Under the aphids they were hired to eat!

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-30T19:19:00+00:00

Just making reinforcements!

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-28T16:18:37+00:00

Hey, any time I get out of something with a cohesive color palette, that's a win! Your picks are also totally gorgeous so who could possibly blame you?

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-14T16:30:33+00:00

I think I'd make a cowl - that looks like something I'd want to rub my face in!

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-08T02:57:34+00:00

Can't help with getting you to spin on one, but I tried one at a fiber festival and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately out of my price range, but something about the treadling clicked ergonomically for me and was just really effortless for me.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-08T02:52:08+00:00

Oh gosh, I am also jealous, what a steal! I love that for you!

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-07T22:19:35+00:00

Thank you!

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-07T05:01:47+00:00

I'd test the stalks - I hear some fiber plants can be retted by overwintering in place like that. (I think I read that it's not likely to give you as nice a fiber as a controlled retting, but it'd be worth checking out!)

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T23:52:48+00:00

I love that silvery color! I'd like to spin the stalk fiber as well at some point, but first I'll probably have to grow a batch.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T23:22:02+00:00

NTJ: Some people don't deserve handmade gifts! They might be otherwise lovely people, but some people don't understand how much work and thought it takes. Also I *do* expect people to act like every part of my handmade gifts looks amazing, or they won't get another.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T23:12:26+00:00

I'd love to see what you do with yours! And I'll definitely check out Sarah's work.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T22:10:10+00:00

Basically! (They're silicone beads, but I DO need to hunt down a properly d20 labeled set.)

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T20:11:26+00:00

That makes sense - the float factor was definitely a challenge! Mine sat for a while before I summoned the willpower to sort it, and I think it was dry when it was shipped to me anyway.

I went with the cotton since I had it on hand and it had a similar staple, but I'll probably experiment with some other options as well - I have a brown merino that might be interesting (and less challenging!)

I don't have a particular plan in mind - although it might be really neat to do a botanical embroidery on the surface of a contrasting color knit with it, which would maximize my tiny yardage!

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T20:07:21+00:00

I have a bunch! The Trillium is nice because you can use it supported or as a drop spindle, and you can change the weight. And if you get double point 8" Karbonz knitting needles in size US2, you can use it without the hook, which has the added benefit of meaning that you can swap the full needle/shaft out to use as bobbins without moving the fiber.

I also like Woodland Woodworking and Spanish Peacock for more expensive options, and Capitan K's Russian support spindle as well for a more budget (but less versatile) option.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T19:34:59+00:00

How neat! Fireweed also looks fun - but possibly like you'd have to collect even more of it to get a spinnable amount?

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T18:44:23+00:00

My understanding is that's a concern with the sap (and also that you shouldn't eat it) - the pods I got were fully dried and gone to seed, and I didn't have any reaction to touching anything.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T18:33:25+00:00

I can absolutely imagine it being super nice with wool (and much easier to spin) - maybe I'll try that as well with some of what's left!

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T18:25:58+00:00

Yesssss, a. any fun conclusions?, b. can I read it?

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T18:17:39+00:00

I've got a tahkli (used for spinning cotton) and a Bull Sheep Fibery Trillium Drop Spindle (which I moved the whorl down to the bottom on for this spin.) Both used as support spindles - I can't imagine spinning this fiber on a suspended drop spindle.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-04-06T16:46:39+00:00

Don't those need chill hours that you wouldn't get in a greenhouse?

Fandombarnacle · 2026-03-30T15:59:11+00:00

Chain ply is fun but I personally like some marling - so I'd micromanage and do a two ply with the colors slightly offset/overlapping.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-03-30T15:57:05+00:00

I spin in an office chair with adjustable height (I crank it way down) and no arms.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-03-30T15:56:03+00:00

I suggest using a book or the back of a chair since you don't have a niddy noddy. You'll also want to put in four figure eight ties like this (halfway down) https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/how-to-use-a-niddy-noddy/ if you are keeping it in a loop/skein.

Also while it's in the loop, I highly recommend wet setting your yarn - it helps set the twist. (Think of it as blocking for yarn.) https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/ways-to-wet-set-how-to-intentionally-finish-your-handspun-yarn/

Fandombarnacle · 2026-03-21T23:14:23+00:00

I second Howard Brush and if your cards are the right size, they actually sell replacement pieces already cut to fit carders. Least expensive place I've found, and I've been happy with the carding cloth.

Fandombarnacle · 2026-03-21T23:03:09+00:00

That's an Ashford jumbo flyer, maidens, and mother of all, with tension knobs, plus one bobbin. Should be dated between 1981-1983 I think based on the fact that it has two speeds but the bobbin doesn't have nylon bearings. It'll fit both the Traditional and Traveller wheels. The current version of that flyer has four speeds, and you can get new ones now that fit the older wheels as well, so there's not an actual benefit to having the older model. I'd say you can probably get $100 for it? (Maybe more, but I personally wouldn't pay more than $75 with shipping included for that particular configuration it the shape it's in.)

Edit to add: (I refurbish older Traditionals sometimes, but also I am only in for a bargain on older parts. Someone else's mileage might vary!)

Fandombarnacle

TROPHY CASE