I am having a blast with my breed study. Right now I’ve got one sample blocked, one soaking, and I’m knitting up the last of the breed studies. I’ve got 14 different breeds that I have managed to spin and knit. Some I have managed to crochet, single, double, half double, into samples that are also on the breed study cards. There was an amazing suggestion that I create weaving samples as well. I managed to do so for one of the breeds, at 8epi. I have as much information about how each of the spins were accomplished as I could manage, and I know what I can do differently next time.
The next time I do a breed study, which since my guild is planning on doing some fun spinning event this year might be pretty soon, I know what I can do to improve my spinning. The first change I need to make is the time I spend on the spin. I need to begin to enjoy the spin, working on obtaining a consistent spin and ensuring that I get as much yardage as I can to create samples and discover what I want my yarn to be. I am thinking about utilizing some of the amazing information compiled on each breed then copying that information, with appropriate citations, onto a page placed in the back of each of the breeds I already have present in my study. This would give me an idea about what each breed is good for. I’m enjoying the spinning, enjoying sampling and seeing where things go. I do know that I over-spun the Corriedale at least, but I really enjoy playing with what I’ve spun. It certainly has inspired me to work with some of what I have created.
On a different note, Paradise Fibers has decided to create a Spin Along for the Olympics. They are calling it the Spinlympics, and I plan on joining in. I ordered the Brights pack, since I had a $20 coupon and they were having a 25% off sale I wound up getting the entire thing, shipping included, for $9. The bag that is coming in with the kit is $8 on its own and the sticker would be a dollar as well, so (in my math) the wool, which is amazing, is free, just how I like it! I’m getting my wool tonight so I am working on planning how I want to use the wool. A fun aspect of this is that I am also planning on doing the Ravellenic Winter Games as a fun challenge.