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Stitching & Crafting Room:  starting a new cyber spindle spinning group  |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 28 2009 : 2:32:07 PM
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Hi everyone, on another chat forum on this site, I've proposed a spindle spinning chat group. You would hopefully learn how to spin your own yarns on drop spindles, not hard but does take some practice!
You can get or make drop spindles fairly easily, and internet searches can pull up directions, tutorials, etc. Not to tout my own, but I do have some nice spindling kits on my etsy store.
http://knit1tat2.etsy.com
You don't have to buy from me to join the chat group, but let's get together to chat about learning, dos and don'ts, what to do with the yarns, what you do with the yarns, etc.!
I've been spinning for over 40 yrs, and knitting/crocheting for longer than that. You won't be sorry, and it is a lot of fun along with some frustration! Want to join? Lorna Jean
we create our own economy |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2009 : 3:16:19 PM
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Me again, I've posted some photos of what I've knit, some from handspun, and homedyed yarns. Just so you can see my credentials, so to speak. Thanks folks, Lorna Jean
http://photobucket.com/knit1tat2
we create our own economy |
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britchickny
True Blue Farmgirl
1048 Posts
Angie
Port Orange
Florida
1048 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2009 : 3:38:57 PM
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Hi Lorna, this sounds really neat. Earlier this fall I bartered for a drop spindle and received a lovely hand-made one and some fleece from a fellow farmgirl. I then took a class to learn how to drop spin. But, I am now having problems. The spinning with the right hand is okay but it's the left that I am struggling with. Using the right hand to feed the fleece and the left to tease out the fleece. (Is it fleece? Am I using the right term?)
The spin is going way up into the yarn in my hand and I am ending up with rope. 
ANGIE
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2
http://www.pinkroomponderings.blogspot.com/ |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2009 : 3:42:02 PM
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Lorna Jean, I love your shawl!! The sweaters in the other pic are incredible!! Oh you make me want to get out my knitting needles!! Ever since I started spinning, I haven't had much time at all to knit, but after seeing all of your pieces you have done it makes me want to start something!!
What do you think of the books with directions to knit 2 socks at one time on round needles? I was thinking of getting one, but read some reviews that were not so good!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2009 : 6:51:40 PM
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Hi Girls, Angie, it may help you to predraft your wool before trying to spin it. Without the drop spindle, take your roving or wool and pull on it gently, stretching it to about a pencil diameter thickness. Work with a piece of roving about a foot long, then stretch it out, then try spinning the predrafted roving.
I gently hold the roving in my right hand, bunched up but able to pull out without hinderance. My left hand spins the spindle, then works between the right hand and spindle, pulling out the fibers to desired thickness, and holding the spin back until you get a length of yarn the thickness you desire. Spin the spindle, pull out a length of roving until it's as thick as you like, unpinch your left hand fingers, repinch up towards your right hand and let the spin follow the left hand up but stop where you pinched again. The right hand also helps to draft by pulling back as the left hand pulls away.
Am I making sense? If not don't hesitate to ask further.
we create our own economy |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2009 : 6:55:24 PM
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Monica, I have a book about two socks on two circ. but I've never even opened it! The best way I've found to beat second sock syndrum, or keep track of a tricky pattern, is to knit both socks on two different sets of straight needles. Knit the cuff on one, then the other, knit a pattern repeat on one, then the other, etc. You get the end about the same time on each one, and didn't take much longer if at all. Just my way of doing things. I love circ. needles for large projects, but find them unwieldy for smaller ones. Learning to knit with 3-5 needles is worth the effort. Thanks for the interest ladies, hope you all have a great night! Lorna Jean
we create our own economy |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2009 : 9:10:36 PM
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Lorna Jean, I was curious about the book "Knitting Circles Around Socks" Some say it's easier and you can also do it from the toe up! Others say it's not that good! I actually have done socks with 4 needles and I have to say I do have a small collection of 5 needle sets and some wonderful vintage sock patterns! It would help to do them at the same time!!!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2009 : 3:38:33 PM
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Hi, I've not heard about that book, but my friend swears by knitting from the toe up, and the replaceable heel for her socks. Instead of darning the heal, just pull out those stitches and reknit. Don't know how it's done, but she loves the process of it, and she knits lots more socks than I do.
The whole idea is to enjoy the knitting, and get a pair of socks at the end. Many are the ways to get there! Hope everyone is doing well, Lorna Jean
we create our own economy |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2009 : 6:55:11 PM
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This is a topic that I love...spinning, knitting socks! I have several drop spindles and spinning wheels...I also love to knit socks. I have a stock pile of yarn and wool ( I have a spinner's flock which has grown over the years). I love to knit socks too. Monica, I have the book of knitting 2 socks on one long circ. needle, looked through it but I am like Lorna, I enjoy knitting both socks at the same time on different sets of needles.
Angie, I would give you the same advise as Lorna. The main thing is to not give up, some wool is also easier to spinn than other, also a greasy wool that is not cleaned good will be harder to spin.
I am getting ready to make another pair of stuffed mittens. I think I posted pictures last winter on my blog. Things have been so hectic since lambing season last Spring but I am ready to get out the knitting, spinning and weaving again and shut out the world for a few days. Last winter I dyed up several skeins of wool yarn and I love to go through my wool fleeces and take out the wool in stables to knit in my mittens. They are so easy and sooooo warm.
What is your favorite breed of sheep's wool that you like to spin?
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2009 : 9:30:23 PM
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Sarita, Great to hear from you! I hope all is going well! I think knitting both socks at the same time on separate sets of needles sounds like the way to go!
I don't know if I have a particular favorite! I love the Corriedale fleece that I got from you and I also have some Romney that I like! I do really like spinning silk and mohair too! Too many choices!
Lorna Jean, The replaceable heel sounds interesting! I may have to check that out!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2009 : 2:34:27 PM
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Hi, Sarita! I have a blue coopworth, a white coopworth, and a CVM all oler ewes, all in need of a boy friend. I'm aiming for a Targhee ram, but they are very pricey though a nice flock is only miles away.
I like any of the high grade medium wools to spin, and the softer long wools. And good clean alpaca is a joy too! Dog hair is kinda hard (slippery, and has to be long enough). Angora is ok, but always mix it!!!!!
I enjoyed spinning flax the once I tried it. Don't know if I remember how to dress a distaff anymore. And combed top is wonderful to spin too, as a treat from rovings.
I condider myself a functional knitter, I knit to decorate and enhance the wardrobe or home. And boy, having been a spinner for 42 years, I'm sure picky about any yarns I buy!!!!!! My friends call me a yarn snob, but life is too short to work with something I don't enjoy!
I'm sure enjoying meeting you gals here! I'm not spindle spinning right now, but am spinning some blue coopworth. Just might need some more two ply for the shawl I'm knitting.
Hope everyone is enjoying warm fuzzys tonight, Lorna Jean
we create our own economy |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2009 : 7:08:40 PM
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Monica, sounds like you are busy...so happy that you have your new carder. Is it working OK for you.
Lorna Jean, I have heard Targhee wool is wonderful. I too am picky about what yarn I use to knit my items with. I purchased some Coopworth wool from Jami in Washington and knitted a scarf that is so soft and cosy.
I have a flock that has Shetlands, blue faced Leicesters, Oxfords, Corriedales, and polypays. I have did quite a bit of cross breeding in the last 2 years. The shetlands are so hardy and have a very long wool that I love to spin so I have did some crossing to get the hardiness in my flock. (I had shetlands separate from Corriedales and others for the first few years.) Last year I used White Knight (a blue faced Border Leicester) for my ram and I had some beautiful white lambs that have beautiful wool. They were very hardy and very gentle in nature. WK is the sweetest ram that I have ever been around.
I just took a scarf off the table top loom that was hand spun from my flock. I would have liked it to be a little more softer.
Fussy warm thoughts to all.
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4205 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4205 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 04:54:17 AM
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I took a class on drop spindle,and then got a wheel and taught myself. After watching some you tube videos. Dont' know if I do it right or not, but my yarn is getting better, and it does hold together. I figure it a success. And when it does not twist when it comes off the niddy noddy, yahh......! I have a black ewe and a white wether. Leichester and Shetland cross. The black ewe does seem to change color every year. She is almost gone to a soft brownish reddish this year. The wool from last year is a grey shade. So so much for black!
Sometimes I do question if I have enough twist in my yarn. Is that something I should try to count?? Any suggestions??
thanks Michele |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 4:36:10 PM
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Michele, if your yarn is holding together, good enough. I usually do a two ply and when I am done and skein it and if it does not twist too much one way or the other, then I feel good. Some of my first yarns were really thick and uneven but over time the yarn is more uniform and now I can spin lace weight but prefer the home spun look.
Have you ever wondered what draws you to spinning? When you are spinning, do you ever try to think how the pilgram and pioneer ladies ever survived? Making all the clothes from scratch? Knitting hats, socks, scarves....spinning the flax, cotton, or wool?????
Michele, I know what you mean about the shetlands changing colors. I had a black ewe and she has stayed black and she had a black ewe lamb and her name is Isabel. Isabel is 3 years old now and she is a cinnamon brown.
Another question: did you start out with a drop spindle and once you got a spinning wheel, do you still use the drop spindle?
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2009 : 4:56:56 PM
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Hi all, I'm back, and enjoying the very mild weather so far! I learned to spin on a drop spindle when I was 17, but once on the wheel, I've seldom picked one up since! I now have 3 wheels, and have had many more and sold several. I think these are keepers!
Black wool will grey out, and sunbleach at least on the tips, sometimes deeper into the lock. A true black is very hard to find. I love the blue coopworths because they are a wonderful gray that stays that way their whole life.
This is my 4th flock of sheep, and I've sold down from nearly 10 to these 3 because of divorce. For a while didn't know if I could keep the farm, but my son is picking up the payments and helping out a lot, so here I am still and yet! And now I'd like a boyfriend for the ladies!
The old timers used to spin the long draw a lot, a trick I've never learned. The way I spin it takes years to out fit a family in warm goods. I just taught them how to take care of the woolies, and passed them down the line when outgrowen.
Now the family requests things sometimes. My son likes his thumb warmers, which another one is due for Christmas here. (his is dog hair/wool) and before the divorce, dhx liked his dog hair/wool socks. Several have asked for my wrist warmers, no finger gloves that have long wrists too. Great for cold offices, arthritis, etc.
Hope you're all enjoying the spring weather as much as I am! (raking leaves for bedding, and now for garden mulch. Got the blackberries and raspberries done now!) Lorna Jean
we create our own economy |
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Sheep Mom 2
True Blue Farmgirl
1534 Posts
Sheri
Elk
WA
USA
1534 Posts |
Posted - Nov 09 2009 : 3:15:02 PM
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Hi Sarita - so glad to see you are posting again has your schedule slowed down a bit? I am happy to report that I am knitting a lace stole from 2 play shetland that I spun myself. My first project from my own yarn, from my own sheep. What a joy to finally reach this level. It sure took awhile for me to get a decent yarn (of course I was pretty busy with the wedding this year as a lot of you know) but I finally have a yarn acceptable enough to do the kind of knitting I love. I owe a lot of it to you, Sarita for all your advice on processing the fleeces. Thanks ever so much.
Lorna Jean, when you spin dog hair do you blend it with other wool? I only have Viking combs and handcards - can it successfully be blended that way? I have been saving dog hair for a l-o-n-g time (Anatolain and Huskey) which is what made me want to spin in the first place. Now I have two wheels, 5 sheep and a livingroom full of bags of washed, uncarded fleece.....That's me, in for a penny in for a pound!!
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Nov 09 2009 : 4:29:42 PM
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Hi Sheri, dog hair can be hand carded into wool, or if long enough fiber, spun as is and plyed against wool. Dog hair can be a bit 'scratchy' but some isn't. I blend it with wool either way to make it easier to spin, and also to turn down the btu's a bit too! All dog hair, in two or three ply, makes a fabric that most folks find way too hot to wear! But it's great for folks who've had frostbite, or reattachments after amputations (digits and limbs tend to get cold very easily) and other circulation problems. That's the applications I use it for. Spun 2 lbs of Samoyed once, and the gal had a sweater, hat and mitts made from it. An avid skier, and this is in Northern Minn. mind you, she would wear a light cotton blouse or turtle neck under the sweater, and she wouldn't/couldn't wear a coat while skiing! But the turtle neck on the sweater had to open with a button loop, as pure dog hair yarn has no stretch. Mixing or plying with wool helps in that area too. Also, dog hair won't usually felt nicely, but wool usually will, so if you shrink a dog hair/wool garment, it's very dense indeed!
Hope that helps, and washing the finished yarn in dish washer detergent (for auto dish washers) and very hot water, rinse and wash again, as many times as it takes not to smell, then I use a human hair conditioner after. Never had any smell problem after that, though one time it took 26 washes before the smell was out! That was ripe dog hair!
lol, most isn't near as bad, thank Heaven, gotta fix supper, bye everyone! Lorna Jean
we create our own economy |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4205 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4205 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2009 : 4:22:08 PM
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Yup my yarn holds togther even if I have to rip out! My first yarns were unique novelty yarns, lots of lumps and bumps. It is finally looking pretty nice. Not real fine, but don't really want it that way right now.
I did first learn on a drop spindle, and now that I have a wheel, I have not gone back to the drop spindle.
I have been knitting some scarves for Christmas, but need to get back to spinning, cause almost out of yarn.
Michele |
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createmyworld
True Blue Farmgirl
295 Posts
Beth
Akron
PA
USA
295 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2009 : 9:07:30 PM
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I found a local woman who teaches spinning on a drop spindle. I already took a little class with her on learning how to weave on an inkle loom and am hoping to take the spinning class in the new year. Am glad to see this post here, I'll have to check in more often... have gotten so busy lately that it's been months since I've posted anything on here... Thanks for starting this topic Lorna Jean!
www.createmyworld.etsy.com
http://www.soopsee.com/profile/createmyworld/
"He who works with his hands is a laborer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, head and heart is an artist." -St. Francis of Asisi |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2009 : 07:22:34 AM
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Sheri, isn't it rewarding and a real pleasure to use your own wool and see it from start to finish? Whew! hasn't it been a whirl wind all spring and summer. I enjoy sharing what I have learned about the processing of wool. I am still pretty swamped and I am ready for my life to slow down.
I am spending more time out with the sheep, breeding season and getting ready for winter. I have some young ewes that have beautiful white wool...I am already for shearing...the stable of over 7 inches long on some of these white ewes. I always love my shetlands of course.
I have bags of unwashed wool, bags of clean wool, boxes to go to a processor. I am in heaven!
God Bless
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2009 : 2:16:06 PM
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Sarita, I can't imagine having to spin all the yarn to then make all of the clothes! I get so busy just spinning that I don't have much time at all to knit lately! I started on a drop spindle about 1 1/2 years ago now and I got my first wheel a year ago and I recently got a second wheel! I now have a collection of about 6-7 drop spindles and I still use them a lot particularly to spin silk thread!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Nov 11 2009 : 4:37:08 PM
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Hi, all, just dropping in to see what's new, and announce that I found and posted on my etsy shop, some new sock patterns. Corgi Angel socks, and Ahh, so ugly socks. Hope everyone is spinning a tad more, knitting some, and enjoying life! Lorna Jean
we create our own economy |
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knit1tat2
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Lorna Jean
Pender
Nebraska
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2009 : 7:25:58 PM
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Hi Sherri, yes I personally blend with cards usually, though if the dogora is nice and long and easy to spin, I'll spin a single and ply with wool. Wool helps to bring the 'heat' down on the yarn, dog hair garments are usually toooooo hot for folks to enjoy, and it helps make the dog hair more spinable, as dog hair is 'slippery' and you need a tight spin to keep it together. Hope this helps, Lorna Jean
we create our own economy |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: starting a new cyber spindle spinning group |
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starting a new cyber spindle spinning group
