My First Adventure in Hand Spun Yarn!! ----------->For Christmas, my MIL got me a spinning wheel! Now, I know not so much about spinning. Actually, I don't even know how to knit besides on those Knifty Knitter Loom thingies. The idea is fascinating though, and back in September my MIL and I got three angora rabbits, Hendrix (mine) Cash, & Elvis (Pola's / MIL) They are all brothers and they are completely overwhelming cuteness. Their wool, which comes out naturally during mandatory grooming (if you don't groom them regularly, they'll swallow their own wool and get wool block which is fatal). Their wool is so soft and warm. It's warmer than sheep or alpaca wool, and it's about 10,000 times softer. We have built up quite a collection of angora wool since September!
Today Pola & I went to a meeting with the South Jersey Spinners Guild and everyone was incredibly helpful. One of the members and my MIL's friend, April, taught me how to work my wheel. It was a bit frustrating to learn and I don't have the best patience with things haha, but I am picking it up and I understood the basic fundamentals.
When I got home I carded some sheep wool (practicing with sheep rather than angora, April gave me a whole sheeps worth!) I carded a bunch of sheeps wool, which is basically brushing it so it all faces the same direction. Then I gave it another shot. It was easier at home because I didn't feel like I had a bunch of eyes watching me! I get way too nervous haha. So, I gave it another shot and it really started working better. I'm by no means good at it, but getting better.So, here are some pictures of my wheel, and the wool I spun today! Not bad for a beginner!
And the Art / Craft ADD continues!!!!
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What fun - can't wait until we get spinning that wonderful Angora from our little bunnies!
ReplyDeletefantastic Abbie!...what a great art.
ReplyDeleteMy sis in law has a farm in Howell, she has llamas if you ever want their fur..hair..heehee? :)