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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Spinning sites?  |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 14 2007 : 05:17:50 AM
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| Just started spinning and I'm loving it! My son told me yesterday that the lady who is keeping his horses now is a spinner and sells fleece. A source!!! Anyone know of any good spinning websites? |
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shannanstitches
True Blue Farmgirl
62 Posts
Shannan
Havre de Grace
Maryland
USA
62 Posts |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2007 : 09:39:55 AM
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| Thanks Shannon! |
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2007 : 11:51:53 AM
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dear sherri,
first welcome back, glad to see your post. also, i have a wheel and have been trying to learn to spin for almost two years, well so far i have about 1 1/2 hours under my belt.
i'm not sure but i think i may have to work a little harder on in than that.
anyway, i am gonna check out this site and maybe it will inspire me.
glad to hear from you.
love
fran
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/) |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2007 : 12:22:53 PM
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| Hi Frannie - The lady who gave me my ONE lesson before dh got shipped back to WA told me if you spend 20 minutes a day at it, you will become a pro in no time. I have to have a wheel first though............. |
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Patty MorningRamble
True Blue Farmgirl
65 Posts
Patty
Keene
TX
USA
65 Posts |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2007 : 11:35:00 AM
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Just started spinning myself - this past Monday. Using a friend's wheel until I can afford to get my own. There are lots of sites on the web - just put in learning to spin or spinning. I printed out a lot of info on wheels and instructions. I'm really excited about learning how to spin. I knit too, so spinning my own yarn just seems so right.
Would enjoy hearing about your progress and how things are going. Good luck to you.
Annie |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2007 : 6:36:44 PM
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Welcome to the passion of spinning. Sherri I wished you where close to me because I would love to sit with you and spin and assist in any way. I would also be able to tempt you with all my wonderful fiber. Today at my shop camel went out the door to a lady in Idaho, some of my best cashmere flew out the door to a gal who is moving to San Fran and I just finished spinning soy silk which I plied with silk ribbon. I hope to get that yarn on my etsy site by morning because if I keep it in my hands I know I can not let it go. Spinning is my passion only after my animals but you will find there just is not enough hours in the day to sit in front of your wheel. Happy spinning and if you are ever in my neck of the woods you are more then welcome to stop in and we will sit and spin together.
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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Patty MorningRamble
True Blue Farmgirl
65 Posts
Patty
Keene
TX
USA
65 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2007 : 8:46:04 PM
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Oh I love spinning camel, especaially baby camel. I just sold my angora rabbits not long ago, have enough of their hair to last a long time. Will be checking out your fibers Grace.
I have two shetland fleeces to comb, am tempted to send them off but carding by the fire on a cold night is pretty restful work
http://morningramble.blogspot.com/
http://morningramblegifts.com/ |
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Naomi Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
1563 Posts
Naomi
Sunshine State
USA
1563 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2007 : 9:55:02 PM
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So I have a spinning question....how hard is it to spin cotton? we just picked up two grocery bags full of it today by the roadside from an aleady harvested field(left overs found in a few dirty/spilled piles)
I need to dry it(it was raining today(will sew it up in bags so it doesnt go everywhere in the dryer(can I dry it in the machine?) but wanted to know how hard it was to spin, most I'll probably use for stuffing for eco-friendly toys, but figured I'll save some back to play around with.
~Naomi~
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be-Abraham Lincoln
Check out my blog:http://thebellamodiste.blogspot.com/
and my Etsy store: www.shesewsbytheseashore.etsy.com |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 01:01:38 AM
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Naomi,
Cotton is hard to spin because it is a short fiber. Is the seeds still in it?
I dont know about putting it in the dryer, but would have to have it contained.
A person starting out ,learning to spin would be very flustrated trying to do cotton, Ive been spinning 30 years and I dont spin cotton,there are so many fibers out there, I dont need that one LOL
Spin off is a good mag to get, it has all kinds on ads and articles .look up Interweave press on puter and they have the names of books about spinning.Sherri, are you spinning on a drop spindle? They are ok but slow and sometimes flustrating when starting out. Theres a lot of brands of wheels , and all kinds of prices. I have 5 (i think at the moment) and they all have a little different feel. its best to go to a spinning shop(Weaving Works) in Seattle is prob the closest one for you. There is also a a spinning group at Schafer Meadows by Alma that you could join and they all are great.if you want a contact for them ,let me know
Shirley |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 07:12:05 AM
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| Hi Shirley - I was learning on an Ashford Traditional. I don't have one now that I'm home, but I asked Santa for one! I saw online that there is a shop on Pacific in Tacoma. I e-mailed them and they said they could get a wheel in about 2 days. I guess they sell fiber mostly. I know there is also a shop in Shelton that sells fiber. What is your recommendation for a beginning wheel for me? I was also considering an Ashford Joy, because we do travel a lot, but it's a bit more spendy. What kinds do you have? |
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Naomi Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
1563 Posts
Naomi
Sunshine State
USA
1563 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 09:49:24 AM
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Shirley, ok cool..I'll learn to spin one day, and when i do, I'll do it with an easy fiber then..haha..and just use this batch for stuffing. yes, it still has the seeds in it, but I figured with some work I could get it out...when I put it in the dryer today I plan to sew up the top of the bag..I dont trust a knotted pillowcase...haha
~Naomi~
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be-Abraham Lincoln
Check out my blog:http://thebellamodiste.blogspot.com/
and my Etsy store: www.shesewsbytheseashore.etsy.com |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 12:19:40 PM
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Sherri, Well I have a Lout,ashford,fricke brands, I like them all,they all have a different feel.
The ashford is a good wheel, they have been arounds for a zillion years, they are a good basic wheel to start out with also.
The Joy is really good for traveling, and thats what I take in the motor home.It doesnt take up much room.They are more money, but I think worth it.
There are so many wheels to pick from, I think you just have to pick one. I wouldnt buy the one thats made from PVC pipe, but all the rest are fairly good, I do sell Ashford, but am not recomending that one just because I sell it. Ashford has been around the longest and thier reputation is good. and the wheels arnt as expensive as others. Most of theres come as kits that you have to stain and put together(with VERY good directions though) the joy is stained already, You can get some of the others stained also( a little more money)
shops:
If your refering to myras Fancy Image(she was at the fair)I dont think she does much fiber anymore ,just yarns.
The one in Tacoma(known her for years cant think of her namelol) doesnt spin herself, just sells the wheels. as far as fiber, I dont know how much she carries , but the majority of her stuff is fancy yarns,books, weaving stuff,she always has a boooth at the sewing expo in Puyallup.
Did you look up the ASHFORD spinning wheels web site, it tells lots of stuff on there, as does all the other wheel makers.
Hope this helped some
Good luck
Shirl ey |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 12:21:25 PM
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Sherri,
I can also give you lots of peoples names to get fleeces and roving from |
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Patty MorningRamble
True Blue Farmgirl
65 Posts
Patty
Keene
TX
USA
65 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 8:09:17 PM
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I have an Ashford Traveller and love it. I also have an antique wheel that I use once in a while but the ashford is so easy to use and take with me when I am asked to demonstrate spinning. My oldest daughter has a wee peg, a bit fussy but spins nice.
http://morningramble.blogspot.com/
http://morningramblegifts.com/ |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 8:33:19 PM
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| Is the Ashford Traveller the more vertical wheel? |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 11:47:42 PM
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| Yes it is, its more compact than the tradional looking ones. The wheel is underneath the whorl. |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 11:49:26 PM
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| The wee Peggy isnt made anymore |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2007 : 11:56:40 PM
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ASHFORD TRAVELLER SPINNING WHEEL
A more compact wheel, easy to transport. Technically very similar to the Traditional but now available only with a double treadle. Has built-in bobbin holder instead of Lazy Kate. Available as a kit, either finished or unfinished. Includes 4 bobbins. Wheel diameter: 18"; Orifice: 3/8"; Ratios: 5.5, 10 and 14 to 1 for the single drive; 6.5, 8.5 and 11.5 to 1 for the double drive. Wood is New Zealand silverbeech. Options: jumbo flyer unit, lace flyer, turbo kit, double treadle kit (for those who purchased a Single Treadle wheel), extra bobbins, distaff, quill spindle. A good companion book is "The Ashford Book of Spinning."
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A word about single drive and double drive set-up - Which to choose.
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ktknits
True Blue Farmgirl
582 Posts
Kathy
Northwest Indiana
USA
582 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2007 : 05:36:48 AM
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Oh, what a wonderful thread to jump in on! I've been spinning for over 10 years, and it's a wonderful, exciting addiction!! I have a LouetS-75 (my workhorse), an Ashford Joy (my travel wheel), a Jensen Tina II (my fine spinner and beautiful piece of furniture), an Obadiah Tharp Great Wheel (my treasure--do any of you girls in the NW know anything about these? I just know he was a wheel maker in Washington or Oregon and he's passed away.), and an antique flax wheel that I really don't spin on.
I also love drop spindles, and have oh, probably 30-40 of them (Don't laugh--that's only 3 or 4 a year!!)
....and do check out Grace's fiber! I got some from her last spring, and it was absolutely wonderful!!
Kathy t
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2007 : 06:28:37 AM
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i hope we can keep this post going, and thanks sherri for starting it. it is inspiring me to get my wheel out and get over my "fears".
i really want to spin, cause i have a small herd of angora goats, and well, the girls give up beautiful fiber and i want to do something useful with it.
i bought a wheel off one of our farmsite sisters here, and was pleased with the whole process.
hope today to get out the wheel and get going, and i'm sure i'll have some questions as soon as i get going.
love
fran
(http://farmfolks-frannie.blogspot.com/) |
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emma.birdwhistle
True Blue Farmgirl
187 Posts
Elizabeth Ann
Ontario
Canada
187 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2007 : 07:11:33 AM
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I just wanted to chime in and say that I have an Ashford Traveler and I love it. I've been spinning on it for about three years, and I've become quite attached to it. I like the double treadle, and the whole thing is fairly easy to transport (this comes in handy because I mostly spin at festivals and pioneer villages and other places away from home). Of course I went backwards and learned to spin on a wheel before I tried drop-spindling. I'm picking up the drop spindle now, and it's so much fun! I've even made a few spindles, with a little help from my father. I still like my Ashford Traveler best, though. 
- Elizabeth
We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry.
E. B. White
http://resolutelyoutmoded.etsy.com
http://myspace.com/elizabethannbarlow |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2007 : 08:36:18 AM
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| Overall, which do you spinning ladies prefer - the single or double treadle? I was taking my lessons on a single and didn't get the opportunity to try the double. |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2007 : 08:37:57 AM
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| Shirley - I sent you an e-mail. |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2007 : 10:23:41 AM
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Just like the "apron" thread I hope too that we can keep this "spinning" thread going for a long time. I'm learning so much about all the different wheels and what each of you like the best and for what reasons. Being a novice, I really need all the info I can get and encouragement. My first attempt last Monday was rather feable and not very good. Hopefully I can catch on like I did with learning to knit and crochet. It's just trying to get my feet and hands to work at the same time that seems daunting. trying to concentrate on what their both doing at the same time gets to be frustrating. How do you all work that situation out? And I'd like to know your thoughts on wheather a double or single is the best to start out learning from.
Thanks in advance for all your thoughts and ideas.
Annie |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Spinning sites? |
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Spinning sites?
