Fall has hit in full force here in Michigan, and with it that burst of crafting need that I love!
I want to do a quick to spin, quick to knit project, but I can’t quite choose what fiber. Want to help?
My project idea is a super bulky (2 or less stitches to the inch) cowl knit in a texture stitch – cables or even just moss. I also want to use some of my fabulous vintage coat buttons – huge and mismatchy.
Here are my fiber contenders:
All of them will act differently. The Merino cross (I think it’s crossed with a bit of Corriedale) has bit more sturdiness than merino, as a 2-ply will still have stitch definition and will be soft.
The Targhee is spongy, has body, is less soft than 100% Merino, but still very skin-worthy, as a 2-ply will have stitch definition and will puff up like Jiffy Pop.
The Merino is Calgon-take-me-away soft, but would give flaccid texture as a two ply and may not stand up to the big buttons. To make it work I would do a 3-ply with extra ply twist.
Which should I use? Pass your judgement in the comments!
You’re going to say you want to see them all sampled down to the knitting. I see how you are.
Hat needs continue at my house. Henry (who’s 9) has weighed in.
Here’s the fiber he chose for his hat:
Tomato soup red Columbia roving from Imperial Stock Ranch. I’m thinking an Aran weight 2-ply. Have any of you spun this? Tips?
Have you listened to episode #35 of the SpinDoctor podcast yet? Lots of spinning chat and I review Woolgatherings fiber.
What does the fall have you spinning?
Spin the Columbia woolen:-) A little finer than you think cause it puffs up!
I think the targhee would be wonderful and show those moss stitches well.
Targhee – mostly for the colours, I admit.
I agree-Targhee! I am knitting a semi-worsted Targhee from a friend’s sheep. It is wonderful. She had it processed at a mill, and it is great to knit with. Not scratchy at all-holds it shape, and is great to knit with.
I would probably blend the lot on a carder and then spin big fat singles…but then I like carding!!
I’d pick the targhee. I don’t spin, but just reading how you’ve written about them you are edging away from the pure merino. Also with the gorgeous color of the targhee that will help drive you to finish super quick!
I think the merino would go well with vintage buttons. Maybe you can show us the spun fibers and a few selected buttons. Can’t wait to see the Columbia Roving spun and knit. Wish I had your stash!
Definitely the targhee – it will stand up to the buttons, and it will have the stitch definition you want for moss stitch. Also, since it can be a two-ply instead of a three-ply, it will take less time, since you say you want a quick-to-spin project.
I like all best colors but the targhee has my 2 favorite colors blues and purples.
I agree with the targhee. This past weekend I picked up 3 different breeds that I haven’t spun before (Falkland, English Sheltland & Polwarth) while visiting the Wisconsin Sheep & Fiber Festival. I also got some corridale (nice color and price). Just like you, Now I have to figure out which one will be the lucky one.
Targhee! I just spun up four ounces and it’s wonderfully springy and soft. Merino gets a bit frustrating for me to spin sometimes.
Targhee … You’ll love both the process and the result!
I vote targhee because of the color. But the gray merino would be nice too.
Since blue is my favorite color, I’ll vote for the Targhee!
Looking forward to seeing your results !!
I would go for the targhee myself. As for fall spinning, I am itching to get back to working on big soft woolen yarns. I watched “Big and Lofty Yarns” earlier this summer and spun a blue ribbon winning hank on the first try. ADD spinner that I am I also have some yak that I want to spin and am trying to teach myself to spin cotton (short fibers, way cheaper than yak) before I try it.
It depends on the buttons…can we see some pictures of them, too, please?
For your first request, Try a sample using all three in a three ply. On the second request, I have always preferred Columbia wool soft woolen-spun as a three-ply.
ditto on the Targhee, love it and it will make a beautiful bulky cowl.
Having said that I love the look and colour of the merino
I really love the shades in that deep blue/purple merino, I think those colours would be a joy to spin as they tease out. I’d spin it incredibly thinly and knit it into a lacy autumn scarf and wear it with black.
Love the Targhee for the color but I think the lavender merino would be more fun feeling to spin.
Good luck!
I vote for the targhee!
Fall really hit in the thumb in the mitten! Wow – 40 degrees at night and a high near 60 degrees! It’s not Fall until October! I need a few more warm days!