Drop spindle lessons ?

modelwidow · Drop spindle lessons ?

I've been thinking about learning to use a drop spindle, I keep reading instructions on the net, and wonder if I could teach myself or if lesson(s) would be a better way to go. I've just seen that Get Knitted are doing exactly the sort of workshop that sounds perfect, but there is no way I could get to Bristol in time Sad

- the trains don't run early enough. Does anyone know of somewhere nearer (I live in Kent) where they might do a similar workshop (- Googling doesn't seem to help it just comes up with the exercise type of spinning Rolling Eyes

) or shall I just give it a go myself?

And if so... any suggestions as to top whorl or bottom whorl?

Glynis

I've thought about trying a lesson or two myself and I found these people.
I can't tell you anything about them, but here's the web address
http://www.handspin.co.uk/

probablyjane

There's a spinning group starting up at IKnit in London, with the first meeting this Saturday. IKnit are very close to Waterloo Station.

Not lessons as such but I'm sure that someone will be only too happy to get you started.

modelwidow

Glynis, I saw them too, in fact they were the only one's I could find - looked interesting but I could only see spinning on a wheel (but it's tempting, might have to look into trying that when DH and DD go away on their Daddy/Daughter break, then they won't know about it Wink

).

probablyjane, I hadn't thought about iKnit, I remembered they are having a spinning group when you mentioned it, it's certainly something to think about.

craftybernie

Hi Modelwidow

I'm self taught with a spindle and basically read as many articles as I could on the net. Check out YouTube too as there's quite a few videos on 'spindle spinning'. It really helps when you're getting started if you can see it in action.

I've got two spindles, one is a basic wooden top whorl spindle which my hubby bought off ebay for xmas. The other is a 'Babe' which came with two whorls. It has a wooden shaft and two red plastic whorls which you can take off to adjust the weight of the spindle. Personally I prefer the 'Babe' spindle but that's mainly because I'm spinning quite fine wool at the moment as it's quite a light spindle.

Good luck!

modelwidow

Thanks Craftybernie, I'll have a go, sounds like a good idea to check out the videos - would never have thought of that.