tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999079880841143326.post1195611723412275544..comments2021-10-22T17:51:37.866-04:00Comments on Knittin' Kitten: Spinning - 1, Michele - 0Michele / akkashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07734996874903488286noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999079880841143326.post-29772766489120613082008-05-09T19:08:00.000-04:002008-05-09T19:08:00.000-04:00Ouch! That sounds like something I'd do! (or mayb...Ouch! That sounds like something I'd do! (or maybe have done...)<BR/><BR/>You've gotten some good advice already, but I'll add something too: pre-drafting makes it a <I>little</I> easier to get a thinner yarn. Of course, I'm not entirely sure you can pre-draft on a spindle, but if you can it might help. I like the thick & thin look of handspun, but I know it isn't for everyone.<BR/><BR/>My first fiber was Romney, and it was very nice to spin. I'm working on some Merino now, which is very different from the Romney, but I'm enjoying it. If you can, try small amounts of different fibers and keep track of what you like. Different fiber lengths appeal to different folks. Of course, then you have to work that around allergies, etc.<BR/><BR/>Hang in there & remember to laugh. Then have a beer. Or two.Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04256079693688996043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999079880841143326.post-49447372360546028942008-05-09T12:49:00.000-04:002008-05-09T12:49:00.000-04:00Hope your hand is doing better. Alpaca is not one...Hope your hand is doing better. Alpaca is not one of the easier fibers to learn to spin with but I too started out with difficult dog hair. <BR/><BR/>Here's a little advise on the drop spindle. Try having just a pinch (like a half-inch thick and maybe 4 inches long)of fiber in your supply hand. I'm right handed and found that lightly holding the fiber in my right hand works better, so if you are left-handed try reversing my directions. <BR/><BR/>Now, with your left hand on the spindle shaft give yourself about 6-8 inch leader(line) off the top of the hook. Take some of the fibers (like 8 to 10 hairs) from the supply hand and overlap the leader(line) by about 2 inches. <BR/><BR/>Now, to learn a little about releasing the fibers from your right hand... roll the spindle down your left leg with the top of the spindle pointed toward the right. This turns the spindle clockwise and creates a Z twist ply of yarn. Don't release alot of fiber yet, but let the leader grab the overlapping bit of fiber, twisting it around so as to make a good connection then gently pull a little more fiber from your right hand. This is a slow way to spin but once you get the feel for gently holding the fiber in your right hand and gently allow a few hairs to slide onto the leader you should be able to start to drop spindle by rolling the spindle down your left leg and off. Learn to spin slowly at first so that your hands can get the hang of it. Try and keep on trying. You'll get the hang and then ... it's Lots of Fun!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com