spinning from roving

This is alpaca roving...I have always had problems spinning from roving. Roving is a long bundle of fibers that are combed and generally the same length, and laying parallel, with a very slight twist for cohesiveness, so as to be fed into a spinning machine. Roving is about 2 inches wide. I recently found out how to spin with it: break off a 10 inch section, then divide it lengthwise into approx. 1/2 inch slivers. Spin from these. It makes a wonderful yarn.

I used to try to spin it without slivering and it always got tangled in my draw as the twist ran too far into the main rove. Works much better with the slivers!

Alpaca Scarf

Here is a pic of my current project. I use this pattern on all my scarves, as it is easy to remember and I don't have to remember where I am.

Cast on, then knit 5, purl 5, repeat till scarf is desired width. Do 5 rows, then reverse pattern, purl 5, knit 5...etc. You only have to count to 5 and you can count the purl side easily to see where yur at in the pattern. No thinking! Perfect....

Here's my blog! Read This First!

My AOL Journal went down...alas! So here I am with a new host, Google. It could be that someday we will need the skill of spinning and weaving again, meantime, it can be an enjoyable pastime. I focus on spinning with a Takli and Navajo spindle as these take up so little space. I am content to spin enough yarn to knit a long scarf or two each year. I like to use camel down, as it is affordable and easy to spin. Cashmere is really nice too, as well as alpaca and angora rabbit. Alpaca is a little tricky as the fibers are fairly long.

Leave a comment if so inclined. You can ask me a question by sending to spinknitinfo@aol.com. It may take me several weeks to answer, as I have a regular job that takes me out of town two weeks at a time.

If you are new to spinning, you have a lot to look forward to! It is very rewarding endeavor...Dave