Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Arthritis Ask Me Anything Birthdays Bloggers Books Buy More Yarn Charity Knitting Circular Sock Machine Contests Crochet Dyeing Epic Sock Blanket Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Joyful Wednesday Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday March Money Madness Memes Mittens Monday On My Mind Monthly Intentions Movies Museum of Me Mutterings My Backyard NaBloPoMo One Little Word Patterns Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Ravelry Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Sewing Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Style School Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on the Tenth Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography
You are here: Home / Spinning / In The Spin Zone

In The Spin Zone

October 12, 2005 By Carole

Remember back in junior high school when you wanted whatever anyone else had? Your friend had gaucho pants and wedge heeled boots and you had to have them, too. Your other friend cut her hair and next thing ya know, you’re Farrah Fawcett. Reading blogs is like being back in junior high school. You see something on someone’s blog and BAM you want one for your own self. Before you know it you’re knitting Birch or Clapotis or a One Skein Wonder. It’s how we can celebrate Socktoberfest and have all those freakin’ knitalongs. Hey, everybody else is doing it, I should do it, too.

One of the things that has intrigued me for quite some time is spinning. Everyone else is doing it and I’ve been wanting to TRY it. Just try it and see what it feels like to make yarn. Last week I bought a couple of spindles and some roving on ebay. I waited anxiously for them to arrive and when they did I gave them a whirl and I sucked. I sucked so bad that those two rather expensive spindles are at the bottom of a basketful of yarn. Of course, I wasn’t all that disappointed to suck at spindle spinning because what I really want, irrational though it may seem, is a wheel. An Ashford Traditional, if you must know.

So Sunday? When Dale and I were looking for something to do? We took a drive to Cambridge to Mind’s Eye Yarns, just to have a look. Because it’s good to shop around and make an informed choice, right? I mean, I’ve been talking and talking to other bloggers and getting advice on what to look for and what I might need, but it would be good to actually see some wheels in person. Right? I wasn’t going to buy a wheel, I was going to wait until SPA to purchase a wheel. Yup, wait until February. Because I’m so good at delayed gratification and all.

We were in the shop about five minutes and Lucy had me sitting in front of an Ashford Traditional drafting while she treadled. Then I was treadling while she drafted. Next thing I know she’s got me drafting and treadling and I’m in the zone. Being in the zone makes me exempt from all responsibility because you know what she did next? She leaned over and whispered, oh so seductively, in my ear, “you could take this one home with you today.” Can you guess what happened? Sure you can.
Wheel.JPG

Next thing I know, she’s strapped in the back of my Jeep and we’re heading home.

So far, I suck, but not as badly as I did with the spindle. And – here’s the most important part – I don’t even really care that I suck because I love it so much. The whirr of the wheel is enchanting and the whole process (Hi, Margene!) is so what it’s all about. And, I made yarn. I. Made. Yarn. Granted, it’s sucky yarn, but I. Made. It.
First_Yarn.JPG

It’s a slippery slope, this blogging business. You start out wanting to keep a record of your knitting projects and put your thoughts out there for others to ponder. Next thing you know, you’re knitting things you’d never dreamed of trying and then, lo and behold, you’ve got yourself a spinning wheel. I blame it all on blogging. Really. I do.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailSpindling Default ThumbnailFor Everything Else, There’s Mastercard Default ThumbnailOne Year of Spinning Default ThumbnailThe Drafting Zone
« Soft As A Grape
Swiftly Shawled »

Filed Under: Spinning

Comments

  1. cheryl says

    October 12, 2005 at 9:32 am

    Yay! Congratulations on the new family member! Your first singles look so much like mine did, same color even, how funny. I’m so happy for you!

  2. Kathy says

    October 12, 2005 at 9:38 am

    How exciting!!! Use it well. You made yarn!

  3. Kathy says

    October 12, 2005 at 9:41 am

    And the caption “In the Spin Zone” cracks me up — I am hearing O’Reilly say “Today’s topic is spinning. Carole, from Massachusetts, what say you?”

  4. Mindy says

    October 12, 2005 at 9:45 am

    The wheel is beautiful. I am glad you are enjoying it so.

  5. PumpkinMama says

    October 12, 2005 at 12:00 pm

    You’re my hero! I was just at Minds Eye last week for my 1st drop spindle and roving. I’m trying to excercise restraint and rent a wheel before I buy one though. Yours is gorgeous – have fun!

  6. maryse says

    October 12, 2005 at 12:10 pm

    the only reason i haven’t gotten one is because i’ve made sure not to try a wheel.

  7. Jan says

    October 12, 2005 at 12:11 pm

    Uh-oh. I bought a drop spindle 3 weeks ago, then ordered roving from eBay. Have been receiving online advice from one of your online blogger advisors.
    Am.slowly.backing.away.from.the.computer….

  8. Birdsong says

    October 12, 2005 at 12:18 pm

    A very good wheel choice! I don’t spin at the present, but have one of these up in my spare room, the third wheel I have owned, and may well get back to it one day. I am tending to devote any time available to knitting, but love the process from sheep to finished product. Next thing you know, someone will talk you into joining a sheep to shawl competition 🙂

  9. mamacate says

    October 12, 2005 at 12:42 pm

    Yee haw! Yeah, just try it. That’s the way it starts. And I had the exact same thought when I started–I was making crappy yarn (you’re not, by the way) and I didn’t care because I loved it so very much. It’s the love that matters–your yarn will be technically beautiful soon because you’re in the zone, in the groove.

    If the traddy gets you there, then you chose well. I haven’t actually used a traddy, and I know there are mixed reviews out there, but to quote Marcy the Master Enabler, it’s all individual. You got what matters. And don’t worry, you’ll wind up collecting antique wheels eventually. Mark my words.

  10. margene says

    October 12, 2005 at 12:47 pm

    My spinning teachers said there is NO bad yarn. If it holds together it’s good and you can knit with it. There are people that will pay a fortune for thick and thin yarn. Good thing you aren’t going to Rhinebeck…you’d be doomed.

  11. Jess says

    October 12, 2005 at 12:49 pm

    *sigh* I feel like such a follower…I’m starting to get fascinated by spinning yet still frightened to death by it. Actually, I’m more frightened by the stash growth potential (SGP?) involved…

  12. Snow says

    October 12, 2005 at 12:59 pm

    Congratulations! You’re going to love spinning. I need to sit down and spin more often. I haven’t done much lately, and you’re making me miss it, which is a very good thing. (I’ve got an Ashford Traveller.)

  13. Cassie says

    October 12, 2005 at 1:02 pm

    We’re contagious. No one warned you?

    Cate’s right, its not sucky yarn. I think spinning is magic. You’ll appreciate the drop spindles more later (either that or I’ll take them – shameless, I’m shameless).

    Best wishes for the journey. You’re going to enjoy it.

  14. Annie says

    October 12, 2005 at 1:50 pm

    That’s the kind of wheel I have. It’s perfect for a beginner (I think). And I also agree with you about the spindle. It was much easier for me to spin on the wheel than with a spindle.

    Your yarn looks great! Happy Spinning!

  15. Laurie says

    October 12, 2005 at 1:55 pm

    Nice, nice work! You are SO gone. Isn’t it wonderful? It really IS the process. Now DON’T go trolling through the web looking for roving…just warning you. Hee!

  16. Risa says

    October 12, 2005 at 2:16 pm

    I’m not surprised that the wheel came home so soon. Everyone is right, that spinning isn’t crappy. I’d advise you to keep it. Someday you’ll wish that you can spin like that. I still have my early spinning efforts and will never get rid of them. It is the process indeed. Glad to have you with us. 🙂

  17. Vicki says

    October 12, 2005 at 3:59 pm

    I was able to resist the force of sock-knitting for well over a year — even after winning sock yarn, being given sock yarn and actually buying sock yarn myself. What do you want to bet I bring home some sock yarn this weekend.

    So far, I’ve been able to resist the spinning bug, too. I have to admit, though, that I’ve been gazing upon the decorative spinning wheel that my mother has on her hearth and wondering what this part is or that, whether it has all its parts, hm, does it work? I’m getting dangerously close to “just trying” it and I know I wouldn’t even need anyone whispering in my ear…

    Have fun!

  18. sharon says

    October 12, 2005 at 4:12 pm

    okay here we go again I said it in person and I’ll say it online. Girlfriend I am soo jealous. congrats

  19. --Deb says

    October 12, 2005 at 5:49 pm

    Good for you! Spinning is fun, too, and really, all the cool bloggers are doing it . . . glad you joined the party! Believe me, it gets better–you’re doing great so far!

  20. Helen says

    October 12, 2005 at 6:58 pm

    Ooooh, yes, it does suck you right into that Zone. I know; I remember it well. I sat down at a wheel (spinning angora of all things! ) and 10 minutes later, I’m signed up for a beginners spinning class and put a deposit down on an angora bunny.

    Yes, it gets you alright. 😉

  21. heather says

    October 12, 2005 at 7:16 pm

    Love the wheel! Your yarn looks pretty damn good to me.
    Blogs are very enabling aren’t they? It’s hard to resist all the fabulous ideas you get from them.

  22. Betty says

    October 13, 2005 at 1:03 am

    Oooooooo…

    So, now you’ll have yarn stash and roving stash. Me thinks you’ll need a fiber studio now.

  23. your SP6 says

    October 13, 2005 at 8:17 am

    Yay, more things to add to my list of things to spoil you with!

    I finally mailed your package yesterday. 😀

  24. julia fc says

    October 13, 2005 at 9:17 am

    Honey, it looks great. In fact, it looks just like my first Bobbin, so you’re gonna be fine. I’m so excited for you. I have an Ashford Trad myself (with a jumbo flyer for plying) and it’s a nice wheel. There aren’t a lot of wheels to buy at SPA, so you made the right choice.

  25. Kathy says

    October 13, 2005 at 12:14 pm

    Congratulations!!! And I can COMPLETELY get blaming it on blogging – I definitely have caught myself wondering if I would like it, should I try it??… I think I should definitely stay away.

  26. amanda says

    October 13, 2005 at 2:32 pm

    congrats on becoming a spinner! you’ll love it much more than spindle spinning—it is so relaxing and rewarding. and remember, your yarn has a design element to it. you should’ve seen my design elements when i started spinning!

  27. Leslie says

    October 17, 2005 at 3:04 pm

    Oh, I agree about the slippery slope. Yup, fellow bloggers definitely influence my projects and purchases! So far, no spinning wheel. I have a kid going to college in just three years, ya know? Sigh.

  28. Kat with a K says

    October 18, 2005 at 8:58 am

    Welcome to the family – I have an Ashford Traditional too. 🙂 And yes, I blame it all on blogging.

  29. Kellee says

    October 19, 2005 at 9:41 am

    That Lucy….she’s a bad, bad woman. Oh sure, she SEEMS all sweet and helpful, and then she says “no really, just sit right here and see how easy it is”, which really translates as “pssst c’mon, first hit’s free, man.”

    Lovely wheel, that one. I bet she provides you many lovely hours of spinning. What’s her name?

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2022 Reading Challenge

2022 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 70 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
70 of 75 (93%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

After a stressful morning of learning NOT to play After a stressful morning of learning NOT to play with momma’s knitting, these two are taking a well deserved rest. The squirt bottle is doing wonders and I can see their internal struggle of wanting the yarn so badly but also hating the spritz of water. 🤣 We’re definitely making progress and I’m so glad. #fredandgeorgethecats #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecats #siamesecorner
Oh hey, FriYay. #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrack Oh hey, FriYay. #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #cheeseboard #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #happyhourathome #tgif
We’ve social obligations the last few Friday nig We’ve social obligations the last few Friday nights and that was fun … but I’ll just say this … there’s no place like home. #fridaynightsnacks #theresnoplacelikehome #martinitime #eastbridgewaterbicentennial #eastbridgewaterbeer #blackhatbrewworks #cocktailhourathome #friyay #mycozyhome
New Year’s Eve at home with music and food is pe New Year’s Eve at home with music and food is perfection. Oysters to start and a dinner of steak and baked potatoes and lobster, easy and delicious! Happy New Year to all! #happynewyear #newyearseve #justthetwoofus #steakandlobster #dinnerathome #welcome2023
It’s the most wonderful DAY of the year! The wor It’s the most wonderful DAY of the year! The work of Christmas is over, there are no lists of things to do, my heart is full from gatherings and gift giving, fridge is loaded with delicious leftovers, and I’m reading in bed with a hot cup of coffee. Hurrah for Christmas vacation! #thedayafterchristmas #christmasbedroom #godjul #readinginbed #wintersolstice #christmasvacation
When your husband is a kid at heart you make him a When your husband is a kid at heart you make him a pancake snowman for Christmas breakfast. Merry Christmas, everyone! #christmasbreakfast #pancakesnowman #pancakes #foodcreations
When Christmas Eve eve meets Friday Night Snacks! When Christmas Eve eve meets Friday Night Snacks! #fridaynightsnacks #christmaseveeve #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #cheeseislife #bestnightoftheweek
I may be a shiksa but I make pretty good latkes! H I may be a shiksa but I make pretty good latkes! Happy Hanukkah to all! #latkes #hanukkah
Just one week until Christmas Eve! #christmas #chr Just one week until Christmas Eve! #christmas #christmastree #jeweledchristmastree #christmastree2022
Fred & George and Santa Kitty have the right idea, Fred & George and Santa Kitty have the right idea, snuggled on the couch on this rainy Friday. #fredandgeorgethecats #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamese #siamesecorner #christmaspillow #snuggledonthecouch
The pictures you find when you look at old photo a The pictures you find when you look at old photo albums: a bunch of Wheaties from 37 years ago.
We were supposed to go out tonight but our friends We were supposed to go out tonight but our friends had to cancel at the last minute due to Covid. (It’s not over, friends.) As much as I wanted to see them, having a bonus night at home is also wonderful. Good thing I always have cheese and crackers on hand! #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #christmasnapkins #christmasdishes
Morning yoga is better with cats and a Christmas t Morning yoga is better with cats and a Christmas tree 🎄 #morningyoga #findwhatfeelsgood #yogawithadriene #siamesecats #yogawithcats
I dare you to resist rubbing that furry belly! #si I dare you to resist rubbing that furry belly! #siamesecat #siamesecatsofinstagram #catsofinstagram #kittybelly #siamese #siamesecorner
Pies are done! #thanksgiving #thanksgivingpies #ho Pies are done! #thanksgiving #thanksgivingpies #homemadepies #givemeallthepie #pumpkinpie #applepie #mincemeatpie #cranberrypecanpie #imadethemmyself
Just a little snack, I’m making pizza in a bit, Just a little snack, I’m making pizza in a bit, but I wanted to show off the napkins. We’re on to Thanksgiving. #fridaynightsnacks #martinitime #pimentocheese #gobblegobblegobble #thanksgivingiscoming
There’s the potential for a hard frost tonight s There’s the potential for a hard frost tonight so I picked all the dahlias in bloom. There are still loads of buds so this might not be the end, but it very well could be. I’m so thrilled with my first season growing dahlias and I’m excited to expand next year. Stay tuned for 2023 featuring more varieties! More color! More bouquets! #dahlias #dahliaseason #dahliabouquet #octoberflowers #flowersaremagical #dahliasfordays
Friday Night Snacks with a spooky twist, we’re r Friday Night Snacks with a spooky twist, we’re ready for the last weekend before Halloween! #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #charcuterieboard #halloweencharcuterieboard #friyay #helloweekend
My mystery bag from @themossyapothecary arrived to My mystery bag from @themossyapothecary arrived today and it’s full of magickal goodness. #magickalherbs #mossyapothecary #witchyvibes
Today’s picks - I had to fight the bees to get t Today’s picks - I had to fight the bees to get them! The dahlias are still coming thanks to this great fall weather we are having. I know their days are numbered so I’m savoring every blossom. #dahliaseason #dahlias #flowerfarmer #flowersaremagical #igrewthis
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Monthly Intentions Movies Museum of Me One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in