I spin while I listen to Cast-on

Although not with a drop spindle, so this image is somewhat misleading.  I also spin while doing nothing more than spinning.  Really.  I spin.  While it is still not consistent, it is beautiful to me because now.....are you ready?.....I finally get it.  To all of you that hung in there with me while I whined and carried on about something being wrong....blessings on you.  Wonderful Sue at my LYS sat down with me and all became clear.  I was drafting in a way that fought the wheel causing the breaking (and swearing).  I switched hands, began drafting and tenuating correctly and hallelujah.  Tomorrow I learn to ply.  I am SO happy.

I am also now a spinning maniac.  I love it.  I love the sound of the wheel and the feel of the fiber as it passes through my fingers.  I love each little imperfect slub and every little overspun spiral.  I could spin all day.  I make up little rewards for myself like "if you finish this bag you can go spin", or "fold one more load of laundry and you can go spin".  I spent yesterday afternoon in the library getting books on dying and got 20 packages of koolaid at the grocery store.  I can spin it and color it and knit it and I.am.crazed.with.spinning.happiness.  I have gone from being afraid to take the roving out of the bag to wanting to spin everything I can get my hands on.  A spinning monster has been created.  I am going to need many more bobbins.

Knitting has not lost any of its allure, but there is clearly a new kid in town.  And all that talk about knitting being the new yoga?  Spinning has it beat by a mile.  The gentle quiet that comes over me while I spin is quite amazing.  Much more zenlike than knitting.  Could have something to do with no pattern to follow or row to keep track of, but I don't think that's it for me.  There is magic in that wheel.  As it spins around it sucks away all the stress and leaves me peaceful.  I am also completely romanced by the fact that people have been spinning their own fiber since time began. 

Now, if only I had some sheep, or llama, or alpaca of my very own.  Somehow I don't think the mutts, or the zoning board of our village, would support that idea.  A girl can always dream.

Comments

[Liz]

The mutts better be careful... before you know it, you'll try spinning mutt-fluff. ;)

[Marcia]

The breakthrough for me was learning to relax! It's amazing how gently you can hold the fiber and still control the twist..."pinch" is a relative thing! We told you your hands would get it!

[Lillium]

So glad to hear from you. I thought you had quit blogging! Yes, the Claritin seems to be doing well - although the occassional eyedrops seem to relieve the "sand in my eyes" toward the end of the day. Hope you are having a great one - love your bags!

[wenders]

Dear Holly - You must stop writing entries like this or I might end up buying a wheel, too. And I don't have room for one (in my apartment or my wallet). But the idea of something sucking the stress out of me is so inticing...

[Annie]

Your singles look great! Can't wait to see the lovely yarn that will happen when you ply.

[PainterWoman]

You can always get poodles... their "fur" is spinnable, I've heard. And I hope you've given a stern talking to to the naysayer about your spinning handicap(s). Congratulations on your perseverance and "getting it."