Sunday, August 9, 2009

Spinning Equipment


There was a time, albeit a very short period of time while attending college, I didn't think I had time to craft. It was probably more like I had barely enough money to pay my rent, let alone buy something fun to do, but I can remember thinking about all of the tools and equipment it takes to do anything. Woodworking, sewing, even scrapbooking, it takes the right tools to have a successful project. Even with knitting or crocheting you need a different type of hook or needle with every project it seems. Crafting just didn't seem accessible to me at that point.

One of the things I truly love about spinning is it's accessibility. You can ( and I have seen it done on our Ravelry group ) create a spindle with a pencil and a tennis ball! Add a bit of wool, and you're on your way to making a beautiful handspun yarn for your next project. There comes a point though, when your skill level increases and you need tools to help you make what you have in mind, into reality. Thankfully, there is a myriad of choices you have when the time comes to "upgrade".

Several of our wonderful Phat Fiber contributors have spinning tools available for purchase. Bookmark this page and use it as a reference when shopping for your next spindle or wheel!


http://www.wcmercantile.etsy.com (spinning wheels ashford, majacraft, schacht ladybug)
http://www.knitspin.etsy.com (Louet wheels and carders)
http://www.silversunalpacas.etsy.com (drop spindles)
http://www.wildethyme.etsy.com (Yarn Bowls)
http://www.wildhare.etsy.com (Spinolution Wheels and Nancy's Knit Knacks)
http://www.fibers.downinthecountry.com (Rakestraw Spinners, Plying Paddles)
http://www.designsbytami.etsy.com (spindles)
http://www.twistedfiberyarn.com (Asford and Strauch drum carders lots of knitting equipment)
http://www.plumcrazyranch.org (Roberta electric spinning wheels, ball winders, drop spindles and more)
http://www.dawningdreams.etsy.com (handmade drop spindles)
http://www.zebisisdesigns.etsy.com (stone whorl drop spindles)
http://www.desertgarden.etsy.com (Merlin Tree Hitchhiker and Roadbug wheels)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

do any of them have any used equipment for sale?

Terri said...

Is it hard to learn? I don't know of anyone in my area that teaches spinning. Can it be self-taught? And what's the place to start?

Turtle said...

nice, will have to go look at their goods!

PhatLady said...

Terri,
There is lots of online help. I would say spinning is really rewarding once it clicks. It took me longer to learn to knit than to learn to spin knitable yarn- but that is me.
Usually you can hook up with a local spinning guild to get hands on experience.

Terri said...

Thanks, oh wise one! I'll take a look!

KellieBelle said...

Continuing with my puppy-momminess...I want a puppy from Plum Crazy Ranch, they are SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!