Spinning

Today I took my first trip to the local yarn store to buy some roving so I can try my hand at spinning.  I was definitely impressed!  As soon as I walked in the door there was a San Antonio Spinners guild meeting taking place.  A whole circle of old ladies with spinning wheels.  One had a cute German accent.  They were lamenting the way that scarves have become a hot accessory rather than just a provider of warmth.  In our defense--Texas women do not have very many opportunities to wear scarves for warmth.  The majority of the year it is too hot.  So as soon as the temperature hits 70 degrees we begin wearing scarves.  But I digress...

So, I asked the lady at the counter to show me the wool.  She led me to the back of the store and kind of explained about different ones.  I told her I was an absolute beginner, and she recommended a variegated (stripey) Merino/silk concoction because the colors would allow me to see the twist where a single colored roving would not.  Yes, I know this is a bit luxurious for the beginning spinner--heck, I've been crocheting/knitting with nothing but cheap acrylic hardcore for the past three months.  But I think I would benefit from being able to see the way the roving is twisted.  Next time I'll get some plain old white Corriedale (that I can dye...in my dishwasher?).  So anyway, I bought 5 oz (which turned out to be a LOT) and now it is sitting on the table staring at me.

I tried spinning a short section already, but did not thoroughly understand the instructions in my book and it came out overly funky.  So now I'm on to youtube to see the drop spindle in action.  And need more info on pre-drafting the roving because it is REALLY thick.

In other crafting news--I have enjoyed knitting so far, now that I figured out how to hold everything.  Yay!