BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Spinning How do I get started?

Hi! I'm Sandra and am interested in this art of spinning. Years ago, I bought a book about using local plants as dyes. I had no idea at the time that people spun their own yarn! This may seem strange, but I don't knit (though I really want to learn that too) and can hardly crochet. (I do tat a little). Why would I want to spin my own yarn? LoL! That's just how I am, I guess. I suppose I love the old fashioned-ness of it.

I know NOTHING of spinning. The only thought that comes to mind when I think of a spinning wheel is Rumplestiltskin. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I've been searching around the internet and am thinking that maybe using a spindle (?) might work for me. I don't want to invest too much money into this and I don't know of anyone locally who can teach me. I live in Hawaii, by the way.

Anyway, can someone point me in direction of getting started? Thanks!

Sandra

A great place to find resources for spinning such as books and tapes is at The Woolery http://www.thewoolery.com where you can find ANYTHING you need to get started!

Spindling is loved by many people! It's a great way to see the mechanics of what a spinning wheel does, and many people love the portability of it. Here is a site that gives step-by-step instructions on how to spin and spindle, All Fiber Arts-http://www.allfiberarts.com/cs/spininfo.htm

I hope this will get you started. We are planning to add instructional information on this site soon, but in the meantime I don't want to curb your enthusiasm.


Cara

I bought a spindle from ebay and I hope it comes in today! I was going to wait until it arrived before posting, but I can't wait! I have no idea how to spin with a wheel or spindle so I'm looking forward to giving this a try.

Maybe 2006 will be the year I learn to spin and knit! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Still waiting for my spindle...

Pegg, not sure if my pm got through to you since I got an error message after hitting "send". If you didn't, thank you for fixing the spindle link! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I'll be printing it for reference.

You're welcome Sandra! If anyone finds a bad link, please don't hesitate to let me know, they aren't hard to fix once I know about them. The WWW is always changing and moving (not to mention some operator error on MY part!) and sometimes links just disappear.

We all know how hard it is to wait, Sandra, but it gives you time to clear your calendar and to-do lists so that when the spindle finally arrives you'll be all set to start on it.

Pegg

I got my spindle! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> But talk about putting the cart before the horse! Since I don't knit, I have no idea what I'm trying to accomplish here!

I'll definitely need to check out a yarn shop, check out the yarns, buy some knitting needles and learn to knit simultaneously.

Sandra,

You can certainly teach yourself to knit, many people do with the help of a good book or two, but personally I think investing in a lesson or two is well worth the money. For every successful self taught knitter there are probably twice as many who got frustrated and quit.

For another idea and use of your yarn, look at the Weavette looms. They are great fun and easy to use. I have a lap sized afghan made from the 4" squares and I love it! You can get very creative and make everything from purses to vests and scarves... just about anything. I have no affiliation with the company, but here is the web site:
http://www.weavettes.com/

Pegg