Angoraphoria

Rain, rain everywhere, all night long. Little difference exists between the light of day and dark. The dogs beg to be let out and then just as eagerly wish to be back inside where it is dry. The black cat sits by an open door waiting for a path to clear between raindrops. If the roofs of these houses were of tin we would hear an overwhelming surrounding of cymbals being rolled tirelessly by unseen percussionists.

It is an ominous beginning to Election Day 2004.

Maybe the election cap should have been made more in the shape of an umbrella, and with more waterproof materials.

The Afghanicus Mountainous is about one third complete now. I work on it at the end of the day when I don't wish to think. The colors never bore me, and it is large enough to keep me warm already. Sometimes it is too warm, and I have to try to keep it off me. Other times, two or three critters decide it is the ideal cuddling place for the moment, which makes it a challenge to knit on. It is impossible to get a decent picture in this weather, so you will have to use your imagination.

After my failed attempts at the Ingenious Glove, I made three failed attempts at a free glove pattern. They failed because I did not get gauge with the yarns I tried. Sunday I bought some beautiful deep red Bollicina, dropped down to a size 1 needle and started them once more. I am thrilled with the pattern and with the yarn, and hope to make rapid progress on the first glove today.

The top of the glove has a hem with a picot turning edge, the wrist side has a 2" rib.

On the spinning front, what does one do with the hair of the hare? Spin it carefully and enjoy it immensely. I was inspired for some reason to do just that with the prime sheared angora from MS&W. It was immediately apparent that I would have to keep it out of the reach of Sherlock, who was very curious about dat Wabbit.

Unsure of how exactly one was to spin angora, I chose the scotch tension of my Lenny Lendrum, the fast flyer and loose tension. I figured this would put enough twist into the angora to hold it together but also allow me to avoid smoothing it, worsted-like, and ruin the halo. After a few yards I started to second-guess myself and ran to the internet for help. And what did Auntie Internet say? Why, she said to do exactly what I was doing. She was so proud of me.

It takes a long time to spin angora, but it is a pleasure. I don't know exactly what my plans are-- whether to ply it with itself, ply it with the silk/merino that I have spun into singles, or ply it with cashmere/silk singles. I am just enjoying the moment.

I also finished plying the mohair/merino blend, ending up with about 100 yards. I sense another challenge coming on. I wonder what it will be... oh, look! Sherlock wants to use it as a top knot!

Posted by Sheila at November 2, 2004 07:40 AM Posted to | TrackBack