Not unlike other hobbies/crafts most of us have tried, spinning definitely has a learning curve. Maybe because it’s been quite a few years since I tried something so totally new, my lack of “getting it” caught me by surprise. In class, we started off “treadling”. First, even when going as slowly as I thought my feet could possibly go, I was still moving too quickly. Second, for spinning, we want the flyer going clockwise and it seemed that I was perfect a going counterclockwise. I changed wheels thinking maybe I’d do better on a different wheel. I didn’t!
The classes are 2 hours. For the firsts class by the time we all tried several wheels, watched the instructor spin, listened to the “instruction” part of the class, we didn’t have a lot of spinning time. Honestly, I was ready to get out of there. My work was so horrible.
First Attempt at Spinning
There were tightly kinked sections, mostly sections where the yarn was just racing through the flyer with little twist and even less drafting on it.
As I’ve mentioned, I rented a Schacht Ladybug to bring home. After watching several videos, and signing up for the Craftsy class and watching a couple of lessons, I had my confidence back and was ready to try again.
When I bought the longarm, Vince wasn’t 100% in favor of that idea so there was a whole lot of “do you still think you did the right thing?” going on. With the spinning wheel, I believe Vince is a bit interested in it and I could see him trying it some day.
Several hours were spent just treadling . . stopping and starting, keeping it going slowly and steadily, and keep it going in a clockwise direction.
On one of the videos I watched, it was suggested that we run purchased yarn through the wheel just to get the feel of feeding the yarn through, without doing any drafting. Got that done and was feeling good.
Next I grabbed some fiber and began drafting and spinning. My work isn’t even close to great but it’s so much better. So far, I’ve spun the res of the Noro Rainbow Roll.
Rainbow Roll
Next up was some 64 Count Merino Top. There are a few spiraly overtwisted spots and there are a few spots with not enough spin but I’m getting better.
Spun Yarn
Last night I was doing so good! I had Vince drag up a chair, sit beside me and watch. Oh yeah! I had it down . . til I slept. This morning, I got up and headed for the wheel as soon as Vince left for work. It wasn’t daylight yet so I couldn’t start my outside chores so I might as well spin. By the time the sun was up, the chickens were squawking to be let out, Cat was looking around to see where I was . . and I still had not successfully got the spinning wheel going. It wanted to go counterclockwise. The fiber wanted to break. There was no uniformity in size when I would get it to spinning. Whew . . I’m not there yet, am I?
Spinning Yarn
Finally, I got my rhythm back and I think it’s my best yarn yet. In theory, each bobbin should be better than the next but after the way I started out this morning, I’m not sure about that.
I am longing to buy lots of beautiful fiber from all the etsy shops that have hand dyed fiber but so far, I’m resisting!
Anne says
You are doing something I’ve always wanted to do! It’s not the price of the spinning wheel that concerns me, it’s the price of the fiber I’m cautious about. What kind of fiber are you using and how much will enough yarn to knit a pair of socks cost you to spin do you think?
You realize that all across the nation more spinning wheels are going to be purchased than ever before, and it’s going to be because of you!!!!!
Your yarn is looking really good! Keep it up and you’ll be selling yarn very soon! Or shipping it off to your daughter in law!
Pdudgeon says
definitely looking good!
maggie says
good work!. keep practicing. once you really ‘get it’ it’s like riding a bike. after months of not spinning you’l be able to sit down and and spin like you never took a break from it.
Liz A says
Just keep spinning. Getting “it” is totally a matter of time in the chair. In no time you’ll be a spinning diva!
I think what you’ve done so far looks marvelous. In another couple of weeks you’ll be a pro.
Joyce says
Your progress is great! You’ll find you think you’ve “got it”, and then you’ll try a different kind of fiber and you don’t “got it” any more. Each different kind of fiber has a different feel to it. Sometimes it fights you, and sometimes it seems like it just wants to be spun. Don’t forget to take breaks. It gives your fingers and brain time to process and remember what you’ve learned.
Sheryl says
Every fiber will be different to spin. You’re doing great! I’m not surprised that Vince is interested in it. Don thinks my Ashford Traditional is fascinating and fiddled with the whole afternoon when I was trying to learn how to use it. I graduated to the Hansen mini spinner but I still think I want a Majacraft Suzie Pro.
Just keep it up. I don’t practice nearly enough. There are tons of great shops on Etsy to buy hand dyed rovings. Oops. that reminds me…I promised to see you some alpaca. Do you want me to go ahead and mix it with some wool as roving? It will be easier to work with. I can send it with the melon seeds.
Linda Steller says
Looks like you’re making nice progress. I go to the Black Sheep Gathering near my house each year and love watching the women spin. It looks so wonderfully relaxing.
Rebecca in SoCal says
That first picture is “boucle” yarn! 😀