My hand spun yarn.

You're invited to visit me at my new blog Buckingham Road to see my latest creation - my hand spun yarn from Aries (a blended Merino tops).

I hope it inspires some of you knitters to give spinning a try!

Sam xox

Quince & Co. yarn.

Quince & Co. is a rare gem to be found online when searching for quality yarns. Where I live in Australia, there simply isn't a decent local yarn store that stocks a variety of brands at competitive prices. Since adding knitting to my repertoire, I have been keen to look beyond my shores for suppliers of yarns made from natural fibres at a price I can afford (including shipping). My sister in law pointed me in the direction of this company, and I have fallen in love. 

The website is easy to navigate, with the different yarn weights being identified through species of birds such as lark, sparrow, and osprey. I just had to share their colour book with you all. For anyone who is a knitter, crocheter, or utilise yarns for their crafts, this is a real treat for the eyes...

Fine yarn is such a treat and can be so soft to work with. I am thinking carefully about what colour I like and more importantly for what project I would use it. Until those decisions are made I will just dream. So far, since learning to knit, I have worked through the yarn that I buy, with not a hint of a stash building up.

Also, I have finished a couple of knitting projects I realised I haven't yet blogged about. I will take photos and get them up soon.

Have a fabulous weekend all,

Sam xox

This blog post expresses my personal opinion only. 

I am in no way affiliated with, or benefiting from discussing, 

the above mentioned company or persons.

Can I call myself a spinner yet?

Last week I was fortunate enough to find an Ashford wheel for very cheep. As I am new to this hobby I did not want to invest much money in my first wheel, but did hope that for the small price I paid I wouldn't be receiving a total lemon.  Luckily for me, after doing some simple maintenance on the wheel (new hooks, leather piece, string, and a bit of oil) it is running smoothly. I did a little research and believe this wheel was made circa 1975, judging by this timeline. 

What I was most excited about was that it was a vintage Ashford wheel. Ashford is a New Zealand company, that was founded by Walter Ashford in 1934. Ashford designed flat pack wheels for people to use during war time and following there after. It has evolved to become a leading producer of top quality spinning and weaving equipment.

 ~ One must wear an apron when spinning ~

 ~ Beautiful fleece from a merino sheep in Oberon ~

I have been teaching myself to spin via youtube videos, online articles and books. The skill of spinning is evolving slowly. I have mastered the motion of the treadle, however my grafting leaves a lot to be desired! My yarn is spinning well sometimes, and other times it is over spun and twists up too much. I am troubleshooting this problem and can see I am getting better and stopping this happening. 

~ Some twisty bits in there! ~

Practice makes perfect right? 

But the good news is I very much enjoy it and look forward to when my skills improve.

It is also important to note: spinning (like any other fabric/yarn craft) appears to be a cat magnet. But even more so when the slight scent of sheep is in the air...

Sam xox

Come in spinner.

My appreciation for fine quality wool has grown alongside my love affair with knitting. Extra fine merino... baby alpaca... Shetland wool... All so lovely against the skin and far more inviting than the typical acrylic sold at my local Spotlight. While I move and loop the beautiful yarns in my hands, my mind traces over the journey these fibres have had before they reach my needles. The process of making wool into knitting yarn. This lead me to toy with the idea of spinning my own wool. 

I took action. On Saturday I became a member of my local Spinners and Weavers Guild!

After some googling and a few emails I found the group and was warming invited to attend their meeting (which also happened to be their Annual General Meeting!). When I arrived at the Community Hall I was greeted with the sound of treadling wooden wheels, chatter and laughter. Pikelets, an assortment of cakes, and cups of tea were spread out across the high table squeezed tightly into the hall kitchen. I watched as the ladies each took a turn at show and tell, and I learnt about a unique breed of New Zealand sheep that can be shorn every six months (the name of the breed escapes me at this very moment). 

The Guild ladies were all very welcoming and patiently answered my 1001 questions. I was supplied with a bag of fleece (fresh from the sheep!) for practicing purposes, a spinning wheel to borrow and a book on loan from the Guild library.

I am set up to spin!

~ My first fleece for practice ~

~ Combing the wool in preparation for spinning ~

~ A small amount of white wool I was also gifted. Preparing to be washed ~

After a few hours of practice I am beginning to see some progress. My treadling is beginning to become smooth and I am achieving a few meters at a time of well spun wool - in between these meters are quite a lot of mistakes ;-)

Sam xox

Mel's crochet quilt.

Crocheting is a skill I am still trying to master. My granny squares are coming along very slowly and I still am finding it hard to find my crocheting groove. Rather than show you my poor excuses for squares, I thought I would treat you all to something a lot more pleasing to the eye.

My dear friend Mel joined me for a pancake breakfast yesterday. I begged her to bring along the blanket she is working on, so that I could take a few photos for my blog. I think her blanket is looking so beautiful, and I am willing her on to get it finished. Her choice of colours is perfect and I love the pattern that is beginning to emerge.

This is going to be a beauty.

Keep going Mel - it is looking fantastic!!!

Sam xox