Friday, June 18, 2010

Spinning: Not On A Bike But Maybe On A Drop Spindle?

On the recommendation of Kate at Knits in Class, I bought Maggie Casey's book Start Spinning: Everything You Need To Know To Make Great Yarn.


Published by Interweave Books, Maggie Casey's Start Spinning appears to this absolute novice as pretty comprehensive.

I'll start my spinning adventure using a drop spindle. Buying a drop spindle may be a problem living in a small town. I assume they're sold on-line. However, you can't test for quality before buying.


Joining Beginning Spinners on Ravelry should be a big help.

Now to locate a drop spindle! Any advice on anything to do with my latest pursuit like where to buy a spindle?

Happy FAF at Wisdom Begins in Wonder!

12 Comments:

Minding My Own Stitches said...

Funny, I learned all about Drop Spindles in Nova Scotia ... and I come from Toronto! I dropped in at a The Spinner's Loft at Jeddore Harbour for an impromptu lesson on carding and spinning. That was very fun!

I know there are drop spindle classes at The Loop in Halifax as well. And surely Gaspereau Valley Fibers must carry drop spindles?

WonderWhyGal said...

Buy a SpinSanity Drop Spindle that my friend, Shannon, makes. They are beautiful and they are great for beginners and experienced spinners. She has a Etsy shop so convo her if she doesn't have any listed. Tell her I sent you. They are the perfect weight and balance.

I got my first SpinSanity drop spindle last April as a door prize for a Kidney Foundation fundraiser. I got my second one a few months later. My kids both spin on her spindles and...I hope when she makes more that I can include them in a spindle kit on my website. Yes, they are that good!

Ok, sorry for the advertising but I truly believe in SpinSanity.

I'm glad you are letting the spinning bug bite you...spinning has really changed my life.

Kathryn Ray said...

If those places don't work out you should be able to find a drop spindle at your local yard shop... or if there's a wool festival going on, you could find one there.

Kathryn Ray said...

of course I mean yarN shop, not yarD shop. ;-)

Holly Bee said...

Hurrah for another new spinner! It's amazing and fun once you get the hang of it!

Dutch Hollow said...

I say make your own. I made my very first spindle and ironically it's the one I like spinning on the most even over the ones I purchased. I think it's the weight I like the most http://www.localharvest.org/blog/25399/entry/drop_spindle_geek_style

Kristi aka Fiber Fool said...

Maggie's book is great! If you ever get the chance to take a class from her I highly recommend it. She teaches you tons & keeps you laid back and laughing.

Allison said...

Wow! Thanks for all of the great advice. I knew I could count on you fiberistas!

janet said...

This is something I've wanted to learn for quite some time, so I will be watching your adventure with interest!

Anonymous said...

I have that book, and it's how I learned to spin! I know lots of great spindle makers but I haven't ever used any of them personally b/c I went from like two days on a spindle straight to a wheel. Happy Spinning!!!

M.E. Greene said...

I have owned a drop spindle for years and still haven't used it. I think I'm afraid that if I get started, I may never stop! I know that one of these days I'm going to dive in (it's on my list) and will fall in love with the process... but then, will I ever have time to knit? Ack!

Linda said...

I can second SpinSanity's spindles! Well made, perfectly balanced and she can customize the design and weight.