Spinning

My very first spinning attempt

One of my goals this past Pennsic was to learn to spin.  Now, I did not actually WANT to spin my own yarn (or at least this is what I was telling myself).  I had no interest in taking it up as a hobby at all.  Rather my purpose was to gain a better understanding of the process of creating yarn.  That, in turn, would give me a more in depth understanding of the construction of textiles.

I really tried to not pick up another hobby, but I came home from War with two drop spindles (in addition to the "toy" one from the class), several bags of wool and several books.

Only a few weeks later, I also acquired a spinning wheel, wool combs and a box of Icelandic fleece that needs to be washed.

At this point I have spun about 4oz of some pretty rough feeling madder dyed wool, close to 4 of Corriedale and about 4oz of Icelandic.  I had a lesson with my spinning wheel this week that helped my progress with that method of spinning immensely.  My goal?  To spin my own yarn for weaving period Viking fabrics and trim. 

Of course, that is pretty far off at this time, but it is the long term goal and so far I am enjoying the process.  My next step, I think, will be to experiment with use of a distaff as some recent research has made me wonder if it might effectively speed up my spinning or help me create more even yarn.

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This is the second spindle of Corriedale. The first was very lumpy, but this one almost makes me happy.

Icelandic wool I purchased after Pennsic. This was the first attempt with it and I am now on my fourth spindle full of this stuff. I am spinning this one heavier than the Corriedale as I hope to use it as weft in a matt or rug for the Viking tent.

This is the Sami reindeer antler Viking drop spindle I bought from Viking U Like at Pennsic and the first attempt at spinning on it.

My Ashford Traditional wheel.