California Variegated What?!?!
That's a skein of California Variegated Mutant, or CVM, that I spun up over the last week. I got this strange stuff at MS&W last year and I remember that it was CVM, but that's about all I remember about it. I think it was dyed with some natural dye or something too. (Norma, are you out there? Didn't you buy a bunch of this too? Do you remember the details?)
So I was kind of excited to spin up this strange stuff. I guess it's rather rare and the wool is supposed to be pretty nice stuff. According to the American Sheep Industry Association the average fiber diameter is 22-25 micron and the staple length is 3-5 inches. Not bad.
Well, the roving I had was, how shall I say, rather less "prepared" than I'm used to. It had quite a bit of VM throughout and there were places where there were clumps of very short fibers. I also thought the fibers were less combed or carded than I'm used to -- plus this particular breed has quite a bit of crimp to it's wool. It just wasn't that pleasant to spin. And I found myself putting more spin into the wool just to keep it together because of the clumps of short fibers.
After plying, the yarn was less than spectacular, but after a bath it softened up quite a bit. There was quite a bit of dirt, VM and dye that came out in the wash -- maybe that helped. Here's a close-up of the finished product after it's bath:
Definitely a learning experience. I'm enjoying spinning up lots of different fibers prepared in different ways. I feel like I'm starting to find out exactly what I like to spin (BFL & Cormo are my two favorites followed by merino if it's blended with something with a bit longer staple length) and how I like it prepared (really well -- maybe this will change over time and I'll be buying a fleece to prepare myself, but I seriously doubt it!)
I would give the CVM another chance if it was prepared in a different manner. Next time I sit down to spin I may try 100% alpaca! There's been some sitting in the stash for ages, but I've been scared to try it.
It's lovely, even if it wasn't a joy to spin. The color is excellent.
Posted by: Imbrium | Thursday, February 02, 2006 at 01:33 PM
Your handspun yarn is very pretty, I love the color. I hope the VM didn't ruin the experience for you.
Posted by: Michelle | Thursday, February 02, 2006 at 01:35 PM
I agree, looks great, the color is like fresh grass, I could wiggle my toes in it. I have some CVM aslo, but haven't messed with it. Makes me want to go pull it out.
Posted by: Susan | Thursday, February 02, 2006 at 01:36 PM
MMnnnn...green mutants. It sure is pretty, though!
Posted by: jillian | Thursday, February 02, 2006 at 02:00 PM
So... what makes it a mutant? Two heads? Or?
Posted by: Chris | Thursday, February 02, 2006 at 04:42 PM
Now it looks like california avacado. I have to say I love the colour! How soft is it now after it's bath?
Posted by: Tiffany | Thursday, February 02, 2006 at 05:14 PM
OK I can't stand it. What does the CVM stand for? Did you find out? The suspense is killing me. I do like the yarn though.
Posted by: Cindy | Friday, February 03, 2006 at 10:53 AM
Cindy, CVM stands for California Variegated Mutant, although in your sample it sounds like the VM had a different meaning! :) CVM is a mutated varieation of Romeldale and it is indeed rare. I have a whole CVM fleece, and each lock has 3 colors from lock to tip. Mine has black close to the skin, a milk chocolate color for the middle and a sort of creme brulee color at the tips. CVM is actually my favorite wool and I would love to send you a sample of my fleece to redeem it! Send me an e-mail Julie and I'll see if I can convert you to a CVM lover! :)
Posted by: Lizzy B | Friday, February 03, 2006 at 11:08 AM
Even if it wasn't your fav. it looks great. I'm not a fan of under processed fiber myself I don't think I'll ever buy a full fleece and wash it I can't handle the stink. BFL is one of my fav. as well it spins wonderfully. Don't be afraid of alpaca it's so soft after it's spun you'll love it - just make sure you do a two ply or it'll fall apart!
Posted by: Marie | Friday, February 03, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Gorgeous color!
Posted by: Angela | Friday, February 03, 2006 at 01:14 PM
That yarn is beautiful! When you said "California Varigated Mutant" it reminded me of Teenage Mutant Turtles...and it's about the right shade of green! LOL
Posted by: Laura | Friday, February 03, 2006 at 02:09 PM
lovely color :-)
Posted by: vanessa | Friday, February 03, 2006 at 03:56 PM
I have a pound and half of CVM that I bought because I heard it was so great and soft and lovely, and then when I got it I decided that it wasn't that great, I didn't think it was that soft but when mixed with some alpaca it is lovely *smile*
Posted by: Stacey | Friday, February 03, 2006 at 04:41 PM
I just started spinning some CVM yesterday that I got in my spinning class. We were given washed fleece and had to prepare it ourselves. I drum carded mine and it released more chaff than I have ever seen in my life. There was literally a pile of it under the carder when I got done. I was really pleasantly surprised to spin it though. It was so soft and spun so easily (still left a lot of chaff in my lap). I haven't plied any of it yet since I just started working on it yesterday.
Posted by: Jessica | Friday, February 03, 2006 at 07:14 PM
I think it looks great. The color is very nice, slightly variegated, and the yarn looks soft. Its too bad you didn't enjoy spinning it.
Posted by: Linda | Sunday, February 05, 2006 at 08:29 AM