We have a clearly disproportionately high number of knitters coming to our aid as compared to spinners. If there are more spinners out there sitting on the fence about helping us out in this project, we would very much appreciate your help.
Additional information has come forth regarding the shawls. The mothers who have lost a child must wear black for the period of a year following their loss. Amish shawls are plain, plain, plain. No lace. No cables. No embellishments. We have found some photos which depicted short fringe on some shawls. It is possible that even knitting the victim's name into the hem might not be acceptable to the recipients. While the spinning is commencing, we can dig into this further. In the meanwhile, the Prairie Shawl pattern in Cheryl Oberle's book Folk Shawls seems to be compatible with the shawls we have seen in photographs of the Amish.
Meanwhile, thank all of you in the fiber community for your support in spinning, knitting and even cheering us along in this endeavor!
If you're in need of another spinner, let me know. I have black wool/mohair ready to spin.
Posted by: Cyndi | Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 13:58
I would be happy to spin for this project too. Please let me know if you need my help.
Posted by: Kristin | Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 11:30
do you still need spinners? i'm more than happy to spin. just let me know.
Posted by: Veronica Velasco | Monday, October 09, 2006 at 18:44
I would love to spin for this too, if you still need a spinner. No laceweight or fingering here though. Probably about worsted. I also have a triangle loom and could weave a shawl too if needed. Let me know! (I did email you earlier today)
Posted by: Weaver | Monday, October 09, 2006 at 15:49
I'd be happy to help with the spinning for this project as well - please contact me if you need my help!
Posted by: Mary | Monday, October 09, 2006 at 12:33
I'd be happy to spin some black merino. I can spin somewhere between laceweight and fingering weight. Can you offer some suggestions about yardage? I'm thinking 1000 to 1200 would make a decent size shawl.
Posted by: Jeanne | Monday, October 09, 2006 at 11:52
I can spin and would be willing to do so for this project. It won't be lace or fingering, though. I'm not that good.
Posted by: Jackie Joy | Monday, October 09, 2006 at 11:44
What is the deadline for spinning up the yarn? I have plenty of romney roving that has a lovely sheen and reflects color beautifully. I love to spin froghair so I believe I can manage fingering to DK, and I can dye the yarn black after all is said and done. How many yards is needed? You can contact me via my blog.
Posted by: Lola LB | Monday, October 09, 2006 at 07:59
You can include me in the spinning. I spin between fingering to DK weight. I hope the shawl you choose can accommodate differences in weight 'cuz I can't spin heavier to save my life! :-) Kate
Posted by: Kate/Massachusetts | Sunday, October 08, 2006 at 20:53
I found some natural, black roving at Copper Moose. I've ordered a pound which should be more than enough. Here's the link if other spinners need a source: http://www.coppermoose.com/Shetland.html
Posted by: Annie | Sunday, October 08, 2006 at 20:12
I'm definitely willling to spin for this project! Let me know a color and I'll order the fiber. Thanks.
Posted by: Annie | Sunday, October 08, 2006 at 19:28