Friday, October 09, 2009

Distractions

You may correctly surmise by the lack of a “finished my September Sock-a-Month socks!” post that I did not, in fact, finish my September Sock-a-Month socks.

Instead, I dug out some Tinsel Toes in the Prince of the Wood Elves colourway from the Unique Sheep.

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I got this yarn as part of their Lord of the Rings sock club, but since I’m not really sold on tencel blends for socks, it sat until its time came to be something else.  That time had arrived.

 

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It was perfect for a Milkweed shawl.  The pattern is well written, and a quick and easy knit. The colours in the yarn are subtle enough that, when knit in garter stitch, they don’t obscure the pattern at all but just add a bit of depth.  The tencel gives it a nice silvery sheen.

 

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Sometimes, when you can’t be there in person to give someone a comforting hug, a knit has to take your place.   This was quickly wrapped up and sent off to be where I could not.

I then returned to my socks, but found they weren’t absorbing enough and left me too much time to think and worry, so back to the spinning wheel I went.

 

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This gorgeous rusty brown Corriedale was a gift from Briley.  He dyed it and sent to me, thinking it would make some nice sock yarn.  It turned out beautifully.

 

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It came out at 319 yards, 15 wpi, 3 ply.  Thanks, Brian – it was a pleasure to spin, and I love the subtle colours.  I’m looking forward to knitting it up to see how the Corriedale fares compared to the merino and BFL sock yarns I’ve made.

 

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So yes, I can put some music on and spin away, letting my thoughts be absorbed into the colours flowing through my fingers.  It feels strange that I now get that feeling from spinning instead of knitting, but there it is, and there’s no sense fighting it.  I couldn’t really leave the bobbins empty, could I? 

 

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Out came some 50/70 oatmeal BFL/silk in some beautifully  calm, cool colours.  It’s from The Thylacine, a colourway named Sandspit River.  Silk still seems to give me trouble, but I patiently worked my way through it.

 

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At 12 wpi, it’s a bit thicker than was I hoping, even though it’s only a 2-ply, but 220 yards should give me enough to do something with.  I don’t what, but something. 

And just as I was hanging it to dry after setting the twist, I got the phone call I was waiting for.  Things still aren’t good, but they’re better.  I can downgrade my worrying to a state of watchful concern.  I suppose that’s about the best one can ask for in the circumstances.  In the meanwhile, I’m thankful I have distractions.

 

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25 people had something to say:

Teyani said...

your spinning is amazing.
and I know for myself that every day I can spin, I say a silent 'thank you' to the universe for the fabulous distraction it gives to the stresses of everyday living.

Spin your way into calm, dear one.. it does help..

textillian said...

I am so amazed at the speed that you spin all of this up. And it is all so even and beautiful.

fleegle said...

The shawl is lovely and the spinning exquisite. And I know what you mean about distractions. Endless edging is good for that too. And I've been well distracted by it lately :(

becky c. said...

Beautiful spinning. Hope your watchful concern turns into grateful relief very soon.

Micki said...

Lovely stuff! "Nature abhors a vacuum"; therefore, bobbins should never be empty. :)

Donna M said...

If spinning distracts you and calms you, then keep it up. Those are some drop dead gorgeous yarns!

Carole Knits said...

That shawl is fantastic! Such a simple pattern really produces a wonderful item. Your spinning is gorgeous.

turtlegirl76 said...

The milkweed shawl is absolutely gorgeous!

Your spinning continues to impress. Wow.

Nana Sadie said...

What a lovely shawl, and I'm sure a welcome ((hug)) to stand in your stead. I'll keep you and your someone in my prayers.
Your yarns are beautiful, but I do hope you knit a few of them up!!
(((hugs)))

Carrie K said...

Milkweed would be welcome by anyone and especially as a far away hug. Beautiful.

Nice spinning!

LaurieM said...

I'm sorry to hear that you've been concerned and all. I hope everything turns out all right.

Your spinning and knitting are gorgeous.

Jean said...

The shawl turned out gorgeous, it will drape nicely and I'm sure will comfort recipient. Your homespun yarn is amazing, I love the subtle colors of the last one you spun.

Mary Lou said...

Lovely shawl and that yarn -- both gorgeous. Here's hoping your next spinning will be because you are relaxed with relief.

Bea said...

mhm....
I missed something.
You are in worry about someone.
I wish this person the very best.

Bea

Cookie said...

Lovely shawl and wonderful spinning!

I hope the worries are replaced with relief and relaxation soon.

willyg said...

ooh, I like the shawl. The color fits with its name well, and the way you used it is perfect. I only wish I could see it in person.

Kay-From the Back Yard said...

I too, hope your concerns are now gone, or at least lessened.

Your work is, of course, beautiful.

Sarah said...

Your spinning is spectacular -- I take it the wheel is working out well! I'm looking forward to your report on the corrie sock yarn compares to the usual fibers.

Zonda said...

Beautiful shawl! Lovely handspun too!

Ken said...

Beautiful shawl! I have a hankering to try some knitted lace here soon...

Anonymous said...

Your spinning has me in awe. It is all so beautiful. I am inspired!

Opal said...

you are such a natural with the spinning! i'm constantly amazed and awed at the beauty of your handspun. :)

~Phyllis~ said...

The shawl is beautiful. I'm sure it will be a very welcome hug.
Your spinning is gorgeous as usual.

gayle said...

Breathtaking yarn!

Marjorie said...

That is a great idea for using sock yarn for another purpose. I have a skein with Tencel, and I have regretted buying it, but I haven't been clever enough to consider a non-sock project. The shawl is beautiful, as is your spun yarn.