« What Day Is It? | Main | One Of These Days »
March 20, 2006
My First Handspun
While it isn't surprising, it's still frustrating. What is? How tricky this whole spinning business is. I spent quite a bit of time trying it out this weekend and made significant progress, even to my uneducated eye.
This is my very first attempt. As you can see, it leaves a whole lot to be desired. But man was it fun! I spun this on Friday night.
On Sunday I tried again.
Better, but still iffy. Uneven and places with too much twist and a lot with not enough. But, I felt like I was making progress.
So, I tried again.
I spun most of this this morning - snow day! While it still needs work, I feel like each bobbin gets better than the last. Which is the point, isn't it?
Other than spinning and working on my second skirt for Sew? I Knit! I didn't do anything. No knitting. Yesterday, I didn't even get out of my pjs. I'm actually really glad to be at home today. I can do all the things I didn't get done yesterday and maybe make some progress on some projects. And it gives me a chance to go to the bank and get the paperwork in order for the new car! I'm really excited, but kind of sick. Seriously. Sick. All that money. Why do cars have to be so expensive? Do you have any idea how much yarn and fiber and fabric (and food) I could buy for the price of a car? It boggles the mind.
Have a great day. Friday will be here before we know it.
Comments
You made tons of *great* progress, Steph!!! Good for you!!! =) It's so much fun, isn't it? Good luck with getting everything in order for buying a new car.
Posted by: caitlyn at March 20, 2006 9:57 AM
Lovely! It will be perfect before you know it! Here's to a productive day off work! =)
Posted by: Angela at March 20, 2006 10:04 AM
Wonderful progress! Enjoy your snow day.
Posted by: PumpkinMama at March 20, 2006 10:19 AM
What I wouldn't give for a snow day. Or a rain day. Or a day that I don't have to go to work and don't have to take a vacation day...
Posted by: Cindy at March 20, 2006 10:23 AM
You're making fantastic progress. And it's always going to be imperfect - that's what makes it handspun.
Posted by: Carole at March 20, 2006 10:41 AM
Your first handspun looks a heck of a lot better than my first attempts at handspun!! There is a significant improvement with each skein, keep up the great work! Did you ever decide on a name for your happy wheel? Keep us updated!
Posted by: Erin at March 20, 2006 10:47 AM
OMG, that's your three-day progress Stephanie?!!! It's fantastic! Now, definitely save your very first handspun and label it. Then come back to it and you'll see how far you've come!
Posted by: Felicia from sweetgeorgia at March 20, 2006 10:47 AM
it looks great, i can see change in each bobbin. I reccomend getting some different types of roving, Coopworth, Coriedale, Merino.. they all are very different to spin.. Coopworth is my favorite.
Posted by: pixie at March 20, 2006 10:59 AM
I can really see an improvement in your pictures from the first to the last. What I wouldn't give for a snow day!
Posted by: emily at March 20, 2006 11:01 AM
Wow - You got a lot of spinning done over the weekend! Honestly, I think it looks as good as some of the thick-thin yarns that cost a fortune. Will you be able to knit anything with your first batch of handspun?
Posted by: Cyndi at March 20, 2006 11:02 AM
I definitely can see your progress, spinning-wise.......please make it Friday soon!
Posted by: christine at March 20, 2006 11:25 AM
Your spinning looks great! (Not that I know or anything.) I am very jealous of your snow day... we're just getting dreary rain. Isn't it supposed to be spring?
Posted by: Zarah at March 20, 2006 11:42 AM
Wow you made great progress, each bobbin will just keep getting better.
I wish it was a snow day here, maybe I'll get my wish tomorrow.
Posted by: Rebekah at March 20, 2006 11:52 AM
You're doing great! It will be perfect before you know it.
Posted by: Emily at March 20, 2006 12:01 PM
The spinning looks so cool. I would love to learn how. Can't wait to see all of your new creations with your new wheel.
Posted by: Coleen at March 20, 2006 12:32 PM
ok - you know my opinion on the dark arts...but i have to admit that is pretty damn impressive.
you went that far in only 3 days??? all kudos to you!
Posted by: jacqueline at March 20, 2006 12:54 PM
This amateur eye thinks it looks better each time! In no time you will have it down the first time! Snow days are great for crafts!
Posted by: Stephanie at March 20, 2006 1:33 PM
Well, you get an A in Spinning 101, for sure! Fabulous progress! The rest is all getting the coordination and feel for the fiber. I think a different fiber would have resulted in even more progress, but that is coming your way sometime this week! I am really proud of you! By the time you get to Estes Park, you'll be head of the class! (Do. Not. Ask. about SewIKnit...I get an incomplete for this one. I promise I'll do better the next time!)
Posted by: Marcia at March 20, 2006 1:39 PM
If it holds together it's yarn! You'll get better and better with practice.
Posted by: margene at March 20, 2006 2:01 PM
There are companies that sell that slubby yarn...for alot!
Each bobbin did get better, and as long as you're having fun, that's all that matters!
Posted by: jillian at March 20, 2006 3:00 PM
Oh, your handspun is really coming along, Stephanie! Each bobbin is indeed getting better and better. And, a little uneveness ends up getting cancelled out wen you ply so don't judge yourself too hard. If I keep letting my wheel gather dust you'll be passing me up right quick! :-)
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool at March 20, 2006 4:11 PM
I think you should call your wheel "Windy". I know, sad but since your blog is "Unwind" and you live in an area that is windy on lots of days, you could rationalize my funky brainy idea!! :)
Love your blog!
Posted by: Susanne at March 21, 2006 7:30 AM
All of that (even the first bobbin) is delightful designer yarn.
Posted by: claudia at March 21, 2006 7:52 AM
you are making dramatic progress!!! love it. sorry i missed your butterfly post, the beginning of the vest is gorgeous.
Posted by: blossom at March 21, 2006 8:59 AM
Awesome stuff! It's just going to get better and better. Both the spinning and how much you love it. Trust me. ;-)
Posted by: Cara at March 21, 2006 5:14 PM
cant wait till you're showing us all the amazing yarns you spin. that is some fast progress! I still need to take a class to get the hang of it.
Posted by: yahaira at March 21, 2006 8:42 PM
Looks like you are making serious progress! I dreamed I was spinning yarn last night. I've never done it, never been interested. I think my sub-conscious is trying to tell me something!
Posted by: Kate at March 22, 2006 7:56 AM
Your spinning porgress looks great! I'll bet your fingers are really learning to feel the way the wool is drafting, too - I love that part. :)
Posted by: Jackie at March 23, 2006 6:13 AM
