Mohair

This is the result of my first try spinning mohair. I consider it successful. I decided to ply this yarn with the Navajo ply method. That helped maintain the color variegation, and also gave me some practice, since I hadn't done Navajo ply in a little while. I like the colors, I like the sheen on the yarn, and it turned out to be a well-balanced yarn. This Web page has a very informative tutorial about what balanced yarn is, and good tips on obtaining a balanced yarn: http://www.hjsstudio.com/balance.html.

Wheels Turning

Spinning wheels and color wheels! I took a great class at Nature's Yarns with Martha Slover on color in spinning. I had never been introduced to the color wheel before, so I learned a lot. I had never practiced carding, but at the class I got plenty of practice carding in order to blend the colored fiber. We created new color blends out of the secondary and primary colors, including adding white, grey, brown and black. Then we spun yarn out of some of it. The beginning of my own color wheel!

Color

Color is important to me when I choose fiber. It's the first thing that catches my eye. But what color yarn will I get? The colors turn out somewhat muted, because they blend as they're spun together. The fiber in the first picture is very bright, but once it's spun it's not quite as bright, as you can see in the second picture. If you ply the yarn, the method of plying the yarn makes a difference too. With variegated color as shown in the photos, the Navajo plying method preserves the color gradation - a transition from one color to the next. Navajo plying creates a three-ply yarn, as in the third picture. Variegated fiber plied as a two-ply yarn creates an effect with a blend of contrasting complementary colors. Washing changes the color of the yarn too, because quite a bit of dye can come out.

Though it's not obvious, perhaps you can see in the photos the subtle change in color from the original fiber to the spun yarn and then the Navajo-plied yarn (the final product).

For more on the Navajo plying method, check out the video on http://www.joyofhandspinning.com/spin-navajo-ply.shtml

A Poem (or Song)

Here is a link to a spinning poem/song I found on the Web site of the Hampshire (England) guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers:
http://www.hantsguildwsd.hampshire.org.uk/spoem..html

End Result - The Sequel

I did more research to determine whether it's important to spin from a specific end of the fiber. I split a sliver of fiber into two parts, then deliberately spun from one end of the first part and the opposite end of the second part. In other words, part one was <======<, and part two was, >=====>. I did not detect a significant difference in how they spun up. What did make a different was pre-drafting the fiber. Pre-drafting seemed to me to make it easier to spin quickly. I think it also made it easier to avoid slubs. I know, Sue told me - and she was right!

Kay Anderson, Spinning in Scotland

Check out this great 9 minute video on uTube, of a woman demonstrating spinning. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOM7YvzGl3Y&feature=related

It's rich with information - it shows her choosing a fleece, carding, and demonstrating a couple of different methods of using a spinning wheel, like the long draw. She even uses the word "rolag" - go ahead, look it up, you know you want to!

Note: I had problems with the video sound volume, so I had to turn up my speakers. You may too.

End Result...

I tried two of the fibers I have, to figure out whether there was a right end and wrong end to draft from. That is, whether one end would be easier, therefore the correct end to draft from. My humble opinion, um, not really any difference. This is likely to be highly dependent on how the fiber was prepared. So I plan to keep the principle in mind. When I am working with a new fiber, I think it's a good idea to pre-draft a bit from each end, and if one proves easier, draft and spin from that end.

The Slippery Slope

I first experienced spinning only about a year ago. At a small fiber festival I saw spinning supplies and I was interested in trying to spin. I wasn't convinced it was for me, and I didn't want to invest a lot. I bought a book, a drop spindle, and some fiber to practice with. That was a basic recipe for disaster, since I just couldn't catch on to the principles of spinning and controlling the drop spindle. It can be rough going. But, judge for yourself - here are links to some good videos on using a drop spindle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drXid5cT0y8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gXTWgMeMgI&feature=related

Since my initial experience with the drop spindle, I started hanging out with knitters at Nature's Yarns in Fairfax, Virginia. A spinning group meets there too, and as with knitters, all are extremely generous with their knowledge, resources, and supplies. I was coaxed into trying a spinning wheel. I was intimidated, and uptight about spinning in front of the entire group, and the result was not good. But I am tenacious (some would call it bull-headed, but not to my face...), and I eventually tried the spinning wheel again. Somewhere along the line I got hooked - and became the proud owner of a second-hand wheel, an Ashford Traditional double-drive.

There is no doubt - on this journey, it is the influence of other enthusiasts that has made the difference. Everyone in the spinning group has done something to bring me into the fold and share their passion - they have lent me wheels, sold me equipment, given me fiber to spin, laughed with me, and explained and demonstrated techniques. I really want to thank all my mentors in the group! If you're a new spinner or want to learn, find mentors! If you are already a spinner and a mentor, you deserve huge thanks.

NOTE: I'm still horrible using a drop spindle.

Why Spin?

Your mileage may vary, but I sure love spinning. Why?

• Socializing I love an opportunity to chat and joke while I have something to occupy my hands.
• Creativity I can create decorative yarns with unique colors and textures for my knitting.
• Economy I have found that you can save some money spinning your own yarn for your fiber projects. And, for the same money, you get to enjoy the fiber while spinning, and again while knitting it up or whatever.
• Equipment Right now I'd better admit to being somewhat into the technology. I have had quite a bit of fun comparing the way different spinning wheels work and the comparative advantages. What I really appreciate, though, are the simplicity of the mechanisms and the ingenuity of the designs.
• Challenge For me spinning presents an enjoyable challenge as I learn about different fiber blends and spinning techniques.

Welcome

Welcome to Twist & Shout, the journey of a new spinner. I was introduced to spinning through knitting, and I hope I can inspire you by sharing some of my experiences and insights. I'm dedicating this blog to Sue H., who inspired me to spin!