I’ve shown before how much I enjoyed the result of Navajo plying on the drop spindle. On the wheel, it’s even more rewarding because in comparison, the process is completed in such a short time. I like the look of Navajo plied yarn – how the colors stay together. I must admit that on the wheel, it does take some coordination and practice! After consulting some helpful youtube videos, I started by tying the end of my single, along with a loop made of leader yarn, to the end of my bobbin leader:
Using my slowest whorl, I treadled slowly, pulling the singles through my starting loop to create another loop, then grabbing the end of my singles before allowing the twist to move up. In the next photo, my right hand should be pinching off the twist where it stops, but I had to use that hand to hold the camera!
I really think it helps a lot to see the process in action. Here’s the youtube videos from Handspun Treasures I used to help me visualize what I needed to do:
It took a bit of practice, a willingness to treadle VERY slowly and the realization that I had to keep my singles taut or deal with the pigtail-y consequences before I finally got the hang of it. But the rewards!!! …
130 yards of heavy worsted superwash merino from Bon Fiber.
140 yards of merino from a mystery batt.
Soooo worth the trouble!
Gorgeous yarn! I have yet to attempt spinning. It looks like fun! Maybe someday I’ll have to try.
Beautiful!!
LOVE the yarn! Especially the first one. Makes me want to sing Willy Wonka songs.
Wow, your results look great! This is a skill I’ve not yet mastered on either spindle or wheel, although I have fiber that I really want to use it on. Thanks so much for posting those links!
ohmygosh that yarn is GEORGOUS!!!
Do you sell the yarn pictured on top, the first picture.
Hi Mary, we do not currently sell any of our hand dyed yarns.
-Carli