I love what frazzle wrote as she reflected on the TdF, so I thought I'd start another thread for everyone to add to (so we can come back next year and use it to make new goals too!)

So I'll start

My goal was to spin sock yarn, which I did! It was spun thin, and once I started knitting the sock, it felt a little flimsy. So I thought I would spin the second skein just a TAD thicker...

Well...the second sock is definitely more 'substantial'! It's not as flimsy or floppy. Neither one is bad, but they are, well, different And since they are a pair, they should not be different haha!

The other thing that I didn't even think about was the difference in the pattern. Since the yarn was a little thicker, the sequence length of each color was shorter, so that pattern was different for the second sock.
Here they are:

yarma by BooPK, on Flickr

(And the stitch markers work great WIHH!! Have my two favs on my WIP - the sheep & alpaca)

It helps to spin every day - I get in the groove, and I can 'feel' small differences in my spinning. I also learned that I LOVE having the accountability of checking in daily, and posting pictures.

I kind of felt lost today (although it means I don't have an excuse to neglect all these chores)

I think that next year I am going to try to spin a whole MILE of finished yarn.
I came pretty close to that, short about 300 yards.
If I hadn't knitted that scarf for 5 days I would have made it.

Really I am going to miss the daily updates with pictures.
It was so fun to watch everyones progress.
I looked forward to it every minute.

Admittedly, I wish I could somehow force everyone to take good pictures, and have them be big enough to actually SEE.

Next year I am going to try and have more prizes stocked up too.
Hopefully I will have some of my own mohair locks to share.

PKBoo, I think your socks are going to be great.
There are a few similar 'pairs' in my dresser and it always makes me smile when I put them on my feet.

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Cows may not be smarter than People, but some cows are smarter than some people.

Just because the TdF is over doesn't mean you can't still spin every day and post about it here. You know you all have a captive audience who loves and devours all this sort of thing. So why stop now? Keep it coming

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"Live simply so that others may simply live"
Mother Teresa

I already miss the TDF

During the TDF, I had three wheels out in my little spinning corner - and I plan to keep them right there from now on! Thats one thing I would like to see more pics of - spinning corners! and maybe "eye-rolling" spouses, children, and SOs.

My biggest challenge was the dadgum photos. I had every intention of staging great photos but by the time I got home from work, and considering the dual apocalyse of the mosquitoes and deer flies, it was next to impossible, so next time, I am taking my fiber to work and will plan to photograph during my lunch hour! There!

I am not nearly so organized as GAM- but next time I would like to think out my TDF Plans, post them, print them and stick to 'em. As it was, I kind of "flew by the seat of my pants" and was everywhere all over the place as I am apt to be.

I like the idea even of destashing and rehoming fiber and goodies- maybe even awarding homemade batts as prizes next time. Perhaps by the next event, I will feel confident enough in my batt making skills to do that.

And next time, I hope to improve not only my spinning but also my photography and collage making skills. And okay, GAM, I'll also post links of CLOSEUPS that go into the collage-making! Hows that?

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"Walking… Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.”

I didn't get a chance to spin last night, and noticed a little while ago I was thinking of ways to fit in some spinning today.
I know your right, GAM, I have not practiced. I have been a little bit afraid of the spinning (ie, possibly failing). I think I got over that! MY DH looked at my fiber line up and said, 'hey, that one looks like yarn'. I guess that is a good thing, it was my 2 ply brown shetland he pointed at.

I am going to make it my goal for next year to have some prizes stashed away, probably no fancy bought items, just homemade things by me. DH has already agreed to take me to the one fiber festival that is half way close to us, I believe it comes around in September/October. There will be no ranch work to get in my way this year! I better start saving now.

PKboo, I love that accountability too. I think I need it to keep me moving.
And I love big pictures too!

This is the bestest fiber bunch ever. I try to spend lots of time on Ravelry in the forums, but always seem to run home to this one!

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I had goals of spinning daily, and finnishing my knit knee high socks......

Didnt finish the socks , but I spun pretty much daily , learned to wash wool....learned to card it ...... learned to dye it .....and I am learning to spin super thin singles !! I have learned SO much from you guys ... and your encouragement is heart warming !! Next year maybe Ill have a goal to spin, dye and KNIT something with the finished yarn !

I had lots of fun making the stitch markers too ! I dont have a stash of fiber YET , so I hope my prizes were fun anyhoo !!

I have dyed my first plyed yarn ......



for GAM ...

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Miz Mary

Thats what I am talking about!
Miz Mary, you should be very proud of that yarn.
Love the color too.

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Cows may not be smarter than People, but some cows are smarter than some people.

great job, MM - and you KNOW I love that color!

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"Walking… Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.”

Beautiful Miz Mary! LOVE that color! It looks like sunshine.

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Ohhh! Love that sunny yellow, egg yolk, saffron color.

__________________
"Live simply so that others may simply live"
Mother Teresa

Believe it or not, I spun or knit most days of the TDF, but I sucked at asking pictures.

I knit my first ever sweater! I started spinning sock yarn!

I think I have pics of the yarn. I'll try to post them tonight.

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My initial goal was to spin each day and establish a method that actually worked for me! I think I managed that, even if I didn't actually finish an entire skein of yarn yet. I crocheted a bunch of things, but that's not really anything new for me, so not really worth mentioning. I loved the prizes idea! I think next year I will be much better situated to really get into it, and I will definitely be thinking of items for prizes to give myself!