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A Farm of My Own:  Spinning  |
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rockinhorse
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Robin
yucca valley
Ca
USA
51 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 20 2005 : 10:00:46 AM
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 To all those who love to spin. Where would one go to learn the art? I find that such a gift, and my daughter who is 13 is much like me who is very much a farm girl at heart would also like to learn. Your Stories would be a blessing to read.
Happiness must be grown in one's own garden! |
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JoyIowa
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Joy
273 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2005 : 12:19:39 PM
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I'm so glad you brought up this topic. I've tried to find a guild, individual, or informal group for two years with no success. My DH gave me a New Zealand built Peacock Wheel two years ago. I spun a little in college for an Elementary Art Methods class, but cannot figure out how this wheel works. I'll be watching the answers!
Joy
To live without farm life is merely existing, to live with farm life is living life to it very last experience. |
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BamaSuzy
True Blue Farmgirl
138 Posts
Alabama
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2005 : 09:32:44 AM
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Hi! I've just received a wonderful Interactive CD-ROM which works on computers with windows, called the Joy of Handspinning, Basics and Echniques for beginners "learn how to make yarn from natural fiber." I ordered it on the internet at www.joyofhandingspinnning.com
I also have a video on spinning I ordered from Rural Route Videos....
I have no one nearby to teach me so am learning this way! I have an Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel that my husband bought me three years ago.
You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt! |
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knit_by_the_moonlight
Farmgirl in Training
22 Posts
Noelle
Victoria
MN
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2005 : 8:33:33 PM
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Joy in Iowa -- you may want to look into taking a class in Minneapolis, MN at Creative Fibers. There is also a huge fiber community in Minnesota, so if you find a guild through the textile center in Minnesota they may be able to direct you to one in Iowa, or at least let you know if they know if guilds exist. The textile center of minnesota has a web site. Google it and find out!
May your stitches never drop and your knitting always be cherished! |
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countrykat
True Blue Farmgirl
85 Posts
kathy
paola
kansas
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2005 : 10:14:55 PM
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| I just got a drop spindle and some roving to try my hand at spinning...literally. Can't wait to get a few minutes to try it out. |
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JoyIowa
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Joy
273 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2005 : 5:48:29 PM
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Thanks Noelle! I'll find them. We go to the cities about 4 times a year, so it should be fairly easy to time a trip with a class.
Joy
To live without farm life is merely existing, to live with farm life is living life to it very last experience. |
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jenny louise
True Blue Farmgirl
166 Posts
jennifer
cass city
MI
USA
166 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2005 : 12:10:51 PM
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| Hi, I just joined and am giong through some of the older posts. I learned how to spin from some friends about ten years ago, and they belonged to a guild. Most of the ladies that had started the guild also had sheep, and from your local feed store, you could probably get a nudge in the right direction of local sheepherdesses. Most of the people that spin are quite eager to share the skill, and small guilds abound. You could also attend an old time days event, where old ways are demonstrated. Usually a few spinners and weavers are set up at that type of event. Good luck, and i hope that you are able to satisfy the urge to learn such a satisfying craft!!! |
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lurban
True Blue Farmgirl
61 Posts
Vermont
61 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2005 : 1:00:13 PM
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| One other note: Some folks who are spinning whizes never really gel with a drop spindle. If you can't master a drop spindle, don't give up. Find someone who'll let you try out a wheel. You may be surprised at your success. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2005 : 4:19:47 PM
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I do so much better on a wheel than a drop spindle..it takes more concentration than I have time for some times. I learned with a wheel first too, and I think that it is hard to go to a spindle after. But..I am determined to get better at the spindle some day. It is a wonderful, relaxing, and productive way to spend time.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2005 : 8:29:28 PM
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I have had a drop spindle for about 5 years and really enjoy it. I have wanted a wheel since I was in jr. high. A man in our church is making one, and is going to let me play on it when it is finished. Thanks Bamasuzy for the cd rom info, sounds great.
"The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach is joy. Take joy!" Fr.Giovanni |
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jenny louise
True Blue Farmgirl
166 Posts
jennifer
cass city
MI
USA
166 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2005 : 10:31:33 AM
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Hi again, Julia! And Jenny...I learned on a spindle first as well, and even after I learned to spin on a wheel, i had to stick to the spindle due to lack of wheel funds. I still like to take it when i am going on a trip, and i absolutely love a high whorl spindle to make thread with. I have gotten alot of silk caps or bells in different colors and like to spin thread that i will use to embellish my other wool projects with. That way the whole piece is handspun. I hope that you are able to get a wheel, julia, let us know how you like the one that your friend is making.
I think it is which one you learn on first, jenny. But i am sure you will get comfortable with the spindle also. The two plying is what is difficult on a spindle for me! I am going to be attending a fiber show in september and am searching for another high whorl. They seem to all spin a little differently, and i would like to have a few of them.
Jenny |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2005 : 2:20:55 PM
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I like my high whorl spindle better too. I would love to try a navajo spindle...someday..
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2005 : 7:57:45 PM
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Hi girls, I love people talking about spinning. I've been spinning for about 5 years now & there is always something new to learn. You never run out of things to do. I was blessed to have someone give me a spinning wheel from Canada and the book The Joy Of Handspinning. That was it. I just kept reading and practicing. It felt so natural. Im very tactile so it was perfect. Also you get results right away and that is fun for me. I started to listen to alot of Scottish lullabyes about spinning and to spin to them is the most relaxing thing I've ever done. Keep reading & learning, it is so worth it. Michele
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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shepherdess
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Robin
Eatonville
Washington
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2005 : 9:46:32 PM
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Hi Michele,
Where do you find these Scottish lullabyes .I would like to get some to listen to. It sounds very nice.
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From sheep to handspun " |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2005 : 11:42:50 AM
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Hi Robin, I found the songs through Spin-off 2003 summer issue. The artist is Jean Redpath, she sings a great song called The Spinning Wheel. The cd is called The Moons Silver Cradle. It's mostly scottish lullabies. Her web-site is www.jeanredpath.com. It may not be for everyone, but I really love it. I think her site has other spinning songs, I havent been on it for awhile now. Michele
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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shepherdess
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Robin
Eatonville
Washington
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2005 : 12:14:23 AM
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Thank you michele
I will check it out . This is one of my favorite kinds of music
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From sheep to handspun " |
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jenny louise
True Blue Farmgirl
166 Posts
jennifer
cass city
MI
USA
166 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2005 : 5:42:30 PM
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Aunt Jenny or anyone else, have you tried a navajo spindle? I have not yet; it seems so awkward and unwieldly! Did you make your own navajo loom? How do you get the weave tight?
Spinning to the lullabyes sounds blissful, I should try it, might make the outcome different. Usually, I spin while my hubby watches a movie. I can still be with him but get something done. When my daughter was growing up, it used to drive her crazy to try to watch a movie while my wheel was constantly whispering. Now she has a place of her own and she misses it. Remember that, young mothers, the wonderful impact that a good and natural pasttime can have on your children, even if they resent it now.
Happy spinning! Love and Light, jenny |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2005 : 8:17:42 PM
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I would love to try one, but havn't yet. I bought my little navajo loom from an older gal who was dying and selling off all her weaving stuff...very sad. I learned about her through a guild I belonged to years ago when I lived in CAlif. I use a really neat old batten and a weighted comb (I am sure there is a better name for it) I havn't collected tons of tools, but my mom is really into Indian things and helps me find thing sometimes. I have a cassette called " Spin the weaver's song" that I bought years ago at a spinning shop in Calif. It has sort of Celtic sounding music and I love to spin to that or bluegrass. It feels right to weave to Native american music...or outside..I love that. You are right about what we do being an impact on your children...they do remember and it means alot to them. Even my grown boys are mentioning that now and then.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2005 : 06:21:46 AM
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Hi, I havent tried the navajo spindle, it took me long enough to spin on a regular spindle. O do it sometimes just for fun, but love my wheel. Im much better on my wheel. I bought some roving from shepardess that spun nicely on the spindle but I do love my wheel. Now when im looking to spin something thats a bit different and I dont want perfect looking yarn, I go to the yarns I spun while learning and mix them with yarns of different colors and the end results are great. Anyone who is learning, never throw away your yarns your learning on. Keep them, there wonderful. Michele
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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rockinhorse
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Robin
yucca valley
Ca
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2006 : 11:12:02 PM
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does anyone know whats the best way to find a spinning wheel? I have been combing some antique shops. with very little luck. next which is a better brand?
;
Happiness must be grown in one's own garden! |
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shepherdess
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Robin
Eatonville
Washington
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2006 : 11:25:59 PM
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Your best bet is to go to a shop that carrys spinning wheels. If you have one in your area. I would buy it new or else you may get someone elses problems. Ashford is a good wheel
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From sheep to handspun " |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2006 : 11:32:39 PM
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I agree. I heard that Ashford Traditionals are the most common wheel in the world. Wow. That is the one I have and it has never been any problem at all.
I think it is very hard to find a good used wheel ..unless you really really know what you are looking for. Most people in thrift or antiques shops don't think of them as a tool, but as decoration and they are usually missing important parts, have warped wheels or are impossible to find bobbins for. Good luck though. I wish I could help you find one.
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 11:07:57 PM
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Hey Well, I just happen to sell Ashford Wheels, and they can be drop shipped right to your door .hehe
Email me privately if you want to know anything else about them
Shirley |
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MullersLaneFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
596 Posts
Rock Falls
IL
596 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2006 : 05:41:38 AM
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You can find good used *new* wheels on ebay too. I'd stay away from ones in antique shops and thrift stores for your first wheel. A lot won't spin and if you found one that had all the pieces and parts, you may not be able to get bobbins for it.
I have an Ashford Traveler that I is my work horse & love to pieces and an antique that I use when giving classes. There are also Babe wheels if you don't want to put out a lot of $$ for your first wheel.
Cyndi
Joshua 24:15
Ol 'MacDonald has nothing on us!
http://www.mullerslanefarm.com |
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rockinhorse
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Robin
yucca valley
Ca
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2006 : 5:58:12 PM
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Hello farmgirls,
guess what? I found a beautiful Spinning wheel!! I started looking back in Feb and then I went into this one Antique shop out near my house, and there she stood in mint condition for only 75.00 wow I sure am excited about my new find I had to share.. now to learn how to use the bundle of joy :) happy from California..
Robin
Happiness must be grown in one's own garden! |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2006 : 6:14:37 PM
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Robin, I am glad you found a wheel- and if an antique and in mint condition, great! Wow, I bet you are thrilled. Do you have some roving to try it out right away? (Ha! I'll be thinking of you on Saturday - I'm going to the Michigan Fiber Festival in Allegan County - any one else going?
I would only be afraid of missing parts with an antique wheel, but probably anything missing could be replaced by a local woodworker.
I got one years ago from a lady who raised Angora rabbits. It was shipped from New Zealand and is a castle-type. It is perfect for me, as it is very portable.
I found that for me, spinning wasn't something that can be "taught", it can be "demonstrated" but learning is something that you have to do by "doing" it.
One thing I found helpful was not to try exotic fibers at first like Angora or mohair or cashmere or even dog hair as most of these are fairly slippery. Plain old sheep's wool was easiest for me to learn on as the crimp in the fibers cause them to grab each other and hold together better, allowing you to get the feel of it as you experiment.
My first bobbin-full was very thick-and-thin, the second was much better. Keep at it! It is something that improves with practice! I was very frustrated trying to spin Angora at first, but after three or four bobbins of sheep's wool the Angora was surprising easy.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com, web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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A Farm of My Own: Spinning |
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Spinning
