Let's Knit Magazine - Your knitting, your style

Calling all spinners!
Where does an utter novice start with spinner her own yarn?

I started by going to a drop spindle class, I now have 2. But I decided to get a wheel and opted for the Ashford Kiwi after having a play with a friends’ and finding that I liked how it felt. Had it for over a year now and it’s great fun though some of the stuff I have spun is quite lumpy, but it is mine
I think the best part is experimenting with different types of fibre, I’ve spun Corriedale, Merino, BFL and a lovely 50/50 mix of silk and camel

Is there anywhere near you that sells spindles/wheel?  When i bought my wheel i had several lessons on using and also i could phone any time I needed some advice.  Otherwise try the spinners guild, i’m sure they would be willing to help.
Good luck,
smudge

copied from another forum i post on cos i’m too lazy to type the same thing out again (and i think the links in it would be useful to some people)

If you’re new to spinning, you’ll probably want to start with a drop spindle (they are much cheaper than a wheel, you only need to coordinate using your hands rather than your feet too, though you might get a sore arm after a while). You can find instructions here on how to use one: http://www.joyofhandspinning.com/HowToDropspin.shtml

that site has lots of info about spinning in general, including how to make your own drop spindle (or you can buy one on ebay).

As a beginner i’d recommend you start with merino rovings..or at least some form of wool rovings/tops, as its much easier to get an even yarn (and much less effort) than starting with a raw fleece. You can get rovings from http://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/ (also from ebay, but they are considerably more expensive)… the white wool tops on this page: http://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/white_wools.htm would be my recommendation if you’re on a budget, or the merino (white or coloured) if you can afford to spend a little more.

I personally spun a couple of batches of yarn on my homemade drop spindle (made out of a bit of dowel, some polystyrene packaging and some cds) and realised that I could do the drafting part fine, but using the spindle agitated my bad shoulder and made me very tired, so I scoured ebay for a secondhand wheel i could afford...took me a couple of months, but i finally got a beautiful haldene wheel with carders and various other bits for about £50.

try your local weavers, spinners and dyers guild. they are all over the uk and many have teachers attached
joyce

Hi Laura

I am new here but spin my own yarns. I am a member of a guild and they are always more than happy to help you and let you have a go on wheels. Personnally I don’t like drop spindles. I find it harder than a wheel but thats me and others find it easy. A good wheel to go for is the ashford traditional as you can get additional things later when you want them (attachments). This saves you ever having to buy another wheel. You are also almost sure to get your money (or majority) back if you ever sell.

I do hope that helps I have a flickr with my wheel on if you would like to see her.

Z

Many thanks!
I also am thinking of starting to spin my own yarn and the info I have just read has helped me loads.  I was thinking of an Ashford Traveller.  Does any one know anything about these wheels?
Like the traditional, apparently you can buy add on’s when you get more experienced.
Is there a guild in North Wales?
Gillno6

Hi Gill

There is a guild in the north wales I believe. If you pop in google spinners, weavers, dyers guild it should bring up the info.  The ashford traveller is a lovely little wheel. I don’t think you can go wrong with Ashford, parts are always available.

You could also look at the Frank Herring wheels My sister in law has 5 wheels and this brand is her favorite.

Myself ASHFORD everytime.

many thanks Robin.
Have now purchased my Ashford Traveller.  It is all set up but can’t get the hang of using it following the instructions that came with it.  Have a contact near Abergele that I’m going to phone and also have heard of a lady near Bodfari.  I will conquer this craft!!!
Gill

Your more than welcome, Is it all oiled?

What is it your struggling with. I remember starting with my wheel and it nearly went out the window, I was better when I stopped looking at instructions and did my own thing, Then once your started you can modify your actions.

Are you on Raverly?

I have just joined.

If I can help you in any way just let me know.  You will get it I promise.

Many thanks once again Robin
I can’t seem to get my spun yarn to transfer to the bobbin.  It just seems to get very twisted and starts to coil up. Also the twist just travels down through my fingers into the rest of the fibres. 
I don’t like to twiddle with the belts in case I over stretch the springs.  I have just made contact with a fairly local Spinning group, so hopefully I will be able to get some tuition.
What fibres do you recommend for a beginner, and where is the cheapest place to get them from?
Many thanks again
Gill

I’m afraid you’ll need to be brave and twiddle with those knobs - the one with the springs on is the scotch tension device, and that’s what makes your yarn wind on to the bobbin...the thicker the yarn you’re spinning, the tighter this needs to be. I don’t have a traveller, but i assume the springs are the same on most wheels, and i’ve had mine stretched to about 3 times its normal length when i’ve been spinning very chunky yarns....and when i’m spinning laceweight the spring isn’t stretched at all.

If you can’t get the hang of the tension and the drafting at the same time, give up on the drafting for now, and just try ‘spinning’ a ball of commercial yarn, practising treadling and playing with the tension so you can feel how tight it needs to be to start to get the takeup you want. You can also practise pinching off the twist and seeing how you can keep the top part of the yarn twisted, but not let this twist go beyond your fingers if you don’t want to.

I’d recommend winghams for fibres: http://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/ they have a wide range and are the cheapest i’ve found. BFL is good for beginners, and merino is also good if you’re one of the people whose yarn keeps bunching up and won’t draft smoothly...if you find your yarn keeps breaking then merino isn’t for you yet, as its slippier than some other fibres.

If you’re on Ravelry, join the UK Spinners group, there’s plenty of people there who can give advice and encouragement, and a huge list of recommended suppliers of fibres and other bits and bobs.

Hi Gill

BFL I would also say for beginners. I love it...Fibrecraft is also a good place to buy from. As vampy says wingham wool is very good too with great selection.

As Vampy also says You have to have a twiddle. Do practice with half a ball of yarn to feel the pull.  Once you have that winding on your bobbin start on your fleece.  It may need a little adjustment due to the weight.....I had problems with this when I started.

Do you have 2 springs on your scotch tension? I think you should have as this is ashfords new design and once you have Pull sorted you will find that the tension sorts itself you just need to adjust as Vampy says when your bobbin gets full.

As for drafting just keep pinched untill you are ready for the twist to run down. Be firm with the pinch. Once your used to it you will adapt to suit your own technique.

If you are on Raverly do join UK spinners.....

Good luck with your guild!  They are a mine of knowledge and experience and its great to know we all do things different.

keep practicing.

Many thanks to you Robin, once again and also to Vampy!
I am so lucky to have joined this forum and get such good advice from people I don’t even know.  You all make me feel very lucky.
I haven’t had any time to play today - it really has been one of those days.  Haven’t even had chance to get any knitting or sewing done for my stall on Saturday!
I’m waiting to hear back from a local lady I’ve been in touch with.  She gives private tuition I think.  There is a fairly local group who meet every 3rd Sat, but sod’s law I’ve got my stall this week!
I bought my wheel from Winghams and they gave me a £25 fibre voucher, so I can’t wait to choose fibres.  Think I’ll wait until after my 1st lesson though.
many thanks - I’ll let you know when we have lift off!!
Gill

I’ve just got my first drop spindle, thanks for the links Vampy!

In case anyone missed my post earlier. the http://www.worldofwool.co.uk is great for fleeces for spinning. I went to see the stock and the choice is fantastic. They are in Milsbridge near Huddersfield and welcome anyone dropping in to view their stock.
They had every colour imaginable and even mixed fibres and lots of ready spun wool in natural colours.
Very nice staff and a nice little garden centre for coffee just up the road!!!