Do any of you spin your own yarn?

[shirlthegirl43]

I know it isn't gardening, but it fits in the country crafts feel of a lot of the vine.

Anyway, I have recently discovered the pleasure of changing a pile of fluff into something more resembling the yarn I use to knit. I wondered if any other grapes spin - either by drop spindle or wheel.

[Florence Fennel]

Sounds very therapeutic Shirl, not sure I'd have the patience. Have you got a spinning wheel?

[shirlthegirl43]

I have asked for a wheel on Freecycle, a bit too skint to buy most that appear on eBay but keeping an eye on a couple. At the moment I am using a drop spindle made from a length of dowel, a CD and a rubber grommet from Madmax's jukebox spares drawer so it started as an inexpensive experiment. The odd thing about the patience bit is that younger son who is not known for his ability to sit still, has taken to it like a duck to water and wants his own drop spindle. We bought some merino/silk blend fluff to play with and it is great fun. I would say we have spent £15 to start our new hobby which isn't bad for the hours of fun we have had so far - with loads of laughter at our early attempts.

[Incy]

Sounds fab Shirl. can you post a pic of your drop spindle. I'm intrigued

[Hilary B]

Not at the moment, and never did a great deal, but yes, I have done, both ways. I've only ever spun wool, initially scraps from fences (spindle) but when we kept sheep I kept back the fleeces that would not have got an even half-way decent price, and for those I used the wheel, which is currenty in storage until I find out whether I can get fleeces in Spain!
If there is a farmer near you with black sheep, he might sell you an odd fleece at shearing time for a reasonable price.
If you haven't managed to get a wheel by the time I give up on Spanish fleece......

[shirlthegirl43]

Not at the moment, and never did a great deal, but yes, I have done, both ways. I've only ever spun wool, initially scraps from fences (spindle) but when we kept sheep I kept back the fleeces that would not have got an even half-way decent price, and for those I used the wheel, which is currenty in storage until I find out whether I can get fleeces in Spain!
If there is a farmer near you with black sheep, he might sell you an odd fleece at shearing time for a reasonable price.
If you haven't managed to get a wheel by the time I give up on Spanish fleece......

Is it easy to learn to use a wheel? The chap who bought my parents smallholding has a few sheep and I suppose I might be able to get fleece from there. They are not too pricey on eBay either (don't know about Spanish ones though)

[Hazel at the Hill]

Flum does (or has) - give her a prod if she's not seen this!

[Nicos]

This is something I'd love to do!
I keep looking at broken wheels in car boot type sales over here.

When I've finished doing up the house and garden and have a bit more time, it's something I've got planned to have a bash at.

[Jeanied]

I used to spin with the spindle - taught by some old ladies who lived next door to my Granny. They let me use their wheel too.
More recently I tried spinning flax and it was fabulous to work with. I'd love a spinning wheel.

[shirlthegirl43]

I knew some of you crafty folk would have had a go

Nicos, why don't you make your own spindle and give it a go?

[Mikey]

I've been know to spin a yarn from time to time.

What.........ok I'll get my coat.

[shirlthegirl43]

I've been know to spin a yarn from time to time.

What.........ok I'll get my coat.

I have been waiting for that since I started the thread

[Polly Fouracre]

I used to spin with the spindle - taught by some old ladies who lived next door to my Granny. They let me use their wheel too.
More recently I tried spinning flax and it was fabulous to work with. I'd love a spinning wheel.

But can you spin it into gold! I will have some Shetland fleeces sometime in May if anyone fancies a bit of one

[shirlthegirl43]

But can you spin it into gold! I will have some Shetland fleeces sometime in May if anyone fancies a bit of one

OOOOOOHHHHHHH yes please

[Flummery]

Yep - both. I have spun various types of sheep fleece and dog 'fleece' if that's a real term! I made a whole adult jumper using the fleece spun from a drop spindle. Took a while but what doesn't that's worth doing? I still have my spindle (though a little mouse-nibbled from living in the shed) and my wheel. Most important additional item - carders - like massive dog brushes!