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Stitching & Crafting Room:  spinning cotton today  |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 28 2008 : 10:48:38 AM
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I taught myself by looking at a book (The Ashford Book of Spinning)..and then got the opportunity to watch and learn from older gals at the spinning and weaving guild where I lived in Calif..got pointers at the spinning shop there too. It all helped.
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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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2008 : 8:39:08 PM
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A great way to deal with the dye coming off is after you have spun your yarn you have to st it so in that water placefor every 4 cups of water you place 1/4 cup white vinegar. The finegar will set the dye. Hope that helps.
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
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 07:38:30 AM
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Grace, thanks for the info!! Have you ever used dog brushes to card wool? I have read that you can but I am still wondering if it will work! I want to get carders, but I just don't have the money right now.
Monica
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 08:05:00 AM
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Aunt Jenny - where did you get your spinning wheel? I have one the same size and similar in looks, but it is over 200 hundred years old, and parts are missing. Did you get yours new? The photo of it and your rocker looked so inviting! I am glad you are having a good time spinning.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 10:23:04 AM
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Mine is an Ashford Traditional spinning wheel..only about 20 years old. It was new in the box when I got it..traded a rug I hooked for it to a lady who bought it and then never even put it together. I would check with a spinning shop for parts..there may be parts that would fit yours. Ashfords are made in New Zealand, but are very common all over the world. There is a book (in fact I have it around here somewhere) called "The care and feeding of spinning wheels" I think that is it..close to that anyhow..that is about finding parts and restoring old ones. I will look for my copy or try to find one for you...I bet that would help. Sounds like you have a treasure. I bet it could be made to work again..you never know!!
Monica..as for dog brushes...been there/tried that..the bristles are looser and finer and shorter on dog "slicker" brushes than on carders.Also the area of the bristles is alot smaller than cards too.. You can MAKE it work sort of, but more as a flick carder sort of thing..not really making rolags and all..worth a try until you can get some I guess..but the real thing works best.
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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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 10:48:19 AM
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I use dog brushes but not in the same way as a carder. I use them more like flicker brushes. That is when you take a lock of fiber hole it in the center of the staple length, place it on your thigh (with pants on) and them flick one end and then flip it over and flick the other. I would also only use dog brushes on protein fibers, they really do not work on plant material. Once you get better with your hands I love just spinning from the raw but that requires good fleece and well taught hands. I have shown students that if you lay out the tip to end and then end to tip your spinning is much more smooth and even. Good luck.
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
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 8:22:01 PM
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Aunt Jenny and Grace, Thank you so much for the input!!! I would rather wait and save up some money to get real carders than to buy brushes that are only kind of going to work. I really appreciate all of the advice and help!!! As I said earlier I did find a spinning group in Kingman, 30 miles from me so hopefully at some point I can get together with them!!
Any suggestions on a good book for carding and spinning your own wool or cotton? I think I am doing it right, but I guess I really am not sure!!!
Monica
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 9:55:51 PM
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The book I give to my beginner students is "Spin It - Making yarn from scratch by Lee Raven" I have sold many copies and I am very picky what books I sell. The go for $9.95 and teach you all the different types of spindles and the way to spin with them, fiber prep, washing, carding,combing, flicking, dyeing, spinning, plying, setting and then they even give you projects to make with you new yarn. You even get instructions on making your own spindal from a CD. I have plenty in stock if you are interested - no pressure. I have not found this one of the libraries but you can check you local one. I have donated several copies to local guild libraries and county libraries - I think that much of the book.
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
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 07:36:29 AM
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Grace, thank you! I saw the cover of Spin It online and oh my gosh I want a copy!!! Now all I have to do is sell some stuff first. I did get new stuff listed on etsy so hopefully... My husband and I have started trying to stay on a budget which means all my fun little stuff like roving and books comes out of my money, which is no fun considering I haven't sold anything lately. How much is shipping on it because I will probably get one from you soon! Once again thank you!!
Aunt Jenny, do you have any pictures of the yarn you have spun? I would love to see some!!
Monica
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 10:54:50 AM
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I don't have that book Grace...my..may have to order one next time I have extra $$!!
Monica..I will look for some pictures of yarn I have spun..must have some somewhere on my computer!
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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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 3:58:47 PM
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If you do not make me put it on etsy (you know the fee's and such) I will do the shipping for free. I love getting folks excited about spinning - anyway I can help I sure jump at the chance.
Keep those fingers busy.
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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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 6:14:14 PM
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Hey Grace...check out my blog today..I posted about spinning up that "sample pack " of wool colors I got from you. Even a picture...not of the yarn much..but me and my dirty bare feet spinning it..daughter had the camera out...
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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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2008 : 08:02:22 AM
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Grace, I thought of the fees on etsy too!! I will e-mail you to get your address because I don't want to get too far down the road only to find out I missed something important and I am in love with the cover of the book!!! I am also going to have to go on etsy and order some of the blue cocoons because they are just calling my name too loudly!!!
Monica
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
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MullersLaneFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
596 Posts
Rock Falls
IL
596 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2008 : 2:04:40 PM
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Wow! I didn't realize there were so many spinners here!
A girl is gone from the forum and year or so and look what happens!
Cyndi
Muller's Lane Farm http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2008 : 4:55:00 PM
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HEY CYNDI!! so good to see you back here! I missed you!!
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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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4196 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4196 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2008 : 6:27:45 PM
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This is almost like being in a spinning guild. I have enjoyed reading the posts about spinning. Cyndi, I really like your web site. Lots of good info on it. I got the book Grace mentions. It is great. I got it in a beginning drop spindle class I took. That is what got me started. Now I have a spinning wheel, a loaned drum carder, and plenty of wool to get at! ( I need more fun time and less work!) I wish we could all gettogether and spin and learn. I have so much to learn yet!
Michele |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2008 : 6:39:18 PM
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Hey Jenny I love spinning in barefeet - on my farm and house there is no such thing as clean feet. I love seeing the cow your watching - I am glad it is you and not me - way to hot to be milking. I have been sitting here with no water for a day - pump went out and they are bringing a new one Aug 8th - luckly I am the weird person who puts up water in the basement for emergencies. I ammade because I wanted to be dyeing fiber this week but - best plans - I just sat down and spun some soy silk to center myself.
I will await you email about the book Monica - even in the heat there is nothing like spinning. Stay cool everyone.
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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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 31 2008 : 10:59:23 PM
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I am glad to be done with the cowsitting tonight. My hands and wrists ached all day today..ugh!!
It was fun but it would have been more fun for two days instead of 4. I prefer to milk my own cow with my own setup...just more handy for sure.
My husband and two kids that were gone are home now..and the house is alot less quiet....but it is nice to have all my chicks under one roof again..at least the little ones. (I have three grown boys) Hoping to spin more of the blue streak cotton tomorrow. I need to wash the skiens that are done...8 oz worth.
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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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
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DianaMT
Farmgirl in Training
46 Posts
Diana
Billings
Montana
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2008 : 9:37:17 PM
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Hi All,
My computer crashed the next day after posting in here! I have been chomping at the bit to read about all the spinning posts!
Jenny, I am with you on the distraction part. I hate spinning the same yarn for very long. I haven't tackled cotton yet, so when I do, you'll feel me tugging at your apron strings for help! LOL
Monica - which dyes are you using? Grace is right about the vinegar. Reds can be real hard to set (IMO) and I will simmer my wool in a crockpot for about 5 hours. I use LOTS of vinegar to make sure it sets. With the pro chem dyes, salt is needed to help stabilize the color.
As for the dog brush, before I got my other equip., I used the dog brush to brush out each lock of wool (top and bottom), and spun it from that. This makes a very compact yarn. I spun it worsted and used it for socks for my dh. They are very hardwearing!
Anyway, I am pleased to be back and read all that everyone is doing!
Diana
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2008 : 07:30:56 AM
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Diane, I am so glad someone got this thread going again! The wool I was spinning was some that I had purchased already dyed. Some spots were very dark pink and it would rub off a tiny bit on my fingers while I was spinning it. I did what grace said and it seems to be okay now! Right now I am spinning some beautiful blue and purple merino wool. Actually I have yarn started on 3 spindles! I couldn't wait to see what they would spin like!!
Monica
Farmgirls Rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2008 : 2:00:45 PM
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Wow That get together to spin and dye sounds really great!!! I was wondering if anyone can tell me , Can you dye the cotton yarns that you buy like the peaches and cream and stuff like that. I have a large white spool of cotton yarn and I was thinking of trying to dye it but don't know if it will work. Any Ideas? Beverley
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
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DianaMT
Farmgirl in Training
46 Posts
Diana
Billings
Montana
USA
46 Posts |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2008 : 5:49:32 PM
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Thanks for the info Beverley with an extra E .
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: spinning cotton today |
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spinning cotton today
