Learning how to spin

[donnalynn2]

Ok, I'd really really like to learn how this is done. Especially since I've heard that you can use dog hair. I think it would be so neat to make a hat or something from my dog's hair. We have to get both of them groomed every 3 months their fur grows so fast and I know the groomer would save the clippings for me...

 

Question is, what's the best way to get started? What do I need to buy? Where to buy it???

 

I'd need something that's inexpensive for starters... Thanks for any help!!!!!!

[superfurry]

hi. spinning is fantastic

 

you could try one of the kits here, they're $12.50 for a spindle (personally i'd go for the toy wheel, i reckon it should spin better than a cd spindle, although i haven't tried either) plus fibre. i think the fibre selection is probably the most important thing, some fibres are much easier to work with than others. the spindle itself doesn't matter so much - i spun some yarn yesterday on a makeshift spindle cobbled together from a spinning toy and a straw

 

then you need instructions. i found videos immensely helpful. try www.icanspin.com and www.joyofhandspinning.com, that should be enough to get you started.

 

once you've got the hang of things with a couple of different wool fibres you might like to try blending in some of your dog's hair before you go try unblended. i'm guessing that dog fur is shorter and less crimpy than wool, so i guess it would be harder to spin alone. but i've never tried and i'm sure there are plenty of people who can give you better advice. i think it's known as "chiengora" if you want to google that.

 

hth

[shelain22]

Hey girl, you and I are in the same boat. I recently got an angora rabbit and here are the post I have started and the ladies have gave some great advice!

 

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14437

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14372

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14184

[jacqui]

My advice to anyone wanting to learn to spin is to find out if there is a spinning group in the area. If not you could ask at your local college to see if they have night classes or such like. Please don't go buying a spinning wheel if you haven't got an idea how to use it.I know of an American magazine that you can get but i don't know if i can name it here. You could send it through a private message i think. But drop spindles are cheap easy and portable and easy to make with old cd's to start with. Do you have a local craft group nearby? Or put a notice in your local paper. Anyway good luck i hope you learn to spin soon. You'll become addicted though. Jacqui