I learned to knit way before I ever even thought of spinning but it was always present in my life. My great Aunt Jo had a flax wheel in her living room that always fascinated me. Aunt Jo was the one who taught me to knit as well! Years later, I would become friends with someone who would introduce me to spinning and I would jump head first into this new fiber art.
At least I'll always have yarn to spin (as long as I always have fiber!)
I used three wheels now, one a beautiful antique wheel that was gifted to me right before xmas last year. But today, I am focusing on the supported spindles. They are new to me. I started out on an old Clems and Clems wheel. Big and clunky but a good spinner. I got a Louet S10 next and then I found the portability of drop spindles!!! I owned many over the years. Most are gone now, either lent or lost in my moves from one place to another. The only one I could put my hands on was a gorgeous turkish that spins like a dream.
When I decided I wanted to start rebuilding that collection, I stumbled onto some supported spindles. They seemed to have the advantage of not needing to have as much arm room as a drop spindle and you didn't have to make space to let them "drop" while you were drafting. I like the way the turkish makes a ready to use cop, but these supported spindles wound on so easily! I was intrigued.
The first one I ordered off of Etsy and it was a russian/orenburg style from Ukraine. It was old, and I love antiques and vintage items so it was just fine for me! But it spun slow. It took a few days to even get started, but once I did, I was set! I had to park and draft, as the spindle just wouldn't spin long, but that's ok because I was learning.
And then...the Wee Folk from Woodland Woodworking came! I found her from another spinner on Ravelry. She was gorgeous and I couldn't stop thinking about her. She arrived yesterday and I found the fiber she apparently wanted to spin (she didn't like the first few choices!) A batt of purple and shiny that I've had for a while now. I started spinning and I couldn't believe how fast and long she spins! I found I was off and continuously spinning without a thought about how! It was just that easy! The right tool really does make the job easier! I will still use and love my antique spindle. But rest assured I will be collecting more of these beauties!
At least I'll always have yarn to spin (as long as I always have fiber!)
I used three wheels now, one a beautiful antique wheel that was gifted to me right before xmas last year. But today, I am focusing on the supported spindles. They are new to me. I started out on an old Clems and Clems wheel. Big and clunky but a good spinner. I got a Louet S10 next and then I found the portability of drop spindles!!! I owned many over the years. Most are gone now, either lent or lost in my moves from one place to another. The only one I could put my hands on was a gorgeous turkish that spins like a dream.
When I decided I wanted to start rebuilding that collection, I stumbled onto some supported spindles. They seemed to have the advantage of not needing to have as much arm room as a drop spindle and you didn't have to make space to let them "drop" while you were drafting. I like the way the turkish makes a ready to use cop, but these supported spindles wound on so easily! I was intrigued.
The first one I ordered off of Etsy and it was a russian/orenburg style from Ukraine. It was old, and I love antiques and vintage items so it was just fine for me! But it spun slow. It took a few days to even get started, but once I did, I was set! I had to park and draft, as the spindle just wouldn't spin long, but that's ok because I was learning.
And then...the Wee Folk from Woodland Woodworking came! I found her from another spinner on Ravelry. She was gorgeous and I couldn't stop thinking about her. She arrived yesterday and I found the fiber she apparently wanted to spin (she didn't like the first few choices!) A batt of purple and shiny that I've had for a while now. I started spinning and I couldn't believe how fast and long she spins! I found I was off and continuously spinning without a thought about how! It was just that easy! The right tool really does make the job easier! I will still use and love my antique spindle. But rest assured I will be collecting more of these beauties!
Comments
Post a Comment