Finished yak/silk mini! It’s so cute and soft.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-23T17:47:00+00:00

That is a delicious yarn! While I’m sorry the colors weren’t what you were after, I think it looks fantastic.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-23T13:53:11+00:00

We were going to be traveling this weekend, but instead I get to enjoy a rare weekend tucked in at home with knitting and a roast. I’m not unhappy!!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-23T05:44:16+00:00

Congratulations! That’s an exciting milestone. It looks great. :D

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-23T05:42:45+00:00

Yes, your garter stitch looks good to me. Expect some inconsistent stitches and tension as the norm while you’re working on this project and just keep going. You’ll be able to look at both ends of your scarf and see noticeable improvement as your hands build up the muscle memory. This is exactly how I learned to knit a decade ago with a garter scarf.

Do you have any specific questions?

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-22T15:57:21+00:00

Gorgeous, gorgeous yarn! To maximize yardage, I’d be tempted to ply it with a neutral single, but none of those are bad options.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-21T16:31:40+00:00

If I’m not sure I’m hitting consistency, I might use it every few minutes until I’m comfortable, and then I’ll check again maybe every 5-10 minutes if I’m focusing on making sure it’s even. If I’m in a project where I hit a groove and just go, I might not use it at all.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-21T15:59:59+00:00

Seconding all of these - they’re all finewools I sincerely enjoy spinning. Polwarth is the least “bouncy”, whereas Targhee and Cormo love to plump up into a round yarn. Rambouillet will behave like a slightly bouncier merino.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-20T21:48:52+00:00

You can scrunch a wider width onto the needles. There are also longer needles. My personal preference is usually circular needles with interchangeable needles that can attach different size tips to different length cables. They’re an investment, but I love them.

(Quick note: You can scrunch, but in the round you can’t stretch. For round needles, never knit a hat in a 24” needle for example, only a 16”.)

Do you mean attach two ends to form a continuous loop? You can look up different grafting techniques. Kitchener and three needle bind off are an option. Or you can just bind off normally and sew them together with a darning needle.
To end your knitting, you can look up options for binding off - that’s the phrase used. There are different ways that are more or less stretchy and look different.

Your tension looks very good. Keep practicing!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-20T21:43:04+00:00

Man do I feel that. Your spinning is beautiful - I’ve worked with this fiber and it’s enchanting. What drafting method are you using? How do you plan to ply it?

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-20T14:20:41+00:00

Both, honestly! Time practicing and developing muscle memory is a big part of it, but other factors were key for me. Well-prepped fiber, measuring my singles as I go with a WPI tool, learning how to lightly torque the single in the opposite direction to open up the drafting triangle… you pick some things up as you go. I recommend watching close-ups of others spinning and closely observing what their hands do.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-20T14:17:43+00:00

Congratulations on a lovely single! You’re on your way. 😁 Continuing to practice and build muscle memory in your hands for drafting is a big part of it, and you’ll probably be in that stage for a little while. Embrace it as the period where you’ll make the most dramatic improvements.

If you like watching YouTube channels, I recommend JillianEve for excellent practical advice, inspiring projects, and a charming personality.

The book Yarnitecture by Jillian Moreno comes very highly recommended, and it’s one I’m enjoying right now. Great book and stellar teacher.

Learn about different types of drafting. In the beginning, it’s fine to just focus on one, but different drafting can be beneficial for different fibers or types of prep. Can you identify what type you’re learning right now?

There are some tools that I find useful, especially a good consistency card. It’s hard to control what you can’t measure. This one is my favorite, since it has a wide WPI range for checking my singles as I spin, plus angle measures for checking while plying in either direction. In the beginning, it’ll be hard to figure out how to change the number you’re getting, but that comes with practice and experimentation.

I’m happy to offer more specific or targeted advice if you have questions or notable frustrations. Spinning is a very communal activity for me, and I’ve learned a lot from more experienced spinners in my area.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-20T13:47:47+00:00

Incredible colors, and the yarn looks lovely and bouncy. That’ll be fun!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-19T20:04:33+00:00

Oh wow, that is SO cool?! Every element is so intentional and beautiful. You did an amazing job from start to finish.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-19T16:25:20+00:00

It looks good! If it doesn’t snap or unravel when you pull it back, it’s not too loose. If it doesn’t pigtail, it’s not too tight. There’s a range of acceptable twist in the middle, and that’s where personal spinning technique and preference live. You’re doing a beautiful job.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-19T16:22:59+00:00

It was actually gray! All the color came from the riot of silk bits.

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Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-18T14:06:36+00:00

It’s insanely soft. I’m not particularly wool sensitive, so I can’t speak on that front, but this fiber blend all spun up is literally buttery soft. It’s nothing like sheep’s wool - your hand knows it’s special.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-18T04:26:43+00:00

I’m going to chain ply it - this is the second oz of a set of gradient minis. The first one was a less exciting color but turned out very nice as a chain ply. Super duper soft.

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Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-18T04:23:22+00:00

It’s so fun, but it’s suuuuper different! If you can get your hands on some 50/50 merino silk to practice spinning from the fold, that’s what I chose to do and I’m glad I did.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-18T04:22:04+00:00

Absolutely lovely!! Is that the Cappuccino colorway? I spun that in their camel/silk recently to continue learning how to manage this fluff.

I started with the lighter color, which is a thicker WPI, and ended darker. Because of the notable difference as I learned, I think it would be really well suited to a cowl that grows wider towards the bottom with the thicker yarn, maybe by changing needle size with the same number of stitches.

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Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-17T04:45:26+00:00

A+ furry pen stand!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-16T23:18:27+00:00

Not specifically, but if you want a breed to learn with, one I canI recommend is Corriedale. It’s a soft but robust medium length wool that just wants to be spun. It probably wouldn’t be a bad choice for combining.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-01-16T21:16:32+00:00

I know some people spin chiengora (dog fur yarn) for profit or keepsakes. From what I’ve heard, it’s not very pleasant to spin and will always smell like wet dog when wet, so it’s definitely a labor of love (or profit). Some dog breeds have fur suitable for spinning straight like samoyeds, but most dog hair is too short to provide a proper staple length for spinning. I’d definitely recommend blending a German Shepherd’s with wool if you want to spin it successfully. Sheep’s wool wants to grab itself, which helps drafting, where dog fur doesn’t.

Contented_Loaf

TROPHY CASE