Friday, May 25, 2007

Spin Cycle

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer for many people in the U.S. – it's certainly hot enough today roundabout Exit 151. Amazing to think one year ago I had my very first spinning lesson at Modern Yarn from a terrific teacher, Stacey Rothrock. We met at a Yarn Harlot reading and the happy meetups, real and virtual, have been nonstop ever since. I've spun in public (thanks, Cara), finished the Tour de Fleece (thanks, Katherine), and dyed-spun-knit with the Twisted Knitters (thanks, Margene). I've also been in two spinning swaps, Yarn Aboard 2 (thanks to generous Lisa for a fabulous package and to Amanda for organizing) and Spin to Knit (thanks to angel Jen, book author Shannon, and swap organizer Jaime).

I've also accumulated my first spinning UFOs (!). Pictured are two never-ending coils of beauteous Blue Face Leicester from Cloverleaf Farms, with my Made By Ewe spindle and production to date.

Blue Face Leicester roving, singles, and 2-ply

It's last summer's Tour de Fleece project.First attempt My goal was to spin consistent laceweight, which a year ago seemed quite a challenge. My first attempt (left) was uneven, but by the end of TdF I was pretty happy with the results. I continued spinning, but the trouble with spindle-spinning laceweight is the roving looms large and the output seems puny and [cough] distractions abound.

Happily,Spun Stitches button Teresa and fellow Jerseyan Kirsten have organized the Spun Stitches KAL for would-be handspun shawl makers. It's great to have company (plus the buttons are gorgeous)! I'm hoping that with the support of the group, I'll be able to spin and ply sufficient yarn for a shawl and knit said shawl before the end of summer.

In other spinning news, I was shocked to see that CaféPress has been selling T-shirts, mugs, and stickers that promote violence against bicyclists. One bears the legend, "I don't share the road" and a picture of a car striking a bicyclist. There are others, bizarrely interspersed with bike-friendly designs. When I telephoned CaféPress (toll-free 877-809-1659) to register my concern, I got a recording. Huh. Let's see if a complaint via the contact form works any better.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

The images for the anti-cyclist stuff are on that link you posted, but if you click on individual products, they all say "This product is no longer available." Good job!

--Deb said...

Wow, that was only a year ago, that you started spinning? You've come a long way, baby!

Oh, and I finally made it over to the Presby Iris Gardens this morning with Mom. You've mentioned it several times, but this was my first visit. I'm SO glad I went. Absolutely beautiful! And, as you can imagine, there will be some iris photos on my blog later today . . . (grin)

Anonymous said...

Good luck with the Spun Stitches KAL! Your prose is just lovely and makes me laugh too: "The roving looms large, the output seems puny and distractions abound." The output (puny or otherwise) is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Ina,

I was in your spinning class. I can't believe that was just a year ago. You continue to do such amazing work! I am still spinning a bit. I hope to catch up on both knitting and spinning over the summer.

Katy

CrazyFiberLady said...

Amazing progress on the spinning. Welcome to the spinning UFO club ;) I have several piles myself. Explains the multiple wheels and spindles I think.

Unbelievable and definitely shocking. What's with the anti-bike violence? Though walking in the city here I'm more likely to get hit by a bike than a car/bus/cab. Most don't seem to think the traffic rules apply to them.

Anonymous said...

Car on cyclist violence--that is horrible! Every time I almost get hit cycling I think that the driver must be stupid to realize that I am somebody's daughter, friend, lover, etc. and that I could just as easily be someone they know and love.

Anonymous said...

Your awesome and I'm so happy your still spinning! Crafts have taken a back seat to babies here at exit 131...but I still try and keep track of my students.

Keep up the great work!

Stacey