Thanks for all of the comments about the wheel and anniversary wishes!
I've been playing with my new spinning wheel a bit over the past week. I haven't had as much time for it as I might have hoped, but I've managed to get in a few hours of spinning.
Now, I will admit that there have been some rather ... how shall I put it? ... trying times with my new wheel. The little clip that the lendrum has instead of hooks keeps doing funny things (like flipping over). For a new spinner like myself, this was sadly a little difficult to diagnose at first. I think I've bent the darned thing into submission though. I also was having what I think are the normal beginner troubles -- too thick, too thin, overspun, underspun, you get the idea.
I got my Lee Raven book, and I quite like it, though I think the Alden Amos book might also be in my future. The book has been helpful in figuring out how I have been spinning, and the different ways I have been shown and trying a few new ways. It's just a lot of fun!
Ok, enough typing. The singles:
I know it's not great, but it's my yarn and I love it. I am scared to ply it though. That first bobbin might be rather messed up!
Cookie, I just got the exact same wheel (I also love mine) and have just started spinning! I think your over, under, thick, thin looks better than my mess! I am having the same problem with the clip but I do want to master it - I also want to get a Woolee Winder (probably because I am a scaredy cat and it is easier for the bobbin to add the wool evenly). Good luck! I will be watching your progress!
Posted by: Cynthia at June 17, 2006 6:10 AMI have the same wheel and your first attempt looks great! Keep at it. And don't be afraid of plying. Plying evens it out quite a bit. You'll be surprised how nice it is, really. And also remember, IMO, that when you get to thinner singles, the variations will be less significant. Have fun!
Posted by: Wendy at June 17, 2006 8:09 AMIt *will* look wonderful when you ply, it'll look like the type of amazing artisan yarn you can't buy in a store.
Posted by: Ro at June 17, 2006 8:24 AMfirst yarn!! plied or not, knit it up; it'll be beautiful.
i like The Ashford Book of Spinning for a basic intro book--clear photos of drafting methods. don't know how it compares to the Lee Raven book though.
congrats for your lendrum! have fun!!
Posted by: meowgirl at June 17, 2006 11:19 PMOkay I have that same wheel and just learned to spin myself. Knitting up the first yarn you spin and ply is pure heaven no matter how weird, nobbly, or otherwise distressed it is. And let me tell you shell out a couple of dollars for a private lesson, I did (after a horrid group fiasco) and now spinning feels so easy and light, I love it!
Posted by: Amber Lee at June 19, 2006 12:00 AMI'm so excited to see that you took the plunge and bought a wheel. I remember when you first tried that little CD spindle at Stitches. Be sure to download all the free articles at http://www.interweave.com/spin/Spinning_Basics.asp, they should help you get started. You're well on your way that first yarn looks great.
Posted by: Amanda at June 20, 2006 2:46 PM