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Inspired by the Illinois Prairie Spinners, I am finally spinning this merino top. It was dyed with natural dyestuffs by Earthly Hues in Granville, Ohio. Photo: Kate Larson.
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Like most
spinners, I keep a stash of fiber. When
I have a blissful hour to look through my favorite stash, kept in an oak
cabinet that belonged to my great-grandfather, I always enjoy seeing reminders of
my journey as a spinner. A few ounces of angora that I purchased at my first
Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival or a
pound of polwarth from my first
SOAR
(Spin-Off Autumn Retreat) can bring back great memories. Some of my stash
just never seems to make its way from the cabinet to the wheel. Maybe I am
still unsure about what project I might use it for, or it is simply too perfect
as it is, in unspun form.
The Illinois
Prairie Spinners are planning to start the year with a program called Just
Spin It! Janet Calkins challenged members to "bring your wheel or spindle
and that precious, well-aged fiber and start spinning the 'good stuff.'" As a
group, they will talk about the spinning techniques, wheel adjustments, and
yarn designs best suited to their beloved stash fiber.
In the spirit
of their adventure, I have pulled a lovely 4 ounces of naturally dyed merino
top out of my stash. I see a new cowl in my future! Have you started any new
projects in the new year?