Intermission
Yes, the spinning bug's arrived at Yummy Yarn. I bought an inexpensive kit off eBay some weeks ago, a sort of trial to see if I would like this spinning thing. It's *fun*. I got some advice from Anne on spindles and fiber, and from Nancy (whom I met briefly at [not so] Fab Fiber Fest), who told me to "draft, draft, draft". I read how-tos and watched videos online, then went to the library and borrowed everything I could find on spinning. Amid the fiber-breaking, over- and undertwisting, spindle-dropping, not to mention heaps of frustration, I managed to spin some single ply that was for the most part even. And then I managed to spin some 2-ply. And then I made a skein. All 18.3 yards of it, baby!
I still have an ounce left over that I'll be spinning with during the Thanksgiving break. I want to try a top-whorl spindle; Anne's given me some names, and I want to experiment with different fibers. Some friends are planning a day trip on motorcycle up to Santa Barbara in 3 weeks. I'll make sure we drop by here. Jen or La, any special fiber requests?
I woud absolutely LOVE to put in a fiber request, but I'm in need of nothing right now! ARGH! Can you believe it? La not buying yarn? It's unheard of. Thanks for the offer, MJ, but I'm good for now. Enjoy the beauty that is Santa Barbara County this time of year.
verry pretty. I've been spinning too, but it looks like you're doing a much better job than me. :)
I bought the exact same kit...lol. I have managed to spin a little some very uneven singles...but hey...first try right. I have been watching some tutorials but have NOBODY to show me. It's fun but I think I would learn better if I had someone to show me. You definately are doing a GREAT job compared to me.
Lovely first yarn, great job. Stick with the medium grade wool or blends for a few skeins, until you've got a good feel for drafting. When you're more comfirtable you can try fine wool such as merino, or go for something like mohair or longwool.
The yarn looks fabulous - you are catching right on! I wasnt able to get a good handle on the drop spindle and went straight to a wheel instead. If you ever want to get together and learn on my Lendrum - let me know and I'll toss it in the car and we can meet up somewhere to play with it. Busting it out in the middle of starbucks is always fun.
If you can get your hands on some Blue Faced Leicaster - thats one of the easier wools to learn to spin on - its not as slippery as the merino top that comes with Annie's kits (although the merino is really soft and cuddly). And if we meet up I can give you a little sampler of the fibers I have for you to try also.
Oooo my, this looks so tempting.... it's gorgeous. Now what are you planning for these 18 yards?
Ha! I clicked on your comments to leave a note to offer up my Lendrum for a lesson if you ever found yourself down south, but I see Nancy beat me to it! Which is kind of funny/coincidence because it was because of the SMFFF & Nancy's quest for a wheel that led me to buying a Lendrum...and of course where we briefly met you at breakfast. It's a world of little circles, I guess.
Anyway, holidays are really busy, but if you find yourself down this way (there's supposed to be some great bouldering in Dulzura, in fact my dad owns a prime piece of it) and want to try out a Lendrum or a Mazurka you have some options.