the illusion of progress
In my previous rant about the student spindle, I pointed out you'd be better off showing people to spin with a CD spindle, and showing them how simple it is to make one, than giving them a way-too-heavy spindle. You really can spin with anything, and you don't have to spend a lot of money.… Continue reading A simple spinning on a stick demo for shows
For the third time in as many weeks, on Saturday a would-be spinner told me of her woes trying to spin on a spindle. I diagnosed her problem: a way-too-heavy spindle. I have been delighted recently to demo spinning and learn more about how to break down the steps and condense my tutorials down to get… Continue reading The scourge of the heavy “student spindle”
The likelihood that you'll reach your hand into the stash and come up with a sweater-weight of wool is highly unlikely. It's more likely to find you have enough for a shawl or a cowl, and that would be a pretty clear solution. However, how many shawls can you wear? I've already rounded up some… Continue reading Patterns for handspun part 3: Layering garments
My theory on Lazy Kate is that Kate was sick and tired of making plying balls. She thought of a way she could pop the bobbins down on her a contraption so she could spin away. And boom, the Lazy Kate was born. Her sister, Lazy Susan was impressed! I went to the US in… Continue reading The talented Mr. Thayer Syme of TravelKate
I was my FIRST TIME ever attempting a 3 ply. I weighed and divided up the braid of dyed wool. I spun one bobbin full and another. By the time I got to the 3rd bobbin, I spun for a while and realized that I had spun the 2nd bobbin the wrong way! I sought… Continue reading Opposing ply yarn
I have LOTS of fleece to wash, and if I don't get it all washed by Fibre East, I'm not allowed another one for a whole year. (My rules!) So I want to get it done quickly, effectively and create as little waste as possible. I've come across people saying they use dish washing liquid… Continue reading Power scour v Dish washing detergent for washing fleece
Oh how I wish I had this book about two weeks ago before I ventured into the woolly world of fleece selection and preparation. Still, I’m fortunate to have discovered it as early as I have. The Spinner's Book of Fleece by Beth Smith is like deep-diving into a breed study workshop. (If you're lucky enough… Continue reading Review: Spinners Book of Fleece, the missing link!
I am now in the possession of 2 fleece, (fleeces?) As I write this post, I'm washing corriedale in 20 mins increments. Let me shared what I learned... so far... Previously a skeptic, I am now an evangelical convert. If you're fearing the fleece, let me tell you: it's easier than you think and very… Continue reading Fact: Washing fleece will keep you healthy and productive
Daniel is a Llanwenog x Oxford Down Cross. Ever since I started working with Daniel's fleece I've been singing Elton John: "Oh it looks like Daniel... must be the clouds in my eyes!" Just wanted to offer that little ear worm to anyone reading this blog post. I'm going to talk about where I went… Continue reading Choosing fleece: Must be the cloud in my eyes
Deb Robson's 2-day Introduction to Wool Types at Fibre East was fantastic. It wasn't exactly a beginner class, but I was helped and encouraged to keep pace and gained some great skills. After all, I only learned spinning so I could take this class! Everyone else there was an experienced spinner and most brought their… Continue reading Fibrary from Fibre East
nearlythere 