Spinning Llama.....

I guess I'm trying to dance before I learnt how to walk here...After a few try with wool, I'm spinning llama and mohair mix -- those the the tons of fiber that I've brougth from PA. When I see that there are pieces of fiber keep poking out and also sticking on my clothes, I know something is not right. It turns out that this is something so difficult to control that make me feel so furstrated with the wheel. I don't want to developed a bad relationship with the wheel, so I stop spinning this. 

Looking at the other 3 lbs of the same kind of fiber, I guess I really should learn how to walk first. 

Learning how to spin on Asford Traditional

In the spinning class, Anna loan me her Asford Traditional so that I can practice at home. 

I finished spinning the first yarn project, with the fiber I brought in PA, in 3 days.... =)

and start knitting a neckwarmer with it. Super cool!

MY FIRST SPINNING WHEEL - Majacraft Pioneer

It all happened so fast. Two months ago, I was still looking for classes so that I can learn how to spin with a wheel. And then the next thing you know (from this blog) is that I had my very own spinning wheel. 

Long story short - I found a class in Burbank, met a very nice instructor Anna and classmate Jamie. Anna taught me how to spin and they both very helpful in giving me suggestions on what kind of wheel will be good for me. And last weekend, when my friend Joy was visitng (yes, another Joy, so many happiness around!!) I took her for a day trip up in Solvang, so that I can visit the famous spinning shop there. The shop owner was super nice, she explain in details what I need to know about choosing a wheel and let me try on a few. I didn't brought right there because of the cost concern....honestly, with the uncertain about the funding situation in summer, I shouldn't really spend few hundred dollars just like that. But the trip was rewarding , since I final know what I really want. 

So one day, when I was checking out my yahoo mail, I found a member from the LA spinning guild post a message that made me jump up from the chair -- she's selling her Majacraft Pioneer.  How lucky I am....since most people don't sell their spinning wheel, and those who sell it may not be the one I want. So I took the chance, met the owner (and also make a crafty friend in the area!!), and brought home my very first spinning wheel. 

(below) Wheel arrived home the first night

I love this wheel. It feels very sturdy. It's designed in the way that there are lot of potential to expand through accessories -- which means I can spin a lot of different kind of yarns with it.  

The only thing I don't like about the wheel is the color. Therefore, I stained it myself. It's a task a lot more challenging than I expected...manipulating the oil-based wood stain is very tricky. It's still drying...but it's looking good so far =) 

(below) Drying wood stain under the sun...looking better now