My newest obsession—spinning

My newest adventure in crafting is a good example of how hobbies can take on a life of their own, especially when you like to have a lot of projects and new things going on.

A little over a year ago, I picked up my first pair of knitting needles, some yarn, and the Knitting and Crocheting for Dummies book and learned to knit. So far I have completed many scarves, a purse, many hats, a pair of socks, 1/8th of a throw and  1 3/4 sweaters. As I learned more about knitting, I became interested in other aspects of the fiber crafts, too.

After attending the nearby Finger Lakes Fiber Festival last fall, I became fascinated by the process of making yarn from scratch. I purchased some silk and wool roving (fluffy fiber prepared for spinning) and a hand spindle and handspun some yarn, a relatively slow but enjoyable pursuit. Of course I couldn't stop there. 

I started researching wheels and dropping "subtle" birthday hints. DH took me shopping for my birthday in January (best kind of present!!) and one of our stops was at a local yarn shop called Village Yarn & Fiber Shop. They had just begun selling spinning wheels and we ended up being their first wheel customer. Being somewhat OCD (and excited), upon arriving home, I had to immediately pull the pieces out of the box, finish and assemble the wheel—that night. Hubby was impressed. 

The wheel is an Ashford Traveller. It is quite portable and sturdy. I used Walnut Oil as recommended to finish it. Walnut Oil smells really good and my dogs kept trying to lick the spinning wheel after it was assembled. I don't leave the wheel out when we are away—no need to tempt fate—or the dogs!

I have already produced some yarn and can't wait to create a little something from it, maybe a scarf. My first skein off the wheel:

Spinning takes some practice but once you get the hang of it, it is a relaxing and soothing activity. The next thing I'd like to learn is plying. I have only created singles up until now. Plying involves twisting more than one strand together, and makes a stronger more even yarn. I need to master making thinner yarns first though.