Do any of you spin your own yarn?

[shirlthegirl43]

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!

I think those are the next thing I am saving up for Flummery.

I have been practising with merino/silk fluff today and I am definately getting better at achieving a more even yarn.

[Flummery]

The really annoying this is that when I had got a lovely even thread I attended a weaving class. The tutor tried to get those of us who spun to produce a slubby thread, with another colour of dyed wool caught in between the two plied threads. Once you've managed a good fine even thread it's an absolute bummer trying to make it all lumpy again!

[shirlthegirl43]

I can quite believe that

[binley100]

I have a wheel, currently residing in the loft purely because I don't seem to have the time anymore. I used to find it was helpful to have some classical music playing to help with the rhythm . Did find it all very relaxing and therapeutic......

[shirlthegirl43]

I have a wheel, currently residing in the loft purely because I don't seem to have the time anymore. I used to find it was helpful to have some classical music playing to help with the rhythm . Did find it all very relaxing and therapeutic......

Ooh, do you think you will take it up again?

[binley100]

Dunno, maybe when I'm too feeble to go dig the lottie........I have a four shaft harris loom as well

[Jeanied]

I have an Inkle loom in the loft.

[binley100]

....also a peg loom

[shirlthegirl43]

Dunno, maybe when I'm too feeble to go dig the lottie........I have a four shaft harris loom as well

I have an Inkle loom in the loft.

....also a peg loom

Oh dear, am I on a slippery slope to wanting to weave too?

[Hilary B]

Before cloth-making got industrialised, it took 6 spinner to provide the yarn for 1 weaver....
I found the wheel very easy, once I had mastered keeping up the momentum with the treadle. There are 2 basic types of wheel, the 'scotch-brake' and the twin band. The twin band put in just the right amount of twist for the amount of thread produced, but it also dictates the rate at which you make thread; the scotch-brake type, you control the speed of producing thread, but the slower you work the tighter it twists, which means you can get a rather unever twist.
Incidentally, I never used a carder, I (like the person who gave me a few pointers) always spun direct from the fleece, after merely picking out any 'grotty bits'.
If I had space to set up the wheel here, I'd be after one of those shetland fleeces, especially if it is a non-white one!

[shirlthegirl43]

I have my eye on this at the moment... Old Traditional Haldane Spinning Wheel on eBay (end time 20-Mar-11 19:36:32 GMT)

[ladylottie]

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.

Yes, I spin with a wheel ( I have two!) and sometimes with a drop spindle. I went to my local Spinning & Weaving Guild as they let you try out different wheels and even use them every week (saves you buying your own until you know for sure that spinning is for you). Sometimes guild members will sell their old wheels to you cheaply - that's how I got my first one. Also you get to use the Guild's hand carders and drum carders as well - the drum carders are quite expensive!

I am always on the lookout for unusual fleeces for sale from local farmers, but also buy a lot of wool already carded and dyed from shops on Ebay.

There is a knack to getting going - using your hands with the wool and feet with the treadle at the same time I found strange to start with, but you soon get the hang of it! I find it Soooo relaxing

My advice is to join a Guild if possible - I know you have to pay an annual sub (mine is £25 per year) which seems a lot, but for what you get for your money I think it's worth it. There will be people there to help you and you'll always pick up new ideas. Also you get discounted fleeces and rovings (carded wool ready to spin).

Give it a go - you won't regret it

[shirlthegirl43]

It is about 25 miles to my closest guild and with being somewhat uncomfortable meeting strangers I don't think I will go that way although I can see the advantages of it. If this Haldane wheel stays low priced enough I might just take the plunge and give it a try.

[ladylottie]

It is about 25 miles to my closest guild and with being somewhat uncomfortable meeting strangers I don't think I will go that way although I can see the advantages of it. If this Haldane wheel stays low priced enough I might just take the plunge and give it a try.

Mmm - 25 miles is quite a way to go for a meeting isn't it, I only have about a 10 minute drive so I can go a few times a week if I have the time or need to use any of the equipment. I can understand how you feel about meeting strangers - thankfully our people are very friendly though

I've never spun on a Haldane (or know anyone with one) but they are supposed to be a good wheel. I like the Ashford Traditional personally, especially if you are learning because they are easy to use and last forever.

Good luck with your bidding for the wheel though.
Let us all know how you get on.

[shirlthegirl43]

I know the Ashfords are popular but they just make too much money for me to nab one I think the Haldane is going too pricey for me now too but one will come along at the right price if I am supposed to get one.