Hello again! I realized today that it’s been a couple of weeks since I last shared my Twisted Purl experiences on Word Press.  Shame on me. Much has happened, and much has changed. What has changed, you ask? I’ll give you a clue:

 

Well, yes, I helped Cyndi out at a show (my first–and it was fun and wonderful and I learned many-a-thing about talking to potential customers and eating cupcakes).          But also (!!!) I am now an upcoming spinner!  This is very exciting news, let me assure you.  Although I have not quite gotten the hang of it, now that I’ve started learning, I doubt I’ll stop.

At the show Cyndi introduced me to the drop spindle.  Drop spindle spinning was rough and dangerous business. I almost ‘dropped’ on a girl scout’s head (she was kneeling next to Cyndi’s wheel, watching her spin).  I will not go into the details, but she was a very demanding little girl scout.  All the same,  I did not almost-hit her head on purpose, and I am glad she was not injured in the almost-accident.

Tuesday and Thursday of this past week, after carding some batts, Cyndi let me practice spinning on her smaller Ashford wheel (aka her “baby”) .  I have produced three small balls of ‘yarn’ that look like this:

 

I never thought sitting down could be so exhausting.  Let me tell you, learning to spin is a workout in itself.  Or at least that’s what I told myself when I didn’t go to the gym on Tuesday or Thursday.  But honestly, it’s so hard. I think I am finally getting the hang of using the wheel (maybe?).  Soon I am supposed to learn how to ply, and I hope I am up to the challenge.

My mother came in town for the weekend to visit, and on Friday I brought her with me to The Twisted Purl studio.  She loves to knit, and Cyndi and I wanted to show her the whole yarn-making process. My mom got to pick out the colors and textures of wool she wanted in her yarn, watch me card it on the drum carder, and then see it spun by Cyndi on the wheel.  She had the best time (thanks, Cyndi), and left excited to knit with her new supplies.  She also took my three balls of yarn I spun earlier in the week… I think we may have turned her into a yarnaholic.

I was sad to send my mom off yesterday, but she had to get home, and I had to get back to work. It’s such an exciting and busy time in my life, full of learning and opportunity. I’m off to Baltimore for a photography conference on Wednesday, but am anxious to keep practicing my spinning.  Perhaps I’ll pack my drop spindle : ) …