Tailspinning Adventures, Pt.2
I finally managed to get this experiment going!
But first, a word about spinning implements: Given that this yarn is very bulky, a spinning wheel fitted with a Jumbo Flyer and bobbin is mandatory. You could try this technique with a spindle too but I haven’t tried it, or choose smaller/finer locks and gently coaxing them through a regular orifice/flyer assembly by hand. Sliding hooks are preferable to regular hooks because they minimise the possibility of the locks tangling or snagging. I am using Tinguely, a double treadle Ashford Joy 2 with the Freedom Flyer, which has a generous 2,5cm orifice BUT the locks got stuck on the orifice hook often and it was a bit annoying.
And the general rules for art yarn: Use the biggest whorl you have, choose a high takeup, and treadle slowly to minimise twist. Tinguely has a 4,5:1 option that I love for art yarns.
To prepare your spin, make sure all of your locks are separated well and not tangled. Do this beforehand, you’ll thank me later. Split the previously teased butt end into two equal parts in a V-shape. These are what we will actually spin, while the lock can dangle freely.
Join the first lock to your leader. Once secure, let the lock go and let the twist travel up the second leg of the V. Nudge the dangling lock out of the way, as you don‘t want to spin that part. At first it seems a bit difficult to coordinate but you‘ll get the hang of it after a while.
Poke a hole into the not yet spun end and insert the next half lock. This will keep them in place. Let the twist travel further up to join the two locks.
And that‘s all there is to making tailspun yarn!
To finish, put your skein in a bucket of hot water and leave to soak for about 20mins, without agitating. Take out, maaaybe gently snap the yarn a time or two if it is still kinked up somewhere, and let drip dry. Do not try to squeeze the water out as not to destroy the integrity of the locks!
A wet beast from the deep!
Glamour shots coming as soon as this experiment has dried :)
