On the Spindle - Polwarth and Silk Blend

Spinning Polwarth / Silk Fiber

 

 

I recently purchased some 85 percent Polwarth /  15% Silk blend of fiber.  Polwarth is a breed of sheep that is a cross between merino and lincoln sheep.  Polwarth fiber is next to skin soft and has a nice staple length  that makes it easy to spin even using a hand spindle.  It has been a joy to spin!  I am hoping to get around five hundred yards of two ply yarn off of this four ounces of top roving. 

 

 

 

 

 



 Do you have any experience spinning polwarth? I would love for you to share your handspun so you are welcome to link in the comments!

 





Off the Spindle: Handspun Blue Faced Leicester

Handspun Blue Faced Leicester (BFL)

Blue Faced Leicester is a long wool breed of sheep.  It has a nice long staple length usually 3 to 6 inches long.

I recently purchased some beautiful hand dyed BFL roving in a colorway of brown, blue and grey.  I spun and plied it completely by hand using one of my tibetan style hand spindles. This particular fiber had a stable length of a little over 4 inches and a micron count of 25 - 28 microns but to me it felt softer than what the micron count would indicate.

From the 4.2 ounces of fiber I ended up with approximately 340 or so yards of two ply yarn.  So I should have enough yardage for a pair of fingerless gloves, a hat or a scarf. 

If you are interested in learning to spin, I think that BFL would make a nice fiber for the beginner spinner.  But it is certainly not just a beginner fiber.  It is a beautiful fiber with lovely drape and this particular fiber was quite soft too!  BFL makes for some lovely handspun yarn. 

Enjoying the Journey - Handspinning Fiber Into Yarn

 

 

As the hustle of the daytime settles down and the calmness and peaceful quietness of the night settles in,

 

 

 

what a joy it is to pick up my spindle and spin my cares away. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I find comfort in the feel of the fiber as it passes through my hands. 

 

And I find contentment and joy in the making of a  handspun yarn.

 

Simplicity is satisfying.

Life is good.

 

Yes, .......very good.

 

I am enjoying the journey.