You know Eat, Sleep, Knit has all these badges we can earn for the 2015 Yarnathon. One of the third quarter badges was “Spin Sister” for those who spin or want to try spinning. I didn’t mind that we had to sew in a zipper, knit on a beach (which is non-existent in Texas and required a trip to a river in MO), knit two things from the same pattern, almost run out of yarn, get our skein of yarn into a tangled mess . . some of those things happen often but spinning . . I did not want to do that one! Before I went to MO to visit Chad and Nicole, I searched through Ravelry looking for a spinner in the area . . anywhere within an hour’s drive. My plan was . . I’d talk someone else into doing this for me. Yes, I’d cheat! I’m not above doing that! I failed at my attempt to be deceitful. I would make a terrible politician, wouldn’t I?
If this badge was going to be achieved, I was going to have to do it myself! When I first saw the spinning requirement, I had purchased a drop spindle and then a friend sent me one so I had two. I took roving and two spindles with me to MO. If I couldn’t find someone to do it for me, I’d talk Nicole into doing it with me . . but we never got around to it. I should have stayed longer!
Having something hanging over my head that needs to be done really weighs on me so yesterday I said . . today is the day. I’m going to do it. ESK didn’t say it had to be great . . I just had to try it. The yarn under the spindle is some Noro Kureyon that I was using for my leader (or whatever you call it when spinning).
Spinning
I watched quite a few videos but decided this one from Paradise Fibers was the one that helped me the most so I watched it again and again and kept it open all day, and have even watched it again this morning to see if, after spinning a while, there’s something I can do differently or better.
Yesterday the rock guys were here working on our driveway. I even stopped my spinning and made cookies for them. It was late into the night when I finally put my spindle down but even then, my head was spinning . . with ideas!
Spinning
Thoughts that continue to run through my head:
- Why would I need a spinning wheel (knowing that “need” really isn’t pertinent to anything) when I already have more yarn than I will ever knit in this lifetime?
- Why would I need a spinning wheel when I already have way more things to do than hours in my day?
- Where will I put a spinning wheel? Truly my house and sewing room are bulging at the seams.
I keep telling myself that a spinning wheel would make more sense if I had fiber animals and could produce my own fiber but if I’m going to have to buy fiber/roving, why not just buy yarn?
So far, myself is not listening and the only thing I’m hearing is “buy a spinning wheel”! I talked to Vince . . we have this deal that started out as a joke. He keeps buying something that he already has an abundance of and I told him early last year . . you buy more and I’m buying more yarn and I’m spending the same amount you spend . . except yarn is way inexpensive compared to what he’s buying.
This week, he bought more. He said “you don’t care if I buy more, do you?” and I said “No! Just let me know how much you spend so I can buy my yarn.” And, good, old, honest Vince . . he forgot that the receipt comes to my email because I asked him how much he spent, despite already knowing, and he told me less than 1/4 of what he actually spent and I said “Did you forget that the receipt comes to my email?” Oh, darn it! Yes! He forgot. So, last night, I said to Vince “You know, I really don’t need any more yarn but for less than what you spent, that I’m obligated to spend on yarn, I could buy a very nice spinning wheel!” He was watching TV and he said “uh, huh” which I take to mean “go for it” because . . really . . how would you interpret that response?
And then, my fingers did the walking and before long, I had found a very nice and helpful and encouraging lady in Mason, Texas, just a bit over an hour from me, and she gave me the name of a shop just a couple of hours from me and well . . as they say . . the rest is history! Kinda.
I signed up for a series of three classes where I can rent a spinning wheel and use a different wheel in each class to get a feel for them and we’ll see what happens from there.
And by the way, thanks alot Eat, Sleep, Knit! Do you see the rabbit hole this little badge is dragging me into? 🙂
Stacey says
If space is an issue, I have a Kromski Sonata that folds up nicely and goes into a case. I took a spinning class and dying for a week and loved it. Unfortunately, this isn’t the season in my life right now to spin.
Usually fiber dying is explored along with spinning..And you’ll need a drum carder…and sheep…and… 🙂
Vickie VanDyken says
LOL!! I love your spirit 🙂 Your not going into a rabbit hole, your flying away in a cloudy sky full of dreams!! You go girl.
JudyL says
Oh, thanks! That’s a sweet thing to say!
Jean S. says
I love spinning. It’s so relaxing and I love the thought that I’m producing my own yarn. I started out with one wheel and now have three. Better watch out, you’ll be hooked.
Connie Stack says
You go Judy! I’m like that with small kitchen appliances. Last week I was watching the Food Network and they mentioned Chicken and Waffles. I swear my head snapped right up and saying “Waffles? I don’t have a waffle maker!” I even felt the glassy eyes come over me when I am considering an appliance purchase. I have resisted so far, but I think I will follow your lead and start my research…as soon as my bread machine shows up 🙂
Joyce says
Rabbit holes are good things! 🙂 I fell down a couple of rabbit holes and “found” a 24 inch rigid heddle loom, an inkle loom and a spinning wheel plus multiple spindles. I like wheel spinning much more than spindle spinning, but they each have their place. Weaving is a good way to use up a lot of yarn in a hurry, but that means I buy more yarn with weaving in mind. That makes it a wash on using up yarn stash. 😉 There’s always something new and fun to try. If you decide you really don’t like spinning, the wheel holds its value well for resale…
dorothymatheson says
I spin and there is not a commercial yarn anywhere that is as nice as your own hand spun yarn for your project.
Beach in Texas can mean the beach on the side of a lake or a stream with a water hole.
Dorothy
JudyL says
Yes, that would have worked but it’s pretty hard to find water that has any public land around it . . at least here in central Texas. It was easier to find a spot when I was in MO and since I knew I was going to be there, I didn’t pursue it much here in TX.
Susan says
Once you have the spinning down, you need a loom so you can make your own fabric. THEN you’ll really be self-sufficient! You go, Judy. You can always rely on Vince to spend more money soon. 😉 Our deal was if Paul bought a gun, I could buy a sewing machine. We both had several.
Terri S. says
Once you have the spinning wheel, you’ll have to go to the county fair and buy a prize-winning fleece from the 4H competition, wash, card, dye and spin the wool. Then, you can weave it into fabric or knit it up into a sweater. Or better yet, talk Vince into getting a few sheep and you can grow your own wool!
My college roommate was a spinner and I understand it’s very relaxing.
cindy says
okay, i’m not gonna encourage you in a larger variety of endeavors. maybe you need to make your computer think the eat, sleep, knit website is a dangerous virus!
Dianne S. says
Wait for me!!
Carol says
Are you going to Elm Mott to the Heritage Center for your classes? I have been there and it’s a very interesting place. I know they have many varieties of crafting classes.
Kay L Ford-Sollimo says
I have a question. When will the sheep arrive and where will they be kept? You know that Addie will love to come play with the lambs. Right?
Denise ~ justquiltin says
I could tell where this was headed. LOL I think you are only balancing on the edge of the rabbit hole right now looking down. 🙂 You are going to take the classes and do your research and then decide. And if you like it, then you can dive into that rabbit hole. Sounds perfectly logical to me. I just pulled out my weaving book last night to figure out how to make dishtowels and decide what design I want in them – that will be my next venture.
Christine says
Hi Judy
Congratulations.
I did a “tree change” and moved near a small country town three months ago.
Took my patchwork to the Spinners, Weavers and Craft group.
Now I’m spinning up a storm, ladies were lovely enough to donate fleece and fibre to a newbie
Have even dyed my own wool and started knitting a Bradway Shawl.
Good luck on your new craft, it sure is addictive : )