So it is time to talk about spinning yarn. It is something I learned how to do a few weeks ago, as a number of people in the yarn crew (aka the freaky little bitches) use both spinning wheels and drop spindles. A couple of us were interested in trying drop spindles as they are portable, cheap, and relatively easy to pick up the concept. Getting good is a steeper curve than the initial learning. So we had lessons and at first it wasn't going great for my, until I remembered that c., had said that sitting up high really helps. So I parked my butt on the computer table, and lo and behold it started to click for me.
So let's walk through the process a little. First you buy some fiber/roving. There is this great shop in town called the Fiber Studio, that sells tons of fiber at reasonable prices, and the woman who owns it is just as sweet as can be. The next step is to spin on the spindle which eventually results in a single. Right now I spin my singles in a clockwise direction.
So then you decide whether you are going to make singles, 2, 3, or even 4 ply yarn. As of yet I've stuck with 2ply, so what I've found best is to make a tight ball with the two singles together and then you spin it on the spindle counterclockwise to make yarn. Wash, dry, and you have yarn. Here are a couple examples of my stuff so far.
So, there you go. I have one final picture for you that kind of shows all the pieces together. It is with this crazy awesome BFL that I got at Depth of Field here in town, with the colourway being called Moulin Rouge. In the picture you will notice my high tech bobbin. When you have a single done and need the spindle for the next single, you are supposed to let the yarn hang out on a bobbin (or wrap into a ball, just something). People own these lovely wood bobbins, I use t.p. rolls with a notch cut in. Take care.
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