[natalie]

The photo on the top of the page is my Ashford drop spindle. It was the first spinning thing I bought, along with some Corriedale fibre, and it was all I used for the first three months. I still use it often, and it's what I try "new" fibre out on before I move onto the wheel.
Anyone else like to use a drop spindle?

natalie

[Bethie]

I went about learning to spin the "wrong" way, diving in head first with a wheel. That was only last Christmas, and I got on OK-ish. On a later trip to the Handweavers Studio in North London I fell in love with a spindle, and to be honest, I've barely used my wheel since. I'm not sure I'll give up on it completely, but I don't LOVE it the way I love my spindles, and it doesn't feel as intuative (sp?). My rate of production is probably much slower, but as an avid knitter and shopper, I have no shortage of yarn, so until I'm happy with what I'm making, its mostly a case of "Hmm, that looks a little better, I've learnt something" then putting the handspun in the bin! at least this way I only need a few grams of fibre to experiment with and keep me occupied for hours!
Any one else actually prefer the spindle?

[ClaireUK]

I feel more 'creative' using a drop spindle. More in touch with the previous generations of women. Sounds soppy, but it satisfies something inside me that is artistic. Its the 'hands on, low tech' bit I suppose.

Claire UK

[hellomango]

Claire, I know what you mean! I do love my wheel though and whenever I spin on a spindle I feel like I am back in nursery school as I am all over the place. I think I feel more in control of my wheel!

p.s. your package will be on it;s way today...sorry for the delay but it's a bit awkward getting out at the moment! I got yours and due to PC probs couldn't email you, but it arrived safe and sound! Thanks!

[ClaireUK]

Thanks for letting me know - I did wonder if the Royal Mail monster had struck again and lost the book

Claire UK