| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Farmgirlheart |
Posted - Feb 20 2009 : 5:11:32 PM
Hey,
I was wondering how many spinners we've got here?! Also, where can I get some great roving for not too crazy prices?
Thanks! |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Mar 10 2009 : 6:25:02 PM
Sandra, Sure wish I was closer to you, I would be there!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com |
| Thistle Cove Farm |
Posted - Mar 10 2009 : 5:27:01 PM
One more thing...Sheep Shearing Day @ Thistle Cove Farm is 4 April 2009 and open free to the public. Directions on my website, www.thistlecovefarm.com and more information on my blog, www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com.
Y'all come!
Thistle Cove Farm ~ God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands & heart ~
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com |
| Thistle Cove Farm |
Posted - Mar 10 2009 : 06:40:24 AM
uh oh. My apologies for not reading far enough ahead to know spinster had already been tackled.
How DO you all keep up???
-LOL-
Thistle Cove Farm ~ God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands & heart ~
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com |
| Thistle Cove Farm |
Posted - Mar 10 2009 : 06:38:12 AM
Linda in PA - that's where the word spinster comes from; spinner. Days gone by, it would take, approximately, eight carders to keep one spinner spinning, eight spinners to keep one weaver weaving. A carder is someone who uses metal teethed hand cards, or a hand powered table carder, to prepare the fleece for spinning; the cards comb the fleece just like a brush brushes hair.
A woman who spun kept at it almost constantly and never had time to find a husband. Generally, the spinner was a woman who never married and lived either at home, with her parents, or with a married sibling.
Hmmm...I think I see a blog entry coming up -smile-.
Thistle Cove Farm ~ God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands & heart ~
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com |
| Thistle Cove Farm |
Posted - Mar 10 2009 : 06:34:19 AM
I'm a spinner and have roving for sale. It's a 80% Romney Shetland 20% Merino mix, white and just lovely! Generally, it sells for $2.50 an ounce but for Farmgirls only, it will sell for $2.00 an ounce. It comes in different weight bumps so each would be weighed individually.
I'll get photos on my blog either today or tomorrow so you can see what it looks like.
I also have fleeces for sale and yarn and Sheep Shearing Day is 4 April 2009 when it starts all over again -smile-. Come visit, it's open to the public and FREE!
Thistle Cove Farm ~ God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands & heart ~
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com |
| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Mar 06 2009 : 12:31:16 PM
Grace, I have been trying to post a picture of the silk thread I have done from the last batch of fiber I got from you, but photobucket will not copy anything to post to here! I don't know what's wrong with it! I did put some pics on my blog so if you want to see them just click on the link!
FiddleChick, I agree with Grace about finding what is right for you! There are some yarns I have seen that I don't like at all, but there is a market for them, so you never can tell what people will like! I never really imagined spinning silk thread, but things just fell into place! I love tiny things and Grace had told me how to spin very fine silk and I was hooked! My friend Steph from MJF had commented on how she would love to feel the first silk I had spun so for fun I sent her some and she in turn sent it to a friend who does embroidery and with the interest in the thread I finally got up the nerve to put some out there for sale! So far I have had 4 orders in a few days and I have not even listed in on my etsy site yet! Also when you have stuff to sell don't be afraid to list it at a fair price even if it seems high! You can always come down on a price, but you can't go up! Don't short change yourself by starting to low!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Mar 04 2009 : 12:29:37 PM
I can only speak for me - over the years I have developed many niche markets and do just about everything. I have found that you just have to find what works for you and then if you are putting your talents to correct use "it" will come. I have dropped doing some things - I no longer which to carry all the lastest books, make finished garments for the masses but rather I do custom work only, I do not travel all over the country because I have made a name for myself, and last with this economy you just have to not PANIC! That last one we are all working on - it is hard to be creative when you are in panic or fear mode.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| FiddleChick |
Posted - Mar 04 2009 : 09:34:51 AM
Grace (and others who make money from fiber), that leads me to another question...what are some of the best ways to make money from fiber? I'd like to be a fiber artist and make a substantial portion of my income from that pursuit eventually, enough to pay for my animals and have enough left over to live on (frugally, I'm not looking to get rich.) What sells best? Fiber, prepared fiber (ie, yarns and if so what kind - my initial reconnaisance of yarn stores suggests novelty sells for the most $$), finished items? Any suggestions?
Siúil A Rúin: "Singing for someone's supper . . ." www.tradlassie.blogspot.com |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Mar 04 2009 : 08:03:11 AM
Dog hair is FANTASTIC to spin. I get paid big bucks to spin dog and cat fiber... I love my pry fiber - so warm that the mittens I made out of the yarn is too warm to wear for very long.
I teach a class on finding things to spin other then fiber - VHS tapes, plastic wrap, grass and leaves and even my own hair after it was cut. I love paper too. There is no limits - have fun. Remember if you do not tell anyone if it flops no one will know..
Monica, your goodies are in the mail and you will have to share photo's when you make something with the fibers. I think you are going to love the "Old Gold" blend. It is a dream.
Keep spinning ladies it is great for the heart and soul
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Mar 04 2009 : 06:31:33 AM
Laura, That is perfect and so true! It is very relaxing and extremely habit forming! You start to look at things in a whole new light! One day I was cleaning up in the bathroom and my 3 year old Olivia was following me and she saw a wad of cotton my hubby had left on the counter from cold medicine. I told her to throw it away and she said "but mommy it's your yarn". I spin cotton and she thought it was my cotton! I have to admit I took a second look at it! When I saw the dog that won the recent competition, I couldn't help but think what his fur might spin like!!! Happy Spinning!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com |
| Laura Marie |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 9:17:54 PM
Thanks to Valerie, I learned how to use a drop spindal this weekend. Not bad if you ask me...did pretty good. But I thought I would share something with you ladies. I was looking for instructions online and I found this....
WARNING!!! Spinning reduces stress and promotes well being. It can also be habit forming and lead to obsessive behaviors such as, but not restricted to: caressing and hoarding all fibers; dying them with food colors and things from your garden or whatever you have laying about; spinning the fluffy bits of the weeds in your fields, the cotton wad in your vitamin bottles and even the lint from your dryer! Proceed with extreme caution!
I found this and thought it was perfect! I got a good laugh!
Farm Girl Hugs!-
Laura Marie #369
www.lauramariedesign.com
"It's not the size of the farm but the size of your heart!"
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| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 7:20:20 PM
Rae, You will love it! I have only been spinning since July and I am absolutely hooked! It is so relaxing! Watch out for Grace though, she's not kidding when she says she loves to get others hooked!  Actually Grace is wonderful and patient to answer tons of questions and she has some of the most wonderful fiber! I hope you enjoy it!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 12:16:57 PM
Monica,
No it will all be brand new to me but something I have wanted to try for years. Now will have the main source in my backyard come spring!!
Rae
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31 |
| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 11:47:22 AM
Rae, Check out "All things sheep and goats" under " Barnyard buddies" Forum! Do you spin now?
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 11:00:04 AM
Hi
We are going to be getting sheep this spring and I am wondering if anyone can give me info regarding .... everything! My husband knows how to shear but from that point. I would like to spin my own yarn so any help is good. Also the cheapest is good.
Thanks
Rae
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31 |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 3:41:23 PM
I have raised Icelandic for 12 years and will gladly answer any questions about them - love their fleece but I love just about all fleeces... I had two Corriedales who had the softest wool and when I bred them to my top Icelandic rams they produced the most incredible lambs - big, bold and way so soft. I also then got a single coat which was about three times the staple length of a corridale but they maintained their crimp - just heaven.
Now for those of us who live, eat and breathe fiber I presently have about sixty fleeces awaiting my work and that is not counting what is out in the pasture - I am also planning in spring to make my rounds on shearing days to pick up new inventory. I will have to stop into some the the farmgal's blogs to see what they might have for sale - if you might help out this forgetfull gal might you send me an email from those of you who have fiber to sell.... I have been for the past two weeks still on two hour barn checks for the last three goat gals - still no babies - my brain is mush...
Spinning for me is my heart and soul - I love getting others hooked on it- give your life a whorl and spin!!!
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 09:42:06 AM
FiddleChick, that sheep is Ebby, she is a registered shetland. Her mom was black and died after giving birth to twins. Her dad was Smokin, a registered shetland. I think the Icelandic and the shetlands look so much alike. I have never spun Icelandic but I hear it is wonderful. Some of my shetlands have the double coats and some have a soft single coat. What I like about my shetlands is that most of them love to be petted and hugged, they wag their tails. They are also easy keepers, don't need their tails docked, don't seem to get sick much, wiry little characters. Go visit the shows and see if someone around you has different sheep and pick the breed to raise that make you happy...all of my are loving and pets.
I am excited about Spring. My favorite place to spin is on my front porch in the fresh air.
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
| FiddleChick |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 07:10:33 AM
I'm a spinner! Just learning - I spin on a drop spindle so far, but am trying out wheels because I want more, faster.  I just got a pound of wool and want to make a sweater and if I have to spin it all on a drop spindle I'll be old before it's done! I've never had lessons, but have found it pretty easy...my yarn looks like yarn so I figure I'm doing okay. I did get a book "Start Spinning" by Maggie Casey and have found that helpful (although also frustrating because there's a yarn pictured a lot in there that I covet!! I've decided to make it myself!!)
I don't have any fiber animals yet, but am in the process of getting angora rabbits and sheep (probably Icelandic.) I am SO EXCITED about it!!!
Keeper of the Past - I have to know...on your blog on the November 17 post Wool, Wool Everywhere, what kind of sheep is the one that is two down (black face, black legs, white fuzzy body)??? I saw some on the cover of a catalog and have been trying to figure out what they are. Is it a Suffolk? I love that look.
Farmgirlheart - have fun spinning!!
Siúil A Rúin: "Singing for someone's supper . . ." www.tradlassie.blogspot.com |
| ktknits |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 04:45:07 AM
I spin too! In fact, next weekend I'm going to our annual spinning retreat. I look forward to that all year!
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
| windypines |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 04:12:41 AM
I have been a spinner for a year now. I have 2 sheep. I have just started on 2008 wool. Got to get that carded, before I shear this year. I hope anyways. I have taught myself on my wheel, did take a drop spindle class, that got me started! I knit, crochet, felt with my wool. I really enjoy knowing, that I care for the sheep, shear them, and make my own yarn. I still call it a unique novelty yarn, but I love it. It stays together so I consider that a success. (even if I have to rip out)
Have Fun
Michele |
| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Feb 21 2009 : 7:40:27 PM
Lillian, I am so excited for you! You will love it, but I will warn you it's very habit forming!!! I started spinning in July on a drop spindle and now I have a wheel and wool, silk, mohair, cotton, alpaca, carders and more!!! It's so relaxing though!!
Sarita, I love it so much!! I am spinning the Corriedale with some pink silk right now and I am going to weave a shawl on my loom with it! I am not crazy about pink but it is coming out so nice! I am really happy with it!!! I like the drop spindles because you can take them anywhere! I always have mine with me when I go out and I usually spin on the way to church! I have even taken wool to card with me! I did a demo at Isaiah's school for his class and I took my wheel to show the kids about cotton and wool and I took wool for the kids to make felt balls and they had a lot of fun! Oh, I want to get more wool from you, but right now I am trying to figure out what to do with all of the cotton I have! Hubby needs it out of the van! Yikes, there are nearly 100 bags in there!!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com |
| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Feb 21 2009 : 4:52:19 PM
Gals, I am with you on singel or married...be happy where you are as far as being married or single. I think God puts us where he wants us for a purpose, make the most of it. I like the way you think Linda.
Monica, I am so happy you like your wool...I love the yarn that you spun and still trying to decide what to make with it, I love the color so I have it hanging on a peg in my studio and just admiring it until I figure it out.
Gals,What do you do with your yarn when you are done spinning it? Do you like to spin soft and fine or more coarse? Do you weave it, knit it or crochet it? or do you knit and felt it? I am full of questions and always love to hear from others. Sometimes it opens my mind to try new things.
I am a self taught spinner with an occasional lesson on the web or reading books... especially the Spin Off Magazine. I have all kinds of drop spindles and never really enjoyed them but I do enjoy spinning on my wheels. I love to watch others use the drop spindle but I couldn't get a good rhythm...????
It is cold and windy here today...freezing cold so after doing my chores, I turned my bucket upside down and sat down with the sheep. They will be sheared in just a short while now...many in this part of the country were shearing today...burrrr! I just can't keep my hands out of their wool. I have two shetland white ewes and their wool is so fine and silky...then I have 2 shetland black ewes and one older whither that has coarser wool...rug wool. The corriedales are white and brown and black, their coats are so thick and fine. I also have reddish brown, tans, oatmeal, silver shetlands and all are different. I like to try different wools, don't want to get bored (but 30 plus fleeces are a few too many.)
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
| Ms.Lilly |
Posted - Feb 21 2009 : 3:43:25 PM
Thanks for all the info ladies! After many months of trying ot find a spinning class or even someone to teach me privetly, I am sighned up for a class in the middle of april. So hopefully I will be a spinster soon too.
Lillian
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| yarnmamma |
Posted - Feb 21 2009 : 2:38:06 PM
how true Valerie! Also many women after becoming widows or getting divorced decide that it's ok to live alone. I am one of those. We don't have to hate men or be bitter...we can just be at the phase in life to enjoy our own company...that's me.
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71 |
| Farmgirlheart |
Posted - Feb 21 2009 : 2:29:05 PM
Awesome! Thank you all for the fiber sources! I will be checking each one out! Oooh, I'll probably have the biggest hoard of fibers before I know it! I only started last November but I am having the greatest time discovering all my fellow spinners! Hah, who says it's a dead art!
P.S Yarnmamma,I love it that you thought I was going to comment on never married women. I'll tell you what I think of them while I'm at it. As long as a woman is truly happy and loves herself she doesn't "need" a man to make her who she is. Marriage, from what I hear, can be wonderful but it's NOT for everyone! |
