Handspinning 'Ula' - Yummy Yarn

You may remember I blogged about this fibre in February, You can read the post here

I finally plucked up the courage to spin with it this weekend.  It looked so pretty as batts that I was a bit reluctant to spoil it. 

  

 I untied and unrolled the batts, lovely, lovely, lovely.

 Using my trusty little Kiwi wheel, I managed to turn them into this nice fat bobbin full...

 It was fantastic to spin, I have been working on spinning some undyed Merino for a Dyers Picnic in June, so to switch to this was a treat.  The colours and the sparkle were fascinating.  It really made me think about Oceans, mermaids, dolphins and King Neptune.

   

A couple of hours into this spin I was having a dilemma with what to ply it with or wether to ply it with itself.  Then I saw some beautiful Yarn that Patricia, YummyYarnsUK has hand spun.  She Plied some wool with Tussah Silk in co-ordinating colours.  Patricia also loved the 'Ula' fibre and has agreed to dye some Tussah Silk to ply it with.  I am hoping the silk will be a fantastic contrast for this fibre, with the sheen of the silk complementing the sparkle that is already in the yarn, I can't wait to see it and have a play...for now back to the Merino.

Kiwi

Very Cute, but you may need tissues!  :)

Introducing Piwi the Kiwi 1 & 2

I thought now would be a good time to introduce you to my Spinning wheel and our little friend.   I have been spinning for just over a year I purchased my wheel a week before Christmas 2009 and recieved excellent service from Shiela at Handspinner.co.uk.  Handspinner sells a full range of Ashford spinning wheels and accessories, fibres and books.  The website has a whole host of useful and interesting information, 'How to' videos, information, advice and lots of interesting and current articles about spinning and fibre crafts.
I purchased an Ashford Kiwi wheel.  I read lots of reviews and considered buying second hand as cost was a big factor.  I read a Kiwi was ideal for beginners and bought it at 2009 prices for under £200 pounds.  It was delivered flat packed about two days after ordering it.  Perfect for impatient souls like me.  I managed to put it together myself and it really helped to get to know the working parts of the wheel.  I treated it with 'Antiquax' to give it some additional protection.
     The frame is solid New Zealand Silver Beech wood and the drivewheel is Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).  The double treadle is ideal for beginners as the wheel can be started and stopped with your feet.  The flyer is positioned centrally over the wheel making it comfortable for left or right-handed spinners.

I am not usually materialistic over things however I am very fond of my wheel he is called Piwi the Kiwi.
The wheel arrived before the fleece, so the first fibre I spun was my dogs hair, I gave her a thorough grooming and practiced on that until my fleece arrived.  I do not have a sample to show you however I do intend to spin some more in the near future.  My partner did not fancy a balaclava made out of dog hair!  I think I would love something made from Lacey Hair.

I did not have spinning lessons although I am a member of The Birmingham Guild of Weaving, spinning and dyeing.  I really enjoy our monthly meetings and can get lots of help and advice from some very experienced members.  I found whiskey helped me to loosen up and get the hang of spinning!
     Piwi the Kiwi has a little friend to keep him company when I go to work, his name is also Piwi the Kiwi.  I think you will agree he is very cute :)