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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Hand spinning with a drop spindle  |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 5:47:00 PM
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I have been to enough traditional crafts fairs to be intrigued by hand spinning. I like a rather slubby yarn (which is a good thing, cuz it's likely what I'll end up with)Do any of you girls spin? I am looking for the best price and quality of spinning gear, do any of you have suggested.
Annika |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 8:41:00 PM
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Annika,
Here's a link to a lady I have purchased from..she's a real nice lady and will answer questions..She also has an inexpensive "Babe Drop Spindle" that she sells..very good for beginning out so you can find out if you really enjoy spinning or not...I like it...very meditative once you get the hang of it..I only wanted to spin extra bulky yarns in small quantities so it's perfect for me...thought you might like to take a look at it 
http://stores.ebay.com/Split-Rock-Ranch
Tell her that Stephanie (dream kingdom) in Alabams referred you
Let me know how it goes...
queenofdreamsz & Miss Morgan
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 8:49:04 PM
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You can make your own drop spindle with a CD and a dowel. Here is a web site: http://danielson.laurentian.ca/qualityoflife/Fulltext/Textiles/Making_a_cd_drop_spindle.htm
or you can google CD drop spindle and get lots of ideas. That way, you have a minimal investment until you learn, and see if you like to do it.
I have a spinning wheel, but have played with the drop spindle, and had a little bit of success with it. But, won't use it for much, until I have more free time (read: retirement) to play with it.
Good luck!
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2007 : 9:12:11 PM
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Thank you both very much =) When I tried it briefly at a fair a few years back it was kind of fun and is a lot less hard on the old peepers then beading, which i love and used to do a lot of. I have access to coridale wool, so this is something to hopefully do for fun this winter when its bleak and icky outside.
Annika |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4196 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4196 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 04:21:33 AM
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I am taking a drop spindle class on Oct. 10. I am excited. I did use a cd spindle, and tried to teach myself off the internet. It was okay, but thought maybe taking this class would teach me how to do it right! I figured if I could use the drop spindle correctly, maybe it would make spinning easier, once I get a wheel. Good luck Annika.
Michele |
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ktknits
True Blue Farmgirl
582 Posts
Kathy
Northwest Indiana
USA
582 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 05:54:12 AM
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....and the spindle you use will make a world of difference. Don't try to use a too lightweight spindle in the beginning. Those are for laceweight yarns, and will backspin terribly on a beginner.
I've been spinning for over 10 years now, both drop spindle and wheels, and I just love it!! Michele, who are you taking a class from? The people at Mielke's Farm in Wi are great! I've got several of Adam's spindles (I'm not sure if he's still making them or if they're just selling spindles from other makers now).
If you have any specific questions on spinning or spindles or wheels, I'd be happy to try to answer! kt
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 7:51:30 PM
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Annika
Spinning is my life center and I would love to gift you a drop spindle if you still need one. I have some of my handpainted spindles that I will be sending to a state prison for the art program so I will gladly make another if you wish. They are what I sell to my student for their first classes and I have student who come back year after year and still are using the same spindle. They are all wood and very balanced. Let me know if you still need one.
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
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 8:42:26 PM
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Oh my gosh! Grace, you don't have to give me one. I can likely pay you if they don't cost the moon. I would love one, they sound beautiful. I DO still need one, the local quilt shop has such ugly plastic or whatever it is coated ones, that it's put me off the idea of spinning 
Thank you
Annika |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 9:00:33 PM
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I know a local family that does spinning and I am hoping (hoping hoping hoping!) that they will do some spinning this winter. In fact I am going to talk to them tomorrow. If they are doing spinning classes this winter, would you like me to let you know, Annika?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 10:49:49 PM
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Sure Alee! I don't know if I'll have time , but it sounds like fun
=)
Annika |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4196 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4196 Posts |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 04:23:03 AM
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Kathy, I am taking a class in the next town over, Ladysmith. And I think it is actually someone who lives within a few miles of me that is teaching the class. I don't know her, but will soon! I have seen the website you mentioned, and I use a pattern for a hat off of there.
I should of figured that spindle qualities vary, like everything else.
Michele |
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ktknits
True Blue Farmgirl
582 Posts
Kathy
Northwest Indiana
USA
582 Posts |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 05:36:36 AM
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That's good, Michele. It's always nice to learn from someone local. That way you have local support, and there might even be a spinning or weaving group that you could get involved with. That typically opens the floodgates to ideas, information, supplies, fiber, new friends, etc.
Enjoy it!
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 08:24:47 AM
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I am partial to Bosworth spindles and if you want thick slubby yarn get the heaviest they have- the maxi. They spin like a tornado!
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.com
http://debbieknits.net |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 1:26:38 PM
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I too would love to spin. I looked at the make it yourself spindle and I think I can do that but as for the how to's of spinning, yikes, I am going to have to find a class I think. Grace I still have that eyelash yarn you sent me just waiting to be used. It is so beautiful. And of course I have my sweet little goat. He watches over me while I sit at my computer and reminds of my farmgirl friends. I may have to find him a mate!
blessings
beth
I Can
beth@maryjanesfarm.org
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
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ktknits
True Blue Farmgirl
582 Posts
Kathy
Northwest Indiana
USA
582 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 1:56:35 PM
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Beth, are you anywhere near Northwest Indiana/Chicago area? I'd be happy to show you how to spin sometime!
Kathy, the Enabler
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 4:45:31 PM
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Hi all
Annika I am so glad the spindle has reached you and please if you have any questions about spining please pass them my way. I love teaching spinning and have around 100 student a year.
Beth Great to hear from you. I am glad you sweety is watching over you. I spent the afternoon giving hugs, kisses and playing with my two little boys - heck they are growning and playing big boy games. It is funny how they bang horns with the big guys but when I come into the pasture they run at me and still try to jump into my arms for kisses. They weight is around 55 lbs now and they still think that they are these tiny 5 pound babies. They are so sweet that you just want to squeeze them but now I have to really watch those horns. Let me know Beth what I can do to get you on your way to spinning.
Have a great night all and stay well. Huge those goats if you have them.
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
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larkspurfunnyfarm |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 5:27:06 PM
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I can't seem to find a spinning wheel around here that is in my price range (Basically free! LOL) So I think I am going to look for a drop spindle too. My spinner friends know how to do that as well so hopefully that will work on the fleece and rovings that I am bartering for :D
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 7:08:32 PM
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Maybe we can get together a hand spinning group Alee...so long as it wasn't too far from Moscow, I could make it at least some of the time 
I have toyed around on my landlady's spindles and I'm not too bad at it and it would be fun during the winter to have some one to sit and spin with sometimes. I know that there is a spinning group that meets downtown at one of the coffee shops (Bookfriends, I think) if you'd like to have someone to show you the basics. I don't think that they charge to join
Wishing you joy in small things and peace in your heart
Annika
http://dredweezul-madramblings.blogspot.com/
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2007 : 8:16:41 PM
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Annika-
My friends live on a Horse and Dog Ranch in Potlatch. They are really sweet and loving people. We are already planning to get together this winter to do some spinning sessions. If you would like to come, I am sure you are more than welcome! It would be Nancy, Bryony, Jael, and me. The guys usually are pretty busy during the day (Loren and Jamin) so they probably wouldn't be around much. I will be seeing them this weekend so I will ask them when they would like do some spinning and let you know- :D
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Hand spinning with a drop spindle |
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Hand spinning with a drop spindle
