I’ve decided to approach this topic by getting up close and personal with my projects: one-to-two inches. My hypothesis is that there are delightful things to learn about your stitch technique, your fibers, and your yarn structure when you get really, really, really close.
Getting to know my hand-spun.
I’m a fairly new spinner so I freely admit I have worlds of technique to learn. But most of the time I couldn’t care less. I’m delighted with my hand-spun babies. The colorful swirls, the smooth coils, the woolly scent–I love it all, even if it’s not perfect. I’ve often blogged about projects I’ve knit from hand-spun, but this is the first time I’ve examined my fiber through the magnifying reality of the camera lens.
This Ishbel shawl was knitted from a finely spun Polwarth wool. This was my first lace-weight hand-spun. I remember how pleased I was with how it had turned out. At that time, it was easily the most regular yarn I had ever spun in terms of grist, twist, etc…
This Marigold shawl was knitted from a Polwarth/silk blend. it was a little bit less even in terms of twist and such. In fact, parts of it were downright kinky. I love the sheen that the silk lends to the Polwarth.I knitted this Stripe Study shawl using a combination of hand-spun and commercial yarn. The purple is my hand-spun BFL yarn. I used a fractal color technique. It’s interesting to see how it shows up in the yarn in closeup as well as from a distance.
Here’s a recent experiment in core spinning. Such fun. I haven’t found an application for it yet. Close-up, you can appreciate the variation in textures and types of fiber in the original batt.
I love how Wensleydale feels in my hands. I love how it spins. I only wish I could wear it comfortably. It’s delightful to see its character close up. All long, crisp fibers. Delicious.
This one isn’t actually knitted from my hand-spun, but I included it because I love looking at all the twists and open spaces in the lace. And of course, I love the rich sheen of the merino/silk 50/50 yarn.
Great idea – great pictures! One question to Wensleydale: how green is the yarn actually? Pale as in the close-up or as vivid as the hank? (The close-up is pretty but I love the hank!!)
All She Wants To Do Is Knit 
Great idea to do close ups!! I love seeing the color and texture close up and personal!! The shawls are beautiful!! Patterns??
Great idea, I love how different things look close up. I’m a big fan of spinning Wensleydale too.
Great idea – great pictures! One question to Wensleydale: how green is the yarn actually? Pale as in the close-up or as vivid as the hank? (The close-up is pretty but I love the hank!!)
The hank is more accurate. Not sure why the colors in the close ups look different.
Drooling over that Ishbel — the knitting and the photo! — well done, I say well done.
What a great way to get to know the things you make with your own two hands. Great idea!
All very nice. It is wonderful seeing your progress in spinning and photography. You give so many good ideas and projects.