Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

Ply Me A River

March 31, 2010 By Carole

I have a confession to make. I haven’t spun in several weeks. And here’s the thing – I want to spin. So what’s the problem, you ask? All my bobbins are full.

Filled Bobbins

That’s only 4 but there are 3 others that are full that didn’t make it into the photo shoot.

Center Pull Balls

I also have 3 center pull balls that I wound off of bobbins before SPA.

This means that I have to ply before I can spin. And I don’t want to ply. Plying is boring. Plying is tedious. Plying is not fun.

But if I ply then I will have finished yarn and then I can spin again. So I will ply.

I won’t be happy about it, though.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailNew Handspun Default ThumbnailTour De Fleece Yarn Default ThumbnailSPA 2009 Default ThumbnailEye Candy Friday
« Ten on Tuesday
Water Water Everywhere »

Filed Under: Spinning

Comments

  1. Laurie says

    March 31, 2010 at 6:18 am

    i feel the same way about plying. all that potential, lost. otoh, the bobbins are a finite resource.

  2. DebbieB says

    March 31, 2010 at 6:54 am

    Pack ’em up and send ’em to me. I love to ply.

  3. Kim says

    March 31, 2010 at 7:03 am

    I’m with Debbie….I love plying to get the finished yarn. 🙂 That is a beautiful quilt!

  4. maryse says

    March 31, 2010 at 7:26 am

    you need more bobbins. duh.

  5. Manise says

    March 31, 2010 at 7:34 am

    Order more Schacht bobbins my dear. OR….. order storage bobbins to transfer the singles to. But if you just ply them it’ll be way faster and done. 🙂 Don’t you love our sage advice? ;~D

  6. gale (she shoots sheep shots) says

    March 31, 2010 at 7:41 am

    well, as a non-spinner/non-plyer I can’t comment on relative boringness but those singles look beautiful.

  7. margene says

    March 31, 2010 at 7:48 am

    You should celebrate! It means new, beautiful yarn! And it’s part of the process. Be excited and make it fun (have a martini or two). 🙂

  8. Dave Daniels says

    March 31, 2010 at 7:57 am

    Yup, been there. In an “emergency”, I’ve been known to wind them on the ball winder and then slide them onto empty toilet tissue tubes. Freed those expen$ive bobbins pretty quickly.

  9. Beth says

    March 31, 2010 at 8:03 am

    Just chant “I can knit another Baktus, I can knit another Baktus” to yourself while you ply. 🙂

  10. Kate says

    March 31, 2010 at 8:42 am

    Is this the spinning equivalent of weaving in ends and sewing on buttons? If so, I’m right there with you.

  11. jill says

    March 31, 2010 at 9:12 am

    “If you don’t eat yer meat, you can’t have any pudding! How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat yer meat?!” ~Pink Floyd

    A while ago I remember there was this really clever idea to spin in increments of ten minutes daily, thus accomplishing much in the small moments. I don’t spin, but I loved the idea and have applied it to many other things. Hmmm…. now whose idea was that??

  12. Dinah says

    March 31, 2010 at 9:14 am

    Carole, Carole, Carole….just buy more bobbins. We work to earn money to support our hobbies! Simply consider bobbins tools and realize that with each new project we need new tools. Don’t our husbands and life partners run to the hardware store at the drop of a hat? Why should we be different!

  13. Norma says

    March 31, 2010 at 9:37 am

    Hahahahaha! When I was spinning (which admittedly wasn’t for long), plying was my favorite thing! But, I do like others’ advice to just buy more bobbins. Life’s too short to do something you don’t want to do. 🙂

  14. Jo-Ann says

    March 31, 2010 at 10:24 am

    So many solutions to your ‘problem!’ I had to google ‘plying yarn’ to be able to make an edu-ma-cated comment … I go with the whole “Buy more bobbins!” solution 😉 Won’t you have a grand sense of accomplishment when it’s finished?! I love the green yarn (fiber?) on the bobbin, looks springy and yummy!!

  15. Donna says

    March 31, 2010 at 10:31 am

    Just think of how accomplished you will feel when all of that is plied? That’s the only thing that makes me want to ply. I don’t consider the job “done” until the yarn is plyed, washed, and hangs to dry.

  16. elizabeth says

    March 31, 2010 at 10:59 am

    I like to ply! Why don’t you shake it up a bit and ply different colors together – a bright bobbin with a more subdued color? I’ve had good luck with that, especially when the colors were similar in hue but not tone (I hope I’m remember that correctly – color terminology confuses me).

  17. Kitten says

    March 31, 2010 at 11:07 am

    I love plying! That’s when it looks like real yarn and I can see how even or not it’s going to be. Pretty quilt, too.

  18. shizzknits says

    March 31, 2010 at 11:25 am

    You are so funny; I LOVE plying! I really like to see how the different singles come together into color combos I would have never thought of. But I have to admit: plying solid colored yarns is b-o-r-i-n-g LOL Like someone else mentioned, have you tried just throwing together two completely different bobbins to see what you’ll get?

  19. Sara says

    March 31, 2010 at 11:30 am

    That’s how I feel about dressing my loom! But, if I want to weave – I have to dress the loom!!!

  20. Nora says

    March 31, 2010 at 11:39 am

    Hmmm. Maybe one more reason I shouldn’t start spinning – I’ll have a whole new set of issues to deal with!

    Your singles are very pretty, though!

  21. Sylvia says

    March 31, 2010 at 11:42 am

    I love plying! But, then, I have an electric, so I crank up the speed, crank up the stereo, and zoom through it. I love finishing projects and for some reason I feel as good about a finished skein of yarn as I do about a finished sweater, even though the former is only half-way there.

    Definitely second the recommendation for buying storage bobbins, at least a few! I have over a dozen cheap cardboard ones and a really nice bobbin winder (from Alden Amos). If you get seriously into technical spinning (I did back in the 80’s), they and a clock reel are essential.

    Have you tried doing some of the more exotic plies? Boucle is tough, but there are other fun plying techniques that might make the process more interesting for you.

  22. Stephanie says

    March 31, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Oh, I like to ply. I think it’s fun to see how those singles grow up to me yarn and while I’m plying I imagine what I’m going to knit with the finished yarn. Plus it’s like seaming a sweater – it’s that last step before you can move on to something new and exciting.

  23. Cookie says

    March 31, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Those storage bobbin thingies are totally cool, but TP rolls work in a pinch.

    Could you invite some friends over and have a plying party?

    Or teach Dale to ply? ;^)

  24. kmkat says

    March 31, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Maybe you should eat a few worms first 😉

  25. heather says

    March 31, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    i LOVE plying! send me your singles, thirsting to be plied and i will revel in each slip of the fiber as it twists through my hands and onto each other!!!!

    i recently taught myself how to Navajo ply on a spindle and i’m a little bit addicted to that now. 🙂

  26. Beverly (db81971) says

    March 31, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    Personally, I much prefer plying to spinning… call me weird; I know

  27. Lucia says

    March 31, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    I dunno, I sort of like plying. It’s soothing and repetitive, faster than spinning, and when you’re done, you’re done.

    Maybe I’m doing it wrong?

  28. Cathy R says

    March 31, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    “Ply me a River” hee hee hee. Awesome!

    I’m not a spinner, so I don’t really understand (except for the very basic concept).

    Good Luck, though. Maybe some snappy tunes to help things move along??

  29. blogless haron says

    March 31, 2010 at 6:40 pm

    Bring them to spin night next week. we’ll all cheer you on. I ee beautiful yarn in your future

  30. Sarah says

    April 1, 2010 at 4:09 am

    Rather than being happy for you, I will try to transfer some of my plying love to you.

    Also, yay–almost new yarn!

  31. Teyani says

    April 1, 2010 at 11:27 am

    you know, the price of more bobbins really isn’t that bad.. (heh heh heh.. sorry – couldn’t resist!)
    That will be gorgeous yarn when you are finished

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 5 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
5 of 75 (6%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I sw One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I swear we are taking it down tomorrow. Yep. I swear. #turkeydinner #dontjudgeme #mychristmastreeisstillup #saturdaynightathome #saferathome
It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday N It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday Night Snacks photo so here we are. Cheese and crackers, salami and grapes and apples, and witty cocktail napkins ... nothing has really changed, friends. #fridaynightsnacks #thosenapkinsthough #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #cheeseandcrackers #happyfriyay #helloweekend
On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #baking On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #bakingwithjackie  #bakingbrownieswithlove
A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to dr A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to drink coffee and read in bed. #rainysaturday #cozyvibes #readinginbed #mudandyarn #christmasbedroom #ignoringmytodolist
Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close now, I think. #amaryllis #amarylliswatch #waitingtobloom #amaryllisvelvetnymph
Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #white Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #whiteflowerfarm #amaryllisvelvetnymph #winterblooms
If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good for, it’s my sourdough game. I actually started learning about making sourdough bread a week before the stay at home orders thanks to @sprboston as he shared his starter and recipe and technique with me. Since then I have kept Mama Cass fed and alive and have baked many loaves of bread. This one might be my best one yet. I did the final proof in the fridge for 24 hours and baked it from its cold state. Great spring and ear and crumb, it was delicious with dinner tonight. #sourdough #sourdoughbread #lookatthatcrumb #lookatthatear #homebakedbread #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my gr Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my grandson to the library to pick out books. #nanahasakey #librarytime #readtoyourkids #attaboyjack #nanalife
Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only 2 instead of our usual 8 and I missed my crew. Still, it was special to have my guy all to myself and we enjoyed an evening of good conversation, lots of music, and a few dances, too. GoodBYE 2020, Welcome  2021! #happynewyear #capresesticks #bakedstuffedshrimp #filetmignon #cocktailhourathome #dinnerathome #newyearsevedinner #thosenapkinsthough #imadeitmyself
My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of D My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of Dale. Good thing I love him! #topnine2020 #instagramtop9
When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I ha When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I have French onion soup and I’d like to share it ... you say YES! And when it turns out to be much more than soup but also crocks and bread and cheese and garnish ... you say, I sure am lucky to be part of this community. Thank you, Deb, from the bottom of our hearts. #homemadesoup #frenchonionsoup #kindneighbors #buildingcommunity
For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish rye bread, ridges and all! That’s right, my local friends, no more stalking the Italian Kitchen for their bakery order to arrive, I can do it myself! Medwurst sandwiches forthcoming! #swedishryebread #limpabread #vörtlimpa #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #roundrye
God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight # God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight #glugg
Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #chris Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #christmasbedroom #christmasallthroughthehouse #christmaspillows #christmasbedding #letsstayhome #cozychristmas #letsstayinbed
Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #su Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #sushitime #tatamieastbridgewaterma #sushifordays #watchingchristmasmovies #achristmascarol #georgecscottisthebestscrooge #tistheseason
That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritz That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritzcookies #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #cookiebaking
I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of my favorite ornaments on the tree. #wheatoncollege #christmasorbaments #wheatoncollegema #christmasbaubles
Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Di Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Did I post the photo I took, though? Nope! I forgot until today but here they are, a day late but definitely not a dollar short. #stluciaday #lussekatter #saffronbuns #swedishchristmas #swedishtraditions #christmasfood #lussekatt #homemadeisbest #julbak #godjul
I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato latkes! Happy Hanukkah, my friends! #potatolatkes #happyhannukah
Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #choppedliver #thosenapkinsthough
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in