Two Years and Twenty Minutes

I've been drop-spindling this bump of roving, off and on, for two years.  It's a blend of silk, mohair and merino.  I'd take it out and work on it while teaching, so it lived in my teaching bag, where I'd forget all about it in between classes. 

I was looking for something in the teaching bag when I saw it again, and noticed that I had only one tiny floof left to spin.  So twenty minutes later, all that on-again-off-again attention paid off: I had enough singles to make 860 yards of laceweight. 

Abby Franquemont says that spinning wheels are faster by the hour, but spindles are faster by the week.  She's right: it's the work that you have with you that really gets done.

Which brings me to my next question:  What should I knit with 860 yards of orchid-colored 2ply laceweight?  Note: I'm NOT an expert lace knitter.  More like "Ignorant Enthusiast" level.  And I totally don't understand shawls (which I know is a problem all of its own).  Insert suggestions here.

The Wand Chooses the Wizard

High-whorl drop spindles, clockwise from top: Ashford, Spindlewood, Spindlewood, Kundert, homemade.

I've been following some of you in your Tour De Fleece journeys, and it makes me wish I had joined in.  I've been spending some quality time with my spindles, though, and it has inspired me to share the following:

3 Reasons Why Every Knitter Should Drop Spindle

1.    Mind

No matter how much you know about knitting, you can't really understand it until you have a hands-on knowledge of how yarn is made.  To get that, you must hold fiber in your hands and turn it into string, using twist.  And a spinning wheel, while nice, is not the same for introducing the concept.  Think of it like this:  A spinning wheel is like a word processor.  If you want to write a book (especially if you are in a hurry), the wheel will get you there very efficiently.  A spindle, however, is like a fountain pen.  If you want to learn how to form letters, and spend time coming to understand them intimately, the elegance and simplicity of the spindle make it the tool you need.  Even if you don't intend to become a spinner at all (no law says you have to), get hold of a spindle and some fiber, and learn to make yarn.  It will change the way you look at knitting forever, I promise.

2.    Body

Knitters sit too much.  Yeah, I said it.  I'm guilty, and so are you.  Drop spindling is best done standing up (or even walking around), and because it's fun to do, you won't mind getting off your arse even a little bit.  Another great thing: it makes you move your arms in big wide open arcs, which is the opposite of knitting, where you scrunch your neck and chest forward.  In fact, the action of drop-spindling is almost self-correcting, posture-wise.  If you are standing and/or moving wrong, you probably can't make string, and vice-versa.  Go to class with Carson Demers to learn more.  You will never regret it.

3.    String

Most of us discover at some point in the spinning process that the string we make ourselves is the very best string in the whole wide world.  It's the same as the strawberry you grow yourself in your own garden; More delicious in every way.  And you've probably heard me say this before, but it bears repeating in a down economy: Spinners get to play with their fiber TWICE.  Think about it:  The same $16 buys 4oz of handpainted yarn, or 4oz of handpainted fiber.  If you spin it first, you've already enjoyed it once before you ever knit!

And there's one more thing: Spindles are gorgeous works of art, made more beautiful by utility.  They look and feel completely different when in use than when on display.  The right spindle will whisper (or sing, or shout) to you when you find it because something about it makes it impossible for you to resist.  Take my advice when that happens, and allow it into your life.  Falling in love with a spindle is the first step to yarn whispering.  Why fight it.?

Those are my big fat observations on the subject.  Now share yours!

Friends Who Make String

What a time this is to be a knitter.  We are surrounded by the most beautiful yarn and fiber in the world, and all of it a mere mouse click away.  And that's just when we stay home!  Venture out to a knitting event, retreat or festival and the choices in those marketplaces will further blow your mind.  Even an innocent trip to your favorite LYS will expose you to treasures beyond reckoning. 

I have the unique honor to have made the acquaintance of some of the most talented stringmakers in the world.  I have gone to their workrooms and seen their processes.  In every case they have welcomed me in, trusted me with their secrets, and even asked for my input. 

This unparalleled access to the magic world of hand dyers has taught me so much about the wonder of color.  My friendships with these artists are the source of endless inspiration and delight.

Breathing this rare air, has also given me the opportunity to observe some very clever businesswomen at work.  Independent artists face professional challenges that require a level of ingenuity and  resourcefulness that would challenge Warren Buffet.  All the artistic talent in the world won't help you get the taxes done.  And creative as you may be, unless you know how to apply all your great ideas to running a business, you might find the wolf at your door.  These unique people have to be the best at what they do, both artistically, and in commerce.

All of which leads me to tell you about a special opportunity.  Right now, we knitters have a chance to help out some of our favorite makers-of-string, with a few simple mouse clicks.

Our friends at Abstract Fiber have applied for a Chase Small Business Grant.  In order to qualify, they need 250 votes on Facebook.  To help them out, click HERE, type in the search box "Abstract Fiber", and vote for them.  That's all.  You'll have helped some super-smart business people to keep making beautiful string for us.

Many Thanks.  Keep Knitting.

UPDATE:    Mission Accomplished - thank you for your votes!