Spinning on the Go

The last month I spent away from my wheel. I remember, before buying it, considering a spindle. It made sense to purchase one, so much cheaper than a wheel, and try to spin with it first. I watched many YouTube tutorials, and the more I watched, the more I doubted whether it was the best way to go. The standing (optional), the holding the hand up high, it all seemed so laborious.

But last month I had to choice. I had to go away for longer period of time and couldn't take the wheel with me. So I purchased a Turkish spindle from Kerry Spindles on Etsy. It's beautifully made from reclaimed mahogany wood and it's incredibly well balanced. Not that I have any comparison, but it worked great. Eventually, I mean.

I forgot how difficult spinning can be when one is just starting. You need to manage the fluffy wool into something resembling a thread, keep the twist going while trying not to lose the end of the thread you just spun. The twist needs to be consistent and even and, at the same time, you need to relax and not hold onto the thread for dear life. All at the same time.

It brought back all the frustrations I remember when learning to spin on the wheel, when I was ready to give up after a day or two, because nothing was working. But I persisted and, after many days and even weeks, I finally had something that resembled yarn. Over-twisted in places and under-twisted in others, thinner and thicker here and there, but it held together and I could even knit with it. This time I can't count the times the tread broke and the spindle fell on the floor. But eventually (and it's such an important word), it happened less and less. And I was happy in my spinning place, knowing I can now spin anywhere I want. Is my yarn perfect? Not a chance. But I am spinning and I just learned a new skill. And it feels great.