"Why should I learn to spin? I can buy any yarn I might want or need at my local yarn shop or big box store. After all, it's just *yarn*, you know?"
"I would love to learn to spin. It looks complicated, though, and I'm just not that coordinated."
"Isn't hand spinning something people used to do because they had to hundreds of years ago?"
"My budget is tight right now. Although I'm interested in learning to spin, spinning with a spindle seems too challenging and I can't afford to buy a wheel. Besides, I have no idea how to even get started."
Hand spinning is not only a engaging and rewarding standalone craft, but also one that can benefit knitters, crocheters and weavers alike to create yarn for a specific purpose and learn how commeri yarns they work with are constructed and what techniques and types of projects those yarns would be well suited for.
Spinning is an ancient and, until more recently, a necessary craft. Contemporary hand spinners choose to spin for a variety of reasons. They may be interested in creating yarn that has been carefully planned from start to finish by selecting a particular fiber for its luster or softness and using a certain technique to achieve a desired end result. They may spin because they raise fiber animals and enjoy working with their fleeces, hair or fur; to complement their other fiber art interests; or, they may find crafting yarn to be a relaxing and therapeutic hobby. Spinners may also spin for the simple thrill of watching colorful fiber transform into yarn that appeals to their inner magpie.
Hand spinning is less complicated than it might seem at first glance. Simply put, spindles and wheels are tools designed with the same singular purpose: to put twist into fiber and make yarn.
Spinning can be an excellent companion craft to watching television, relaxing on your front porch with a mug of tea, sitting on the sidelines at a ball game or chatting with friends during knit group. Spinners attract attention and smiles when they spin in public and few children (and adults) fail to be entranced and delighted by the sight of a spindle dancing in the air or a wheel humming along.
In short, why not learn to spin?
Fiber and Spindle Resources:
Several members sell spindles and fiber at our meetings.
Online Information Sources:
Knitters Review: Spinning Basics by Maggie Casey
Abby Franquemont's Guide to Choosing Your First Spinning Wheel
Beginning Spinners group at Ravelry (Joining Ravelry is required to view this group)
Knitty: Spinning For Absolute Beginners by Shannon Okey
iSpindle (aka iCanSpin.com): Videos
Book Suggestions:
Respect the Spindle by Abby Franquemont
Spinning in the Old Way by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts (previously published as High Whorling)
Spindle Spinning From Novice to Expert by Connie Delaney (Out of print, although several copies are available from the Knox County Public Library system.)
DVD/Video Suggestions:
Respect the Spindle (Companion DVD to the book)
