Spinning: April 2008 Archives

 It started on Ravelry (as many things currently do in my life). After reading some blogs and posts from fellow Ravs, I decided to purchase a drop spindle as my "big purchase" at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival so I could "try out" spinning. How cool would it be to actually make my own yarn?

Based on glowing reviews and wonderful customer service, I purchased this beauty from the Bosworths at Journey Wheel. While I was at the festival, I also purchased some wool rovings from <sigh> Asheville, NC's Earth Guild and from Misty Mountain Farms that Sheila Bosworth has recommened to me.

At first, spinning was impossible. Keeping that damn spindle moving while I was drafting seemed like a goal that I may not reach. After learning a technique called the Park and Draft Method of spindle spinning, I began to  understand the magic that was taking place between my fingers. The picture (above) was taken after one of my first successful attempts.

The next two photos were taken of what I consider to be my next best effort on the spindle.

The peacock blue yarn was plyed with recycled sari yarn I bought last year.   

I decided to ply it with the sari yarn because the recycled fibers are so rough! I haven't enjoyed knitting with it at all, so I decided that the wool might soften it up enough that it would be tolerable to work with... and I was correct.

After a trip to Vulcan's Rest, I purchased a bag of roving made of 80% merino wool and  20% silk. This stuff spun so well, it made me feel like I was a spider.

I also felt like a bit of a harlot, Did I fall in love? Do I need another hobby? Spinning had suddenly become an obsession. I needed to develop my skills and MAKE MORE of my own yarn.

 

I got the pedal rhythm going, sang Sarasponda over and over, and completed some trial runs. Within hours, I created this hank from 100% Merino wool.

IMHO, it's not perfect but it's beautiful. I can't wait to knit with this!

So, now I am a spinner. Look out stash.