In 2006 after my mom died I learned how to spin yarn on a drop spindle (I got at the PNE) from my neighbour Diana. She also invited me to go to her spinning guild (Langley Weavers & Spinning Guild) in Langley. I proceeded to join and get a wheel and I was hooked. I loved it. I went through a few wheels before I found the one l loved. Fast forward 20 years I had been feeling a bit discontent with my spinning because I was unable to figure out how to change the way I spin to get the yarn I wanted.
Then our guild had a workshop with one of our wonderful teachers called.... TAKE THE WHEEL: Thick, Thin & Totally on Purpose with Kim McKenna. It was a 2 day workshop that helped the spinner know their wheel better and to make a few adjustments to their wheel and/or to the way they spin to intentionally spin the yarn they want. We also talked about the yarn we were using & why it was chosen for either thick or thin yarn.
Well, it was life changing in regards to my spinning. I am making yarn thinner than I have ever made and it looks better than what I have been spinning. Even though it is not exactly what I want yet it is visibly different in a good way and some not so good but that is ok because learning is fun when it clicks. It doesn't need to be great right off the bat.
The class was small and we were learning from each others questions asked. I found that I had a great time learning and that I can still learn well. Sometimes I have felt I did not learn well. Yet what I was reminded was that finding the right instructor and the topic that you were looking for is golden. I feel like something has broken free and I am excited about making yarn again. I am excited to practice what I have learned and also look forward to continue learning more about different topics that relate to my spinning like how to process the fleece I have to make wonderful yarn. What type of fibre do I like to spin with the most, what am I curious to try spinning? I am sure there are more questions but right now I am enjoying practicing what I just finished learning.
