purlingswine

Posted by ann

I did not realize the implications of a goat fiber workshop.

If I did, my last entry would have included far more exclamation points. Sure, if you asked me where cashmere came from, I would have said goats. But I never made the leap. goat fiber workshop = learning about and spinning cashmere!!!!!!!!!

I would like to say from the start that by far, this was the most organized workshop I have ever attended. Robin Russo is a fantastic teacher and if you ever have the opportunity to take one of her classes, do. Just look at the notebooks she handed to each of us at the beginning of the class. She covered everything in depth, answered all questions, gave us all equal amounts of time and was thoroughly prepared. We learned about the micrometer scale of fibers (human hair = 60 cashmere < 18), how it all came about, how the opening of trade with China has affected the cashmere market, preparation of/spinning of. We also covered mohair and angora, although I had to miss most of that section since I had to leave the workshop a bit early to drive D#2 around town. Usually the workshops are mostly winding down in the last 45 minutes and I didn’t think leaving would be a problem, so I told D#2 it would be no problem to drive her places. argh!

anyway, the workshop was fabulous and I learned that my two favorite things to spin were the 15 micron carded cashmere and carded cashgora. To quote the workbook, “Cashgora is a fiber with a micron count higher than 19 – it is produced by crossing a down bearing goat with a mohair goat”

Did I mention that I fell in love with Robin’s wheel? That her husband makes them by hand? That they are very, very reasonably priced? That they will be in Maryland?

Posted by ann

A pork report apology ……. yesterday’s picture was taken with a dying camera battery that would not allow a retake. I would like to tell you that once it is charged I will post another shot, but we all know that’s a 50/50 proposition. Today’s pitcure was taken a week or so ago.

Darlings, the exciting news (besides the gender identifications of my vehicles) is a Robin Russo workshop! I will be delving into the exciting and mysterious world of goat fibers today! My spinning guild – have I mentioned how fabulous it is and how everyone should join?- is hosting a fun filled workshop weekend. Unfortunately I am only able to participate in today’s topic on goat fibers. A friend of D#2 wondered if there was that much to know about goat fibers …… ha! foolish, callow youth.

Posted by ann

I wonder what goes on in my garage when the lights are out?

[thanks Cara!]

~oink~

Posted by ann

Here is a copy of an email I sent in reply to comments yesterday ……..

As for the BSJ, first off I don’t know why I thought that a miracle would occur and I would be overcome with love of the garter stitch. I never, never like garter stitch in garments. I sometimes don’t even like reverse stockinette on cable sweaters if they aren’t heavily cabled. So you see, my main objection is just a personal preference and in no way should keep you from trying this thing out.

The construction itself is pretty fascinating. It claims to be reversible. Which the perfectionist in me will not allow. At one point, you need to pick up 20 stitches. No matter how neatly stitches are picked up, they always leave a ridge. That ridge on the outside is a deal breaker for me. So my own BSJ has now become a one sided affair.

What I did not realize was that the side I thought would be the outside – the side with the proper edge of the long tail cast on as well as the lovely decreases showing – was in fact going to end up on the inside. (I hope this is making some sort of sense) Combined with the “I hate garter stitch” thing, this put me over the edge. Along with this yarn pilling up all over the place (and I am not rough with my knitting at all). ***Anita tells me that this pilling is really not a problem and that the yarn just gets better with wear so maybe I should finish this sweater and see how the yarn actually performs.

So, my final recommendation is to only knit this if you like garter stitch. If you like that stitch, then make your first BSJ a sort of test run so you can really see how the construction plays out in the final product. And then spend some $$ on nice yarn and make more.

The pig of the day is multiple pigs. I have four of these hanging in my living room window. I hope you can see that their wings are stained glass. The four have different colors, but only two pictures came out well.