Fluffbuff

Another good day in good company, and I learned to spin on a support spindle. The workshop was excellent and I think I am finally going to spin some lovely cashmere and yak down I bought four years ago. I just need to practice.

Nancy of Custom Handweaving brought all the supplies for the workshop: spindles, bowls and fiber.

Support spindles come in various shapes and sizes, from the tiniest takhli to the very large Navajo spindle. I tried many small spindles and chose one that spins smoothly and feels good in my hand. No bowl, as I learned that I can spin on my leg.

John, after I broke his concetration with my camera.

And back in business, spinning away at professional speed. He is a professional, after all, teaching people to spin all over LA county. If you are interested in his schedule, check out his calendar.

Everybody seemed to enjoy the workshop and really get into the support spindles.

Gwen Powell, spinner extraordinaire. Today she showed us how to use a variety of supported spindles, including a charka. Here she's spinning a bunch of packaging paper thingies (brain slightly disingaged after 10PM). The woman can spin anything from tinsel to fake grass. You name it, she's spun it. In the latest issue of Spindlicity, she talks about spinning gold leaf.

After the basics, Gwen demonstrated how to spin bouclé and caterpillar yarn.

Some of our newest members were at the workshop. Jason started spinning just weeks ago, and he's already spinning on drop spindles and support spindles. If he hasn't tackled a wheel, I am sure he will soon.

Jill, another recent member of the guild, was spinning really good consistent yarn on her first try. I wonder if her concentration has something to do with her musical training.

And a very happy Kathy, showing off her caterpillar yarn.