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Sample Along: Fractal and Drafted Together

on February 8, 2020

Fractal- For this one, I split the fiber lengthwise and spun one single from the end of one piece. I split the other piece into four long pieces and spun them in a row, starting from the same end each time. I then plied the singles. This method ensures a yarn with both solid and barber-poled sections. It’s my favorite!

Drafted Together was difficult for me. For this one, I split the top into four full-length sections, took two, flipped one, then held them together while spinning. I did the same with the other two pieces, then plied the two singles together. I had to do a lot of predrafting, something I never do, to get these two pieces of fiber to stick together enough to draft. I wonder if the silkiness of the fiber worked against me. This one surprised me with its appearance!

Here are the four swatches all together. I like them all and can picture different uses for them. I think I need some Flipped socks, for starters.

It’s not too late to Sample Along! You can visit Jillian Moreno’s blog for info.

Sample Along: As It Comes and Flipped

on January 26, 2020

On the left is As It Comes. This yarn was spun from top that was split lengthwise into 2 matching pieces, both spun from the same end onto two bobbins and plied.
The colors mostly match up.

On the right is Flipped. This yarn was spun from top that was split lengthwise into two matching pieces, but spun from opposite ends onto two bobbins and plied.
There’s a lot more barberpoling in this sample.

Flipped in the skein and As It Comes being knit. My samples are fingering weight, approx. 125 yards per oz. The swatches are knit over 60 stitches.

Jillian Moreno’s Sample Along

on January 7, 2020

Are you doing it? I am!

Week one is for getting to know your fiber. The fiber I’ve chosen is November’s Hello Yarn Fiber Club, “Lanthorn” 85/15 mixed BFL/Tussah silk.

The fiber laid out to show the dye patterning.

The fiber should be split down the middle lengthwise into 4, 1 oz. pieces. I accidentally split it down the center, lengthwise, then across the middle into 4 pieces. OOPS.

I’ve noted that this fiber has colors that repeat along the fiber, turning a corner at one end and back across in the other direction, reversing order and lining up vertically.

I’m ready for the next stage! If you use Instagram, you can follow along there at #samplealong.

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