Any hand spinners here?

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SmallFarm
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Any hand spinners here?

Post by SmallFarm »

I've been crocheting for a couple of years now and have recently become very interested in spinning my own yarn out of natural fiber such as wool and alpaca. Anyone here have any experience with spinning? I'm trying to decide whether to start out with a drop spindle, a Navajo hip spindle or if I should invest in a spinning wheel. Also looking for information on a class or teacher in northern Arizona.

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SmallFarm
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Location: Holbrook, Az
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Re: Any hand spinners here?

Post by SmallFarm »

I also may be interested in purchasing,or making a trade of some kind, for some hand spun fiber for crocheting.

MsEva
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Re: Any hand spinners here?

Post by MsEva »

That sounds really neat smallfarm, I wish I knew how to spin. I hope you find what you are looking for.

Here are some links I found...don't know if they will help.

http://archive.library.nau.edu/cdm/sear ... le/ad/desc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.tnna.org/page/SWGTeachers/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
http://www.instructables.com/id/spinning-yarn/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.localfibers.com/fiberfindermountain.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://joyofhandspinning.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

4boys4me
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Re: Any hand spinners here?

Post by 4boys4me »

I have been spinning for about a year. If you have a local fiber store they might possibly have a spinning class or look up fiber fairs in your area. I started with buying a wheel on craigslist but could not get the hang of it( It's harder than it looks). I went to my favorite yarn store and they told me to start with the drop spindle, while I didn't like it much it did help with the whole drafting process. I have never used a Navajo hip spindle so can not comment on that one. With all that I can tell you I am not real knowledgable about the whole thing since I am pretty new to it. Maybe someone else will be able to give you better info.

Lisankd
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Re: Any hand spinners here?

Post by Lisankd »

I spin and I have my own sheep! Personally I have a hard time with a drop spindle. I find a kick spindle easier but I prefer a spinning wheel. I have never tried a hip spindle.

My suggestion is to find a local fiber guild and try out each way of spinning that is available. One of them will click more than the others.

When you are ready I highly recommend Jacob sheep for your own fiber. This is the breed from the Bible with Jacob and Laban. They are very multi purpose and hardy and smaller for small farms. I also like it because you get both black and white wool.

Good luck!
And just remember your first skeins are novelty yarn! Embrace it and love it!

OOOK?
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Re: Any hand spinners here?

Post by OOOK? »

I use a drop spindle and love it. It is a stress reliever as well as a way to create amazing yarn. I have used the yarn in a variety of projects, from a Doctor Who scarf to slippers. A little shop in Creede, Colorado is where I learned. It is simple enough to make your own drop spindle and there are online tutorials if you can't find anyone in your area. I would love to get a spinning wheel, but I have not found one within my budget in the US. New Zealand has all the luck when it comes to spinning wheels. I hope you have found your path to spinning.

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