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.



It's last summer's Tour de Fleece project. 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, 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.