This fiber “Optim Ultrafine Merino” is just so luxurious, and in a way, effortless to spin, yet really takes some practice. I posted the blending recipe the other day when I made the rolags “the color of seashells” , I remark how the fiber base Merino Ultrafine is incredibly downy soft, and fine….
But let me tell you, it is slippery and not easy to manage without breaking it a lot while spinning, that is , until you get the hang of it. I am practicing sort of three new things at once; long draw drafting from rolags, fixed my wheel so it can go high speed, and also spinning this new gorgeous slippery fiber.
This woolly confection is inspiring me to put up a shop on Yarnings just to sell a few little luxury ultra-handmade things ~~~ knitted things that I’ve knit from yarn I’ve spun from art rolags I blended on my super nice blending board that I made, and in my own designs of course. A little too much in all directions, yes, I’ll agree, but oh boy these tasty wool sausages are sweet nectar to my eyes, and deserve as much publicity as I can muster up!
Life is good and Autumn is near!
Jenjoyce Design 
This color is beautiful. Are rolags easier to spin from than roving? Are they only used for spinning wheels?
Hello Stephanie, welcome back! ( I have missed you during your social media break) I gotta say, I started spinning rolags about when you took break in July, lol, posted all about it, and I say yes, for me they are, but for so many odd reasons difficult to describe. Its the long-draw which is transforming my spinning, and seems to me, although I use to try long-draw spinning straight from the roving, it just doesn’t work for me, so, I suggest you try the rolags! In fact, try a blending board if you don’t have one 🙂 This is more fun than I’ve had in a long time, can’t remember enjoying spinning so much! xx
You are so sweet. I don’t have a spinning wheel. I have a drop spindle that has been shoved away somewhere in my closet. I have some roving that probably has to be prepped, etc.
Oh, of course rolags are used for anything, and if you are a spindle spinner, I am certain rolags would work wonderfully. Come up to Napa some time, we’ll make you some on my blending board! 🙂
You are so generous and kind, Jen. Love you.
I am totally serious, we could have some fun making some art rolags for you ~~ I’ve got a lot of fiber! xx
What would you knit? You could take commissions. I might not do it justice (I’m not worthy), but I would love to try to tame some of your pretty, pretty cloud-yarn into an earthly fabric. Do you think it would yield…or float away?
I think I would start with mitts, simple fingerless mitts. We’ll see, I don’t like to talk too much about the idea yet, or else I’ll overwhelm myself, but wouldn’t it be nice if there was some goods for sale in a wee little shop? 🙂 You are totally every bit worthy of the most beautiful yarn in the world! Hey Terry, I hear another hurricane is blowing through. Put your trees, and house on tethers dear!
Good idea. Cloud-yarn tethers. They will think they are already airborne, so will tell the winds “Thanks all the same, but we already have a ride.” And I will be safe. Of moorings and mittens, the tale of Cloud-yarn. Master yarn-worker spins yarn, saves home. Wool futures are up. Would-be students flock to the flocks.
I guess as sheep are naturally protected from wind & weather from their woolly shield, all that you say really does make sense! :: claps wildly ::
And thank you for your lovely riddlish & intellectual comments, they are becoming a part of the furniture around here ~~ xx