[Lesley Silvester]

I have just finished spinning my second bobbin of wool.  Plying tomorrow (I hope).  The wool is overspun in places so I'm hoping plying will address that one.

[Mammyshaz]

Sounds fab 

My first lot was so overspun in places it looked like I'd been plaiting dreadlocks  yet it plied fine and is knitting lovely albeit rustic 

I'm sure your finished skein will be lovely, what are your plans for it?

[Bionic]

MGM, don't worry thats how we all start out.  Come to think of it mine is still like that 

[Lesley Silvester]

I plied one bobbin today but have to wait for my niddy noddy to arrive so I can take it off and ply the rest.  It came out fairly well.  I'm glad I'm not alone with the over spinning.  I gather that if I slow down my treadling, that will help.

I have been looking at shawl patterns but it's thicker than I expected it to be, so I don't think I have any apart from one I've already made.  I need to work out the length of the wool as well in case I don't have enough.  Whatever I decide to make, it is for ME.  I can make for other people later but this is my first attempt so it's special.

[Bionic]

Yes, it will be very special.  I made a hat for my first attempt.  The thickness or bumpiness of the wool really didn't matter and its great for this cold weather we are having.

[SallyintNorth]

Yes, it will be very special.  I made a hat for my first attempt.  The thickness or bumpiness of the wool really didn't matter and its great for this cold weather we are having.

This!

[Bionic]

Sally, did you get cut off in your prime?

[SallyintNorth]

Sally, did you get cut off in your prime?

Nope, you said it all, I had nothing to add!  Just wanted to register that it was exactly the same for me.

[Lesley Silvester]

I've found a shawl pattern on Ravelry and downloaded it.  Now just need to see if I have enough wool.  the niddy noddy should have come yesterday but, unsurprisingly, there was no post.

[colliewobbles]

Really interested to read this thread, although some of the terms are double dutch to me!!  I am fairly good at crafty things like embroidery, knitting, x-stitch, sewing etc. so want to try my hand at spinning.  Love the thought of producing my own raw materials!!

I figure that I need to go on a short course to get started - what does anyone advise?  I am in Norfolk.

Donna

[Lesley Silvester]

Go for it.  If you enjoy crafts, then you are sure to enjoy spinning.  There is likely to be a spinning group near you and you may be able to borrow a wheel to try it out.  If not, and you don't want to invest a lot to start with, try a spindle, either a drop one or a supported one.  The drop one you hold and it just hangs from the wool you are spinning (and in my case drops off too often for comfort) and the suspended one sits in a little cup on your lap.

There are plenty of videos on Youtube to show you how they all work.  Are you a  member of Ravelry?  There are a number of groups on there that would be useful for info.  Are you going to Wonderwool in Wales at the end of the month?  I've not been yet but plan on going this time.  By all accounts there is plenty to see there to whet your appetite.

Pity you're not nearer to me or you could have a go on my wheel.  Unless you fancy a trip to Shropshire, of course.

[Bionic]

Colliewobbles, as MGM has said there is almost certainly a spinning group near you somewhere. Our group has a wheel that newbies can try out and the members are really helpful.
 
MGM, do you know what day you are going to Wonderwool yet?  I am going on the Saturday.

[Backinwellies]

Looking forward to going to Wonderwool myself.   Think I'm going Sunday.  Performing in Sorcerer on Sat eve in Talley if you interested Sally!

[renee]

so want to try my hand at spinning. Donna

Whoopee, we've got another one in our spider's web.
I was at a Christmas show in Copenhagen and a lady came up to me and asked if I knwe where she could learn to spin. I sort of joked, " you can come and visit me. 700 miles due North, turn left at the café sin and drive 10 more miles. She phoned in February and asked if she could come. I tried to put her off, explaining that the temps. were -25 to -35 and there was 4 feet of snow.
 Oh, she would love to come. She should have been to Greenland to visit her husband but he had been called out on a unexpectantly. ( He works on the Sirius Husky patrol) Soooo, how could I refuse

[Bionic]

Well who would have guessed you would have a visitor out there. Hope she enjoys it