Any spinners!??

[justusnak]

I just got my sheep this spring...and the lady I got them from gave me a bag of the wool, from spring shearing. I am going to be learning to spin..but can not find a relatively inexpencive set of carders. Anyone else spin?? Is it as easy as it looks!???

 

[Bil]

We are just starting to get in to using our fiber from our alpacas. We have around 60+ pounds of raw fiber right now in our front room waiting for us to do something with.

We have thought about purchasing a new drum carder and process all of our own fiber ourselves. Now just to get out there and do it.

We have done some drop-spindle spinning, and that was tough for me, but my 8 year old got it right away. I would like to try it on a wheel.

Good luck!

Bil

 

[tygab]

Sounds like me. This is my early summer project, to get through 3 yrs (ugh) of 8-14 alpacas' fiber. I am planning go by color to get through it. Bil, have you used the alpaca fiber collective at all? I'll be giving them all my greys at the least.

I just need to start!

 

[Bil]

We've thought about joining one of the fiber co-ops but for some reason we don't like the idea of sending our fiber out of state and then not getting our fiber back. We only have 16 alpacas so it would also cost us to have the fiber shipped and it just doesn't make sense for us.

We have some great mini-mills not to far away that we'll probably send our best stuff to, and then the rest we'll card our selves and try spinning our selves.

Bil

 

[sunnygoats]

I find it easier to bring my raw fleece to a mill. To me, carding is tedious but I'm sure some people find it relaxing!
I've never gotten the hang of a drop spindle either, Bil!

 

[zatsenoughcritters4me]

I have been researching also, just aquired tunis sheep and I have been searching the internet on youtube.com and type in spinning wool.. etc... it shows some pretty intresting videos!!!!

 

[charliesgrace]

Hi, I am a newbie on the site, and I am taking my Master Spinners at Olds College. I am still working on year one, but I can try to help out if you need. Mini Mills would be great for a few reasons, the most important one (if you have it) is supporting local business. I am wanting to get a drum carder and have been steered in the direction of Pat Greene Carders. I am saving up for one, they are the creme de la creme. Hand made to perfection. Very difficult to find used spinning equipment. Bil- Just watch, not everything will work on alpaca, it is super fine and long. You could even try a dog comb and spinning the locks. Good luck on the drop spindle, I love them.

 

[wynedot55]

 

[charliesgrace]

thanks!

 

[Rence]

I kind of have an interest in spinning, but I'm deterred by start up costs.

What kind of equipment would a beginner need? And how much would they expect to pay in start up costs?

Where would one find spinning supplies?