For christmas my mamma bought me a drop spindle kit from Hilltop Cloudand to be honest its sat there since then. Unused and unloved. Its not that I didn’t want to have a go but fitting it in with all the sock knitting has been tricky!
However a couple of weeks ago I thought I’d better have a go……my first attempt was, quite frankly, an insult to sheep around the globe and I would like to send a personal apology to the sheep that gave up its fleece to be turned into this:
I was a little disheartened but I did persevere and my second attempt was a little better:
I spun up some fabulous pinky yarn too:
Then I tried plying:
Now, it’s not perfect but not bad for a second attempt! The pink and blue yarns were both samples purchased through The Fibre Holics. They do fab bags of fibre and samples from loads of fab dyers – which is perfect for a beginner spinner like me, I’m still trying to work out which fibres I like spinning with.
Im sure this is going to be the catalyst for a whole new type of stash!! Need to try and get a bit better, Id love to be able to knit a pair of handspun, handknit socks!
Thanks for visiting me 🙂
Lots of love
Shoe xxx
sparklyshoesarefaster 
omg, I was just rolling on the floor laughing at this post. I too am knitting socks like crazy. And for a few years now, I have resisted learning to spin, because the last thing I need is another hobby. Spinning and weaving are pushed to the back of my mind, but they keep popping up. I think “how much harm could it be to learn to spin on a drop spindle?” and “those cute little tabletop looms are probably really versatile when you get used to them.”
And now you have confirmed it, I should not be resisting the urge to spin on a drop spindle. But I think I will for a while more because if I try to get another piece of equipment no matter how small into the house, I think there will be a mutiny.
But it looks so amazing. And you can make your own yarn the way you want it… let me ponder that while I knit on the socks…
Do it! It’s great fun actually and doesn’t take up a lot of space or time!!!! Plus there are some GORGEOUS fibres out there!!! I’m resisting weaving though!!!! Hehe!
Xxx
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oh, you are a big help! 🙂
I know a woman who once told me that I could spin enough yarn for a whole sweater for what it would cost to buy one skein. That makes it tempting, for sure…
Well done Shoe! I have a similar kit which has also been sitting for ages for the same reason. I must say your first spinning efforts look fantastic! Did someone show you or did you teach yourself? If so which website or YouTube video/book did you use? I would like to have a do to. Thanks Nellie x
It’s addictive!!! I just watched a load of YouTube videos (just searched for drop spindle tutorial) and sort of found my own way of doing it! I spin the spindle then park between my knees (this will make more sense if you watch a video!). Deffo have a go – I’d love to see your efforts too!!! I’m now addicted to fibre though!!
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