Here we are, on the other side of the Tour de Fleece. Everybody spun every day, or almost every day, with the simple goal of challenging ourselves and having fun. Did you have fun? I know I did, even when it rained, even when it was so humid I questioned my sanity for handling wool. One thing is certain: many more yards/meters of yarn exist in the world than back on June 26, when the event began.
I filled up my two Turkish spindles with Amethyst mixed BFL from Greenwood Fiberworks. Some days I spun out on my deck, after morning yoga; other times, I spun at a shady spot along the Mill River. By the last weekend, I was ready to ply, and ended the Tour de Fleece with another skein of yarn for my future Journey of Mind cowl.
I didn’t finish a skein for my other project — BFL in the Rainy Day Man colorway from Three Waters Farm. But that’s OK! I love this colorway so much, I am not in any hurry to have it off my spindle (I’m using a Bosworth mini).
The Three Waters Farm TDF team was just as much fun as it was last year. I highly recommend them! Whether you’re a new or experienced spinner, there’s lots to learn and everyone is very encouraging. And there are so many photos of spinning in progress to ogle! If nothing else, being on the team helps you get a feel for how Mary Ann’s gorgeous colorways look when spun.
I’m eager to start knitting my Journey of Mind cowl but must be patient. A design deadline looms! I can’t show you what I’m working on, but can say that I’m looking forward to revealing this new design in the fall. The yarn — a blend of merino, cashmere, and silk — is a dream to knit. And the color is … perfection.
I have to admit, I’m in awe of the wheel spinners who produce numerous skeins of yarn during the Tour de Fleece. How do they do it? But the main thing was to have fun, and I certainly did, baking scones along the way and taking plenty of walks in the early mornings, before the heat of the day set in. On one walk, I discovered Ghost Pipe coming up in a spot where I hadn’t seen it before. Strange and delicate — a sight I look forward to every summer.
Did you meet your TDF goals? Spin anywhere out of the ordinary? Whatever you spun, I hope you had fun.
Maple-Walnut Scones, from the Kripalu Kitchen cookbook
LINKS
Tour de Fleece (Ravelry link)
Three Waters Farm
Greenwood Fiberworks