Pictures!

I usually make you wait too long for pictures. Well, I guess I'll surprise you this time by posting them already.

Ragna



Here is the back.



And this is how far I have gotten with the front. Some rows are faster than others. Rows 5, 9, and 13 of each pattern repeat just zip right along since there are fewer cables to do. The even numbered rows are all easy and fast since there is no cableing, even though I am knitting backwards. My backwards knitting speed is about equivalent to my forward knitting speed now, or faster since it is usually less complicated.

Yes, those are tents you see in the background. My kids have been sleeping out most of the summer. They think it's fun. Well, what can I say? They're kids. Nosie sleeps with them sometimes, but Taz always wants to come in the house for the night, even if Jonathan is out. Taz and Jonathan are best buddies and they are so cute when they curl up together.

Andean Plying

Ply: to bend, fold, or double

That is the actual definition of the verb, "to ply." Did you know that? In many standard plying techniques you just take two (or more) bobbins of yarn and twist them together, creating a two-ply (or more) yarn. But in Andean plying you actually fold the singles yarn over in the middle, doubling it over. It fits the definition so much better that way, don't you think? But how do you do that without making a mess, you ask...

I promised you pictures of Andean plying, didn't I? Well, here they are:



First you tuck the end of the yarn into something at your left wrist. It may be the cuff of your sleeve, your watch, a distaff, or a bracelet. You need to do this so that you can find the end again. Then you wrap the yarn around your hand and finger as shown, being careful not to wrap too tightly. If you wrap too tighly once, you will learn your lesson. Not only can it cut off your circulation, but it also makes it almost impossible to slide the loop off of your finger. The crossing pattern keeps the yarn from getting tangles. Well, in theory anyway. It's actually not that bad. Okay, once all the yarn is wrapped onto your hand, you slide the loop off of your finger, keeping your hand in the center of the ball of yarn. You can then attach both ends of yarn to the spindle and begin plying. You will get a feel for how to manipulate your hand in order to let the yarn out. It's hard to describe but you will just know.



Why use this method? It has its advangages. You only need one spindle to spin and ply the yarn and don't need to wind any yarn off onto something else for storage. It tangles less this way than in center-pull balls. It also comes in handy when you are plying from two bobbins on the spinning wheel and one runs out before the other does. Just use the Andean plying method on the remainder of the yarn and you will not be left with little bits of singles on the bobbins that will never match up quite right. Don't try to use it with an entire spinning wheel bobbin full of (especially fine) yarn though. You will regret it. I speak from experience here.

Angora Bunnies



These two really needed plucking and we did that this morning. I bet they feel a lot better now. Aren't they cute? Puppies turn into dogs and kittens turn into cats, and lambs turn into sheep, but a bunny is always a bunny. Even when he grows up and gets an attitude. Ike (the English Angora - note the fuzzy ears) is a little devil who can open his cage at will. Well, you've met him before. Bluebell (a black Satin Angora buck) growls. What can I say - they have personality.

So much for going to bed at a decent hour. It is midnight. Good night!