I’ve been so busy recently that I have not taken much time out to spin, I love spinning and knitting with the yarns that I create. I always feel so proud of items knitted in my hand spun. I was inspired this weekend when I saw a friend wear a pair of fingerless gloves that I spun and knitted for her over 4 yrs ago. I spun camel silk and then plied it with baby alpaca. It was so special to see how she had treasured them all these years.

4327306344_97d0886204_zWith the Tour de Fleece starting soon, it is a perfect time for me to set some goals and get spinning again. I want to set attainable goals, like spin 250g of bfl silk for a shawl, and maybe spin some fibre for a new hat for me.

Here is some general info about the event:

The Tour de Fleece starts on Saturday July 5 and runs until Sunday July 27th, 2014. The concept is simple, challenge yourself, spin and have fun.

The organisers on ravelry have set some guidelines and are clear that these are guidelines and not rules. Here the are:
Spin every day the Tour rides, if possible. Saturday July 5 through Sunday July 27th. Days of rest: Tuesday, July 15th and Monday July 21st. (Just like the actual tour.)
Spin something challenging on the challenge day (usually the toughest high mountain stage: this year, it’s Stage 14, on Saturday, July 19th, when they climb over 3,000m at grades from 4-6%).
Wear yellow on Sunday July 27th to announce victory. Why not wear yellow on any day you feel particularly successful? (Yellow is the colour of the race leader in the Tour) .

There are official teams and these are:
Peloton (the main group)
Rookies (first years)
Sprinters (fast and/or high mileage, like lace, sweater quantities, etc)
Climbers (conquer mountains, big personal challenges)
Breakaways (textured “art” yarns)
Lanterne Rouge (you will participate as much as possible but you may skip days here and there)
Maillot Blanc (This team is intended for our younger participants under the age of 18.)
Wildcards (This is for people who want to form their own team. )
TdF Camel silk

Nurturing fibres will have its own ‘Wildcard’ team this year called Team NF 2014. I am hosting the thread on my Raverly group.
Our captain is MVI [Cheryl] and the Vice captain is Jennyvonsocks [Jenny] and they will be in charge of awarding prizes and keeping you motivated. So….Are you a spinner or aspiring spinner? Why not set yourself a goal, join our group and we will inspire you along the way xx

HAPPY SPINNING EVERYONE!