Tag: teeswater

Shave ‘Em Two Save ‘Em Circle Vest

On By CarynIn Craft

I crocheted several more rows onto LazyTCrochet’s circle vest pattern, past the “plus size” listed in the instructions. I followed the general feel of the pattern up to that point, and crocheted until I ran out of my hand-spun Teeswater yarn. It was still feeling small and tight.

Photo description: Circle vest crocheted from hand-spun Jacob and Teeswater wool showing three color variations, dilute calico cat photo bomb

I do have more Teeswater roving, but need to spin it up. I decided to tie off the row and weave in the ends, then give the vest a good soak with some gentle fabric wash. I laid it out to dry on a homemade PVC and nylon mesh drying rack.

Photo description: same vest laid out to dry

The stitches relaxed and the vest increased in size.

Photo description: same vest after blocking

It is now a wearable garment. The wool feels softer after blocking and has a beautiful drape. I call this my “Shave ‘Em Two Save ‘Em” vest because both Jacob and Teeswater sheep are on the Livestock Conservancy list of Heritage Sheep. Jacob is Threatened and Teeswater is considered Critical.

Photo description: same vest hanging on a cedar hanger to show the drape

I’m rather excited that I have created something I will actually wear and supports farmers raising endangered heritage breeds.

Sizing

On By CarynIn Craft

I find knitting and crochet patterns for clothing items very frustrating. There is the whole sizing issue – just making more rows or making the pattern “bigger” does not mean it will fit right when you’re done. Putting hours and hours into a project and then have it not be a useful item is defeating. I’m working on a circle vest, because I like vests, and they are generally easier to fit than items with sleeves. Up until this point I have followed the pattern by LazyTCrochet, checking fit as I went. I used the largest version XL, and added the “Plus size” extensions, which are a joke.

Photo description: circle vest crocheted with hand spun Jacob’s and Teeswater wool with color variation, NOT my pattern

Fitting for multiple body sizes is hard. Most designers add rows and call it “good.” Frankly, there are more body types than XS-5XL (this particular pattern went from S-XL). Arm circumference, bust size, height, arm length, waist size, shoulder to hip, are all so individual. I could flail and complain about pattern designers, but I think it is the crafter’s duty to know their body and learn how to make adjustments to fit. For me, patterns are starting places, they just have to be. For this vest, I’m going to add more rows in the same style as the rest of the vest, not only to balance colors, but to get more coverage. I did purchase this pattern, but it wasn’t expensive (warning sign), but I won’t be purchasing from the designer again.

Jumbo bobbin two

On By CarynIn Craft

I spun up three more bobbins of single spun Teeswater wool and plied them into a three ply yarn.

Photo description: three full bobbins on the bobbin storage shafts built into the Ashford Traveller wheel
Photo description: small bobbins depleted, one empty, two partially depleted
Photo description: three ply yarn on two jumbo bobbins, the left was done previously, the right recently plied

I think I have enough Teeswater roving to do one more jumbo bobbin of three-ply yarn, which means I will have to transfer yarn off a jumbo bobbin as I only have two. It will take me a while to spin though, so I don’t have to transfer yet.

Plying Teeswater wool

On By CarynIn Craft

I’ve spun up three bobbins of my Teeswater wool, so it is time to ply. I use the built-in bobbin holders on my Ashford Traveller spinning wheel and have two points of control. My right hand holds the three strands apart by putting each strand between different fingers, and my left hand slowly lets in the twist, then feeds it onto the jumbo bobbin. I’ve found that with slow and steady progress I don’t need to put a brake on the bobbins because they don’t spin out of control.

Photo description: looking down at my three bobbins of single spun Teeswater wool
Photo description: three ply Teeswater wool yarn on a jumbo bobbin

I have more Teeswater roving, so I’ll go back to spinning singles. I also have another jumbo bobbin, so I can leave the three ply on this bobbin to rest.

Nearer to you

On By CarynIn Craft, dog

Missy the dog tries to lay right behind my feet when I’m spinning, which makes it hard to treadle. So I put her bed to the side, which was an acceptable offering.

Photo description: Ashford Traveller spinning wheel, Svaha Genetic plants dress, small black dog on a blue round bed

I’m currently spinning Teeswater wool on my Ashford Traveller spinning wheel. Teeswater is listed as a critical in the Livestock Conservancy’s list of Heritage Sheep Breeds. I purchased roving from a rancher in Michigan, and I am enjoying spinning the fiber.