I googled "how to spin wool with a drop spindle" and found some info.

Knitty Gritty did a program on using one. You will have to hunt around for it but I saw the show on this myself so I know it's there. What a really neat gift, lucky you! ;0)

Here is a link that might be useful: knitty gritty

I did a search last night after posting here and found a couple sites with info. I will be checking out the knitty gritty link, also. Thanks! It's going to take some playing with to learn, but I think it's going to be fun!

Thanks

Tami

It's been years since I did spinning, but it is a wonderful hobby. I will look in my attic for my spinning books/pamphlets and see what might be good. One of the best books, I do remember, is the Joy of Spinning, by Marilyn Kluger, who is/was from Indiana. I just checked Amazon, and it is available used for $6.56.

Using the drop spindle is a great way to start and quite easy. You can tie a piece of regular yarn as a starter around your spindle. Is your carded wool in a bunch or in rolls? It is much easier when you are starting to spin from the rolls, or rolags, (sp?) as they are called. Spinning with the drop spindle is mostly a matter of mastering a pinch at the top/pull out from the bottom as you intermittently give spins to your spindle. It will be awkward at first, but you will eventually get a good rhythm. Try to search your area for museums that might give demonstrations or historic houses that have special old time craft days where there would be a spinning demonstration. See if there are any sheep to shawls at any state/county craft fairs. Do you know what breed of sheep your wool came from?

Thanks, lightlover! I will check out the book. Right now, all I know is it has been carded twice and is in a big bag! I don't know what kind of sheep, but it would be easy to ask. My SIL can ask for me. I have met the lady she got the wool from, but don't really know her. She is my SIL's ex-family and is also her baby sitter. Even tho they are ex's, the family is close. As we do a lot of traveling, and also show the antique gas engines during the summer, I may be able to find the historic museums with the demonstrations. We have visited a few in the past, and is something I enjoy.

Tami

I found a fun spinning with a drop spindle video demo. You can also Google Ohio Weavers Guilds and you'll get lots of good stuff, some including spinners and plenty of links. The last thing I actually made with yarn I spun on the drop spindle was a scarf I knitted from a blend of brushings from a neighbor's Border Collie--lovely stuff--and wool like you have. It was the warmest thing I have ever worn.
I would try to find out what breed of sheep your wool is from--it will make a difference in what you make it into.

Here is a link that might be useful: fun spinning with a drop spindle demo

Thanks, lightlover. I'll be checking out your link and will ask what kind of sheep the wool came from. I took a picture of the bag of wool with DH trying to spin some. He's pretty good! Nice and even, while mine is really bumpy and uneven. I'll post it in another thread.

Tami

Hi Tami- I am a handspinner... I teach wheel and Drop/hand spinning. Its such an enjoyable art.... good with it and I'd be glad to answer any questions or help out where I can. I have instructions written out for use with my classes and would be happy be share as well.

Thank you angoraone. I've played with it a little bit, but with the crazy weather changes we have been having, I keep getting cramps in my hands from the arthritis and carple tunnel. I will keep at it, tho! My DH did some and gets a nice smooth,even thread, while mine is uneven and bumpy! I posted pictures in another thread.

Tami

WOW, Tami, GREAT gift. I saw the picture in the other thread too.

I have never done this, but still knit. Right now, I have a cardigan and a pair of mittens going.

Moni

Wow tami..you're one lucky lady1What a wonderful gift for a knitter to recieve.
I remember my grandmother spinning wool that way from wool she obtained from her own sheep.of course it had to be washed and carded before she even got to this step.although she was the person who first taught me to knit,I never did learn the art of spinning.
Sure wish I had been more observant now though.
I've seen demostrations at fall fairs and they always make it look so easy,although I'm sure they wern't always so adept at their craft.Everyone has to begin learning from scratch.
Good luck with your new craft
Eliza Ann