Here is a site with instructions for building your own spinning wheel.

http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~caj/diy.html

Is anyone else interested in spinning?

Little bit Farm

-- Little bit Farm (littlebit@farm.com), March 09, 2002

Answers

Hello Little bit,

I've always had a facination for spinning and weaving. I've collected much information over the years but have yet the opportunity to put any knowledge into actual use. I had seen some posts a while back on spinning flax but never got to read up on what they had to say. I don't want to raise sheep and mohair goats are so difficult to raise and the best and softest shearing is only the first few of their lives. I want to raise milk goats but have yet to "clear" space in our forest for them to live.

I have yet to check any archives and you have probably given many lessons in this area but I love reading what people who have actually done the craft or attained an ability have to say. I enjoy knowing the why yes and the why no. I for one will appreciate anything you can offer on spinning. I've been to the CouontrySide forum many times but this is my first visit to this site.

I will go to the site you have listed above and see what they have to offer. I do so admire your ability to share the knowledge you have to share. Keep up the good work.

Thank You, Nita

-- Nita Holstine (nita@phancypages.com), March 10, 2002.

Hello Little bit, Yes, I spin and weave. I have two wheels; one is a great, or walking wheel, and a smaller wheel that I use all the time to spin wool. I haven't spun any cotton, silk or flax, but will give them a try one day. All of my spinning thus far has been with purchased roving, but one of our local police officers brought me the fleece from his pet ram, so am going to try my hand at carding. My hubby bought me a nice set of cards for x-mas, so I'm ready to go. I also have an Ashford ridgid heddle loom. Thought it best to start small and work my way up to a"big girl's loom:). I have been having a great time with it. I've made lots of scarves, table runners, placemats and blankets; and would say that for anyone who wants to try their hand at weaving, this is a good, inexpensive way to learn. I don't own any sheep, but I do have Saanen dairy goats. Mickey

-- Michelle Ackerson (mickey@fcgnetworks.net), March 14, 2002.

Yes, I also have 2 wheels; a great wheel and an old Ashford which I use mostly. And I have two looms; one 4 harness one which is set up and which I have used but not recently and another large barn loom which is still in pieces in----well, our barn. I don't have sheep but do buy fleeces to spin. Are any of you experienced in spinning llama wool/hair? Is it easy to spin?

-- Rosalie (Dee) in IN (deatline@globalsite.net), March 15, 2002.

Llama wool is like spinning mohair. It doesn't have any crimp and it is not greasy. I would blend it with wool to soften it a bit. It is too "hairy" by itself.

-- Patricia Ramsey (WOOLSPIN@AOL.COM), March 16, 2002.

Great! I will check it out. I borrowed a wheel for a summer and kind of learned it. I had to return the wheel and have wanted one ever since. Thanks!

-- Joanie (ber-gust@prodigy.net), March 20, 2002.