Samplings and Techniques

With my first ever Phat Fiber box, I decided to try some new techniques with all the little samples. Here's a review of what I've tried so far:

From Mama Jude's sample:

She had some great fibers in a cone sleeve just like a Christmas tree! And she added twinkle lights for us to play with. Play I did, but my technique is seriously lacking. I spun her fiber thick/thin and then plyed it with some smooth Corriedale/Alpaca I made.

I tried spinning in the lights, and to my credit they are technically in there and not coming out, but they dangle. They're not suppose to dangle. I need to work on my spinning add ins! I think I need to actually get out the book for that one!

I also need to get a flyer that is a little more appropriate for large add ins!

For my second technique try, I decided to follow Jacie Bogg's tutorial from the Winter 09 issue of Spin Off for making coils (or beehives). Here's how it went:

 

 The fiber is from Sky Loom Weavers and titled "Harvest." It's 100% Merino, which is the perfect fiber for coils! It drafted beautifully and was quite the pleasure to spin!

The yarn that is plied with it is from Rocky Mountain Dyeworks and was a 3-ply yarn that I separated into 1 ply for an almost cobweb weight. The colorway is called "Northern Lights" and matched "Harvest" wonderfully!!

I'm giving myself a break from being too critical of my attempt, because even Jacie Boggs says it takes a few trys.

Also, when the thick sections were too thick, they were catching on my flyer and hooks, so maybe my husband needs to make me a new flyer for specialty yarns! (He built my spinning wheel, so he's my only shot at a larger flyer!)

Here are my good coils:

Here are my bad coils:

I'd say it's about 50/50 for the good to bad ratio. And it's very over-spun. I think a few more practice runs and I'll have it down. Now . . . what to knit with beehive yarn? Any suggestions?