| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MullersLaneFarm |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 10:37:19 AM
Just wondering how many of us spin their own yarns?
Cyndi
Muller's Lane Farm http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
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| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MullersLaneFarm |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 1:44:47 PM
I've been spinning with a wheel for a bit over 4 years, with drop spindles almost 10 years. My DH totally supports my fiber habits (yup, a keeper). Didn't bat an eye when I brought home 5 raw fleeces & another wheel from the fiber fest last spring. I'm a sucker for raw fleece and heathered rovings.
Just ordered up an Icelandic (black with grey pattern) because I haven't spun icelandic yet. Told DH that I'll be needing some combs to really do a good job with this fleece & he asked me if I could wait until Christmas.
I currently have 3 wheels. An Ashford Traveler is my workhorse. The 70's era Ashford Traditional (scotch tension) is my teaching wheel. The mid-1800's Irish style wheel works, but I don't play on her very often.
I like taking wool from fleece to yarn. Initially, I would take any fleece I could get a hold of, but after working with some wonderful fleece from a spinner's flock that had been covered and skirted well, I'm more selective with what I get.
My latest projects are
1)spinning black cria for the lady that gave me 2 full fleeces of alpaca plus the cria for 8 oz of spun black cria
2) needle felting animals (can't keep them in stock at farmer's market)
3) fleece weaving a rug with leicester longwool. I'm thinking of crocheting some longwool fleece into a rug too.
DS moved off to college and I'm slowly turning his room into my fiber studio. Got all his stuff out. DH is patching up nail holes tonight. I've picked out paint. Finally I'll be able to put up the Harrisville Design T/6 floor loom I bought a few years ago.
Life if fiber-ly good!
Cyndi
Muller's Lane Farm http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
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| Jami |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 12:40:48 PM
Hi Cyndi:
I spin too and love it! I knit up what I spin, mostly from my own sheep but I'm not prejudiced against trying other fibers. I just purchased some silk roving and soy silk to give it a try...
I am trying to comb up one of my fleeces right now but it's a slow process and sometimes I just want to get spinning and knitting. I just purchased 2 Icelandic fleeces from a friend, a gray and a moorit, but I think I will send it off to have it processed into roving so I can get a quick fix of spinning it and get to knitting projects.
How about you?
The shepherd always tries to persuade the sheep that their interests and his own are the same--and a good border collie doesn't hurt! |
| ktknits |
Posted - Nov 06 2006 : 10:52:15 AM
A Drudik wheel, wow! I haven't met anyone yet who doesn't love theirs! I have a Louet S75 (not the one with the solid wheel), a Jensen Tina II, an Ashford Joy, an antique flax wheel, and an Obadiah Tharp Great Wheel. Not to mention all my drop spindles (they say confession is good for the soul, right?!).
The Louet is my workhorse, it goes to all classes, spin-in's, demonstrations, etc. I got the Joy thinking it would be my "take with" wheel, and I do enjoy spinning on it, but it's easier to pick up the Louet & walk out the door than it is to fold & pack up the Joy, and put it in it's carrying case, and then unpack everything when I get there. The Jensen really isn't too portable either. The Louet fits in the back seat of my Alero, which is fairly small, and it isn't too much heavier than the Joy! But, it doesn't have the double drive that you like. I have a friend with a tempramental Kromski, but they're beautiful!
I would check on some of the Yahoo groups, or Kathy Bruce's housecleaning pages for used wheels and feedback on how people feel about different wheels. Good luck! |
| BlueApple |
Posted - Nov 04 2006 : 06:45:11 AM
Robin, what kind of wheels do you have? I have a Magnus Drudik wheel - I love it! But am in the process of looking for another one that might be a bit more portable. I don't want want that folds really...just more lightweight. I'm looking at the Kromski upright ones..anyone have one of those? I prefer the double drive.
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| shepherdess |
Posted - Nov 03 2006 : 3:33:14 PM
I have been spinning since 1972 and love it. I have a sheep farm and Lots of wool. I actually have 5 spinning wheels but only used one all the time. I am hoping to pass them on to my granddaughters someday.
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From sheep to handspun.
http://mountainmorningfarm.blogspot.com |
| mommom |
Posted - Nov 03 2006 : 3:07:18 PM
I used to spin....my wheel is in the attic. I had to put it away when I had my right arm in a cast above my elbow after breaking a few things. I too am going to get back to it. It's very calming for me. Susan |
| frannie |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 9:39:29 PM
i am trying to learn, as my dh says, she's been spinning for and hour and a half. well, i think thats a little optomistic. i just got my spinning wheel and carder. and books and video. and i guess its all alittle intimidating to me, but i really want to spin the wool from my goats. i hope i can learn this winter, i have wanted to spin for a long time but it just didnt all come together until recently, plus the goats just kept growing that mohair and i have to have an excuse to "play" with it. it is so soft and beautiful.
love
fran
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/) |
| willowtreecreek |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 8:15:16 PM
I don't YET but am in the process of trying to get some sheep and llamas. If you know of any good books or websites please post them!
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowtreecreek.com |
| Wood Bee Farmgirl |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 7:02:07 PM
Spinner and rabbit raiser for the yarn, she spins, she teaches knitting and she told me all about MJF magazines, products etc. She shared her her book with me, I have read alll but one mag and love everyone of them. She will be joining soon as I go over on Monday to show her how easy it to get on and get around. She knits beautiful sweaters and her felted purse from two years ago made me decide I could felt and old wool sweater and make one! I just finished my second purse and they are so me. I am keeping them which I seldom do as I love to gift my creations. I love reading from all of you! I got my pattern yesterday for the apron swap and picked out the fabric today. What fun!! It's for Babs, fun to surprise others and to make new friends! |
| lambgirl |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 5:09:51 PM
I love spinning! I am just a beginner knitter but it has been so rewarding using the yarn I make instead of giving it away.
Heidi |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 2:25:34 PM
I have been spinning for about ..hmmmm at least 15 years. I love it. I don't spin anything fancy. Mostly wool from my own sheep and angora goat (mohair) and angora bunnies (I only have one now, but used to have ALOT) I LOVE spinning. I do more spinning, it seems, in winter and I am due to do more than I have been. I have been sort of busy with quilting and have neglected the old spinning wheel.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| BlueApple |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 1:38:47 PM
Oh Sunshine...you will LOVE it. I have friends that look at me kind of funny when I tell them how much I am enjoying it. They just can't comprehend how relaxing it is! LOL I love texture and fiber and this definitely feeds right into my kind of fun!
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| sunshine |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 1:36:35 PM
I am not one now but I will be in time .
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com
my web stores www.sunshines.etsy.com and http://vintagethreads.etsy.com
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| BlueApple |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 1:34:58 PM
I'm a beginniner but am definitely addicted! I'm spinning some Merino/silk 70/30 right now...just beautiful!
Julia
BlueApple Farm |
| ktknits |
Posted - Nov 02 2006 : 12:25:09 PM
I do, I do, I do!! And, I love it! I've been spinning about 7 years now, and I still just love it! I knit quite a bit, and am trying to learn to weave also. |
