Getting Ready for Maryland
I'm studying up for my big trip...
If I want to learn to spin, I figure I have to learn more about the medium I'm going to work in. I do wish there were more pictures of actual sheep (as opposed to pictures of just locks of wool), but other than that, the book seems to me to be a good, simple reference guide to types of wool. A nice starting place for a beginner that leaves me wanting to start investigating the different types of wool that come from different types of sheep. A nice place on the web to find out more information on sheepy creatures (scientifically known as Ovis aries) is this lovely directory provided by Oklahoma State University. They have nice pictures of most of the breeds to go with information about breed history and wool characteristics.
have fun in maryland! i am a crap spinner, but can attest to the importance of trying out different types of spindles. i started on a bottom-whorl and loathed it, but things got a bit easier with the top whorl.
i'm currently reading elizabeth barber's "women's work: the first 20,000 years" and loving it for reminding me just how much important fiber is to our very existence!
I second the vote for top whorl, and preferably one that has grooves that the yarn can sit in on its sides. I bought an Adam's Basic Top Whorl Spindle from Carolina Homespun at Sheep and Wool last year, and it's a pretty good, basic, learner's spindle.
There certainly ARE a lot of different kinds of wool! I've only got a handle on a tiny fraction myself. It's interesting, though--of all the beginning spinning books I've added to my library in the last few months, THAT one still isn't there! (grin) Have a great time in MD.
Heh. I wonder if it's a natural tendency for hard-core fiber junkies (knitters and crocheters) to want to make the step over to spinning.
It's been a dream of mine for decades. My friend recently enabled me by gifting me with my first spindle and roving for my birthday.
I'm supposing this is the scientific approach to learning how to spin?
We will have to make sure to hit the fleece sale (the biggest one I've ever seen) and the sheep barns for more *research*.
It's all Claudia's fault that I'm addicted to spinning. You watch out for that one, okay? See you there!
I started with a top whorl spindle and a bag of roving that my DH bought me at the Puyallup Spring Fair(the "little" fair)a few years back. I still have the ball of yarn I spun. That kept me happy for a few weeks, and then I started itching for a "real" wheel, which he kindly provided the following Xmas. He was even nice enough to let me open it early. At the following Spring Fair, he bought me a few ounces of a merino/guanaca blend that I spun and knit into what remains my favorite shawl, and knitted item, of all time. I admit I don't know all that much about wool types or grades, etc. I have an online vendor I trust (or I go to the fair where I can fondle the roving, and whenever I need to know more, I Google something like "wool counts" or "wool grading" or the breed name to find out about it.
hi...just found a pattern for a drop stitch scarf on your blog/site...thanks so much. I'll check back again, your blog looks interesting. Take care.