I May Be In Trouble

For Christmas, my very thoughtful brother and sister-in-law sent me this:
A drop spindle! I was going to turn the picture so it was vertical, but then it occurred to me that I know so little about spinning that I didn't know which way was up, and this
an alpaca fleece in a marvelous hot chocolate-y brown! The alpacas are raised near their home in Colorado, which made me finally resort to looking up what an alpaca actually is. I know the yarn and everything--I'm on my third alpaca sweater--but aside from knowing that whatever the animal was it was darn warm, I had no idea. It turns out that they're a bit like a llama only smaller. I am quite excited--and not just about finally knowing what an alpaca is. I don't know if it's the idea of learning more about fiber or just my need to do everything the hard way, but I have already requested several books on spinning from the library! Could this be a new stash about to be born......?

In other knitting-gift news, Andy gave me this for Christmas
which I read in one sitting and laughed my head off. I actually don't read Franklin's blog, but I do love his cartoons. LOVED the book!!!!

And....
if I can just finish it by Wednesday I'll have used 116 balls and just under 19,000 yards of yarn for 2008! Is it a bit strange that I find the tally more exciting than having the actual scarf?????

Comments

Unknown said…
What an unusual scarf! Can you tell me the pattern and where to find it?
I've only been spindle spinning 2 months and already am addicted! I have a spinning wheel on the way :)
Thanks - from a fellow knitter AND spinner!
Pat
December 27, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Jillsknit said…
I love watching the coloring of the yarn grow on the scarf. You just never know what you're going to get with self striping yarn and this one is turning out so cool!
No Theo in the post - must be that he is behaving (I hope!)
December 28, 2008 at 8:02 AM
Anonymous said…
If I could see the other side of the spindle whorl, I could tell for sure which end is up. You see, there are both bottom and top whorl spindles. Plus, there are spindles that you can use either way! This looks like a top whorl spindle to me, because I can't see a notch in the long part of the rod. I am guessing that there is a hook on the other side of the whorl. If that is the case, then it will hang from that end.

Oh, and yes, this is the beginning of a whole new stash.
December 28, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Anonymous said…
Also, it looks like a pretty heavy spindle, so you will find it easier to spin thicker yarns.
December 28, 2008 at 10:17 AM
SpongebobTanu said…
what great gifts! i love spinning on my spindles and the one you got looks like a good one - the notch on the whorl is important, especially when you are learning.
December 28, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Daniele said…
Uh Oh... you in big trouble with the spinning girl! I hope you have more room in your house for fiber!!! :)

I also received Franklin's book for Christmas. Can't wait to read it.
December 29, 2008 at 11:21 AM
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