Sunday, July 19, 2015

round and round

Yesterday, a long-awaited opportunity came to pass: I attended a monthly meeting of a regional spinners' group, and was kindly given a tutorial in using a spindle. Actually, several spindles!

L to R: top whorl, bottom whorl, and supported spindle,
plus three bases for the third type.


Now I have a bit of an informed starting point, and can decide whether to invest in a spindle to practice with, and if so, what kind. Everyone in the group was spinning on a wheel - and there were many different types of wheels, also! - but several spinners shared advice on who makes good "beginner" spindles, and where I might find one.

Of course, you know me...I'm thinking of making a rudimentary spindle to play with, rather than buying one. In fact, if I had access to a lathe, I would be thinking not so much about spinning wool at all, and instead would be thinking very much about making spindles! I do love working with wood.

Say, I wonder if I could build a rudimentary lathe?  ;)

I hope your weekend brought happy adventures!
~~~~~

4 comments:

  1. I've never had the chance to play with such things, but I have to admit that even if I wasn't interested in spinning I would love fondling that beautiful one on the right. My dad made a lot of things from wood and I've always been fascinated by it.

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  2. I have three nice beginner spindles and am a pretty clumsy spinner but proud of doing it. Much prefer it to messing with a wheel. Balance is all in the spindle, for a beginner. And I love handling my wooden friendly spindles. In fact I think I'll go play with them now.

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    Replies
    1. I mentioned at the meeting that people seem to collect drop spindles,even if they prefer wheels. Every head within hearing range nodded!

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  3. If you figure out how to make a lathe, let me know. The motor on my husband's ShopSmith died recently ... so my spinning wheel isn't getting done. Not that I need it done anytime soon. I've never tried spinning - even on a drop spindle!

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