Spinning into the Night

Late last night after the kids were in bed, I started watching videos on you tube about spinning yarn.  WOW - there are lots.  The intrigue was more than I could handle.  I had all this 'tea and cake' batting from MeinkeToy.  Could I?

I could.  

I did!  

I made this!

my first skein : )))  I'm so proud!

I took a look at the drop spindle technique that doesn't require a big wheel, and figured I could likely just invent a makeshift one at home.  This is all it is.

a dowel and a cup hook

It was WEIRD.  You have all this fluff - like cotton candy.  You basically twist it (I must learn more about this) and it becomes SO strong, I could not rip it in two.  Incredible.  Spinning is like magic.  I can't tell you how strange it is to feel transported into a fairy tale when doing this.  I totally understand how people can delight in spinning...

Then I hear my ten year old creep down the staircase that overlooks my studio.  It was late - 10 pm and he needed one more kiss goodnight.  "Mom, what are doing?" he asked.  "I am spinning this fluff into this very strong yarn.  Watch."  He could hardly believe his eyes.  "It's magic!" he said.  Yes, I think he is right.  And then I handed it over to him.

He does it!

Liam spins gold.

He spun about a metre of yarn, a few inches at a time.  He said, "Woah.  I could just keep doing this all night."  But we stopped and headed off to bed.  He and I were so pleased that we found such a neat thing to do!  I'll practice some more.  I have a bartering 'date' with a local artist to have her show me more about spinning.  So cool.  I can make my own colors  Oooh I think this is only the beginning.

spinning art batt from MeinkeToy

Linking to WIP Wednesday at The Needle & Thread Network.  Please stay tuned - we have a very special guest on Friday over there!  : )