Here is the Merino/Possum 2-ply yarn I spun from the lovely roving that Laura gave me for my birthday. I spindle spun the 4 oz of roving over 8 different spindles. I had started with lighter spindles, around 1 oz, and realized I liked spinning it better on slightly heavier spindles of about 1.4 oz. The heavier spindles had more momentum and less backspin.
I then proceeded to spindle ply all 4 ounces of singles into a 2-ply yarn with my All-Day Lollipop spindle. The large whorl works well for holding so much yarn. The spindle plying does go slowly, but I was not in a hurry and just did a little plying at a time. I like being able to keep a close eye on the yarn and add more twist as necessary. Plying on a wheel is much faster, and though I do check as I ply, sometimes I have to go back and add more twist to the entire skein.
This 4 oz skein of yarn is about 360 yards and 14 to 20 wpi. The possum adds a nice texture to the yarn and the possum is very soft. I'm thinking about using this yarn to knit a Thayer scarf of my very own.
Gorgeous. I really admire your patience in spinning and plying with spindles. It will take me years to do that. Possum is a great fiber and is very warm on the skin.
Posted by: Ann | October 30, 2012 at 06:43 PM
Beautiful yarn! I bet it feels wonderful.
Posted by: textillian | November 23, 2012 at 07:53 PM