A few years ago, I was able to take a class given by a friend of mine at our homeschool co-op. Spinning! I had always wanted to learn how to spin--making one's own yarn is very handy (if it turns out). Thus, I was excited to be able to take the class, and learn how to dye fresh wool, card, spin, and hand spin. Now, I don't personally own a spinning wheel, =( but I DO have a "Hand-Spinnette," given to me with the class. I thought I would show you it, and how it works! :)
This is it. A rather simple instrument, isn't it? :) You see, you hook a wisp of 'fresh' wool to the hook (obviously), and let the whole thing drop, while you hold onto the wisp. You then rub the wisp between your hands as the spinnette spins, and it twists into yarn.
Yes, I'm sitting there smiling at the Spinnette. Don't mind me. :) See how the finished yarn is wound about the bottom? That's the "storage compartment." Yep!
...You end up being able to make quite a bit.
Here is a skein of rather unfinished yarn--it needs to be tamed of lumps yet. Needs another round of Spinnette!
So, after you do this for awhile, it becomes pretty easy! It's kind of hard at first to get the Spinnette to spin, and not drop everything. :) I hope you enjoyed that little "tutorial!" I believe you can find Spinnettes at sewing/quilting stores, or even perhaps craft stores. Do try it someday! It's a good thing to know for your future years. =)
