spinning

Spinning, or handspinning, is the process of making yarn from loose fiber. Fibers are drawn out into a more and more elongated shape, while at the same time being twisted. The twist is what holds the individual fibers together, forming the continuous yarn.

Spinning can be a very rewarding activity, as you get to watch the yarn form almost magically from a nebulous blob of fluff. It is also quite relaxing, almost meditative. Furthermore, you can produce many different kinds of yarn for exactly the purpose you have in mind -- whether for knitting, weaving, embroidery or other use -- unique, on-of-a-kind yarns that you probably can't purchase anywhere but from another handspinner.

Fibers

Yarn can be made from many different types of fiber, both naturally-occurring or manmade. Some common natural fibers include cotton, flax (linen), wool and silk. Less well-known natural fibers are ramie, qiviut (musk-ox down), mohair (Angora goat), and Angora (rabbit). Natural fibers are often categorized as to whether they are of animal or plant origin, since this determines how to properly care for them and what type of dyes will work on them.

More about natural fibers.

Equipment

People usually think of spinning wheels as an antique curiosity, and are surprised to find that there are companies who manufacture them today for the hobbyist. The wheel shown is made by a company in Colorado named Schacht Spindle Company. This wheel has a sleek Danish-modern look to it, and features modern bearings and fittings. It also comes in a "double-treadle" model.

Here is a picture of another wheel, made by Country Craftsman, which is modeled after antiques but is actually a working reproduction. The bobbin and flyer assembly runs on a bearing made of leather.

In addition to new wheels, you can purchase wheels from some craftspeople specializing in restoring antiques to working condition.

One of the fun things about hobbies is the tools you get to collect. Spinning sure has its share! Hand carders, drum carders, combs, orifice hooks, dizzes, lazy kates, niddy-noddies... the list goes on. However, you don't have to go that far. The most beautiful yarns can also be produced using a simple drop spindle. Many drop spindle fans will tell you that although the spinning is slower in the short run, their spinning progresses faster in the long run since the spindle is so portable that they can take it along and work wherever they go.

A list of wheel makers and suppliers of other spinning equipment can be found here.

Projects

Here is one of my handspinning projects. This is a commercially prepared blend of mohair, wool and silk waste. It made a textured yarn which has some shine to it when viewed up close.