Spring is here

Well it feels like it is.
I haven't been here for a bit... and I have many reasons. The first being work,work and more work with almost no play.
I must take time & do the things that are important to me at this moment. These things are knitting some socks, knitting on my shawl and the spinning which I started this year.


Did I mention I like to cook, but it's not a food blog & I will stay on topic.


First came the spindles, then my Louet S 75 wheel and a visit to the local spinners' & weavers' guild in Woodstock. 


My spinning wheel has a single belt bobbin drive with an adjustable flyer brake to regulate tension and flexible polyurethane belt. The 3 bobbins included have three settings on one side used to obtain three spinning speed ratios: 1: 5 slow 1: 7 medium and 1:10 fast spinning for fine yarn. The fly wheel is 20" in diameter. It has 2 treadles, but is not a true double treadle.

I don't know much about wheels, but it is working out nicely for me so far. I am studying the Alden Amos Big Book of Spinning.


At the same time, my hubby, Warren is making more spindles. The spindles are getting better with every new one. I am using a nicely balanced bottom whorl, but I think the favourite so far is the top whorl.

I have Briggs & Little pencil roving, B & L washed roving, Black Lamb merino roving, Louet Shetland roving and Hopeful Shetland roving. Favourite roving so far is the shetland which is very easy for a beginner to draw out.

I visited the Spinners' & Weavers' Guild in Woodstock yesterday for the first time & was warmly greeted by the President, Mary Saunders. I met three other members who very nicely gave me very useful tips to help me along. They meet in an old school room which is filled with looms, wool & yarns. 


Before I left I joined the guild and look forward to future meetings. I also found out about the Master Spinner program offered by Olds College. There is a Ravelry group with information at this link: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/olds-master-spinners---ontario .


Here is a link to the program information: http://www.oldscollege.ca/programs/ContinuingEducation/trades-career-studies/fibreweek/OffCampusOfferings.htm .


This is so interesting. I would love to do this, but with a date of April 19, I don't think I can be ready this soon. In the fall probably.


Warren has also made a hackle & comb for me:

It works beautifully!!
Anytime one of you would like something made, please consider having Warren do the project. He is wonderfully talented at such endeavours.


I also have some wool carders:

Soon I will have a look at Linda W.'s sheep selection for some fleece. Just have to choose the colours. 
I really want to try preparing the fleece right off the sheep and taking it to a finished sweater (s). 


My M-I-L is waiting outside so I can take her to the grocery store. So I do hope you will drop in again to check out my progress.
Bye for now & enjoy the weather. It's free!!!