| Author |
Stitching & Crafting Room:  what is your biggest splurge on yarn?  |
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 12:33:04 PM
|
oh Monica, you're gonna go nuts when you get a wheel!! I spun on a drop spindle for about 6 months before i could afford a wheel (I got a Babe, first - they're funny "ghetto" wheels but pretty affordable!)
|
 |
|
|
Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 3:53:05 PM
|
Bonne and others - here's my farm website but my pay pal buttons aren't up to date for my current supply of yarns...I have a hard time keeping up with it all, just email me if you find something you are curious about
http://www.cookecreeksheep.com which is also http://www.washingtontexels.com. I haven't posted my farm site on here...not sure why but just haven't. Silly me. It's been going for quite a long time now 5+ years. The Coopworth yarn is lovely for socks and hats and mittens. Texel is great for hats. Oh yeah, scarves are awesome from the Coopworth too.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
|
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 4:33:11 PM
|
Jami, I will be getting a hold of you when I need more roving!!!!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 4:49:16 PM
|
Maggi
I am so glad you share your thoughts. I have spent 12 years trying to get folks to understand that the way in which industry gets the cost down is at the expense of the animal. At my farm the animals have never received docking of their tails, band castration or polling of horns. I think all of those are only the easy of the human. I know it is not popular and not the mainstream way of doing things but as the saying goes " Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome " Yes I may have to fix my fences more because a billy has decided to go thru the fence inside of thru the gate but I know many a two legged who do the same and we do not cut their balls off and take their hands off. Horns are also the one way animals cool themselves, protect themselves and scratch themselves. I will get off my soap box and go kiss my goats and spin something wonderfull from their latest haircut. By the way I do their haircuts with scissors like I cut my own hair with - I do a much better job on them too.
Happy spinning all and please purchase local - our farms are going under and our four legged family members will be homesless.
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
|
|
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 5:13:07 PM
|
Grace, I hope you are feeling better!
I guess no matter where you go you can't get away from the corporate world! From GMO foods to inhumane wool it almost seems impossible! I am glad there are sources for wool that is from animals treated well and even though it may cost more, there really is no comparison to me because I couldn't take pleasure in spinning knowing the suffering the animals went through! And I love to spin!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
Edited by - oldfashioned girl on Sep 03 2008 6:01:31 PM |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 5:27:51 PM
|
Hey Monica
Still dealing with this huge sinus thing - Never in my life have I been this sick - my son even can't remember me with this much icky, ucky stuff. Oh Well, still breathing and miss the animals. How's the spinning?
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
|
|
|
|
Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 6:11:46 PM
|
Grace, sorry to hear that you have been down and out. God speed to a rapid recovery.
I like the way you all think! We are keepers of the past and of the future!
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
|
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Sep 03 2008 : 7:22:32 PM
|
Grace, All I have to say is, I have to get a wheel! I honestly can't imagine buying yarn now that I can make it, but I can only spin so fast on a drop spindle! I would love to make my girls sweaters for Christmas and I don't think I can spin enough by then on a spindle! I am so hooked on spinning!! I have gotten 2 small skeins finished and I am still working on the silk thread which is going to take a while!
I will be praying that you get better very soon!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
Edited by - oldfashioned girl on Sep 03 2008 7:33:47 PM |
|
|
|
Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 08:14:32 AM
|
Grace, I can appreciate your management style of your sheep and goats. Some of us have had to diversify to include the commercial markets into our farms to keep the farm viable and must castrate and dock tails to market lambs commercially (we raise polled varieties). We still try to keep it all as humane as possible and minimize trauma but otherwise we couldn't keep our sheep operation in business. If people would stay local I guess we wouldn't have to sell commercially but there is still a lot of education to be done about buying local. I know you gals here are like preaching to the choir...you all know this stuff, but the masses are just opening their eyes to it.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
|
|
|
Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 08:36:41 AM
|
Posting this info on a public forum like this is a good step towards educating the masses. I know I've learned a lot.
Unfortunately, I've also become curious about spinning and happened to browse CraigsList for spinning wheels~LOL
And to think I left all the antiques with my Ex!!! We had an old spinning wheel and yarn winder (weasel) ARRGGHH!!!!!wwahhhhh!!!!!
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
|
|
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 10:13:51 AM
|
Bonne, That's exactly what I thought when I first got interested in spinning, but then I found drop spindles. It's a good way to get started if you really want to spin. Drop spindles run anywhere from about 15.00 and up depending on how fancy they are and you can also find directions online to make your own for a few dollars. There are kits on etsy that have a spindle, wool and sometimes instruction books with it! If you go to www.graftonfibers.com they have good instructions on spinning with a spindle! Spinning is really a lot of fun and very relaxing! I will warn you though, it can become habit forming!!!!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
|
|
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 10:25:25 AM
|
| Since i've become a spinner, I just CRINGE at all the stories i hear about the demise of old spinning wheels "Oh, we had grandma's in the attic - i just let the kids play on it".... or "I sold that at a garage sale for 20 bucks" or, the worst one I ever heard - someone let their kids throw an old, perfectly useable spinning wheel out a third story window, because she didn't want it and her kids wanted to see it break. can you IMAGINE?!?!?!? |
|
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 11:46:47 AM
|
Maggie, shame on that mother to teach her children to destroy perfectly good things! I have to say though I would go nut to find one at a garage sale for 20.00
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
|
|
|
Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 12:57:33 PM
|
I may have to investigate this drop spindle business. A spinning friend I had a few years ago tried to get me to do it, but I poo-poo'ed the idea. Next on my "to do"list of crafts. I need more, you know? Although they wouldn't take up the room that a wheel would. I'm way overextended on lack of room anymore. Sewing machines I trip over constantly. lol Thanks Monica. (I'm viewing YouTube videos as we speak....)
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
|
Edited by - Bonne on Sep 04 2008 1:11:16 PM |
|
|
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 2:45:29 PM
|
bonne, hon, i have an embarassing number of drop spindles. I'd be delighted to give you one. consider it "trade" for your enablement of my treadle-lust......
i must say, I had to have someone show me how. i watched videos and even bought a book but couldn't "get" it until i had someone show me. you may not be that way, but if you are...find some spinners in your area. they would LOVE to help. (Spinners are the most helpful people i have ever met, i swear). |
|
|
|
Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 8:08:33 PM
|
Jami
I so understand your possion..... Many lamb raisers have gone under and I know that commercial markets require certain things. For the first seven years I went about finding customers thru education so I did not have to change the way I wished to raise my animals. After just two years we had waiting lists for our meat and also for our offspring. Not every area in the country appreciates a new way and I never wish someone to go under - I wish you all the best in your market and farm. Our work is long, our words can fall on deaf ears but the light shines in the distance - I walk with you each step.
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
|
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 8:21:26 PM
|
Bonne, Grace is not joking! She has been a huge help to me in getting started spinning and she also has some of the most wonderful stuff to spin on her etsy site!
Grace, when you are feeling better I would like to get the info on the wheels you told me about, but get better first!
Monica
farmgirls rule
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
|
|
|
grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 8:58:43 PM
|
Thanks for everyone's prayers and kind words - today I had to give in and call my oldest son to come tomorrow and help out. I am still just trying to get the animal chores done each day. I am hoping at some point soon I will turn the corner.... Today my mother even treating to come down - that really would send me over the edge - I guess I do not make a very good patient.
I have not forgotten you Monica - I have a Babe single treadle with extra bobbins, instructions and 2 ounces of fiber priced at $125.00.
That does not include the shipping and insurance.
I have a Fricke S -160 with one bobbin, an extra drive band and 2 ounces of fiber priced at $175.00
That does not include the shipping and insurance.
Last is my favorite - it is a EVE which was made in Sweden and you can not purchase them anymore. It spins like a dream and is a collectors wheels. This wheel goes for over $1,000.00 in some circles - not sure if I am ready to part with these one - I also think this is out of the budget you had in mind.
If any sounds of interest I can send pictures and further information. Sorry again for the huge delay - really I have never been this sick for this long - need to have a long take with this old body.
Again thanks to everyone for their kinds words and good wishes. I believe postive thinking goes a long way to recovery. The sadest part of this is I can not touch or kiss by four legged furry babies until I am all better - Sucks!!!
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
|
|
|
|
Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 9:20:22 PM
|
Bless your heart, Grace. I know it is hard but try to take it easy and give the load to a healthy soul and let your body rest and recover. I am not a good patient either. I really think as long as I can keep moving and putting one foot in front of the other, I can make it. Take some good medicine, watch a few movies or read a good book, take some more good medicine and sleep and get well really soon!
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
|
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 9:24:51 PM
|
Grace, I hope you get to see the animals soon and hug them!!! I think I am getting attached to Bam Bam at the farmers market! When I was there last time he looked so hot! They are not going to shear him until October when there is someone in town to do it! You said you do it with scissors! Is it hard to do and when should they be sheared! I think I have a million new questions for you now! I have some better pictures of him I will try to send you!
Which wheel would you recommend! I think I mostly want to do thinner yarn! I like small intricate things and I don't think I could spin thick yarn!
Whatever you do, please take care of yourself first!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
|
|
|
Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2008 : 08:33:38 AM
|
Grace!! You enabler!!! I hate that I can afford those first 2. Sweden? Maybe if my hubby makes me a wheel I could call it "Swedish made"? ROFL
No , I don't want to wait 10 yrs for one. Shipping? How about I come pick up and do a few animal chores while I'm at it? I'll take whichever one Monica doesn't want~I'm looking to do bulky yarns.
Monica, I hate you for doing this to me.
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
|
|
|
|
prairielandherbs
True Blue Farmgirl
690 Posts
Maggie
Iowa
USA
690 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2008 : 08:50:31 AM
|
| Jumping right in the deep end huh Bonne?! :) I started with a Babe! They are really quite sturdy. |
|
|
|
oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2008 : 09:57:16 AM
|
Bonne, I still love you! Actually I figured it's all Mary Jane's fault for starting Farmgirl Connection! I couldn't help it especially after reading the spinners and weavers thread and I did warn you that it's habit forming!!!
Monica
Farmgirls Rule!!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
|
|
|
Stitching & Crafting Room: what is your biggest splurge on yarn? |
|
what is your biggest splurge on yarn?
