Monday, April 14, 2014

Haven't Been Stitching

As some of you may have noticed I haven't been doing much in the way of stitching lately. I just have been feeling like doing some other crafty things. One thing I have been trying to do on and off for a while is spinning. I have a drop spindle and have been trying to learn how to use it for a while now. However I have found the drafting quite difficult and keep getting frustrated and giving up. So recently I decided to really give it a go and try not to get so annoyed with myself that I'm not picking it up straight away.

I decided when I first started spinning that I would try a drop spindle first and to see if I like it, then maybe move onto a wheel. However I am currently reading a very interesting book which basically says that a drop spindle can be as productive as a wheel, if you get good with one. As spinning wheels are crazy expensive and I would have to get it shipped here (also crazy expensive) I am trying my best to get into using my spindle. I think I would eventually get a wheel but not until I know that I can use it.

I think I am getting better at it, though I'm not too sure as it is still fairly difficult. I am finding drafting often is crazy hard and I have watched videos and read instructions on how to do it but I still can't get a handle on it. I'm not sure if this is normal or if I'm just bad at it, which does make it frustrating.

Anyway here is some yarn I have spun on the spindle:

That's not all purple yarn. I am working with some fleece from a mixed bag of small bits and pieces so there is green yarn under there.

If there are any spinners out there who have any advice I would love to hear it :)

9 comments:

  1. I have not delved into the yarn world as of yet, but I know that here in my area, it is a very big thing. They just had a big fiber festival at our county fair grounds with rabbits and llamas and alpacas and sheep and all sorts of stuff. My sister has a drop spindle like that and did some yarn. She said it does take some getting used to, but she is glad she worked with it. Keep with it for a little while longer, and remember it's okay to take a break from something and come back to it later if need be. :) Oh and I think your purple yarn is beautiful!

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  2. What a lovely colour thread.You have made a greatbstart on it.

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  3. Sounds a familiar story to me! Sorry I've no tips, but I will say your efforts look far, far better than mine. Keep practicing :)

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  4. Ooh, this brings back ancient memories. Way back in the late 70s I did a bit of spinning on a friend's spinning wheel. I remember it being easier than using the spindle. Good luck with it all.

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  5. Love the colour! That is a gorgeous purple. I don't know anything about spinning but I wish you the best of luck!

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  6. of course ... I love that colour :D
    Can I confess it's the first time I hear about spinning....
    really can't wait to see more
    enjoy , it's always great to try new things ;)
    xxxx

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  7. I can't help with the drop spindle, never been able to master that myself but when it comes to a wheel.... when your looking for one bar in mind if you want a single or double treadle.

    I can't use a double, my feet won't walk and let my hands draw at the same time I get in a right muddle every time. I can use a single tho so which one you go for would depend on how good your co ordination is

    HTH

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  8. The violet looks great and it's amazing how your yarn looks like. I have a drop spindle, too, but I haven't touched it for some time. It's quite calming and fun to spin with it, but it goes slow and my yarn looks so crumbled and irregular. So I am very impressed that your yarn looks so neat =D Keep up with this good work =)

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Would love to read any comments you would like to leave. Thanks for brightening my day :)