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November 06, 2008
Ode to Fern
See? I actually haven't disappeared off the face of the earth. :)
I have been pretty wrapped up in these Fern batts from Enchanted Knoll Farm, though. They're a blend of superwash merino, tussah silk, and angelina dyed up in a fabulous array of greens.
Since I'm spinning these into a laceweight yarn on a featherweight spindle (Bosworth birdseye maple, approximately 0.5 oz), I've been spending a lot of quality time with this fiber. I started out with 8 ounces and am now down to less than 1. I'll miss it when it's gone, though....
My goal with this fiber was to spin enough yarn to knit a square Shetland shawl. I'll probably end up with about 2100 yards, which should be enough for the Gibbie Shawl from Gladys Amedro's Shetland Lace.
My photography hasn't quite caught up with my progress, as I've already finished the edging and have started the center portion of the shawl. I love the way that the color variations in the fiber are working up in the fabric--interesting, but still subtle enough not to overwhelm the lace patterning. Even with the sparkly gold angelina popping up all over the place. :)
Posted by missalicefaye at November 6, 2008 10:05 AM
nice to see you surface from your pile of school work...you're ahead of me at this point this semester, haven't done any spinning whatsoever and barely any knitting!
the slight glitter of the Angelina should really show up nicely in the shawl once its done.
take care.
Posted by: mari at November 6, 2008 10:03 AM
Your handspun is divine. I love the green color and the shiny bits. Thanks for recommending the vendor. I will check it out. I can't wait to see the finished product. It will be lovely!
Posted by: Rosa at November 6, 2008 02:46 PM
Welcome back!
Your yarn is truly gorgeous and I am sure your shawl will be totally stunning! I expect no less from you :)
Posted by: fleegle at November 6, 2008 03:00 PM
Lovely! The variations in the greens are beautiful in the yarn, and the amount of sparkle is perfect :) You've already spun more than 8 ounces - wow! The shawl will be gorgeous!
Posted by: Octopus Knits at November 6, 2008 03:22 PM
Holy crap! That's beautiful! You knit the edging and then make the shawl? I don't get the lace at all.
Posted by: sil at November 6, 2008 08:16 PM
It's just beautiful!
Posted by: Leslie at November 6, 2008 09:33 PM
Lovely fiber. Lovely yarn. Lovely shawl.
Sigh. I need to get some lace on the needles. Those pictures are giving me withdrawal.
Posted by: Carolyn in MN at November 6, 2008 10:26 PM
I accidently stumbled on your photo's on Flickr; the colour is amazing. Especially the subtle shimmer of the angelina. I really admire that your spinning makes such an even thread.
Do you knit from the edging to the middle, or from the middle out and then attach the edging?
Posted by: MoniqueB. at November 7, 2008 02:32 AM
Wow, I'm soo impressed. I'm already whining, because the dress I'm knitting right now requires about 1600 m. I can't even imagine spinning that amount of yarn! And your yarn is so unbelievably thin!
Posted by: projektleiterin at November 7, 2008 07:50 AM
ooohhhh the post was well worth waiting for... I can't believe your stamina for spindle spinning.... I love the colour and the pattern I think they'll go well together looking forward to more piccies...
Posted by: littleberry at November 7, 2008 10:25 AM
hooray, you've rejoined the world! and the yarn is dreamy. like a wooded glen in wool.
Posted by: jessica at November 7, 2008 10:47 AM
hooray, you've rejoined the world! and the yarn is dreamy. like a mossy glen in wool.
Posted by: jessica at November 7, 2008 10:50 AM
So glad to see you post. I always look forward to your work. The spinning is lovely.
Best, Claudine
Posted by: Claudine at November 7, 2008 03:51 PM
Your spinning is every bit as fabulous as your lace knitting. I'm positively green with envy!
:-)
Posted by: Lynne E. at November 8, 2008 10:06 AM
Welcome back :-)Your spinning is wonderful and the yarn sublime! It will look terrific as a Gibbie shawl but then everything you knit looks spectacular.
Posted by: Jane at November 10, 2008 10:43 PM
Glad you're back! Love the amazing spinning and beautiful (as ever) lace knitting. The Gibbie shawl pattern is lovely too.
Posted by: Tricia at November 13, 2008 08:25 AM
Your yarn and the knitting is gorgeous.
Posted by: Denise at November 14, 2008 09:31 PM
how about a seasonal update? something to tide everyone over through the holidays? surely you've been up to something knitty or lacey that you could share...?
Posted by: jessica at December 23, 2008 10:45 AM
Hey Alice, happy holly-daze to you.
Hope all is well.
Posted by: sunflowerfairy at December 25, 2008 09:10 PM
Lovely work--both spinning and knitting. And Congrats on your MLS from another knitting librarian!
Posted by: Janet at February 14, 2009 08:09 AM
