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Getting Started with Spinning

by Allena Jackson    

One of the questions that I get asked a lot is, "Why should I spin my own wool, and knit a sweater, when I can buy one for $20 at the store?"  That’s a fair question, but it demonstrates a lack of knowledge about the benefits of wool, and why people are taking time to spin and knit their own clothing. 

Wool is a natural and renewable fiber - that makes it good for the environment.  Wool is also extremely warm and durable to wear – that makes it good for you!  Cotton is also a natural renewable fiber, but lacks the warmth qualities of wool.  High quality, 100% wool products are difficult to find, and often quite expensive.

So, why not buy that sweater off the rack at the local clothing store?  A wool garment from the store generally comes from the worst grades of wool.  Usually it is scratchy, and often people think that they must be allergic to wool because of this reaction.  The wool in these garments usually comes off the belly or haunches of the sheep, and is of the poorest quality.  These low priced garments may also be made from the wool of rougher coated sheep breeds from farms that raise market lambs. 

Another factor in the softness of wool is the method used to process it.  Commercial wool is processed in an acid bath.  This eats all of the vegetable matter, manure and other debris out of the fibers.  It is a very efficient process and the wool that is treated this way is very clean, however the process also roughens the wool somewhat.

The wool you get off your own sheep is much softer and nicer to wear, handle, and use over all - so a sweater that has been grown, processed and spun naturally, then knit by hand into a sweater is not at all on the same level as the sweater you might see in the store.  These garments are more comparable to couture clothing, and a sweater of this kind would cost several hundred dollars to purchase. 

Lastly, spinning and knitting provide very valuable entertainment.  If you enjoy using your hands, and don't like sitting still, then a spinning and knitting hobby will forever change long car drives and waiting in line.  Part of the enjoyment of this hobby is the process of creating the end product.  So not only do you clothe your family in high quality warm garments, but you also provide yourself with lots of entertainment.

For those of you who would like to try spinning, you might wonder how to get started.  When someone says "spinner", your first thought may be of an older lady, sitting sedately in front of a beautiful Saxon style spinning wheel.  She has a cup of tea nearby on a table with some lovely cookies and baked goods.  That’s a nice image, but is not the reality of modern spinners.  Today’s spinners are very young as often as not (and I’ve known more than one with pink hair and tattoos).  Spinners today, are men, women, children and people of all ages and walks of life, and you can easily find a spinner that has interests similar to you own.

If you want to try spinning, then your best bet is to go to a local spinning supply store, and take private or group classes.  There is nothing that can replace good quality instruction from a knowledgeable spinner.  For some however, there is no such place within hours and hours, so you may have to muddle through on your own.  If you think you would like to learn to spin, and don’t have easy access to a local instructor, then I would suggest that you make or buy a small hand-spindle to learn with.

Continued...

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