Wool n' Spinning

There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a project from raw fiber to finished object — and when that object is a cozy pair of socks, the joy is doubled. I recently finished spinning the yarn from a blend of Wensleydale, Bluefaced Leicester (BFL), and mohair, and it turned out to be a dream team of fibers for durability and beauty. Our Breed Blends & Colour Study fibre pushed everyone to spin outside their comfort zone and try something new!

The Blend

This project started with a custom blend of longwools — Wensleydale for shine and strength, BFL for its soft handle and bounce, and a generous helping of mohair for added durability and that signature halo (40/40/20). If you’ve ever been hesitant about using longwool in next-to-skin projects, socks are a great way to test the waters. Longwools are naturally strong and smooth, which makes them less prone to pilling — perfect for areas that see a lot of friction, like feet.

This also gave those who have been following Rebecca on The Wool Circle a chance to put into practice much of what she’s been teaching through experimentation!

The Spin

I spun a 2-ply worsted-style yarn, aiming for a sock-weight result with good structure. Longwools and mohair both thrive with extra twist, keeping the yarn sleek and strong while showcasing their natural sheen. What I ended up with was a smooth, glowing yarn that felt too special to hide inside shoes.

The yarns were spun as combination spins, each colourway plied with another. From top to bottom (photo above): Winter Morning & Deep Freeze, Fireside & Winter Morning, Deep Freeze & Fireside.

My inital sampling had been for a tightly twisted 3-ply yarns from the undyed fibre Meaghan had ordered to get a sense of the fibre before she started dyeing for us – I love these samples so much!

A Change of Plans (and Why That’s Okay)

Once the skeins were washed and hanging to dry, I realized this yarn had other ideas. The sheen, drape, and lustre were too exquisite to confine to socks. Instead, I’ve decided to weave a shawl — something that will let the light play off the yarn’s surface and make the most of its elegant hand. Longwools like Wensleydale and BFL, especially when blended with mohair, create yarns that are strong enough for socks but truly shine (literally!) in woven fabric.

Weaving will allow this yarn to move and flow in a way that knitting sometimes constrains. A woven shawl will highlight its silky drape and give it room to breathe, turning what started as a practical project into a luxurious accessory. It’s a great reminder that handspun yarn doesn’t have to stick to one path — it can tell you what it wants to be. I’ve wound the warps and need to place it on my loom when it is free!

Why Spin for Socks?

Even though this yarn won’t become socks, I still want to encourage others to spin sock yarn. There’s a bit of a myth in the spinning world that handspun isn’t strong enough for socks, but with the right fiber prep and spinning technique, it absolutely can be. Longwools, especially when blended with mohair or nylon, are strong contenders. Plus, spinning for socks lets you customize your yarn for just the right gauge, twist, and fiber mix — something commercial sock yarns can’t always offer.

Encouragement for the Community

So whether your handspun ends up on your feet or draped over your shoulders, don’t be afraid to experiment with fiber blends and spinning techniques. Start with the idea of socks if that helps guide your choices, but stay open to where the yarn wants to go. Sometimes it leads you somewhere even better than you planned.

So here’s my little nudge: spin that longwool. Add a dash of mohair. Make yourself (or someone you love) a pair of socks that are strong, warm, and handmade from start to finish. Your feet will thank you.