I’ve been spinning….
Here are samples of the latest:
I fairly satisfied with how I am doing, although I am anxious to be more consistent with the thickness.
Any suggestions on the best tools for spinning?
Also, I’m kind of thinking about getting a second wheel. I like my Traveller just fine, but I understand that Ashcroft is no longer making a lace flyer for that model (damn it!). What wheel (moderately priced, please) is good for lace weight yarn?
Suggestions, please!!
I hope you are still spinning! I can’t wait! I am going to the Black Swamp Spinning and Fiber event tomorrow and maybe I can learn and buy a wheel. Any brand better than another?
Libby, I am going to be there too! Typically, they don’t have a lot to choose from, wheel-wise. I’d suggest going up to The Spinning Loft in Howell, Mi. Beth Smith, the owner, has lots of different wheels from different manufacturers. You can try several and see what feels good to you. Beth’s very nice and helpful. See her site here http://thespinningloft.com/
I purchased an Ashford Traveller for my first wheel. It’s moderately priced and works just fine. I have a gotten a couple more since then. By far, my favorite is a Majacraft wheel. It just suits me best.
Talk to a shop owner (Beth, or Margaret from Little House Spinning in Clyde, Christi in Marblehead, Ohio). Tell them what you would like to do – spin sheep, alpaca, bison, cotton, etc. Get a wheel that will do your ‘ultimate’. Wheels aren’t cheap, and you might as well spend a little more in the beginning rather than reinvesting in a new wheel in 6 months or a year (it IS addictive).
Buy already processed fiber to start with — roving or batt. There will be lots of stuff at the event tomorrow, but cleaning and processing your own raw fiber is probably not what you want to be doing just yet.
Think about joining the guild if you live close. They have a spinning class they offer as well.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes for you. I just love it.
BTW, I didn’t start spinning until I was 50. Old dogs, new tricks!