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*sound of hooves galloping*
One of those Saturdays again. Largely because it was spinning guild week. Fortunately Gary got home from his Sacred Harp gathering earlier than I expected and helped me finish up the chores and stuff.
Meeting was too interesting to leave early. Much good discussion, some new faces. Bought myself a new toy (well, it wasn't very expensive) in the form of a tiny brass supported spindle (or tahkli) that is supposed to work much better than a conventional hand spindle for spinning cotton and silk. Of course, being a bit contrary, the first thing I tried on it was Mongolian cashmere since I had some handy. I'm still amazed. It will spin that stuff down to the thickness of cobwebs, yet still strong enough to hold together. Plied double, the yarn will have some amazing number of yards to the pound.
This is the technique used in producing yarn for the famous Orenburg shawls of southern Russia, the ones that are so fine and light that the entire full sized shawl can be pulled through a lady's wedding ring. I could never quite believe that was possible, but this thing makes a believer of me.
One of those Saturdays again. Largely because it was spinning guild week. Fortunately Gary got home from his Sacred Harp gathering earlier than I expected and helped me finish up the chores and stuff.
Meeting was too interesting to leave early. Much good discussion, some new faces. Bought myself a new toy (well, it wasn't very expensive) in the form of a tiny brass supported spindle (or tahkli) that is supposed to work much better than a conventional hand spindle for spinning cotton and silk. Of course, being a bit contrary, the first thing I tried on it was Mongolian cashmere since I had some handy. I'm still amazed. It will spin that stuff down to the thickness of cobwebs, yet still strong enough to hold together. Plied double, the yarn will have some amazing number of yards to the pound.
This is the technique used in producing yarn for the famous Orenburg shawls of southern Russia, the ones that are so fine and light that the entire full sized shawl can be pulled through a lady's wedding ring. I could never quite believe that was possible, but this thing makes a believer of me.
