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June 19, 2006
the spin cycle
So, I finally broke out the drop spindle I got for Christmas…again.
I never posted about it, but a few days after I received it, I got up my nerve and gave it a go….within about 20mins, I knew that loved the idea, but wanted a wheel.
First Spun:
Althoug it was incredibly awkward, I loved the idea of getting used to the drafting. Creating, watching the corriedale twist and twist. But what I didn’t like was the constant stopping, my arm stretched for too long, then winding it all onto the shaft of the spindle to start over. It seemed impossible to get into a real rhythym with a handspindle. In my mind (having never seen an actual wheel) I imagine a wheel just goes and goes, peddling away, like that ticking sound coming off the spokes of my ten speed as a kid flying down the street.
The dream of that wheel has been in and out of my mind for months. So, to be fair, I figured I better break out the spindle and try again.
Second try:
Funny, I had been a little disappointed with my first results, so I had forgotten how much I had liked the process. I have to say also, I think there’s been some improvement. I was able to get thinner sections that aren’t overspun, stall a bit less. But still not that movin’-right-along feel. I’m sure it takes alot more practice than I’ve given it. But…the wheel.
Already browsing, I’m certain I know what I want. Modern, sleek….and expensive. Mind you, there is no place even remotely nearby for me to take a class or consult an experienced spinner. This is not logical, not practical. Yet, this is how I operate usually. I taught myself to knit from the internet on a whim, bought yarn, needles and in two days was knitting scarves. In retrospect that seems so much simpler…
…so, is it possible to teach yourself to wheel-spin from scratch? Or would I open the box, assemble, and stare in total confusion at the large amount of money I just tanked on a pretty-but-useless wooden artpiece for our living room?
9 comments
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At 8:02 am on June 19, 2006, amanda commented:
Your yarn looks good! I’m terrible on the spindle but loooove my wheel. I have the Lendrum double treadle you seem to be coveting. I bought it, the Ashford Book of Spinning and taught myself. It takes a bit of patience but it is much fun and so relaxing — I don’t think you’d regret the purchase and yet if you did you can sell your wheel on the Spinners and Weavers Housecleaning Pages (or of course you can look for a used one there too).
At 8:07 am on June 19, 2006, yahaira commented:
you could probably learn from books, but when I was staring down a wheel while I was at Indiana I had nooooo clue what to do. I didn’t know where to put the yarn or anything lol I still need more practice before I start thinking of wheels (how far away is xmas?), though the Ashford Joy looks good to me.
your new yarn looks great, I see definite improvement
At 11:09 am on June 19, 2006, kristin commented:
You know, a lot of wheels come with instructional videos, too. Hopefully the one you’re looking at does! I, too, stink at the drop spindle, but I love spinning on my wheel. It was definitely an investment, but one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
At 11:14 am on June 19, 2006, Annie commented:
You wouldn’t be the first!!! I know several people who very recently got a drop spindle and within days bought a wheel and somehow, through osmosis or something, are spinning yarn on their wheels and doing quite well, I might add. Must….resist…..stick to….weaving….first…. But you go right on ahead so all of us without wheels can live vicariously.
At 12:31 pm on June 19, 2006, hpny knits commented:
the process does sound glorious. I hope you get the wheel, so we can all learn watching you.
anyway, you are not meant to like the first few, they are practice yarn.
At 4:19 pm on June 19, 2006, the kitchener bitch commented:
Wow,that really looks great! I too am wheel shopping - I’m partial to the Louet s45 in part for its stylish modern look, how silly is that?
At 7:03 pm on June 19, 2006, Schrodinger commented:
The yarn looks great, you will start to miss your ‘novelty’ yarn as you get better. I have never tried the spindle, just jumped straight into using a wheel and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it wish I could show you the lastest pics of my yarn, but have to keep it secret (ssshhh) - if you can, I say go for it.
At 9:57 am on June 20, 2006, KnitPastis commented:
Really love that yarn and the color. I don’t spin but when I was up at my LYS I had a quick little go at it from a girl that was teaching it up there. See if your LYS has a spinning class.
At 12:32 pm on June 20, 2006, Areli commented:
Haven’t any spinning advice, but I say you can do anything you put your mind, too. And I am sure spinning resources will start coming up and out of the woodwork once you start heading in that direction.