Friday, March 11, 2011

Spinning again for Fiber Arts Friday!

Yup, you read the title correctly!  I got out the spinning wheel again this week!  I haven't spun in a number of months though I can't tell you why not.  I have no idea!  It might have something to do with all of the other projects I've put on my plate this winter, but it is truly hard to believe.

I love spinning.  I'm still a novice, but I love the idea of creating a stunning yarn for that amazing project that is yet to be designed.  I also love sitting at the wheel, hearing it's creaks and whirs as it spins round and round.

 I love the feeling in my leg as I treadle up and down, listening to the rhythm and trying to maintain a uniform speed.  I love the way I have to pay attention to my body to make sure that my posture is supporting me and so that I don't hurt my back as I spin for long periods of time (though most days, I'm only partially successful!). 


Those tiny movements in my back make me feel so connected.  And then the feeling of the fiber slipping through my fingers (on a good day) is so magical as I watch it twist in to something beautiful (hopefully without too many crazy spots).



I actually was starting to teach myself to spin "over the top" with this mohair/silk blend that I bought last weekend.  It was a lot easier than I thought and though the yarn was pretty crazy looking with it's overtwists and slubs, I'm well on my way to learning to spin with this slippery concoction!

I'm sure I'll have some more pictures to share when I've set the twists on the two bobbins I spun up this week!  In the meantime, check out more of the fabulous fiber artists on Fiber Arts Friday over at Wisdom Begins in Wonder!!

8 comments:

  1. I have to admit I never realized that a spinning wheel actually spun fibers into yarn..... It looks like an artform in and of itself. And, the wheel is beautiful. too.

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  2. Yeah, it's one of those things that doesn't seem real until you actually see it in action. Dave gave me the wheel for Christmas two years ago. It's still one of my favorite presents ever!

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  3. I too have to remind myself to not slouch at the wheel ... I tend to lean downward, and then my back hurts later.
    That red fiber in the top picture is really pretty. What is that?

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  4. Nice present. Looking forward to seeing what you spin up.

    Happy fiber Friday!

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  5. Amen. I love spinning for all of those reasons.

    I have not tried spinning from the fold yet, but it's supposed to be good for those fine/slippery yarns.

    I love the color of your wheel... so rich and dark.

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  6. Haha... so cool. Every single time I see someone spinning, I'm blown away. I see the draw to spinning completely. Glad you got to get some in!

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  7. I'm so glad someone is spinning because my wheel is being neglected right now with all the knitting and weaving I've been doing.

    I have to laugh when I see someone sitting in a straight back chair while spinning. I sit in a recliner and lounge. I feel like my yarn comes out very carefree too.

    I always look at other spinner's posture and yarn. It tells a lot about the yarn.

    Happy Fiber Arts Friday!

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  8. But miss Wonder, how do you reach the treadle???

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