Any hive spinners doing Tour de Fleece?

[I talk to the trees]

How's the spinning coming along? Any challenges you'd care to share? 

I just wrapped up 85 yds of 2-ply merino bulky and 70 yds of 2-ply merino dk- all done on a drop spindle! (A first for me, as I much prefer wheel spinning.) 

For those who don't know, the Tour de Fleece is a yearly event for hand spinners. Every day the cyclists ride in the Tour de France, we spin (spindle or wheel) along with them. 

[busymama7]

2 hours ago, I talk to the trees said:

How's the spinning coming along? Any challenges you'd care to share? 

I just wrapped up 85 yds of 2-ply merino bulky and 70 yds of 2-ply merino dk- all done on a drop spindle! (A first for me, as I much prefer wheel spinning.) 

For those who don't know, the Tour de Fleece is a yearly event for hand spinners. Every day the cyclists ride in the Tour de France, we spin (spindle or wheel) along with them. 

I wish. I haven't learned yet. I do have a drop spindle but haven't figured it out. I want I think an electric wheel because I have a chronic illness that causes pain and I don't think a traditional wheel is the best option for me. I will inherit a vintage one from my mom that I could try on if I want to.  But mostly I don't have the space in my life or my home for another hobby so I'm currently resisting.   (I am a knitter)

Edited July 7 by busymama7

[I talk to the trees]

My favorite drop spindle tutorial:
 

Jillian Eve drop spindle for beginners

I also love her historical videos. 
 

Good luck @busymama7as you learn to spin! 

Edited July 7 by I talk to the trees
@ed because I forgot to quote!

[Amoret]

46 minutes ago, I talk to the trees said:

My favorite drop spindle tutorial:
 

Jillian Eve drop spindle for beginners

I also love her historical videos. 

Thanks for the suggestion! My DD14 just started spinning and is still trying to get the hang of it. She has watched quite a few tutorials, but I'm not sure she has seen this one.

eta: it turns out that DD has seen it and agreed that it was her favorite too. She is still struggling to achieve an even thickness (and avoid lumps). In your experience, do you think this is this something that just that needs more time and practice? If it's a technical matter, do know of any other resources she could consult to help her refine her technique?

Edited July 7 by Amoret

[Amira]

It’s been years since I pulled out my drop spindle and now it’s on a boat to another country, but maybe it’s time to get it out again when I’m reunited with it.  I have been wanting to spin for a backstrap loom project.

[I talk to the trees]

2 hours ago, Amoret said:

Thanks for the suggestion! My DD14 just started spinning and is still trying to get the hang of it. She has watched quite a few tutorials, but I'm not sure she has seen this one.

eta: it turns out that DD has seen it and agreed that it was her favorite too. She is still struggling to achieve an even thickness (and avoid lumps). In your experience, do you think this is this something that just that needs more time and practice? If it's a technical matter, do know of any other resources she could consult to help her refine her technique?

 

The old saw about getting to Carnegie hall is true- practice, practice, practice! But it helps to have an experienced spinner to watch. I was fortunate to have a spinning guild full of talented, helpful spinners nearby when I learned to spin. If you have a local guild, you may find someone there who is willing to give pointers or even a couple of lessons. Here's a list of spinning guilds.   A few suggestions: When first learning to spin, it can be helpful to pre-draft the fiber almost down to the thickness you will be spinning. This will allow your dd to control the thickness of the yarn without worrying about perfect drafting technique. Another thing that helped me was to practice drafting out fibers without actually spinning. Just grab some roving/batts/fluff and play around with it to see how it feels to pinch and pull, pinch and pull. And finally, if your dd spins a bit of yarn with spots that are too thick, just hold the yarn and let the spindle spin in the opposite direction, unwinding the clumpy bit. Do this over a thick rug or carpet. I have cracked a few whorls by dropping them on a hard surface!

[Amoret]

22 minutes ago, I talk to the trees said:

The old saw about getting to Carnegie hall is true- practice, practice, practice! But it helps to have an experienced spinner to watch. I was fortunate to have a spinning guild full of talented, helpful spinners nearby when I learned to spin. If you have a local guild, you may find someone there who is willing to give pointers or even a couple of lessons. Here's a list of spinning guilds.   A few suggestions: When first learning to spin, it can be helpful to pre-draft the fiber almost down to the thickness you will be spinning. This will allow your dd to control the thickness of the yarn without worrying about perfect drafting technique. Another thing that helped me was to practice drafting out fibers without actually spinning. Just grab some roving/batts/fluff and play around with it to see how it feels to pinch and pull, pinch and pull. And finally, if your dd spins a bit of yarn with spots that are too thick, just hold the yarn and let the spindle spin in the opposite direction, unwinding the clumpy bit. Do this over a thick rug or carpet. I have cracked a few whorls by dropping them on a hard surface!

Thank you so much. Those are all very helpful suggestions -- just the sort of thing DD was looking for 😀

[LifeLovePassion]

That sounds fun. I purchased some fiber and drop spindles to use in my art classes, So I should probably figure out how to use them first. 😜