Spinning...

[Shianne]

Does anyone here use a drop spindle? What are you working on? What is your favourite type of fiber to spin.

I started spinning a little over a year ago because the doctor said I needed a stress free hobby to combat the stress I was going through. I had gotten two bags of wool off of craigslist that I was going to felt but then a friend told me to spin it. I loved it.
I spin wool (not sure what type of sheep) and llama. I would love to try mohair and silk...one of these days after I finish what I have stashed.

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

I've been drop spindle spinning for about 10 years. I had a spinning wheel for a while but went back to my spindles because I like the portability of them.

My most used workhorse spindle is a hand turned one made by someone local to me. It's bottom whorl and a little on the heavy side but I love it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/...335ff301_m.jpg

I mostly spin wool and alpaca or a blend of the two as I can get both locally for cheep or free. I have spun silk and enjoy it. It's challenging. I've spun mohair but find it works better blended with some wool. The next thing I want to try my hand as is flax. And I want to get a supported spindle and try cotton.

ETA I just finished a pair of fingerless gloves from my spindle spun wool. The fleece came from a friend's sheep. The color is the natural color of the sheep with variations of light and dark brown.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/...df4f60da4b.jpg

[Shianne]

I love the fingerless gloves. I am a beginning knitter. Have to do something with all the yarn I have.
Here are some projects that I have been working on. I am still learning.

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

Nice stuff!

[Marlet]

I use a hi-lo Schacht. It's a tiny thing but oh how I love it. I also have two ashford mongo beasts but I've never used them. My mom gave them to me when she gave me her wheel. I haven't spun on my spindle in a long time. I should do that soon. I miss it and have pictured it a lot lately.

[Shianne]

Marlet
Do you prefer to use it as a hi whorl or a bottom? I've only used a bottom whorl spindle and was thinking of getting a hi whorl.

[flapjack]

I'm spinning up some BFL top from www.poshyarn.co.uk at the moment. It's yummy.

[Marlet]

Originally Posted by Shianne

Marlet
Do you prefer to use it as a hi whorl or a bottom? I've only used a bottom whorl spindle and was thinking of getting a hi whorl.

My first spindle was a kit from Nistock Farms and it was a bottom whorl. I liked it but once I got my hi-lo it got set aside. I've had 2 of my current one actually...the tip on my first broke during a move. It was easily replaced though (I think my current one is a bit heavier than my original but can't remember). I've only spun on it as hi whorl. Now my first spindle (from Nistock farms) and my Schacht are two different spindles in all aspects. However, the techniques are the same (just a matter of fine tuning depending on the feel of each you know?) and I personally have an easier time keeping my balance on a hi whorl. I have been meaning to try it as a low whorl but I know that for the way I spin my spindle starts swinging out in large ovals vs. circles.

It has been awhile since I've done it from the bottom though (oh! that sounds dirty ) so who knows? Maybe there is a learning curve and I should give it a try.

[Yvaine Undomiel]

I drop spinning.

I have far too many, as I am very lucky to have a husband who crafts them for me.

I did have wheel, but I ended up selling it because we needed the money. I actually don't miss it at all.

[Shianne]

I wish my husband knew how to make them. But alas, he couldn't even figure out how to turn on the circular saw...
My 12 year old however, would do it if I had the proper tools for him.

Flapjack- I was perusing the site. Oh such beautiful stuff!!!