Learning to Spin On A Wheel – Week 1

Good morning!

So I’ve been working on the premise that it’s all about learning the process and getting comfortable, not about the final product (yet). I have been doing an awful lot of research, and haven’t come across any sites that show how *bad* the yarn looks when you don’t know what you’re doing and you’re trying to learn, so I’m throwing this out there to rectify that and hopefully help someone else.

The wool I happen to have is a superwash roving, which I understand is a bit ‘slippery’ and harder to control. Figures that’s what I have on hand to learn with, but I shall overcome! *hahaha* I’m spinning on my brand new Schacht Ladybug, which is very kind and patient with me…

So, here’s the first bobbin worth of attempts – I think it took 2-3 ‘sessions’ to fill. I had been following directions to split up my roving into several sections and then pre-draft the fiber:

THEN I read an article on Abby’s Yarns (https://abbysyarns.com/2007/10/drafting-predrafting-prep-and-control/) that said pish-posh on that unless you really want or need to! So I tried going straight from the roving, and it was actually much better for me! Last night I tried splitting the roving once lengthwise, and that was even a bit more manageable. It’s fun to experiment!

The learning continues… I’m getting better at peddling more slowly and consistently, and working hard to reduce over spinning. I do get more inconsistent at the end of the roving – not sure why yet, but I’ll just keep soldiering along!