Part 2
I’ve finally embarked on my journey in handspinning yarn. Here it is: my first single!
Becoming familiar with working with fibers and manipulating them into yarn has been a slow, but quite interesting, learning process. There are so many factors that affect the character of the spun yarn. Getting everything to come together as planned is something that will take some experience.
Beginning with undyed superwash merino wool combed top, I started out by playing with drafting techniques and getting a feel for the relationship between the spin and the draft. My spindle is light and small (maybe I’d like to make more so I have different sizes). It takes some work to get the rhythm of it all to come together.
I used the spin-and-park technique, stopping the spindle on my leg to catch up with the drafting. It’s been a simple way for me to start and to try to get the hang of drafting smoothly.
As you can see, it’s not completely uniform, but it’s relatively thin with a somewhat consistent amount of twist. I feel pretty good about this first attempt.
The combed top I got from FatCatKnits was so nice to work with. I don’t have a basis for comparison since this is the only stuff I’ve tried, but the way you can just pull it apart into whatever size strips you want made the combed top very easy for me to draft. The fibers are soft, sturdy, and neatly organized. All the hard part was done for me: I’m glad I don’t have to prepare my own fiber!
As much as I’d love to get my hands on a wheel, I appreciate taking the time to learn to spin by using a spindle. I feel like it forces me to become more familiar with my material and better understand the manipulation of the fibers. I’m having a great time with this new hobby of handspinning yarn, and I still have so much to learn.
it looks great! nice job!