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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Spinners and Weavers  |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 29 2008 : 08:44:43 AM
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It's great to have so many spinners/weavers here. I started to spin because we have sheep. I started out on an Ashford Traditional off of Ebay...learned a lot and had a great time going to spin-ins and learning from the local "guild"...nothing too formal in this one but a bunch of spinners and knitters. I am lucky to have them! Then moved to a used Majacraft Rose wheel (travels way better than the Ashford Traddy) and I love this wheel more than I should...it's way up there on my list of loves!
I like spinning the Coopworth the best of our breeds...I so adore wool! Just bought a hotplate so I can start dyeing outside since the sheer clean-up in my kitchen was something that kept me from doing it as much as I'd like. Might start doing some spinning again in the evenings so I can dye and dry while it's warm.
Jami in WA
Okay, so now I have a blog. http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
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Sandra K. Licher
True Blue Farmgirl
1106 Posts
Sandra
Horseshoe Bend
Arkansas
1106 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2008 : 09:45:07 AM
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Thanks Fran! I'm thinking of planning some "learning" vacations in the future so that would be a good one! I'll take a look and let you know if I go. Thanks again!
Sam in AR..... "It's a great life if you don't weaken!"
Farmgirl Sister #226 |
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2008 : 1:53:32 PM
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I have one of the little pocket looms that Grace talked about too, and my 11 year olds (I have two of them ) LOVE it. They have been weaving bookmarks and mug rugs on it for a few years. It is from a company called Goodwood and I bought it years ago at my favorite spinning and weaving shop in Solvang Calif ( village spinning and weaving) I love it.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
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 |
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2008 : 9:45:54 PM
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| hi all, i have just gotten a lap loom without any instrcutions so am just kinda playing with it and seeing what happens. it wont weave anything fine so i am certain that i will soon be wanting another! this one i picked up at a yard sale for $10. i am hoping to take spinning lessons this winter. it is a long drive to town so it will kinda depend on when she is available. the lady i will take my lessons from has a shop called the spinning room, that i frequent for my beads and beading supplies, and have really gotten the itch to spin and weave when i see the wonderful things she makes! the last time i was in she had a couple of finished scarves made form soy. wow! they feel like silk! she spins all kinds of yarns from wool to silk to quiveat (spelling?)and who knows what else lol.some ladies in the area even spin their dog hair! with so many mushers dog hair is easy to get! lol i have to start really small as i have no room for a large wheel or loom. any suggestions for getting started with my lap loom would be appreciated! she told me that it has about 10 threads per inch so pretty coarse stuff. i started a belt type thing and find that i am having a hard time keeping the tension even on the edges. peace connie in alaska |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2008 : 10:52:52 PM
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Oh Connie..you will love spinning for sure. I have spun dog hair..some is nice some isn't..I loved samoyed, husky and malamute...probably alot like what musher's dogs would be..right? It is awsome.
There are alot of books on weaving. I have one that I think has some stuff on lap looms. I see quite a few at the library too, if you have one near you it is worth checking out! The edges do take some practice...have fun!!
You might find used books on weaving on Amazon.com too. I find some amazing books there. I wish there was a spinning / weaving shop near here.nearest one is an hour and 1/2 away and that isn't their specialty at all.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
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 |
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2008 : 11:19:25 PM
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thanks much for the idea jenny. i will call the library and have them bring out some books on weaving when the mobile library comes to our mountain next month (hmm maybe its this saturday will have to check the schedule!)in the meantime i will just keep on experimenting and havign fun!
i am a little concerned about spinning as my hands do not always do as i ask them in anything but i am gonna give it a good try! i am truly trying to be as self sustaining as possible. if i can spin and weave i can add that to crocheting and possibly knitting on making our own clothing. those dogs are truly what most mushers use and i have an "in" with a friend who has dogs! i sure picked the hardest place in north america do do it tho lol!
i want to learn to tan moose hide, as well as other hides for clothing and shoes, but it takes so much strength which i have a very limited amount of *sigh* why didnt i do this years ago??? se' la vie' live and learn as they say lol.
peace connie in alaska |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2008 : 09:37:12 AM
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There is a book (I have a copy) called "Spinning Dog Hair" that is wonderful. I am sure there is more than one book.
As far as spinning...I bet you won't have a problem..I have seen many elderly gals even, with arthritis be able to spin..they just have to adjust their finger grip and all....you will be able to work it out.
I really want to tan hides some day too, and have a couple books on that. Someday I guess. I need to get on that. I feel the same way...why havn't I done this years ago? I need to get a move on..haha.
I think Alaska sounds wonderful...The one place I would love to go visit that is out of the lower 48. I am not much of a traveler...love to just be home...but I want to see alaska someday for sure.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
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 |
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frannie
True Blue Farmgirl
2246 Posts
fran
bonham
texas
USA
2246 Posts |
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2008 : 10:24:10 PM
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i made arrangements iwth my friend to save the hair from her malemute. she says it is the only one that doesnt stink lol. wanna know something funny? i NEVER planned on even visiting alaska! in fact i swore i would never even set foot in alaska! be careful about naming the well you wont drink from! lol i cannot tell you how much i love it!
i have reynauds and fibromyalgia which are both "cousins" to rheumatiod arthritus. i am gonna make my body work for me whether it wants to or not! at 53 i am too young too be old!! but still wish i had done this years ago! i was always the "flower child/hippie" who wanted to live in a commune! lol. peace connie in alaska |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 03 2008 : 10:48:25 PM
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You know what Connie..I will look for the dog hair spinning book and if you want it I will send it to you, okay? I don't know that I will get the chance again any time soon,and I HAVE done it so I know I can..it is pretty interesting. If I find it I will let you know, okay? It is just a small paperback but worth reading!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
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 |
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 12:04:19 AM
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| that would be wonderful jenny!! i read books like i breathe! all the time lol. and when i can actually learn something in the process it is just that much better! peace connie in alaska |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 7:43:43 PM
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I know nothing about spinning but I'd sure like to learn out it. I'd like to use the end results in my crochet. Well, maybe someday....
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
http://nostalgichomemaking.blogspot.com |
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Cheekyredhead
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Christine
Lansdale
PA
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 7:51:54 PM
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Hi Kimberly Ann,
Spinning doesn't have to cost much to start and is very easy to learn.
TTFN
Cheeky
Sister #243
Imagine the view from the top of your dreams
www.getaclew.blogspot.com |
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 10:29:02 PM
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i like "finer" items so need a fairly fine yarn. would i be able to accomplish this with just a drop spindle? dont think hubby will be ready to buy me a spinning wheel quite yet as i already have my heart set on a new loom that weaves finer than my lap loom! oh and i just finished my first peice! made a belt for myself!
peace connie in alaska |
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Cheekyredhead
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Christine
Lansdale
PA
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2008 : 07:13:10 AM
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I usually spin lace weight yarns on my drop spindles. I get plenty of yardage too.
TTFN
Cheeky
Sister #243
Imagine the view from the top of your dreams
www.getaclew.blogspot.com |
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2008 : 10:40:58 PM
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| wow that make me feel good. is using a spindle much more difficult on your hands than a wheel? what kind of spindle do you use? peace connie in alaska |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2008 : 11:34:38 PM
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I'll have to do a google on this because I don't know the difference between a spindle and a spinning wheel (other than rumplestiltskin). :-)
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
http://nostalgichomemaking.blogspot.com |
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Cheekyredhead
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Christine
Lansdale
PA
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2008 : 2:17:58 PM
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Spinning on a drop spindle is the older (as in 20,000 years older) method of spinning.
A drop spindle will certinly cost you less money than a spinning wheel. I like my spindles for the portability and I like my wheels because I can produce more yarn faster in one sitting than I can on my spindles. The differences between the "how" of the two types of spinning are really pretty minor. Most people learn to spin first on a spindle then move onto a wheel, precisely because the spindle is a bit slower.
Here are some links you might find usefull:
http://www.joyofhandspinning.com/
http://www.interweave.com/spin/
http://www.paradisefibers.net/
TTFN
Cheeky
Sister #243
Imagine the view from the top of your dreams
www.getaclew.blogspot.com |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2008 : 3:34:42 PM
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Thanks, Cheeky. I'll definitely check these out. Now if I can find some alpaca fleece to try out, I'll be set! (Once I get a spindle, that is....eBay here I come.)
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
http://nostalgichomemaking.blogspot.com |
Edited by - CherryPie on Jul 06 2008 3:42:07 PM |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
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Cheekyredhead
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Christine
Lansdale
PA
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2008 : 6:25:55 PM
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IMO a top whorl is easier because you can start learning to spin sitting down and catch the shaft of your spindle between your knees to stop it from turn backwards as you try to draft. This is called the Park and Draft method. You can do the P&D with a bottom whorl too. I've taught a whole lot of folks to spin in the last 15 years of teaching and I've just found that folks "get it" faster with a top whorl.
TTFN
Cheeky
Sister #243
Imagine the view from the top of your dreams
www.getaclew.blogspot.com |
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eskimobirdlady
True Blue Farmgirl
700 Posts
connie
fairbanks
ak
USA
700 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2008 : 7:17:47 PM
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| looks like i will be buying a top whorl then *grin*. thanks much! peace connie in alaska |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2008 : 7:46:56 PM
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Thanks for the tip. I found a kit on eBay that includes a spindle and some wool, so I will be giving it a whorl! (teehee)
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
http://nostalgichomemaking.blogspot.com |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2008 : 6:09:48 PM
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I am going to have to figure out how to clean a lot faster to keep up with all the new things I want to try from looking on farmgirl connection. My next door neighbor from where I grew up in Ohio cards, spins and weaves her own pieces and when I was younger I used to help her card wool. I found wool on a etsy site called loop that is just beautiful colors and I looked into a wheel but that is out of the question price-wise especially considering I just ordered a pleater that my husband let me get for my birthday. Praise God I found drop spindles which I can afford. I knit, crochet, quilt, sew, and do tatting. I want to learn to make lace and I am fascinated with spinning. I think I just have a thing for making as much of my own stuff by hand as possible. My mom always says I should have been born a hundred years before I was but maybe I am here now to help preserve hand work that may otherwise be lost
Kimberly Ann I am going to order one of those kits also. Good luck with yours.
Monica www.justducky.etsy.com
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Edited by - oldfashioned girl on Jul 09 2008 8:16:11 PM |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Spinners and Weavers |
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Spinners and Weavers
