7.03.2008

Spinning

Ever since missing the Sheep and Wool festival this year, I've been obsessed with learning how to spin yarn on a drop spindle. At the first festival I went to, I got roving (processed but unspun fiber in a long strip) from a Jacob sheep, purple and blue merino, a sample pack, and some from a breed I can't remember the name of (but the sheep's name is Peanut Butter). And they all sat in my stash with my yarn, because I didn't know what to do with them. Finally sometime last year I got a learn-to-spin kit from someone on eBay and went to teach myself. Fail.

Since joining Ravelry and finding so many resources there, I decided to take another look at the spinning concept. I got a couple better-quality spindles (love my Goldings!), watched videos on YouTube, read tips and recommendations, and started again. This time it clicked. I love spinning. Right now I'm working on that big ball of the purple and blue merino, even Navajo plying it. I just finished my first ever skein of yarn, which is a merino/tencel blend. I andean plied it last weekend and it's drying now after its soak-and-thwack (making yarn is fun!).

Once I get off my butt and find my camera in my disorganization, I'll put up some pictures. I've got more fiber to spin, both dyed and undyed.