Spin like the wind
Back in the day, I amassed a bit of a fiber stash after I learned how to spin on the drop spindle. Unfortunately, it really didn’t take long for me to realize how freaking tedious drop-spindling is, so I’ve somewhat abandoned it. So much work for so little yarn! I definitely have lots of respect for those who generate beauty from a drop spindle.
Lucky me when Amy agreed to let me borrow her wheel last weekend. I’ve been busy like a bee turning this:
Into this:
100g of Spunky Eclectic merino in Nova Scotia. I find it odd that yarn weights are usually in grams, but fiber is sold in ounces. These skeins are 100g on the dot, so there you go.
I’m not entirely clear on what I was drinking when I bought this, that browny yellow is so not my color. It’s slightly overplied, although that seems to have worked itself out after a bath.
A few observations:
- The wheel is faster than a drop spindle, but slower than I thought it would be. This is probably best for my wallet. I spent all weekend spinning this stuff up.
- Everything I know from spinning I learned from the internets. Sparse blog discussions do not a good spinner make. Anyone know any good spinning books to buy? I sort of understand the intro stuff, so I’m more looking for a book that breaks down drafting techniques, fancy plying, etc.
- I was seriously considering buying a wheel, but I think that borrowing the wheel has convinced me to hold off on that purchase. It’s definitely an investment, even more so considering that I would need a folding, storeable wheel that I can hide from the cats. Silver especially would like to eat every little string hanging off the thing. Also, I can see how people start buying lots of accessories - I already want a larger bobbin for Amy’s wheel, and a woolie winder would be very convenient indeed.
I’ve now working on some Heritage Arts TX merino/tussah silk fiber. This is stuff that’s basically a bunch of colors carded together - purple, blue, red, with bits of pink and yellow and the undyed silk. It’s pretty and shiny and happens to be a much more kelly color:
And it’s so much more evenly drafted than the Spunky Eclectic was. I can’t wait to see how this turns out!
RSS
OMG this is so beautiful! good job!!! :)
The Nova Scotia is just gorgeous! Now you just make me feel like learning how to spin! I wish I know how to spin and have some stuff, then I’d definitely spin myself some Nova Scotia….
Your spinning on both look great! the merino/tussah looks like it is going to be just heavenly.
My favorite spinning book is the Amos one — The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning. I don’t agree with him on everything, but the book is full of great technical information (obviously I went to an engineering school– the book is like a textbook!). Supposedly the Ashford Big Book of Spinning is another good one, even if it’s not an Ashford you’re spinning on (though, in your case, right now you are!).
I will say that I have become a much faster spinner on my wheel over time. Pre-preparing the fiber helps with this and well, experience helps too. Seriously though — your first wheel spinning looks much better than mine! :)
You’ve caught on to wheel spinning really well. The Nova Scotia is pretty! I’m interested to see how it knits up, because the plying looks so cool.
If you want (somewhat dry but) solid technical information, the books by Mabel Ross are the best - I particularly recommend “The Essentials of Yarn Design.”
Look at you go!!!! That yarn looks great - those are nice colors- the brown and blue…..I’m not a spinner, so I really couldn’t recommend any books - you are strong for holding off buying a wheel though!!!
The Nova Scotia looks pretty cool all skeined up like that! Nice!
You know, I really don’t have any burning desire to spin. But when I see that barberpole yarn, I really wish that I could :) Great job!
wowza! i really like how the plying affected the color of teh spunky eclectic roving! i really love the barber pole effect. :o)
and the silk blend singles definitely look more like your colors! can’t wait to see what you end up making with all that great yarn! :o)
Glad to hear about your experience with the wheel. I think I’m in a similar boat myself. I bought a drop spindle last fall at a local fiber festival. Did some spinning, maybe two and half skeins, but ended up going back to knitting as it took so long to spin and ply with the drop spindle. I suspect I’d really like having a wheel, but I don’t know much about them and they are - as I’m sure you know - fairly pricy, not something I can buy on impulse like the spindle. So the dilemna contines, do I try a friend’s wheel or take a class and get addicted or wait. It’s good to hear you weren’t completely smitten - yet.
Gorgeous! I second that claim about the tediousness of drop spindles. I think I figured that out, I dunno, 10 minutes into trying it myself? Your’s is beautiful though….and that Ashford *squeals!*….how soon before you think you’ll get one yourself!?
Any plans for the Nova Scotia?
I like the blue and brown yarn–I’m still not too sure what you could make with it though.
I think that you did an amazing job. I like the Spunky Eclectic!
Heidi
I don’t know thing one about spinning, but I think your yarn looks lovely!
Mmmm!! gorgeous yarn!! Is that two 50g skeins or two 100g skeins? Really fun to decide what to make with it. I made some bulky’ish yarn last winter and knit it into a hat for my daughter. Sweet and fun.
I hear you on the spindle vs. wheel regarding speed. I think the Aldon Amos book recommendation is probably a GREAT ONE! I’ve heard rave reviews about that book though I haven’t seen it myself. Have you checked out the Twisted Sisters Sock Knitting Workbook? Lots of good info there. :)
Have fun with your yarn and spinning!
There is a new book out Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning. I wish this was available when I started.
I don’t know anything about spinnng either, and I know you said the yellow is not really your color…but I think it’s just gorgeous!