The Tour de Fleece: a lazy spinner’s approach.
Every summer, as the world's best cyclists race through France in the Tour de France, spinners worldwide embark on their own challenge: the Tour de Fleece. For those unfamiliar, the Tour de Fleece is an annual event where spinners set personal goals and spin their wheels in tandem with the cyclists' journey. For many, it's a time of intense productivity and creativity. But what about the lazy spinners, like myself? Let's explore how to tackle this event with a relaxed, yet purposeful, approach.
Choosing the Right Fiber
For those seeking an easy and enjoyable spinning experience, selecting the right fiber is key. Some fibers are inherently easier to spin, making them perfect for both beginners and those looking to produce a large quantity of yarn during the Tour de Fleece. Wool is a popular choice due to its versatility and ease of handling. Among the various wool types, fibers like Corriedale, Romney, and BFL (Bluefaced Leicester) are often recommended for their smooth drafting and forgiving nature, which makes them ideal for spinners of all skill levels.
If your goal is to produce a significant amount of yarn, consider using shorter wool fibers such as Merino or Shetland for long draw spinning. This technique allows you to spin quickly and efficiently, creating a lofty and lightweight yarn with minimal effort. Long draw spinning involves drafting the fiber while the twist is introduced, allowing for a continuous and relaxed spinning motion. The shorter staple length of these wools makes them particularly suited for this method, enabling you to achieve greater volume and yardage in less time. Whether you’re aiming for quality or quantity, choosing the right fiber can enhance your spinning experience and help you meet your Tour de Fleece goals with ease.
Washing and Preparing Fiber Yourself
For those who enjoy a hands-on approach, washing and preparing your own fiber can be a deeply satisfying experience. The process begins with raw fleece, which needs to be scoured to remove lanolin and dirt. Here’s a simple way to do it:
Scouring: Soak your raw fleece in hot water with a bit of gentle detergent. Don’t be afraid to agitate it a bit, it takes effort to felt the wool.
Rinsing: Rinse the fiber thoroughly in clean, hot water. You might need to repeat this process several times until the water runs clear.
Drying: Lay the fleece out on a drying rack or clean surface, and allow it to air dry completely. For extra speedy drying spin the wool in a salad spinner or spin dryer (I love my Ninja Spin Dryer).
After washing, the fleece needs to be carded or combed to align the fibers and prepare them for spinning. While this method allows for complete control over the process, it can be time-consuming and requires a bit of elbow grease.
Buying Prepared Fiber
For those of us who prefer a more relaxed approach, buying prepared fiber can be a game-changer. Pre-washed and carded roving or combed top is ready to spin right out of the bag, saving time and effort. This allows you to focus on the joy of spinning without the added labor of fiber preparation.
Staying Motivated with YouTube Videos
As a professional theatrical designer and educator with a deep passion for fiber arts, I’ve found that making YouTube videos about my spinning adventures is a fantastic way to stay motivated and on task during the Tour de Fleece. On my channel, The Weft Wright, I share my journey, tips, and techniques with fellow spinners.
Creating content for YouTube keeps me accountable. Knowing that I have an audience waiting to see my progress encourages me to spin regularly and set achievable goals. It’s also a wonderful way to connect with other spinners, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Check out my YouTube Channel here.
Sharing Your Experiences with the World
Participating in the Tour de Fleece isn't just about the spinning—it's about the community. Sharing your experiences, whether through YouTube, social media, or local spinning groups, can enhance the joy of spinning.
Document Your Progress: Take photos or videos of your spinning projects. Share your highs and lows, tips, and tricks. The spinning community is incredibly supportive and can provide valuable feedback and encouragement.
Engage with Others: Comment on other spinners’ posts, join virtual spin-alongs, and participate in discussions. The camaraderie and shared passion can make the Tour de Fleece even more rewarding.
Celebrate Achievements: No matter how big or small your goals are, celebrate your achievements. Whether you’ve spun a few yards or completed an entire skein, each step is a victory worth acknowledging.
Conclusion
The Tour de Fleece is a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with a global community, and deepen your love for spinning. Whether you’re meticulously preparing your own fiber or opting for the convenience of pre-prepared roving, the key is to find joy in the process. As a lazy spinner, I embrace a laid-back approach, focusing on the pleasure of spinning rather than the pressure of perfection. Through creating YouTube videos and sharing my journey, I stay motivated and inspired, making each Tour de Fleece a memorable and fulfilling experience.
So, to all my fellow lazy spinners out there—let's pick up our fibers, start our wheels, and enjoy the ride. Happy spinning!
By Trent, your fellow spinner and creator of The Weft Wright, sharing the joy of fiber arts from my cozy studio in the mountains of western North Carolina.