Going for a Second Spin

Jared and I went for our second spinning lesson. 

This time he worked on a spinning wheel instead of a spindle.  The one he tried was the Schacht Sidekick which was just his size.  Our teacher, Donna, said she has never seen a kid his age handle fiber as well as he does.  He's going to be better than me!

The one I worked on was the Ashford Traveller.  I really liked the height because it was more comfortable to sit at.  Next time I am going to try the Schacht Ladybug.  I think it might be the perfect one for me having the motion of the Schacht Joy that I first used and the height of the Ashford Traveller.  We'll see.

This time we brought some of Smiley's washed black fleece.  It came a lot easier for both of us but we still have much to learn.  I can't tell you how rewarding it was to see it take shape as yarn and know if came from our sheep. 

Later this week there is a spinning guild meeting and the Ladybug will be coming in for me to give a whirl.  Until then, I am carding more wool with my new carders and making rolags. 

Rolags are made by brushing the fleece with hand carders.  This aligns the fibers, removes fibers that are too short and sometimes removes remaining vegetable matter. 

Then you roll them up and spin them together on the wheel.

I love how the shades of gray mix together.

These will be spun into gray yarn from our own Jacob Sheep.

And speaking of sheep ~

No lambs yet.

We are waiting patiently impatiently.