As a new spinner I'm learning that the best laid plans sometimes go awry. My original plan for this lovely merino/silk blend:
was for the Beech Leaves Vest. After spinning my singles, it looked to me as if a 3-ply would give me the weight of yarn I wanted. After plying and winding on my niddy noddy, I confirmed that this was so. But I made a rookie spinning error! I forgot to factor in how much the yarn would bloom when washed to set the twist!! I did end up with some lovely yarn, but it is more of a worsted weight than a light dk. When I tried doing a gauge swatch, I discovered that there was no way this was going to work. Well, rats! The frustrating thing is that if I had 2-plied it, I would have had the perfect yarn for the pattern. I had leftover singles that I did just that with and after washing and knitting – I got the perfect gauge in a very nice, drapey material:
I have 4 oz. leftover and rather than spin that up to a 3-ply to match what I already have, I think I'm going to forge ahead and 2-ply this and order some more fiber. I like this yarn so much that I really want to have a garment from it. It occurred to me this morning as I was knitting my sample that I have spun Silky Wool! That's always been one of my favorite yarns, but it always seemed a little on the skimpy side. This silky wool has a little more body and has all kinds of possibilities for Elsbeth Lavold designs.
In the FO category, I finished the basketweave socks:
As you recall, these are out of the Araucania that felted on me in a warm wash, so these will be run through a cold wash just to confirm that they can be machine washed and then, if all goes well, they will be gifted to my friend Kim for her birthday.
We had a wonderful Easter with the girls. Hubby did a scavenger hunt for them and they really seemed to enjoy it. And their dresses fit them perfectly:
Are they not exceedingly adorable?
This week is turning out to be a bit of a challenge. I am still having tooth issues. The endodontist said the continuing pain is normal and it will just take time. In the meantime, I am back on pain meds, which are leaving me dopey (or at least dopier than usual). I'm hoping for some quick recovery so that I will be pain free this weekend. Lorette and her hubby are coming for the weekend and while the hubsters do whatever it is guys do, Lorette and I will be attending a two-day spinning event! Last spinning event I was so overwhelmed I completely forgot to take pictures, but I promise to do better this weekend.
missouristar 
Your girls are so sweet. Makes me wish my 15yo and 12yo were back at that stage. Almost! I must say, having them more capable of fending for themselves frees up my time!
Love your two-ply swatch! I need to split time between knitting and spinning and more yarn spun.
Have fun with Lorette. Beautiful granddaughters, too!
Beautiful girls!
OMG – they are just adorable!
I have finally learned that all yarn BLOOMS after washing 🙂
I think your plan is perfect – your 2 ply swatch looks wonderful!
Beautiful fiber – and I love how it spun and knit up! Your vest will be gorgeous.
Love the photo of the girls in their dresses.
I CAN’T stand it!! I want grandchildren.
Sounds like that fiber really was a great learning experience….. along with allowing for a nice swatch – you know a 2-ply will work! I’ll be looking forward to seeing you finished vest. It will be just beautiful – I am sure!
The girls are just adorable! (but you already knew that!).
Yes – please DO take photos! I’m Soooo jealous!
That yarn will be great for a Lavold pattern–the subtle color differences will make those Viking cables pop.
I like the socks, but the girls’ dresses really upstage them.
I hope the tooth improves. Does this give you an excuse to eat lots of ice cream?
I do hope the pain is gone soon so you can enjoy your spinning weekend.
The girls and their dresses are adorable!
Oh my goodness, aren’t those little ones precious in their dresses? Great photo. As far as the yarn goes, yes, I did a similar thing – only the opposite with my current yarn I’m spinning. I made a whole bunch in 2-ply hoping it would bloom enough after washing, but it didn’t. I started again with 3 ply and it’s working. All in the learning process, I suppose.
Which spinners weekend are you going on? This must be one I haven’t heard of. Is it in Missouri or nearby?
Never mind, I see you are in Washington. Too far away for me to travel, even for a spinning retreat.
I like the yarn you made, even if it isn’t going to work at that weight. And it’s another excuse to buy fiber!
Spinning on drugs! This should be a fun weekend! I guess there won’t be any wine for you…