Tuesday, July 3, 2012

WOYWW 161 - Crafty Spinster Fun

OK, I'm not really spinning a bobbin full of wool at my desk, but my Lendrum Single Treadle spinning wheel won't fit on the desk, so I just showed you the bobbin. This is 4 ounces of a lovely hot pink, purple and orange roving purchased many years ago. I'm going to ply it with a lovely burnt orange for a novelty yarn using a technique that makes an intermittent bit of fluff. It will be my second entry into our local fair.

BTW, when I say spinster, I'm referring to the old skool definition one who spins wool (or other fibers) into yarn (or embroidery thread). The rest of my guild (except for my daughter) refer to themselves as spinners, which to me means people clad in lycra furiously pedaling stationary bicycles. I am a spinster :D.

Spinning is one of those things you can learn in less than a minute (it's twisting fibers together so they make yarn, rope, thread) and yet you can spend the rest of your life trying new techniques and fibers, so it can always be something different.

I have three wheels, but I mostly spin with spindles which are infinitely more portable than wheels. Plus each spindle is different, so one can rarely have too many :D. Also, spindles tend to be looked down on as a beginners tool, so I give them lots of love. I've been spinning since 1978 when I bought lessons from a member of the secret spinning police, but that's a tale for another day lol.

Three of my favorite spindles. The one on the left is a Bosworth Moosie (the whorl is made of moose antler) with unfleached flax top on it. The one in the middle is also a Bosworth, but I forget the type of wood. The one on the right is one I made with a toy wheel, a bit of dowel and an eye hook and then covered in a semi-irregular peyote stitch made with three different types of beads and is being used to spin some dyed silk cap.

My current purse project (in a plastic pencil case) another spindle I made with a wooden toy wheel, a dowel and a eye hook which I'm using to spin some navajo churro wool.

The top of the spindle. And in the upper left in the background is my sample of the plied wool from the first picture.

So that's what's going on in my crafty bit of the world, if you want to see more, head over to Julia's Stamping Ground and have a gander at what other people are doing. Better yet, take a picture and join in the fun :D.

22 comments:

Joynana said...

Spinning yarn. Can't wait to see what you make of the yarns. Those are some great colors. #17

Neil said...

Hi there. Nice to pop in and see your creative world this week. I won't stay long; don't want to give you my cold! Hope you have a good creative week though.
Neil # 33

okienurse said...

looks like you are being really busy with the spinning. My daughter just bought a bunch of roving and is going to dye it soon. She has been spinning for years and knits like a fiend. I tried to teach her years ago to knit but never took till she met a friend that taught her to card, spin, dye ,knit now she is busy all the time. Have a great week. Vickie #36

Inkypinkycraft said...

Wonder what you will make with those?! Have a great week trace x. 52

Sandy said...

Oh what lovely textures of wool you must come up with. I went to a market recently with a lady spinning while she was selling her scarves and hats they where so soft and lovely. Looking forward to posts of what you make with your lovely yarn. Sandy :) #44

Anna Karlsson Widmark said...

You're so creative! Wow! I can't wait to see what happens next week. Happy Wednesday!

Zildara - #68

Helen said...

Yes, I want to see what you do with it too.... have a great day. helen, 12

Judys Lace Creations said...

I LOVE watching yarn being spun. I recently bought a ball of sari silk that was spun into tight string.I love the texture so much I just keep it on my desk to look at it.One day I'll use it I guess!!
Judy #9

Unknown said...

Spinning, oooh thats a new one for me! Cant wait to see what you create!! Sian Evans One and Only Designs No87

Hazel said...

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing your workspace with us. Hope you have a good week. Hazel WOYWW #20 x

Sis Patterson said...

Cool post - thanks for sharing, you spinster, you! I love all of your spindles and the details like the various types of wood. Beautiful!

Glenda said...

I've signed up to follow your blog this morning! I love that you are actually spinning the wool! How creative is that!
Glenda 100

MrsC.x said...

so interesting
TFS Happy WOYWW xx Charlie.xx #72

SandeeNC said...

OK, this will be a first for me, I have never asked anyone to do a video before to show me what they are talking about, but I have no idea, and my head is 'spinning'..sorry, can't pass up a good pun...anyway, it all looks very interesting! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina with a hot dog in one hand and a flag in the other! :) #37

Lunch Lady Jan said...

You see, you think you know someone and then they throw a whole new dimension into the mix!! So, you're a spinster? That's one of the crafts that I have always admired - it looks really tricky but incredibly satisfying!! By the way, is 'intermittent bit of fluff' code for something else???? Lol
Hugs, LLJ #60
PS Get your daughter to take a pic of you in action = we need to see!!

Julia Dunnit said...

There is just so much to you! I love the Colour of the thread you've spun, and the fact that you carry wool arpind to on with, amazong! Will have to tell Mr D about the spindles, fascinating that each one will have a story...

lisa said...

Wow, you learn so much on a Wednesday. I never new spinning was such an art form. What an interesting post. Your spindles are a work of art in themselves.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #91

Peggy Cain said...

wow spinning your own wool how cool is that thanks for sharing have a great week

Eliza said...

Thank you so much for sharing that bit of information I have actually learnt something today horray....

I think I have some spindles here in my art room, but I was not going to use them for that... no way, don't know how LOL

I have been totally impressed with your story, again thank you.

Eliza #22
Happy crafting

scrappymo! said...

What a lovely peek into your crafts. It was a real surprise to see your spindle and the valued results...your lovely wool.

WOYWW always has special treats...your post today is one of them.

Shoshi said...

I used to do a lot of spinning at one time. I've got an Ashford wheel, and started with a drop spindle - before I got a proper one I used a knitting needle stuck through a potato! Trouble is, my legs aren't good enough for spinning these days and I can't hold my arms up for long either. I'd love to do it again as it's got to be one of the most satisfying things, and even gently-washed fleece retains enough lanolin to give you gorgeous soft hands! I love the smell too! Your post brought back some lovely memories.

I must say I admire the quality of your yarn. You are a very good, even spinster! I agree - I was always a spinster, not a spinner. Strictly speaking, a man would be a spinner and a woman a spinster, as a man would be a brewer, and a woman a brewster! (Useless bit of knowledge that might come in handy at the next pub quiz lol!!)

It is so lovely seeing some different and varied crafts - fibre and textile art doesn't have a big enough presence on WOYWW imo - hope it encourages more to join!!

Happy belated WOYWW,
Shoshii #25

Elizabeth said...

Fascinating post ... I love wool and other natural yarns. I haven't knitted for a very long time, but when I did my favourite was Shetland wool - loved the texture and the colours - so you've just transported me down memory lane. Your spun yarn is just gorgeous - my fingers are itching to touch it :) I hope you are having an enjoyable weekend. Elizabeth x #85