First handspun yarn

[lillyanka]

So, I just finished spinning my first single:



It's sort of thick-and-thin (still haven't gotten the hang of drafting evenly ), but oh well. I'm thinking of plying it with this other single I'm spinning now:



(That one's even thicker-and-thinner, I think)

Do they look okay for a total n00b? (I know the pics are kinda iffy, but it's the best my iphone could do).

The white was spun on a bottom-whorl spindle, and the purple/pink one is being spun on a top-whorl spindle. Right now, I'm liking the bottom whorl better: it doesn't wobble as much, and the top-whorl doesn't have a notch so I'm having a hard time getting the yarn to stay where I want it. I'm considering making a notch on the top whorl, but I'm afraid I'll ruin my pretty spindle. Hee hee.

I was inspired to give spinning another try (the first one, a few years ago, failed miserably) thanks to the spinning tutorial in this forum. I only wish the class had gone on to plying!

[Belladune]

Beautiful first spins!  I'm making it a goal of mine to finally finish those spin lessons this year.   Stay tuned!

[Alexus1325]

Awesome!!! NEW SPINNER!!! YAYYYYY!!!

Those are fantastic spins

[lillyanka]

Thanks, you guys! Your words of encouragement mean a lot. I've gotta say, I've been spinning for two days but I'm completely addicted! I still suck at drafting, but I guess I'll get the hang of it soon if I keep practicing. Right now, I just can't wait till I finish the second single so I can start plying!

[Belladune]

A few tips on plying:
1. Tension is everything.  Keep both singles at an even tension.  It will give you an evenly plied yarn. (Though with thick and thin it's a little difficult to be very even, though tension is still important)
2. Spin your spindle in the *opposite* direction! 

Practice makes perfect. If you find my firsts.... Wow. What a mess.  But now I can spin 500+yards of lace very evenly.  Keep at it!

[lillyanka]

Thanks for the tips! I'll keep you posted

[jexxican]

Good job, Lillyanka! It is hard trying new things sometimes because the firsts are always horrendous in your eyes but we love seeing new spinners! I've been spinning for 2 years now and my yarns still come out thick and thin, but I love them anyway. I'm excited to see you grow and learn and get better.

Good job taking the plunge into Yarn making and welcome to your new addiction!

[lillyanka]

Thanks, Jessie! Of course, I tend to compare what I've spun to the pretty yarns other people spin, which made me scared to start spinning and mess up some perfectly good fiber, but I finally did it and I don't regret it one bit! It really is an addiction. I have been forcing myself to stop spinning and go to sleep at 1 am these past few days; and I've been so fascinated with it I don't even notice my arms and hands hurt until I stop. Which is very hard to do.

I think see a wheel in my future!

[lillyanka]

So, I have plied for the first time in my life:



Looks like a bulky yarn, which is what I thought I'd get.

I'll set the twist tomorrow, and then probably knit a cowl for my daughter. I didn't get much yardage, but it should be enough for a tiny 6 year old neck.

[Belladune]

Sweet!  The plying looks like it went well.