"How do you do that?" That would most often come out the mouths of children who were spellbound by the wheel turning round and round. I would often answer "it's magic" and then go on to explain about wool from sheep and yarn for their sweater.
"Is it cheaper?" That would most often come from adults who wanted to know if they could save money by making their own yarn versus buying it at the fair, yarn store, big box store, etc. After explaining what it costs to raise, feed, shelter, shear the sheep, wash the wool, buy the spinning wheel, add in your time it becomes very clear that it is not cheaper.
"Why do you spin your own yarn?" I try to explain what a meditative experience spinning is once you've mastered it. I love the feel of the fiber moving through my fingers and being shaped into the yarn I want. I adore spinning my hand dyed fiber and watching the colors change as I make progress. There's nothing better. It's all about the journey and not the destination...
I feel the same way about spinning... and weaving, which I have not had the chance to do for a long while.
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying my Louet wheel. I've spun and plied a bit of wool and am trying to get the hang of working with my angora bunnies offerings. I can almost do ok when I add a bit of wool in, but not with just the angora. Need a class, I guess.
Glad to hear you like your Louet wheel. Keep working on the bunny fur. Think thin with lots of twist. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteYes, spinning is definitely meditative, with the added benefit that I feel I have spent my (extremely limited)time being productive, which is not the case when I spend the same amount of time "just" meditating.
ReplyDeleteYup, it's a two-fer. :) And I guess if you make something with your yarn and give it to someone you love, that makes it a three-fer!
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