I want to remember that it usually happens this way: when I finally get to sit down and spin, I’m a goner. Forget the world and the laundry, I’m busy. I want to remember this, so that it won’t be so long before the next time.
I spent a few hours on Sunday, and a few more today, spinning sock yarn and getting to know Mister Reeves. I love this wheel. I just adore it. It makes me happy right down to my toes. It is the Wheel of My Dreams, and thanks to my friend K, it lives with me. I reached a point today when I knew I needed to move to the next fastest whorl, and that’s when we clicked, the wheel and I. I’m making some nice yarn, though I still have a way to go before I’m completely satisfied.
More practice is needed, and it doesn’t bother me to say that. I can do better, though I’m not going for Certificate-of-Excellence standards. My spinning on the Reeves lacks the certainty and control I have when I spin on my Sweet Ashford, and it’s due simply to the fact that I have been spinning on that wheel for many, many years. The Ashford is predictable, while the Reeves still holds a few surprises.
The yarn is another delight. Teyani saw my wish when I posted this photograph, and she granted it in the form of a new Sock Hop colorway from Crown Mountain Farms called “Do You Wanna Dance.” What a treat! If you spin, and you haven’t tried her hand dyed superwash Merino roving, you’re missing an amazing experience. It’s not like any superwash Merino I’ve ever spun; it’s light, lofty and very soft. I’m thrilled to have inspired Teyani’s creativity, too.
I’m not yet tired of the cold weather, but then I don’t have to spend much time in it. Yesterday I had on socks, a sweater, a scarf, and mitts — all my own handknits. Getting to wear my work, and knowing that I made these things that keep me warm is a very good feeling. And that I can spin the yarn to make the warm things — that’s the cherry on top of the ice-cream sundae.
After the Sock Hop becomes sock yarn (I haven’t even filled one bobbin yet) I have some more luxurious fibers to work with. Which will I turn to — the Chasing Rainbows Cashmere/Tussah, or the Spirit Trail Baby Camel/Tussah? Life must be good, if these are the kinds of decisions I get to make. And if I keep spinning, I’ll surely remain grounded throughout Getting Ready for Inventory, Doing Inventory, and Cleaning Up After Inventory at the bookstore!
Not Plain Jane 