Chapter Two of my beginning spinning adventures had me browsing hand dyed fibers on Etsy. I was looking for a suitable beginner’s fiber that I hadn’t tried yet. Polworth, perhaps or Corriedale. I thought I’d try merino off in the future sometime because in my reading, I’d gotten the impression that merino is difficult to spin. “It has a short staple”, I’d read, and “it’s slippery.” Sounded scarey.
But then there was this:
The Great Pumpkin, dyed by Unwind Yarn Co. and on sale, people. On Sale! The combination of pretty autumn color and reduced cash outlay was irresistible, and into my cart it tumbled. Rather than the usual variegated braids, this shop is mostly full of the most lovely tonals in rich shades you’d actually wear. Go lookee!
Oh, and did you notice the spindle? That’s new too. Joshua Lynch of Texas Jeans is the craftsman and he made that gorgeous whorl from a maple burl. It’s only two thirds the weight of my Kundert spindle, so I thought it might be more suitable for trying to spin skinnier. It spins wonderfully smooth and is one of the higher quality handmade spindles I’ve seen. So impressed by my find, I asked Mr Lynch how long he’s been working with wood. He explained that he’s been doing this for over 30 years, but made his first drop spindle for his wife Andrea, (another crafty gal like us), about a year ago and found he really enjoyed it. I can see that he does, and I advise those of you who admire mine to get over there and get your own before the spinning world notices, when you won’t be able to get your hands on one, the waiting list will be so long.
I didn’t waste any time preparing soft squishy balls of predrafted merino top for spinning action. But once I got down to it, I was surprised to find my new spindle didn’t have a notch like my Kundert spindle did. As I spun, the singles I wound on started unwinding as I spun a new length of singles. Mmmmmmm. Unsure of what to do, I wandered around the house trying various fixes. Should I cut a notch into my beautiful new spindle? I hated that idea. I added a few pieces of tape to give the yarn some leverage, which sort of helped, then did an online search to try to find a solution.
One of my smart spindling mentors gave me the solution. She explained how many spindles are notchless, and you can wind a length of singles up around the shaft of the spindle above the whorl, then down below the whorl to wind around once or twice before coming back up to the hook. This is perfect. Not only does it give a stop for the yarn to sit against, it reminds me at a glance the size the singles were early in my spinning, so I can readjust if I start getting thicker. Which tends to happen as I get tired and signals me it’s time for a break.
I found another way to solve the notchless spindle dilemma. Here’s Knitty’s take on the solution, which also utilizes fancy wrapping of your singles.
Oh the joy of spinning merino. This stuff drafts like buttah! One thing for sure – you’d better get on with getting your twist in there as you draft. No lollygagging around, or your spindle is going to hit the floor quicker than you can say, “I’m mad for merino!”
Lesson learned? Predrafting totally unnecessary with merino – even, or especially for a new spinner. My sturdy new spindle survived without a single blemish.
I thought that first shot was a beautiful loaf of Challah bread before reading your post : ) What a pretty color. And it makes me want to try my hand at spinning!
It is a joyous thing watching the colors develop. I recommend it!
That’s a gorgeous combination, Julie. Lovely photos! I’m so excited to see you happy with spinning.
Thanks Jen! You’re a wonderful spinning mentor!
The colours are brilliant. I also thought it was bread before I scrolled down. They are very beautiful colours.
I love the color too, Susan. Rusty oranges are my favorite!
So glad you are enjoying the merino! That is one of my favorite colorways to dye.
One thing you might want to mention to your readers, though, is that fiber is only easy to draft if it isn’t felted in the dye process. As a dyer I take a lot of care not to handle my fiber too much while it’s wet, so that it stays nice and fluffy and easy to draft, but not everyone is very careful and sometimes you’ll end up with a braid that feels a little matted (and this can go for any fiber, not just merino). Sometimes it’s beneficial to split a roving into pieces if it’s a little felted.
Beautiful pictures of your spinning, though, and I have GOT to get one of those spindles! 🙂 Thanks again for mentioning me!
Your fiber is wonderfully fluffy and easily draftable, Dana! Thanks for the info. Being a relatively new spinner, I’m hungry for all such information. I have so much to learn! The learning is great fun, though…
Your blog is beautiful — the backgrounds, the photos, the whole thing!
Funny you should mention Unwind Yarn Company, I just saw Dana at a local fiber festival and came home with a bagful of yummy stuff. Your orange fiber is gorgeous & you’re spinning it very nicely. I’m a wheel spinner, but need to try out the spindle again now that I know how to draft the fiber for the wheel.
Wow! Thanks for the wonderful compliments, Marushka! I’ve never tried a wheel. I have a way to go, i think and much to learn. Enjoying the process and playing with Dana’s pretty fiber! I want a colorway called Nurple next. Lovely purpley/pink tonal! (Yes, I stalk her etsy store) 😉
Awww. I’m a mentor! 😉
Looking good, Julie! I can’t wait to see this finished.
Yes Becca! I’ve learned so much from you! You and your cool videos and your willingness to help, always. 🙂
Looks like you’re a natural! I’ve got to brush up on my spindling since I’ve got to show of my skills next week.
Joshua is in the shop right now working late to get out more spindles. He was thrilled when he read your blog! Love your photos!
I need to get together with Dana for that colorway you’re using!!! Love it!!!
Thanks Andrea! I sure enjoy it and am having fun finding lovely tools and fibers. Feel lucky to have stumbled across you guys!
I have another braid from the same dyelot, if you’re interested! Send me a message on Etsy! 🙂
Great. Thanks a lot. Like I really needed more to spin. In return, I’d like to introduce you to FatCatKnits, JulieSpins, and YarnPirate. Pretty stuff.
ooooh, Thanks Kate! You evil enabler, you! 🙂
What a beautiful spindle! I keep seeing all these gorgeous ones and may just take the plunge one day – I only have an ashford which is a bit heavy and doesnt spin the way I want it to
Well, you know what they say about how important good tools are! (Let that be your excuse for why you need lots more spindles!) Hee hee
Spindles are generally cheaper than good power tools. And how often does the average person really use a table saw?
Joshua says his table saw gets used every day. But you may not be referring to “professional” woodworkers! 😀
I used ours almost every day too when we were building… but I know lots of idle table saws. 🙂