Drop Spindling???

OK -- now I know that I am hopelessly addicted to spinning. While at Knitting on the Square a few weeks ago, talking, demonstrating, teaching spinning, someone asked me if I could teach drop spindle spinning. The little gears started to spin (in my head). Hmmmm. Truth is that I only tried it once, with a fairly primitive, made from plywood, drop spindle, and figured you'd have to be CRAZY to want to do this!!! That was a long time ago, and what did I know about spinning -- next to nothing.

Now, I'm thinking, that first experience just wasn't right. I didn't like the tool -- it was definitely NOT aesthetically pleasing. I wasn't confident in my ability to draft the fiber -- hadn't even tried spinning on a wheel, and I was trying to figure it out on a hot Summer San Diego day all by myself.

So -- off to the computer -- there must be tons of sources for really cool looking drop spindles. Ohhh those Golding spindles are neat -- a little pricey though for a "let's just try it again" kind of activity. Search some more -- The Woolery had quite a few, Schacht -- hmm too plain. Ashford -- nope plainer still. You must remember -- it's the EXPERIENCE, the ART that also matters! Googling again -- Now there's the ticket -- Kundert Spindles -- one man shop, NICE wood, good price -- Whoopie!

Anxiously waiting, 1 day, 2 days, 5 days! Goodie, there's still time left on Spring Break -- All day for two days and countless movies I was spinnin! Now I must confess that I didn't try it the easy way -- some Corriedale, or Romney -- Nope -- I figured "I'll just spin this harrisville felting wool. It's gonna come out nubbly anyway." If I could spin that stuff (we're talking fiber length of an inch MAYBE) -- I can do anything!

I tried various drafting techniques and settled on rolags. Not too bad. Here's a TIP though -- when learning to spin with a drop spindle, sit or stand OVER a rug -- it will 'drop' and you don't want to scratch your new beautie!