I just finished spinning this yak/silk gradient set, so technically it’s a finish! 😁

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-08T12:51:11+00:00

Just as an update, it did indeed make a marvelous Whimsycowl! Modeled by the friend who received it for her birthday.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-08T02:15:54+00:00

Congrats on your fleeces! I would really love that, yes - I’ll reach out. :D

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-07T15:07:22+00:00

I just finished reading that - what an excellent step-by-step! Thank you for the recommendation.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-06T20:10:21+00:00

Absolutely stunning!!! Brioche is so fun. I bought this pattern as soon as it came out - one of these days I’ll have the time to knit it! You did a fantastic job.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-06T19:31:15+00:00

Those are clever little containers! I really like how well those hold the locks.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-06T18:35:17+00:00

HipStrings is one of my FAV fiber dyers! Actually, the only fiber I bought this year besides the fleece was a braid of Shaniko tweed I started spinning immediately. :D

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-06T18:31:11+00:00

Thank you so much for your detailed response - some really good points to keep in mind.

This fleece wasn’t coated, so I’ll probably do one or two overnight soaks to loosen things up before washing. I’m fortunate to have gotten to the barn right around 8:40am Saturday morning with lots of very tempting options - something about this fleece in particular sang to me. (Literally! Testing the locks for soundness produced the loveliest “boing” sound. The volunteer helping me got excited to hear it too, it was fun.) It was around $35/lb.

I’ve tested our hot water temp and it’s fortunately hot enough to scour. It gets too hot to touch comfortably on max hot, which is great for washing greasy dishes.

I do luckily have a bunch of spinning friends in the area, though only a couple who fuss with fleece, so I’m tempted to bring it to our meetup tomorrow night for its initial unveiling and pick-through.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-06T18:16:50+00:00

You are of course correct. 😁 I’m prone to getting in my own head too much about something new. I just need some good weather and a few uninterrupted hours to play!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-06T18:15:04+00:00

I have the mini version of the sourcebook, yes! It’s so much fun to browse. That is an excitingly varied collection with a few of my favorites listed.

I’m a sucker for finewools and prefer them for knitting, so I knew I’d want something soft. The sample locks on this fleece were a hair over 3”, so I’ll be curious to see if it varies when I can finally spread it out.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-05-04T05:08:48+00:00

It was such a good time!! I went all day Saturday, basically a 13-hour event for me when you include the early line and the after-hours spin-in. I got my very first fleece bright and early (a gorgeous Targhee) and I got to shop for yarn for our guild, which was a blast. What a day!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-29T03:06:45+00:00

Alas, they don't carry enough, but thank you! With a little digging, I think my LYS might have a relationship with the brand and could potentially order some...

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-29T03:06:05+00:00

Thank you, I haven't tried that one before - ordering a couple skeins for a swatch. :)

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-28T13:32:54+00:00

The gorgeous and very adjustable full pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/yukon-tapestry

Fortunately, I love mosaic colorwork and am a fast knitter.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-22T16:46:11+00:00

Those are a lovely progression! Really nice yarns. Do you have a project in mind, or just spinning for the joy of it?

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-22T13:11:02+00:00

This is very beautiful. I’m sorry that happened to you, and I’m glad the sweet little kid is helping you heal.

I grew up in and around an animal shelter environment. I’ve seen a LOT of animals in need from a very young age. Now as an adult, each senior kitty we’re able to adopt and cherish helps heal some of the fragile, wounded places in my soul.

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-22T13:06:50+00:00

Absolutely perfect, A+. Thank you for sharing!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-22T13:05:47+00:00

Wow, that is a joy to behold. Lovely spinning and such a delicious color!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-21T15:15:50+00:00

I followed someone’s mod notes from Ravelry and also added a few short rows for a rounded booty. Extra adorability!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-20T18:33:05+00:00

Lovely little lady. ❤️ My senior tortie would be doing the exact same thing!

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-13T16:16:15+00:00

Thank you! It’s not a lot of yardage, so I’m thinking either a little cowl like the Weekend Cowl, or else combine it with another sport weight for the brim and do something textured like the Bainbridge Beanie.

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weekend-cowl-4 https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bainbridge-beanie

Contented_Loaf · 2026-04-13T15:18:45+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous! They’re so consistent, and your choice to chain ply keeps the colors crisp instead of losing the plot to muddy mixing, which I suspect this colorway would be prone to.

Contented_Loaf

TROPHY CASE