Tour De Fleece 2013: Spinning, Knitting, and First Wheel Adventures

Kitties like the new wheel too!

What is Tour De Fleece, you may ask? Well, it is the yarnies version of the Tour de France. It is basically when spinners around the world set goals to spin and share their spun yarns while winning prizes from various groups, and needless to say, it is oh so fun.  You can read about it on Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/tour-de-fleece 

This was the first year I participated in it. I was a little late getting started, but it does not matter. This year I not only got a drop spindle, but I also got a spinning wheel. The wheel was actually a present from my parents. It is a Schacht Ladybug. She is very cute with her big red wheel and little ladybug. 

A cool thing about the Ladybugs is that every wheel has a ladybug placed somewhere on it, and they are all in different places, so no two wheels are the same. Mine is on the back panel, peeking through the red wheel. I used a pink/red bamboo merino mix for my first yarn. I am thinking it was not the best choice because it breaks easily and is somewhat slippery. I did manage to finish the 4-ounce roving braid. 

I also started on a 4-ounce roving of 100 percent wool in a pumpkin colorway. The 2nd picture is the roving. It is just a bunch of hair going in one direction, and the next picture is it becoming yarn. I was halfway through the 4-ounce during that picture. 

 

Drop Spindle

My drop spindle is made from rosewood with a blue inlay. It is from GhstWorks Spindlezz on Etsy, and it is about 3 ounces, which is good for making thicker yarns and plying. I had gotten some free 1-ounce roving of a bamboo blend when I bought my wheel, so I started off with that. I think it turned out very pretty. It only gave me 7 yards, but that is enough to make a piece of jewelry.

Tour De Fleece was also the push I needed to get me knitting. I have been working on my Honey Cowl by Antonia Shankland. Even though the pattern calls for one color, I am using two. I decided to go with Cascade Yarns 220 Heathers in Burnt Pumpkin. I am also using a local spun and dyed yarn from Yarns by HPF. They are so pretty together. I am really enjoying the process and learning as I go.

Now I want to know if you did the Tour de Fleece. If so, I want to see your yarn or knitting. Post a link to your blog or pictures and share your yarnieness. Happy yarning! 

Honey Cowl by Anna Maria.

Now i want to know if you did Tour de Fleece? If so I want to see you yarn or knitting... post a link to your blog or pictures... share your yarnieness :)  Happy Yarning!