I’ve avoided doing this for ages. For one, I couldn’t imagine what I’d knit a corespun yarn into. Also, I couldn’t imagine wanting to spin something so thick. “What a waste of wool!” I’d lament. But, I am spinning thick this year, and I’ve seen some lovely scarves and cowls done with thicker and corespun yarn. It is time to think out of the box.
I picked up a “Scream” batt from SpinCulture on Etsy. When it showed up, I had already pulled out leftover sticky yarns to use as my core. Bug and I sat on the couch watching episodes of Doctor Who, she pulled pieces off the batt, which was large enough to serve as a blanket, while I spun them onto my core. When I sent her to bed, I’d already filled two bobbins, and she asked if I could please not keep spinning on it, so that she could help again next time. That was perfectly fine with me, since I’d spun all day long, and I set aside my wheel for the night.
It went ok. Took a bit of getting used to. I’d JUST get my hands all set up to make a yarn I loved the look of, when suddenly I’d have to let go and then I couldn’t figure out how it was I’d just had my hands. But, eventually I got a bit of a rhythm going, and I must admit I really do like the results!
Yay for trying new stuff. In what way does the yarn differ in feel etc. from a thick single?
I don’t think it differs all that much except in look. I kept a rather light hand with it, not wrapping too much fiber around the core. This certainly prevented it from becoming wirey looking or feeling. I’ve heard that coreless corespun is even lighter, so I may indeed try that next. My biggest fear was that it would be too thick and stiff and unpleasant to knit with. I don’t think I have that problem with the yarn I have now.
I love that you have a budding spinner by your side. And that yarn is quite lovely!