In high school, my computer coding instructor once asked me, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is, of course, one bite at a time. Whether the project is small or sweater-quantity, it is always easier to tackle if it is broken into smaller elements. I like to think about it like little nuggets of joy. I get to spin one nugget each session.
Because of this approach, samplers may be my favorite way to enjoy fiber. Spinning a color sampler is like opening a new box of Crayolas.
First I lay out all my colors. I give them the squoosh test. Sometimes I put them in my stash and pull them out from time to time just to admire them. Then one day, I decide its time to spin that sampler. It might end up being a gradient yarn or perhaps a marled yarn. Maybe that sampler wants to be an art yarn.
Corriedale has always been one of my favorite spins. It is a pretty medium fiber… medium staple, medium softness… and a ton of potential. It is the wool I use to teach new spinners and experiment with new techniques.
When DMFibers came out with their Corriedale color samplers, I knew I was in trouble. David and Sasha know how to tempt me. This isn’t the first time they’ve dangled fiber in front of me like sweet, sweet bait. 🙂
They created three different color combinations — classic, earth, and bright — all of which are lovely. By far, my favorite is the earth combo, which consists of deep, jewel-tones, browns and grey. When I look at these color combos, they absolutely inspire me. The earth pack wants to grow up to be a ruana, in my opinion.
I picked up a few extra samplers if anyone would like to purchase one. They’re limited quantity, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. What else would you make with these color combinations?