I finally took the plunge. I pulled a lovely white 100% Merino Wool from my fiber stash and started spinning. First, I took the wool and pulled it apart into long thin strips. Then I gently drafted the fibers.
They ended up looking like big cinnamon rolls.
I took out my brand new turkish spindle, attached a leader, and started pulling on the fiber as I turned the spindle clockwise.
My first batch is a bit thick but I’ve read that this is standard for first-time spinners. As I kept spinning, I found I could produce a thinner yarn.
I just have to practice.
This was my first hank! It’s sort of a mini-hank but I am so pleased!
I only had 4 oz. of wool and was able to spin three mini-hanks for a total of 82 yards. I think my yield will be better as my spinning skills improve.
Now I just have to dye it!
My takeaways:
(1) Spinning is way cool.
(2) I must get more fiber.
(3) I need a spinning wheel.
Agujas 
Beware … when I first started spinning, I quickly ended up with three or four spindles, three wheels, several hand carders (different kinds), combs and a drum carder. 🙂 It is SO addictive!
Oh, oh. Do you have a recommendation on a spinning wheel?
Ashford is a good choice for a first wheel. It is a good wheel, solid, dependable, easy to get replacement parts, and a decent price. I think every spinner I have ever met either has or had one – including me. I have a Schacht for the last 20 years and over the years got rid of my Ashford – but only b/c I needed the room.
Thanks! I’ll check them out!
Thank you for your look at my blog. It prompted me to come and see yours, which is gorgeous. Lovely spinning! I second the commenter above, spinning is a wonderful rabbit hole to fall into. Best wishes and I look forward to more posts.
Glad you stopped by! I love this virtual community of knitters. I’ve learned quite a bit from helpful posts.
You did a fantastic job! 🙂 Spinning can be quite addictive and I too have to say, beware ~ your fiber stash will become as big as your yarn stash and you will end up with several wheels (I now have three).
Let me know which spinning wheels you recommend. I am doing research.
Spinning is way cool! See if you can borrow or rent a wheel first, try at shops and Festivals. I bought my Ashford Traditional blind, just wanting to spin. It proved to be wrong for me with the single pedal. I love my Joy however, and it has the advantage of being portable to take to classes, seminars. And now I have the Jensen, which sadly will not be produced much longer, glad I got that now.
Thank you for your insights! There is a handweaver’s association in Houston. I’ll go check out one of their meetings.
When I first got an eyeful of the fibery “cinnamon rolls”, I immediately said, “Oooohhhh!!” LOL! Lovely! And I think if you are already desiring a spinning wheel, it’s no question. You are hooked!!
As for recommendations, I have a Joy and a Ladybug. I love them both. The Joy is more portable, quick and easy to pick up and just start spinning in seconds. The Ladybug has more capabilities overall, however. It’s a little fussier than the Joy to me though. I am working on a third. But I figured I’d give these two my attention for now. 🙂 Good luck choosing. I bet you can’t pick just one! (sorry, I couldn’t resist, lol)
Thanks for the recommendations!
Spinning is so addictive! I tried out a lot of wheels before I decided on my Lendrum. I advise that you do the same. Very good first try on the spindle!
I hadn’t heard of Lendrum – I will look it up. Thanks!
Wow! I am so happy that I found your wonderful blog. I’ve been dying to try spinning for the longest time, now I am truly inspired!
I’m glad you liked it. I enjoyed visiting yours as well – especially like the pic of Cary Grant with knitting needles!
I agree with what everyone has written above! Once you start you can’t stop! I haven’t tried many wheels so I can only comment on the Ashford Traditional and Kiwi. I like both wheels; the Kiwi was a great wheel to learn on and a good price, and I love the way my old traddy looks. 🙂
Your blog looks lovely!
Thanks for your input!
This is very cool! You are doing what I am only thinking about doing – but am afraid to try because I need another craft like I need a hole in the head. I shall live vicariously through you!!!
It is very addictive.
Great job! I’m working on my second batt of roving on my wheel and it’s such a great feeling. What types of dyes will you use?
I’m going to start with the basics – kool-aid. Although the owner of the yarn store I went to in San Antonio also recommended Wilton dyes – for coloring cake icing. Might pick up a few to try them out.
I hadn’t thought of the Wilton dyes. I have Kool-Aid packages and I bought the Jacquard starter set from Knit Picks, but I also have birch bark, black walnuts, and lichen to try natural dyeing. I can’t wait to hear how your dyeing turns out. A woman at a local fair last year was knitting a beautiful green shawl with yarn she had spun and dyed with Kool-Aid. Good luck.
wow, this is impressive and very beautiful! Fantastic textures!! love it!!
Thanks!
Wanted to stop by and say hi. I enjoyed reading through your blog yesterday after You stopped by my blog.
I recently bought my daughter a spinning wheel and she is going to come for a visit and teach me to spin. I can’t wait.
I love to dye yarn with native plants and flowers from my garden and have had great results. Even onion skins gave a beautiful yellow.
Another fun dye is to pick up Easter egg dye kits when they mark them down after the holiday. I have gotten boxes of dye for as cheap as 10 cents.
I will have to try that some day! I had to work up to the Kool-Aid and would love to experiment with natural materials. You have encouraged me!
Fabulous! Lovely photos, and great yarn! Post up what you knit/weave too!
I tried some natural dyeing, it’s much easier than chemical dyeing!
Simply: Chop up plant stuff (if it has a strong scent, it’s a good indicator of a dye – so those herbs that have gone to seed, or onion skins are easy to get hold of) – soak them in an aluminium pot (alum is a mordant) heat it up, add your fibre and off you go! No nasties for your hands or the environment! When the mix has cooled, stick it in your compost heap. Use muslin or something to contain your dyestuff if you get lots of bits.
Thanks for the instructions! I’ll be sure to post when I get a chance to use natural dyes.
This makes me long to pick up my needles and feel that new yarn moving between my fingers.
: )
Very cool! What color are you going to dye it?
Thanks! I already dyed it with 3 colors/flavors of Kool-Aid. You can see the end result in the Bubble Gum Hat post. Glad you stopped by.
turkish spindles are adorable, aren’t they ?
Are you going to ply your new creation or leave it as singles ?
I love mine! I did not ply that yarn. I subsequently dyed it and knit a hat! See the Bubble Gum Hat post!!
Hey, thanks for “liking” my blog! I love your first yarn. That’s so cool. I will probably have to stay away from the spinning for now… you know, that addictive thing. (-: But I love to look at spun yarn and will look forward to watching your progress!
I loved the owl hat. And I wanted to reach out and pinch your little boy’s cheeks in that picture in front of the snow. Too cute!