A Beginner’s Adventures in Handspinning

Part 1

I’ve been itching to try handspinning my own yarns.

My fiber addiction finally got the best of me. For too long I’ve drooled over others’ handspun yarns. I’ve fondled wool fleeces, fantasized about color combinations. It was time to try it for myself.

My man made me a small and simple drop spindle, a bottom whorl with a hook at the top. I’m going to have him make me a slightly larger one as well. I also made myself a wpi (wraps per inch) gauge so I can measure the thickness of my yarns. There’s a 1-inch slot for uniform yarns, and a 2-inch slot for large or irregular yarns so that I can take an average and get a more accurate measurement.

I’m starting out with some merino wool combed top that I bought from FatCatKnits. I bought a few ounces of undyed and a few ounces of hand-painted; it’s so soft and colorful. I’m excited to get started! Stay tuned…

Resources

Here are a few of the resources that have been helpful for me while learning to spin.

Books:
Start Spinning: Everything you Need to Know to Make Great Yarn by Maggie Casey
Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning by Judith MacKenzie McCuin

Websites:
The Joy of Handspinning
Interweave – Articles on Spinning
Ravelry Beginning Spinners Group