i first started spinning a little over two years ago. since that first moment on a god awful drop spindle i was hooked. i slowly built up my skills and decided that i needed a wheel. i had never tried spinning on a wheel or researched them extensively like most people do. that’s sort of how i like to do things. i just jump in. heh. i decided very impulsively on my louet s51 dt and haven’t looked back. i had a lot of frustrating moments with my wheel at first. i’m sure most of you can relate. i never took a spinning class and am entirely self taught. i happen to also be a crazy perfectionist and get really upset when i can’t do something well at the start. i know, it’s a horrible trait. anywho, i finally got the hang of my heavy “workhorse” wheel and find spinning to be my very favorite hobby. until recently, i had only really spun combed tops/rovings because i enjoy spinning two ply yarns. i’ve been known to spin a single ply or art yarn here and there but my heart is in the two ply handspun goodness. however,  i’ve started doing more batts for the shop lately and i thought i should give spinning some a try. i pulled out my favorite set from the last update and got to work. i called them 1930s because of the peaches and cream look of retro nighties. they are full of brown and gold sparkle. nom.

it was quite a bumpy start. they are much fluffier than the compacted combed tops i’m used to working with. i also don’t predraft so i couldn’t quite get the hang of evenly drafting as i was spinning. being the negative nelly that i am i was cursing the batt through the entire experience. but then, i plied it, set it and…wow. i’m so happy with the end result.

it’s bulky but even. it’s soft and fluffy and full of sparkly angelina throughout. i’m thrilled to say that my mind has been changed. batts are fun too! i think that i am probably going to make some kind of beret or fingerless gloves from this lovely little skein. it’s been a fun experiment in being a beginner again. trying new things is the best way to open up your creativity and find interesting and fun paths.

i love seeing newbie spinners as they first get addicted to the craft. it’s especially exciting to see all the first timers joining up in the sweater spin along in the ravelry group. i can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with. now, to just decide on what color i’m going to spin…