Tag: camel

Compaction

On By CarynIn Craft

I thought this pair of pictures would be interesting. First is a bundle of camel fiber next to an empty drop spindle, the next is that bundle of fiber spun into singles on the spindle. There is a big volume change.

Photo description: camel roving wound into a loose nest next to an empty drop spindle
Photo description: full spindle in the same position

These pictures were taken 20 days apart. I spun for about 30-40 min 12-13 days during that time, giving an approximate time investment of 6-9 hours. Plying goes much faster, and I can make a 2-ply yarn from this yarn in 60-80 minutes (2 walks). Winding into a nostepinne style ball takes just one walk.

Photo description: 2-ply camel yarn wound onto a paper tube, spindle empty in my hand, asphalt in the background

Really it isn’t the time, it is making the walk bearable, and the zen I get from spinning.

Winding pause

On By CarynIn Craft

I was winding my single spun camel fiber from the drop spindle to a nostepinne style ball, using my fishing swivel chain hanging from a wall hook when life interrupted. I put my makeshift nostepinne (rolled up card stock) onto the wall hook.

Photo description: drop spindle hanging from a wall hook with a partially wound ball on a paper tube on the same hook

It may have stayed that way for a week. May is a busy time. I did eventually get back to it and finish winding.

Photo description: wound ball of camel single spun fiber on a scale reading 42g

It is good to know that I can pause my winding in this way. Life interrupts frequently and my hobbies need to be able to be set aside for an unexpected moment.

Spindle weight

On By CarynIn Craft

I wrote down the tare weight of my spindle so I could track the amount of yarn I’m building up.

Photo description: 22g written on the whorl of a hand made drop spindle, camel fiber and arm bag visible behind the whorl, calico cat on the sidewalk in the background

I’m working on a camel bump, which amuses me. Camel fiber is quite soft, and the mill processed it into a “bump”, which is roving wrapped into an oblong, much like how yarn is sold in the big box stores. I’m spinning it on my daily walks, then recording the weight.

Photo description: drop spindle with brown camel single spun yarn in a cop below the whorl, sitting on a digital scale that reads 26g
Photo description: same spindle the next day, and the scale reads 32g

My efficiency is improving, or I’m walking longer, which are both valuable outcomes. I spun 4g of fiber the first walk, and 6g on the second walk.