#espinner

I always write a different caption here than I do on the other social media. Tumblr is a different kind of place. You can find me on IG and bsky if you want the normie posts, but you're on tumblr so you probably don't.

I've been spinning this yarn for what feels like eons, and I'm so close to finishing it and fitting all eight ounces on this bobbin! It's a gorgeous, autumnal fractal spin from some beautiful Woolgatherings Polwarth fiber, and I'm just pleased as punch.

The copper single is Merino. Nothing super special other than it's gorgeous and a pleasure to spin.

The rolags however...

About two years ago I purchased a pound of "mystery fiber" from Paradise Fibers. Never been disappointed by them and always up for a bargain. I wish I had pictures of this act against the dyeing gods. It was all primary colors in the most random of patterns and colors and this roving... gods above and below. I just knew it was never going to be something I loved, or wanted to spin, or even look at.

Enter spawn. The kid had been wanting to learn how to blend fibers on the blending board. Not my most favorite thing, but I have two boards (natch) so I was showing the spawn how to create rolags... but not with any of my fancy fiber.

The kid blended the most gorgeous rolags with the ugliest of fiber and has gifted them to me as they appear. They look like sunsets and autumn and trees with gorgeous foliage. Blending fiber is like blending paint I guess.

So that's the story of those singles.

Ended up with 332 yards of this and have ideas, something that can be gifted back to the kid. Our first (hopefully not last) joint creation!

Also, when I say my kid has an eye for color, this is what I mean. The natural color theory that appears to be innate is magical.

At the end of summer this year, I did a little solar dyeing experiment with some Deichschaf combed top (borrowed, with permission, from my Mom's fiber stash) and Easter egg dyes. The colors came out much nicer than I had dared to hope, and I just finished spinning the two floofs this month. (50 g/118 m and 47 g/132 m, respectively - the blue/green one turned out a bit thinner despite my attempt at keeping it consistent by comparing it to a sample as I was spinning)

More spinning! This stuff is so pretty and so soft and spins up so well!

Fiber is Llady Llama Fiber Co's 2020 summer solstice colorway in merino/bamboo/nylon and i am spinning it on my Electric Eel 6.1

This project has me cycling through My Deep Stash™ & My Tools of Torque & Tension™ - all of which were lovingly procured but have fallen into The Dark Void of Disuse™.

My first gen Electric Eel works well enough to spin a quick single. This tool of twist was an exciting, affordable e-spinner when it hit the market. It's now in its 6th incarnation and much pricier than my purple pup.

I played with it - trying to recall why it's stuck in a box not being used - and as my hand & brain remembered, I knew.

The whole rediscovery in the midst of my drop spindle work made me realize why I continue to reach for my hand spindles.

Hand spindles are portable, fast, easy, and efficient for someone focused on process.

I enjoy my 1st Gen Eel - but it doesn't inspire, it doesn't fascinate, doesn't thrill with skill. And, it needs a power source of flowing electrons.

Today I spun on white Alpaca, green Babydoll Southdown, white Great Pyrenees, lavender & orange Merino.

New spinners made yarn during @foldoutcat and I's EEW 6.1 Try it session this past weekend at Oxford Fiber Festival. We love seeing what our students make!