Do any of you spin your own yarn?

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi StG

I was at Wonderwool too and saw that Ashford Traditional for sale. It was a really good wheel in excellent condition. I only paid £80 for mine but it's nowhere near as good looking. But - so what - she spins brilliantly and that's what really matters.
Happy spinning

Mine looks very much the same. I met up with the lady who was selling me hers and she told me to watch out for the one on the stand (I think maybe she was sorry she had offered me hers so cheap)

I am loving it and just wish I had more practice time

[shirlthegirl43]

So Nicos - how did it go with the wheel?

I put a wanted on our local Freecycle yesterday for fresh shorn fleece as I thought maybe peeps would have pet sheep etc and not have a use for the fleeces. I have been offered some Jacob fleece in a couple of weeks so starting to get really excited now.

My spinning is getting more even but strangely I find it easier to keep the wheel going at a more regular rate if I stand up!

[bronwen]

Seeing this thread reminded me of a dear old friend who used to spin allsorts! She started off with sheep... but as she was a bit of an eccentric this was a bit too run of the mill! So alpaca was a fave, along with dog (she made a cocker spaniel waistcoat!), and as we were all friends through keeping fancy rabbits of course she primarily used rabbit fibres - angora and cashmere. For my 21st birthday(many moons ago) she made me a small blanket which contained some of my beloved rabbits as well as alpaca, sheep and camel! I really will cherish it forever

[shirlthegirl43]

That is nice Bronwen. When I get better at spinning I intend to offer a service spinning dog and other animal hair for people.

[shirlthegirl43]

I am feeling quite sorry for the sheep around here - they look desperate to get out of their fleeces!

[shirlthegirl43]

Updating this, I have just bought Madmax a Kromski Harp 24" rigid heddle loom with stand!

Any update on shearing times peeps?

[Hilary B]

Depends on the weather, and progresses up from West-country to North Scotland as the weather warms up. The earliest flocks may already have started, the late ones may not finish until second half of June.

[Nicos]

So Nicos - how did it go with the wheel?

Hmmm .......200E....I don't have that sort of dosh at the moment

I've still got first refusal on it though- which is kind of her!

[shirlthegirl43]

Hmmm .......200E....I don't have that sort of dosh at the moment

I've still got first refusal on it though- which is kind of her!

Can you buy it on the drip?

[Florence Fennel]

That is nice Bronwen. When I get better at spinning I intend to offer a service spinning dog and other animal hair for people.

Oh Shirl, I wish my two friends were still around, I used to get huge bags of hair off them and it would have been a nice reminder, what a good idea!

[ladylottie]

Updating this, I have just bought Madmax a Kromski Harp 24" rigid heddle loom with stand!

Any update on shearing times peeps?

They held a shearing open day at the community farm here last Monday 2nd May for Bank Holiday, and their shearing starts 24th may onwards.

[Nicos]

I'm sure I could...but I'd rather save up for it. Having first refusal is brill- I'm sure I'd find the £ somewhere if pushed. I've absolutely no time at all to try it out for the next few months anyway- so I'm happy to wait.
The lady who offered it to me said there are day courses on spinning and it might be a good idea to go on one of those first- Ya never know- I might not actually enjoy spinning!...and if I did -then I'd be utterly addicted!!!!

[shirlthegirl43]

Oh Shirl, I wish my two friends were still around, I used to get huge bags of hair off them and it would have been a nice reminder, what a good idea!

Not much good for our mutt as he has short hair but I might just clip the cat (evil grin smiley)

[shirlthegirl43]

They held a shearing open day at the community farm here last Monday 2nd May for Bank Holiday, and their shearing starts 24th may onwards.

Woohoo, I am getting some Jacob via Freecycle but not sure if that will be soft enough to make some sweaters with for the winter.

[shirlthegirl43]

I'm sure I could...but I'd rather save up for it. Having first refusal is brill- I'm sure I'd find the £ somewhere if pushed. I've absolutely no time at all to try it out for the next few months anyway- so I'm happy to wait.
The lady who offered it to me said there are day courses on spinning and it might be a good idea to go on one of those first- Ya never know- I might not actually enjoy spinning!...and if I did -then I'd be utterly addicted!!!!

It is a good way to relax, I have found if I spend some time spinning in the evening I settle down and sleep better

Hoping that weaving will do the same for Madmax!