what I've always done.  I'm wondering if that's necessary or the best way.
Your stories, experiences and advice would be great to hear.  Please share.  :-)

11 comments:

Judy S said...

The color looks fabulous Cheryl! Congrats on an awesome job!!!

kathyinozarks said...

gorgeous yarn!

Cindie said...

There are all different feelings on the finishing of handspun yarn, kind of like all different ways to warp a loom. No matter what you do you should wash it to set the twist - all of those options you mentioned are used by different spinners - I've only beat it if it's a yarn I want to halo like bunny. I made a pvc blocking frame from a very old Spin-Off magazine for mine but I don't let it dry under tension, just a little weight from the bottom pvc pipe. Let me know if you'd like to know how to make it.

roxie said...

Splendid yarn! You should be so proud!

I always wash my yarn. After the final rinse, if you grab the skein by the end and whack the other end against a counter, or the bathroom wall, or whatever - give it five or six whacks and you will see the yarn start to bloom. Then grab the other end and whack some more. let dry without a weight. Enjoy!

Michelle said...

Beautiful! Be proud!

gilly said...

Well done you! It's gorgeous - looking forward to seeing what you make with it.
Xx

Deborah said...

I am mpressed! It's beautiful!

Bernadett said...

I do not have much experience with yarns...I would be glad to have some...But this yard is wonderful...

benita said...

Congrats! That yarn is beautiful! And to have it balanced right off the niddy-noddy - that's priceless!

Quinn said...

Lovely handspun - and the colors are beautiful!

Patty said...

Looks like you are learning new things! How exciting. What beautiful yarn!