Yes, the yarn is very bright and showy…and a little “puffy” in places…yarn with a personality.   Kind of “in your face” yarn.   I’m just starting.   You know, it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become good at anything!   I have a ways to go.

I’m experimenting with dyeing the fiber as well.   Purchased variety packs of colored fiber.   Bought a fleece of Lincoln Locks that dyed up nice, green and pink.   It’s lovely but hard to get out the vegetable matter.   Broke two Mason Jars during the dyeing process.    Make sure you don’t remove the jars from the hot water after dyeing.   Take the pot from the burner and let the whole pot and jars cool down in place.  

The food coloring works well for dyeing, although it’s a little tricky to get the shade of color you want.   “Bright” seems to be easiest.   I’ve also used the Ritz dye.   Don’t bother with the fixative.   Just use vinegar…white…straight.   

We’re going to raise Angora bunnies for fiber.   Acquired Terrence on Feb 7, 2018. He is only three months old and his fur isn’t very long yet.   He should be starting to shed pretty soon, and I’m collecting bunny fur.   Half & Half the goat had a nice mane (!)   That fiber is the opposite of Terrence’s, stiff and stick straight.   Should make interesting yarn.

The first drop spindle I bought is too light-weight and doesn’t spin long enough at one time.   Found a nice heavy flower shaped saucer that I can drill a hole in the middle for a dowel.   That should work better.

The electric spinner (Electric Eel Wheel) we bought has given me a good start at machine spinning.   With automatic speed and tension dials, I’ve been able to concentrate on the fiber itself rather than thinking about treadling at the same time.   One issue with the Eel Wheel is that it won’t allow me to do “art yarn”.   The hooks that guide the yarn onto the bobbin can’t handle the varying thicknesses, pop-its, and other do-dads that art yarn can have.   Will have to save my pennies for another machine.

Let’s see, 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, 50 weeks…that’s 1,000 hours a year…10 years.   I should be pretty good by 2028! “Blessed is he who sets his heart on pilgrimage.” Amen to that!

Happy Homesteading,
T.