Minnie Driver's character from Will and Grace cracks me up. Plus, her name sounds like "spinster."
Here's a better photo of my most recent handspun. The colorway is "Stella." I have about 300 yards of this. It's 100% wool, two-ply, and so squooshy and soft. I am in love.
Wanna hear something strange? I'm a little embarassed to admit it because I think it's a little kooky... I have never knit anything out of my handspun. Not even a swatch. I read an interview with Lexi from Pluckyfluff at Crochet Labs. She talks about liking the process of choosing yarns better than the process of knitting or crocheting them. I can totally identify with that. With my handspuns, I guess I like them so much just as yarn -- what if I knit them up and they're not as good? Obviously, I will either have to a) get over this mental block, or b) start giving away/selling the yarn. If I don't pick one of those options, I will need to a) move to a bigger house with room for all the yarn that will soon start piling up, or b) stop spinning.
Anywho... I promise to knit up some of my handspun very soon and get some photos up for y'all. Does anyone else have these issues -- either with handspun or with storebought goodies? I know I can't be alone in my wackiness.
That's interesting. I just started knitting up a swatch of my handspun last night -- my very first time knitting my own handspun! Maybe I'm hesitant because I want to make sure the project is perfect for the yarn!
Posted by: Felicia from sweetgeorgia | 26 April 2005 at 01:10 PM
That yarn is beautiful. I want to learn to spin one day.
Posted by: Nik | 26 April 2005 at 02:01 PM
Okay! Admit it! You are a Yarnho!!! And as for that yarn, you should be ashamed of yourself, creating something so totally beautiful and then flaunting it for all of us to look longingly at.
It really is amazing yarn. You have a talent for spinning.
Posted by: Michelle | 26 April 2005 at 02:46 PM
That yarn is spectacularly beautiful!
I have three spinning wheels (inherited 2 of them) and no time at all to spin. I have been knitting since childhood, and do a lot of designing, and have published some of my designs. I do love spinning, and yarn painting (dyeing, really), and can't wait to get back into all of it again.
I agree with Michelle.....you are torturing us with your lovelies!
Posted by: Dehbi | 26 April 2005 at 07:03 PM
I think I'm going to faint that yarn is so beautiful!!
I bet I know where you got the roving to make that yarn, but I'm not going to ask and you don't have to tell!
:)
Posted by: Mary | 26 April 2005 at 11:56 PM
Oh it's so beautiful! I know what you mean about not wanting to knit it, I would just love to put it in a bowl and display it if I spun up some yarn! I've tried using a dropspindle, but I definitely need more practice because I'm noooo good.
Posted by: Lisa | 27 April 2005 at 07:09 AM
Well, that yarn is fabulous! if you need someone, to, ya know, test it out for you, and knit something out of it, I would do that for you. as a favor, of course. :)
Posted by: Carrie | 27 April 2005 at 08:09 AM
Jen, your handspun is positively out-of-this-world BEAUTIFUL! I would love to get my hands on some of it, so if you can never get to the point of knitting it yourself, I'll be happy to take some off your hands. But just so you know, I might not knit it up either....it's incredible to just stare at. You go girl! Wonderful stuff!
ps....I taught my beaded bracelet class at the shop yesterday...without wine....and it didn't go a whole lot better LOL....we were blaming it on the lack of good lighting. They did, however, say by the end of class they were enjoying the technique. Just a PITA to get used to, huh?
Posted by: Trish | 27 April 2005 at 04:38 PM
I was reading somewhere that a lot of spinners can't make themselves knit with their handspun. So I don't think you're alone. As a new spinner, I love just fondling my yarn and I'm not sure if I want to knit with it yet.
Posted by: erica | 27 April 2005 at 04:42 PM
I'd buy your handspun! I love your colors.
I love Minnie driver's character too.
Posted by: carrie | 29 April 2005 at 09:50 AM
Here's the link to the discussion about spinners who don't know what to make with all of their handspun yarn. http://knittersreview.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33960
Posted by: erica | 04 May 2005 at 10:37 AM
Jen,
Your spinning looks amazing. If you need any assistance knitting it up, well you know who to call! Hee hee.
Stacy
Posted by: Stacy | 05 May 2005 at 10:05 AM
For me spinning is like therapy, the process centers me. Like any stash, the yarn needs to properly age in your stash-o-rama until the proper project for it presents itself. And, the proper recipient is a big deal. Not everyone will understand/appreciate the enormity of what they've been given.
I just made for my dad some fingerless gloves, in a really huggie stretchie stitch. He can wear them hunting or at his job. I hope they comfort his arthritic hands. He's very proud of my spinning, the process facinated him sinse he grew up in his Dads antique shop in Sioux Falls.
And, yes, your yarns are so beautiful. You seem to be a prodigy!
Posted by: christine | 09 August 2005 at 08:31 AM