In the Winter 2021 issue 35 of PLY magazine, I have an article called, A Mitt is a Swatch. Here are some photographs that support my article, in particular the pieces that didn’t make the cut.

Starting with blending board experiments, I made these rolags. I made two blending boards, trying to make them the same so once spun up, I could have about 70 grams of yarn.

And here it is in spinning progress. Singles spun on my Ashford Joy.

I made a two-ply yarn and then knit it into a wee swatch to see it better. Yes, I like this.

And here’s the mitt, with a bit of leftover rolag so I could show what it’s made up of; some leftover yarn, and the first small swatch. I call it a quick mitt because I didn’t include the thumbs – which take an additional 30 – 40 minutes to make (including having to weave in four extra ends.)

The mitt shows me much better what the yarn looks like; will eventually show me how the yarn will perform; and finally gives me a functional and beautiful (if I don’t mind saying so myself) object.

A mitten is a swatch – to read the entire article get a copy of PLY Magazine Winter 2021 Issue #35 (the Head and Hands Issue). It’s worth it.