I had about 30 minutes today to do whatever I wanted. So, I decided I was going to try to spin some of the alpaca that I purchased at the Wilton Mill last Saturday.
I started to spin. It was very thin and beautiful. You can hardly tell it’s in your hands. I was in HEAVEN. I think I love alpaca….
THEN I tried to ply…. I’m slowly learning that there exists more than one way to ply for a reason…
Here’s what I ended up with:
As you can see, I arsed it all up!!! I tried to make a little inside-pull/outside-pull ball (on my fingers – which was probably my first mistake) because I only had a very little bit of the single. Well, it started to come out in big clumps. Then it would break if I tried to pull it apart. So, I gave up. I’ll try again another day.
BUT, even though I made a big mess, I still think alpaca feels like heaven. And, I managed to get a few strands plied and they turned out very nice! A preview?
I will persevere!
I’m off to watch Jacob get an award tonight and to see my friend Michelle tomorrow for 3 days. Youpi!
Sorry I missed you yesterday. I arrived late. Alpaca (and silk, and mohair) requires a lot of spin. Plyiing from a ball is my least favorite, and the hardest way to ply. My first mohair did not have enough spin and it pulled apart as I knit with it. Practice, practice, practice. (And ply from two bobbins on a lazy kate.) See you soon.