Creative solution for my spinning project

I've been struggling with the result of my enthusiastic dyeing last December. I was inspired by an article in the Winter 2008 issue of Spin-Off magazine - Spinning Color On The Wheel. The result was very colorful! But, would I really be happy with so many of my favorite colors all together?

I've decided to adapt Amy Tyler's technique. I'm going to hold chocolate brown roving with a bright color and let them blend randomly as I spin. When I'm finished with that particular bright color, I will use another one but keep the chocolate brown. I'll then ply two strands of the brown/color strands. I think the brown will give the finished yarn a consistency. I found some Wool of the Andes Bulky in Fedora to see how the color worked with my brights. I'm very optimistic! Now I just need to find enough Chocolate Brown roving to make a sweater's worth of yarn.

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Comment by cellogirl on April 10, 2009 at 9:40am: You mention combining colors in spinning --I'm an ex-spinner, weaver and dyer (natural, mostly) You can spin in texture and/or color very easily if you have a good base color/fiber which ties it all together, and don't go over-board on quantity of each color bit. Designing threads is great fun, there's always the "what-ifs" to spur you on to greater experimentation. The exciting part is in the final product, the decision whether to knit or weave is integral to the success of your project. Experience is the best teacher!!

Comment by Kelley Petkun on March 24, 2009 at 4:05pm: Peggy,

The front cover of the current Spin-Off has three drops spindles! Very pretty.

Oh, and believe me, the feeling is mutual. You all energize and inspire me!

Comment by Kelley Petkun on March 24, 2009 at 9:29am: I will post the sample as soon as possible. I have to wait to find the roving and then sit by the mailbox and wait for its arrival! Oh, well, I can knit on Walter's baby blanket this weekend.

Comment by EdwardRad on March 24, 2009 at 7:35am: These are gorgeous!! I can't wait to see the final plied yarn and then the sweater, I'm sure that it will be super pretty. ^_^

Comment by Peggy Stuart on March 23, 2009 at 8:04pm: Kelley: You always inspire me! I was afraid to take the plunge into spinning, but your podcast comments about spinning gave me courage. I'm now spinning, both with a drop spindle and a wheel. A week from today, I have a class in dyeing! I'm looking into trying my hand at Kool Aid dyeing before that, though, as I have some Corriedale roving I've been wanting to use, and I'm tired of white. What a wonderful idea to use a brown (I assume you mean a natural brown roving) with your bright colors. You keep saying you're "color-challenged," but I love your selections. I'm going to be ordering some Jacquard dyes as soon as my DH recovers from my latest purchase: two 50gm skeins of every color of Essential kettle-dyed...I SO could not resist the great price! I'm finding a new life in retirement! Thanks for all you do, and keep us posted on your progress with this project! --Peggy

Comment by Susan the Blue Lake Knitter on March 23, 2009 at 7:36pm: This ought to look very nice! I am not big on yellows, though I use gold on occasion. And I'm just now trying to figure out HOW to spin. Looks like you are doing quite well.