Respect the Spindle

New reader (? I think?) “Hook and Needle” has commented that she has a spindle on the way. Whoo hoo! I need a lot more practice with my spindle… any decent looking yarn you see here was done on a wheel.

Since I’ve been talking about Tour de Fleece here and have been receiving search hits on that term, I thought I would share a couple of books that may be helpful to anyone just starting out.

First, Abby Franqemont’s Respect the Spindle:

Abby is… well, I find her inspiring, and not just due to her spinning prowess. It’s her generosity. She freely shares information on her blog and through YouTube videos and elsewhere online — and yes, she runs a business and has a book, but there are no strings attached (ha ha, see what I did there) to the information she shares. Abby also has DEFINITE OPINIONS (and the expertise to back them up).

I swear, I’m not stalking her online. I’m NOT. We just hang out in some of the same places, honest.

Two other books I have enjoyed since starting to spin:

To anyone just starting out, I would also suggest joining Ravelry and seeking out the spinning groups in the forums… but with a caveat. Just take it all in, and don’t be discouraged. Apply the advice that feels right to you while you practice & learn. It’s the internet, you know?

Above all, to anyone just getting started… enjoy! And if there’s one piece of advice I have, it’s to allow yourself a little luxury in the fibers you spin when you’re getting started. Many of us have this instinct to “save” the pretty stuff until we are better, but I firmly believe that if you are spinning something pretty to look at, you are more likely to stick with it. Even if it’s full of lumps and bumps. :)