Starter Kit

[joules]

ive been thinking about trying spinning out for a while and found a website that sells starter kits.

 

http://handspinner.co.uk/drop_hand_spindles.html

 

i was considering getting the budget kit at £15.80. do you think this would be a god place to start from?

 

thanks

 

i live in the uk

[yvetteg]

I have used a Drop Spindle before its a lot of fun but if I was you I would look into if there was a social group in your area. My Mom is a handspinner and has been for 20 years or so and they have two groups in the area one is much larger than the other but willing usually to help out beginners

[joules]

I have used a Drop Spindle before its a lot of fun but if I was you I would look into if there was a social group in your area. My Mom is a handspinner and has been for 20 years or so and they have two groups in the area one is much larger than the other but willing usually to help out beginners

 

thanks

 

have no idea how to find a group in my area. will bear it in mind

[yvetteg]

Often if you go to a Farmers Market (or if you are in the uk Market Day.) Look for someone whom offers yarns and Knitted items. Or Try a Craft Sale (not sure what they have in the UK but its worth a shot to check it out)

[yvetteg]

I just did a google search for Hand spinning groups in england and it came up with a site called UK and Europe Spinning Resource I would think if you called one of them Locally they maybe able to help you with information.

[joules]

I just did a google search for Hand spinning groups in england and it came up with a site called UK and Europe Spinning Resource I would think if you called one of them Locally they maybe able to help you with information.

 

thanks

 

didnt think f that but then my dd isnt sleeping well and i dont cope well without sleep

[MullersLaneFarm]

Wonderful way to start. The Ashford beginner spindle is good and I've heard good things about Lee Raven's book.

 

I think Interweave Press has a list of fiber guilds, and there is alway Ravelry.

[FrLopLady]

here in the US there is a spinning wheel available that is less than $200 call The Babe. I am seriously looking into getting one! I'd better because I've bought all kinds of roving to play with

[yvetteg]

LOL I live in the south not so sure handspinning wool or other fibers is a good idea but I would love to learn myself maybe if I ever move back up north I may do that. But right now I am just enjoying learning new patterns for crocheting

[MullersLaneFarm]

You don't have to spin wool. There is always cotton and other bast fibers.

[Koala-girl]

I have been spinning on an Ashford student spindle, which is good. I was able to buy it from a shop (in Australia, Petlins in Sydney) and the man spent time showing me what to do. This was VERY helpful. If you can't get to a spinning shop, a spinning group would be another good option. I love that spindles are quite cheap and portable. You do need to have some patience to start with, but I am really glad I did it. Now all I need is friends with sheep. You'd think that would be easy in Australia.

[Koala-girl]

P.S. I just realized, the spindle in that starter kit is the same as the one I am using. You can use it upside down as a low whorl too.

[joules]

I have been spinning on an Ashford student spindle, which is good. I was able to buy it from a shop (in Australia, Petlins in Sydney) and the man spent time showing me what to do. This was VERY helpful. If you can't get to a spinning shop, a spinning group would be another good option. I love that spindles are quite cheap and portable. You do need to have some patience to start with, but I am really glad I did it. Now all I need is friends with sheep. You'd think that would be easy in Australia.

 

cool thanks

 

i dont think im going to be able to get to a group as i dont have a car and evenif i did im finding it hard to find a craft group of any kind to go to

 

will get that kit and see how i get on after that i can look at different fibres and kit etc.

 

thanks everyone for the input