How To Spin: Wintery Mix — FLORA & FIBER

Those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are in the midst of winter. Even here in the US Deep South, the temperature is a chilly 26F degrees. Since we have been unseasonably warm, near 80F last week, I rather enjoyed getting out the woolen socks and mittens while tending to the animals this morning. As well, the heater and a hot cup of coffee were welcome rewards on the return inside.

Snow is rare here, but we do get the occasional “wintery mix” of rain and snow. Within that mix, there can be a moment of transition when ice crystals begin to form and cling to any surfaces they contact. It is definitely a time to stay off the roads. Yet, it is also a magical spectacle to see a crystal encrusted landscape dazzling in the sun against a brilliant deep blue sky.

This is not my photo, but it certainly encapsulates the memories I have of such an event. I think my skein of handspun also captures the azure sky, sparkling white, and hints of black branches.

Several years ago, the Strauch blog had a post ‘How to Blend a Winter Inspired Batt’; this served as the initial inspiration for my project. Strauch makes the drum carder I use, as well as other fiber processing tools.

My Ingredients

1/4 ounce blue dyed wool locks

English Leicester

My Process

Since the alpaca was fleece rather than a prepared fiber such as roving, I first carded the alpaca by itself; running it through the drum carder once. (pretend the fiber in the photo is black)

Next, I sandwiched all the other fibers (except the mohair locks) between the black alpaca; placing a layer of black alpaca, adding the other fibers, and finishing on top with a final layer of black alpaca. I ran this blend of fibers three times through the drum carder, adding the white mohair locks for the last pass only. Saving the mohair locks until this last pass maintained more of their lock structure, as well as kept some bright white rather than blending in with the other colors.