Margaret Miller

I did it on the machine rather than by hand! It took about an hour. I split the two batches into 8 pieces and put four of each into each batt - ie 2 batts. Then I split each batt in half and re-carded a half from each into a new batt - still 2 batts. It has come out a lot softer than the original - quite fly-away, too. Again, pictures to follow once the Exhibition has opened if I can wait that long!.

I received my package some time ago but had to put it aside because of all the other stuff happening "right now".  Why did I ever agree to do this? There was some wool tops which looked and felt very compacted and some  silk which was ever so lovely. What to do with it? Have to aerate the tops so I decided to card it all as even a predraft felt rough to my skin. Then the silk - I contemplated spinning it separately and the using it as an autowrap as I spun the wool. I sat on this thought for some weeks but nothing happened. Decision time came today and I'm not feeling all that well so I've decided to simply card the two together in the hope that the silk will mask the (to my hands) the harsh feel of the wool. Hopefully, too, the wool will soften with a wash - sometimes I think that whatever the mills put into these tops to assist the machining really makes them feel awful. Photos of the process steps will be added after the date due in July The...

I have been asked to compare and obtain a commercial equivalents to the handspun (based on wpi). The only one I have which is close is Opal sock wool. The recommended needle size for this yarn is 2.5. On the assumption that socks are normally knitted tighter than other garments I am choosing to do the three swatch sizes in 2.25, 2.75 and 3.25. Using a fine X-breed from Ringrove, handcarded and spun longdraw.