My Spinning Tools

I thought a series on spinning tools would be useful to many.  I’ve been spinning for a few years and thought my dog comb was as handy as they got, then my hand cards were pretty funky, then a flicker  brush replaced my dog comb for spinning in the grease.  I quickly migrated to a wild carder as my go to tool (and later added a motor).  My current tool of choice is a set of Viking combs.  On reflection I think my tools have journeyed with me and changed as my experience has grown. 

It is often difficult to find useful information on the internet and searching for it can take a long time.  Whilst I certainly haven't used all the spinning tools on the market sharing my experiences with what I have used may help others.  Over time you will lean towards a favourite tool (like I am my Viking combs) but it is not my place to impose expert advice.  A good spinner will acknowledge they are forever learning.  I now see each tool as unique in itself, for a specific purpose and to achieve a different result even if the results are later combined.  Perhaps my way is different to something you have seen on the internet (YouTube is a great place to play and learn), but that doesn't mean I am right, or wrong.

Over coming weeks I will share with you how I have learnt to use my tools, some of the assumptions I made about them (often wrong) and how I see them fitting into the broad range of spinning tools that you will come across.  The focus will be on fibre preparation as the foundation for your end product.

So what is in my tool box?

 

• Viking combs
• Hand Carders
• Flick Carder
• Comb
• Wild Carder (now with Electricarder attached)
• Wool Picker

And I’m sure you wouldn’t be surprised to know that I have a wish list set of tools somewhere in my future (hopefully).  These might include:

• A blending board 
• A motorised triple drum carder

Of course you can always get your fibre professionally processed, but even so, you may wish to have some of these tools handy for further processing.  I have 6 fleece from my best sheep with a processor at the moment and cant wait until I get some nice clean smooth roving back.  In the mean time I will continue to hand wash and hand process my other fleece, into clean smooth roving. 

Happy Spinning until next time...

I finally finished the Tour!

Well it is far too long since I posted a blog and I really have no other excuse than not moving it up enough on my priority list.  I didn't quite finish what I aimed for in the 'Tour de Fleece' but I enjoyed the experience.  (Perhaps embarrassment at not finishing assisted the procrastination that stopped me posting!!)

I finished the ‘Tour de Fleece’ not quite achieving what I set out to but still feeling OK by the end.  I did spin mostly every day even if it was for only a few minutes.  I didn’t get through my 4oz of fibre by the end of the race period, but I did finish it eventually (with a little help from my wheel).

 

Now just what to do with it I’m not sure.  My family suggested I knit or crochet myself a new winter beanie since I seem to have lost my favourite one.  Now just to find that perfect pattern.....

It wont be as long between posts (she boldly says).  I have done some preparation and hope to craft a small series for you on Spinning Tools.  So until next time...

Happy Spinning :-)