Gradient on Gradient
The Fiber Optic group on Ravelry is having a gradient spin-along. I ordered this when Kimber showed it in October, the color is Raspberry to Cream:
The color is so beautiful that I ordered 4 braids. After my first attempt at fractal spinning, I thought that technique would work well with a gradient as long as the colors were relatively close to one another. I split the braid length-wise and spun the first bobbin as a straight gradient. The second 1/2 of the braid was split lengthwise as finely as I could manage. I actually ended up making little sections of fine roving throughout the length so that they did not fall apart. Then I started with a raspberry end and spun to the cream. Next I picked up a cream end and spun to the raspberry. And on, and on. In this photo you can see how much longer the repeats are on the first bobbin:
Typical me, when I was plying I was not sure if my experiment had worked. Then when I wound it onto my kniddy-knoddy I was intrigued.
And all skeined up. It has since been washed, thwacked, and is now drying.
I think that the effect would have been more dramatic with 2 braids, one spun as a full gradient, the other fractally spun.
Now, what to make that will show off my subtle spinning experiment? A cowl has been suggested. I am not a fan of the “shawlette” (actually most things -ette, if you are going to do something, go full hog). Perhaps a scarf. I am looking forward to knitting with this pink on pink yarn.
knitting1105 and 
Rae 3:48 am on November 29, 2011 Permalink |
That came out great I like the mix of the colors. I can’t wait to see how you spin the other braids. Fiber Optics has some beautiful fiber I am waiting until I get alot better at my spinning before I order any of her pretties
I think the One Row Handspun Scarf pattern by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee would look nice knitted up in your newly spun yarn.
knitting1105 9:07 am on November 29, 2011 Permalink |
I too waited until I felt that my spinning was “worthy” of the Fiber Optic fiber. I just ordered it and stashed it away! She dyes a new gradient every few weeks, you might want to watch those, as they are pre-order only. I am sure your spinning will improve quickly. Practice, practice, practice. I will also check out the scarf pattern.