BYC Spinning Fiber

[debilorrah]

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They weren't messing with you. A lot of folks will wash/rinse their yarns, then thwack them on the walls or counter. I do it a bit differently though ....

I do wash/rinse my yarn, then I take it outside and twirl it around. Then grab the yarn at the 6:00 position and twirl it around. Repeat at the 3:00 & 9:00 positions.

This extracts excess water & helps to redistribute uneven twists. Hang to dry (do not use any weights when drying)

Thank you!!! I heard something about a coat hanger too. Your method sounds easy too. YAY!

I am practicing with sheep wool, and I raise french angora rabbits. Any advise on the weight of the drop spindle for their wool? I think the one I have now may be too heavy (it's a top whorl).

 

[ninny]

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Okay im doing that. I want back to my top whorl and its still goofy. The fiber is falling apart and the spindle goes flying. Am i pulling it to far apart?

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

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Thicker yarn needs a heavier spindle to maintain the spin. Likewise thinner yarn needs a lighter weight spindle.

Angora fiber is so slickery ... I'd use a light weight spindle.

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

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No, you're not putting enough twist in the fiber.

 

[debilorrah]

Ninny what wool are you spinning? I know I need a laceweight spindle to spin angora. I found that out in my searches yesterday. For something with such a simple concept, I am finding it hard to master.

 

[HHandbasket]

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Why not start with a drop spindle and any of Abby Franquemont's youtube videos?? Abby wrote the book Respect the Spindle which was published by Interweave Press last year. Her drop spindle basics youtube video will have you spinning in minutes!

Thank you so much for the tip! I was looking at the drop spindles on this thread and didn't really know anything about them before. Had seen them, didn't know how they were used or even quite what they were for.

Thanks again for the link & info! Folks on BYC are the best.

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

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Check out Abby Franquemont's Drop Spindle Basics

 

[lyric]

I too want to learn all about spinning (thanks to Cyndi) and the fact that I am tired of mediocre yarns that I can afford from Jo-Ann Fabrics. I saw a You Tube demo about angora rabbits and spinning and got so excited. I believe I can care for them and do it too! Plus, DH, states he wants rabbits (though for eating); but I am sure I can add some angora to do my new thing. I wonder if there is a market for the hand spun fibers or would I need to consider this only for self and those I choose to share this with. I am hoping to have a working farm and turn a small profit. I must read all the posts here to catch up. Will begin tomorrow.

Thanks in advance to all who were willing to share.

Namaste,

Lyric

E.T.A. I am feeling myself leaning toward spinning with a wheel vs. the spindle thingy. Perhaps after reading here I will feel differently.

 

[lyric]

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Dang this lady (or guy) was fortunate . . . to meet Cyndi IN PERSON!!!!! I'd give a baby finger for the above.

 

[lyric]

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Is it me or what . . . I get the feeling spinning with a wheel is a) more fun b) better c) something else that I just can't think of right now, LOL.