Handspun Angora Singlet

 

Well - I did it! Finished my angora singlet. I'm mighty proud of this piece. It represents the first of my attempts to create a fully sustainable practical garment. The fur came from the Rabbit People, from whom I bought my rabbit. They gave it to me when I told them I was planning to spin the fur of my bunny - something to practise on while I waited for my bunny's fur to grow. I'm not really into wearing white, but I thought this could work as thermal underwear.

I'm stunned, absolutely stunned, at how beautifully the neckline and shoulderline turned out. The front is just as lovely, but I'm not showing you a photo of that because this singlet is totally see-through! I made up this pattern myself, since I couldn't find a singlet pattern light and airy enough, knitted on big enough needles, to suit my purposes. It's my very first knitting pattern, and I was ready for all sorts of failures.

The cast on did fail though - it was too tight. Luckily the same day I finished knitting the singlet, I was going to my aunt's place for dinner. She's a whiz-bang knitter, and knew just the trick for unpicking my cast-on and knitting down from there. When I cast off, it turned out to have a pretty scalloped edge, thanks to the rabbit tracks lace pattern I used in the body of the garment.

I finished this just in time for a cold snap, and got to test it out. Yes, it's toasty warm under my clothes, and silky smooth against my skin. Mmmmm...

My arms got cold though. So now, onto the next part of this project... to knit some sleeves. Yes, ultimately I want this to be a spencer, not a singlet, but the idea of embarking on a spencer from scratch was just too much for me, so I decided to pretend to myself it was a singlet first! There's been about four weeks of work in this - spinning the yarn took three, and the knitting was whipped up in just one week, thanks to the lovely big needles I used.

Comments

[Stephanie Alice Rogers]

I am so utterly enamored with you, your blog and The Grimstones that I hardly know what to say. I stumbled here when searching for information on compost toilets of all things, and got sucked in... you, my dear, are an inspiration. I'm an environmental writer and artist (I make art dolls similar to your puppets) about to build a 'tiny house' on a trailer (like the ones at www.tumbleweedhouses.com). Found so many things here to spark ideas and creativity. Intrigued by 'Riot for Austerity', and I'll definitely be back...

Fixie: Thanks Stephanie - so very glad you like it! I had a look at the tumbleweed houses - they are gorgeous! I have seen them before, ages ago, but it was wonderful to see what they are doing now. Which one will you build?

[Stephanie Alice Rogers]

Ours will be somewhat similar to the 'Fencl', but more like the first one Jenine Alexander built (the wooden one, not the metal one) - http://forgeaheadpuppetproductions.blogspot.com/ 24 feet long. We plan to live in it for 5 or so years while we save up for land and then build our permanent house out of cob. But I'm really loving the look you got with the mud bricks (and those windows! Fabulous!) Wonder if the bricks would work in this climate. I'm in rather rainy/cold Western North Carolina.

[Jen]

I just wanted to post a comment to tell you that your blog rocks! I stumbled upon it while researching spinning angora fiber. I have two german hybrid angora rabbits and am just learning to spin. I love your camisole. It's beautiful! Your website has been inspiring, not just for the spinning/knitting aspects, but for continuing to try to live a simpler life as well. Thanks for sharing!
Jen
Charlottesville, Virginia

[Laura]

Asphyxia, your singlet is amazing! what an achievement. You are truly inspiring. Well done and good luck with the sleeves! love from Laura xx