During the break I also broke down and got a book I’ve been eyeing for a while. Respect the Spindle by Abby Franquemont.
For some reason, in the past few months I’ve become obsessed with the idea of making my own yarn. I think it’s the influence of this post about making a shawl with specially dyed and spun yarns.
I looked at wheels and that’s much out of the question in terms of space and money investment. I think that’s about the time I started to hear about the new book. I read a little of it at the bookstore, and had to head back to Indigo the next chance I got to buy it. From reading the book, I felt more confident about the idea of being able to spin fine yarns without a wheel (one day…).
Of course, you can’t spin without the spindle. I found two possibilities at Romni(oh look, a new website for them!) that I liked the looks of. Both are low-whorl spindles, I like the balance of the low whorl.
I’d highly recommend the book for education and entertainment. And yes, I think I’ve said before I’m not going to get into spinning, but hey, turns out I was wrong 
Here’s my first attempt. G asks me “is that supposed to be even?” yeah of course it’s supposed to be, and of course this isn’t… but really, I’m going to call it a good first try.
It’s really good to learn something mewnew. This first tried at least worked out much better than my first crochet.
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May, What a beautiful looking book on spindles. I have a limited experience using them, but my brother has made two for me over the years. I’d love to take a peek at this book. On another subject, I noticed your reply in November 2007 to Saartje on her website regarding the adorable hat she made for Lotte. Their was a link to the pattern translated into English. I started it and am so confused about the pattern. After the seven rows of garter it says “knit in stockinette stitch, changing colors every two rows.” Then the next instruction says “On the next round, increase and decrease as follows…” yet it feels like something is missing between these two. I have completed the seven rows of garter and am stalled. I noticed that you made this hat and am wondering if can share any insight with me. My grandson is one year old and I had hoped to have this done already… alas. I have been a knitter off and on for many years, but have really knit pretty basic, functional items like simple sweaters, socks, mittens, etc. though lately I am into knitting lace edgings and such. I’m happy to discover your website and will follow your experimentation with spinning. Thanks for any assistance on the hat.