Never say never. Spinning did not interested me a bit until I went to my first fiber festival, the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair. It was there that I saw a spinning wheel for the first time. There were too many wheels, actually. Weeks after, on an impulse, I enrolled in a spinning class with Elizabeth Taylor from Alpaca Fiber Solutions. Mrs. Taylor was teaching and vending at the Royal Alpaca Challenge here in Georgia. That day it took me an hour and a half to spin the most uneven - thick and thin- yarn you could have ever seen. Uneven and everything it was my first handspun!
Being extra confident that I would learn to spin, I got my first spinning wheel. Is a Kromski Fantasia that I quickly renamed "Cecilia". Is a girl!!
Cecilia and I have been practicing quite a bit. Is true that spinning has some counter effects: (a) less knitting time and (b) lots of yarn to stash. I can live with both.
It's official: I'm obsessed.
I am totally enamored with the idea of spinning! I got into knitting because I wanted to learn how to spin (and in my mind at that time, I figured I should know how to make stuff with yarn if I wanted to make yarn, ya know?), but now, I don't really want to give up any of my time to another hobby... I'm sure one day I'll fall down that rabbit hole though :)
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it, I do have a spindle that I need to get re-acquainted with...
I loved my spindle those first weeks that I used it :-) Is portable and not a huge investment.
DeleteWow, that's a proud accomplishment! I've tried it before- it's tough and requires A LOT of practice time. You're doing awesome with it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy. It does require practice but I'm finding it super relaxing.
DeleteGorgeous! I've never tried a wheel but I think I'd love it :D Have you knit anything with your handspun yet?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you would love it :-) I've only made a hat so far.
DeleteWelcome to the dark side :)
ReplyDeleteLOL. The darker the better!
DeleteI have always admired spinners! Love that you have a new addiction. While I have never wanted to learn to spin, mainly because it would cut into my sock knitting time, I adore knitting with handspun.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your new journey.
Thanks for your support, my friend!
DeleteRight there with you! Gorgeous colors!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm inspired by your gorgeous handspun.
Delete