And now for the sampling and spinning

So here is where we start.  I tried to spin it without carding but it seemed a little dense.. and the wool is dense anyway.   So I ended up carding Rolags and spinning up a sample.  Originally I had intended to do singles.  That really didnt give

me the fluffiness I wanted - so two ply it is.

Got the Goods

I ordered and got my beautiful Shetland wool really fast.  I havent totally decided what accent colors I will be using - but the body will be this lovely Gray with a hint of brown.

#SOHapalong

 I was minding my own business, making great progress on my Dryer lint hoodie and then "it " appeared in my FB Feed.  Honest I am trying like heck to get this sweater done.  It isnt really dryer lint but man o man it looks like it.  It is actually Noro Kiso and it is amazing... So I have a sleeve, a hood and a third of the front to do.  It has great knitted in front kangaroo pocket.  I promised myself I would finish this before I started another project.  I have several in the wings...

Then this came along.  It is a Spinalong Knit Along.  ANd I have never done one.  Entails spinning about 800 yards of  wool and then knitting this HAP in 4 months.  I am intrigued... well really I am hooked.

There is a lot of information on what a Hap is - but in a nutshell it is a blanket shawl of vintage Scottish or Irish origin.  The center is knit every row and then "olde Shell" pattern is added to the edges for a bit of color and fancy.  They were originally knitted for daily use, and spun from local wool you raised yourself.  So - I am doing it.  I decided on using undyed natural shetland wool ( traditionally used for this pattern) in a gray/brown for the body- with Black, cream and brown for the color work.  I did get some green roving as well - I might change my mind about the black and use green for some Panache.

So I am taking you with me friends, on my Journey.  Here is the link to the Ravelry Connection: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/spin-off-knitters--spinners/3863088/1-25

#SOHapalong

Step One Pick my Pattern and Purchase Wool.