Luminous

I don't get the feeling there's a lot of interest in my spinning posts.  But that's OK.  

I'm going to keep posting them because it was another blogger talking about how much she enjoyed spinning on her spindle that motivated me to face past failures and pick it up again.  So even if you couldn't care less about yarn (but... but.. why?  Why don't you?), surely anyone can appreciate the joy of gaining new skill despite being intimidated at the outset.  I had convinced myself this was just something I couldn't do.  I read all the handspun threads on Ravelry and sighed over the gorgeous handspun yarn photos and wished I was one of the chosen few who could figure it out.

I figured it out.

 

 

Merino/Silk Blend from Sunshine Yarns in Hunting Wildflowers

2 ply - 418 yards of laceweight/light fingering 

Sigh, I'm so in love with these colors.

Next up to conquer in the list o'things I'm scared of... Watercolor journaling.  I'm so inspired by Alice's gorgeous artwork. In a past life I painted in oils, but never managed anything presentable in watercolor.  I'm gearing up with the proper materials and hoping to teach my children that there is something to be gained from a painting that stinks.  Hoping to show them with practice, we can all get better.  Hoping to teach them not to fear trying new things.  We'll all do this together.

Comments

[Kristin]

BEAUTIFUL!!

We did some spinning with the children in our old homeschool group. I loved it.

[Betsey]

I love your spinning posts!!! I knit and have been really wanting to pick up a spindle, but have been intimidated...your posts make me want to.

That yarn is gorgeous!

[Deneise]

I adore when you post photos of your lovely handspun. They're tender, beautiful works of art...especially so because you create them using only a simple, handmade drop spindle.

You're so very inspiring Jenn. xo

[Sara]

Don't stop the spinning posts! Other sites make me feel like I need to invest a ton of time and money. Yours don't, and you make me feel like I can do it, too. I just need to get bored enough with knitting to make a spindle and buy some roving... You turn out some gorgeous yarn with your make-do system!

[Jennifer]

Oh yay Sara! That's exactly why I posted in the first place. It is simple, once you get the hang of it. And you don't have to invest in a spinning wheel to make beautiful yarn. So many people are doing it! :)
Thanks everyone for the kind comments!

[Hilaire]

I love the spinning posts too even though they fill me with envy for the moment. I am very far from spinning but you have inspired me to take up knitting again. My attempts to knit were limited to anything rectangle but you have made such lovely things I can't help but try again.

[Lorri]

Your spinning has actually inspired me to pick up the spindle again. Unfortunately, I'm still needing to park the spindle between my knees...and at 32 weeks pregnant, my knees don't come together. So I'll have to wait a bit.

On the other hand, I do have some pictures of the watercolor journaling I've been doing. They are uploaded on the computer, names have been blurred where appropriate and I just need to put that blog post together. Maybe today.

[Jennifer]

Yes, Lorri! Please do. I need help and inspiration. :)

[KC]

That is beautiful! I love your spinning posts. I'll have to increase my knitting skills before trying any of the spinning.

[Charlotte (Matilda)]

Love the spinning posts. Are you kidding? My Sunshine, who really should be nicknamed Kitten, comes running when I yell "yarn post"! Please keep posting and please promise that you will show her how to spin someday or at least, what that beautiful yarn looks like in person! :)

[Charlotte (Matilda)]

BTW... I am loving your new banner!

[Marcia]

Love the new banner also!
I love your yarn / knitting posts! What is your name on ravelry if you don't mind me asking. I am looking for a simple sock pattern to make my first pair of socks any suggestions? I'd really prefer the method where you make two at one time...because otherwise I will only have one sock I am afraid :)
I love to see the yarn that you spin! I would love to learn how to spin, but I'm not so sure I am in the market for another hobby right now :)

[Cheryl M]

Your new banner pic is luminous! :) I love your spinning posts even though I couldn't knit to save my life. I would love to know how to knit...until I walk outside and the temp is a balmy 89 degrees with 92% humidity...which makes me just want to stick to my batiste and smocking. Love you, Jenn :) And the wildflower thread is very, very beautiful!

[Jennifer Gregory Miller]

Oh, I don't comment much. I adore the colors you choose, especially the blue, and I'm almost green with envy seeing the beauteous things from your spindle and needles. I can't handle the wool, so that makes me have more admiration.

Looking forward to see your foray in watercolors.

[Kristen Laurence]

I think you already know that I love ALL your posts, but your creative ones are my favorite! I love seeing you turn something ordinary into something beautiful. And watercolors....so dreamy! I never regret casting out my fear and learning something new, no matter how terribly it turns out. I can't wait to see your paintings!

[Amy]

Coming in late, so I'll just say "ditto" :)

[Amy Caroline]

That yarn is gorgeous!! Spinning terrifies me, you are my hero!!

[12ontheinside]

Spinning is a bit beyond me yet - but you'll be pleased to know I've taken up my attempt to learn to knit again. (It's part of my plan of how to keep my hands busy while I try to give up cigarettes).
I love your yarn. The new banner photo is excellent too.

[MelanieB]

Jenn,

I love the spinning posts, even though I don't foresee a day when I'll even take up spinning (Well, maybe when the girls get old enough to be interested, never say never.) But I love the beauty of the yarn you make, the colors you choose. The contrast between the soft roving and yarn and the weathered wood. It is a thing of beauty in itself. More, though, spinning and knitting are things that you love and I always enjoy reading about other people's passions.

[Elisa]

Love your new header pic! I have never even though of spinning my own yarn until I saw you do it. Will you post some pics again about how you do it? I recently found a new local yarn shop and they sell the thing you use to spin by hand. I've never done it! But the more you post, the more I want to try. Is it much cheaper than buying yarn?

[Jennifer]

Elisa, I found these videos helpful. I dont know that its much cheaper especially when you factor in time spent. Spindles are a small investment, but it takes a bit longer to spin on a spindle.

[Lissa]

Count me another who loves your spinning posts. They're a feast for the eyes---the yarns you choose make me swoon. And I'm so impressed with your skill. When I was writing Martha, I tried and tried to get the knack of the drop spindle. She learned much faster than I did. You outshine us both! For me, it was a case of 'those who can't do, write.' ;)

Gorgeous fall header.

[Jennifer]

Well goodness, I couldn't be more surprised. I never got any comments on my spinning posts so I just assumed no one was interested! :)

[Carmen]

I love the spinning posts, but I'm a knitting nut!

[Carrie]

I love reading abouot your spinning posts, especially because my grandparents spin and wove. How did you get started spinning and what books/websites did you read?