Not that you would know it from the blog, but I have joined in on the Tour de Fleece this year for the first time. I am participating on two fronts: at the Tour de Fleece web page, and in the Tour de Fleece Ravelry Group. It's a bit confusing that these two are different, but I figured that I might as well cover my bases and join two parties.
My goal for this year's TdF, my first, is very simple - spin every day, even if it's just a little bit. In the lead-up to finishing my degree, I wasn't able to spin for several weeks. I got out of practice, and built up a decent fiber stash as a result. I want to use the TdF as motivation to get through a bit of the stash and to get back into the rhythm of spinning on a regular basis. So far, it's going well. We had family in town and went out to the coast for a few days, but I managed to fit the spinning wheel into the Subaru and got some spinning done while we were out there. Yes! I do admit to missing a couple of nights so far, but also got in a couple of longer sessions to make up for it.
So, let's get on to the goods! My first project was spinning the third bobbin of my Copperpot Woolies merino/colonial (Rav link; 4.3 oz batt).
I am letting the last bobbin rest before I ply it, but I'm also stalling a little because it will be my first 3-ply attempt. Wish me luck!
I joined the Monkey Farts TdF team on Ravelry, for people who are spinning Spunky Eclectic fibers, so I figured that I ought to tackle some Spunky fiber next. What follows is the first half of a 4 ounce braid of BFL roving in coloway Monkey Farts (of course!).
I intended to produce a 2-ply yarn this time around, so I split the roving lengthwise and pre-drafted the first half. Here is how it looked.
I had a little trouble producing a consistent strand with the BFL at first, but I adjusted my hold on the fiber a little and found that things moved along much better. This is my first experience at having to adjust my technique to suit the fiber (I haven't tried very many fibers yet), and I really enjoyed the challenge and learning experience.
I also really got a kick out of seeing how the colors in the roving were transformed as I spun it up. I am still a new spinner, but I don't think that this transformation will ever cease to amuse me. It's what spinning is all about!
My next move is to spin the second ply, ply the two together, and move on to the next colorway. After a minor fiber stash enhancement "incident" in Portland on Saturday, I am going to have a difficult time choosing between another Spunky BFL color and my new "Happiest Girl" one off color "Let's See What Happens." Stay tuned for results!
ETA: here are some photos for Joy (blueknits on Ravelry), who wanted to show the pegboard to her husband. Curt made it for me, and I absolutely love it. It's a great way to keep the craft room organized. Sorry for the dark photos - I took these during winter on the north side of the house.


Here's a photo of the frame that the board is mounted on. The 1" x 2" furring strips are mounted to the studs, and the pegboard is mounted to the furring. Easy!