I did manage some fiberarts today between going outside for snow, kid, dog, or hummingbirds, but I only took a picture of my spindle. So here you go. I'd planned to switch to my bigger wheel but I was still having fun with the drop spindle so why not?
Inspired by a friend's spinning pictures to pull out my drop spindle for the first time in many years. I bought it for a time when I was traveling during Tour de Fleece and didn't want to lose momentum, but I never really got good at it. But I've been doing it for a few days this time and I think I'm getting better!
This is the third and latest. I've been focusing on even thickness and moderately thin, and I'm pretty happy with the results here. But at this thickness it is frustratingly slow! This shows several evenings of 1-2 hours of spinning.
The biggest challenge is getting the fiber to draft evenly. Preparation (carding and how you remove it from the cards) is part of the equation, but also the unevenness of fibers means sometimes everything can just pull apart.
At times I've been able to do fine "long-pull" drafting like I've seen in cotton spinning tutorials, but then you hit a short spot and it all falls apart.
So far this is only single ply.
Also, nothing in the photos in this thread have had their spin "set" with a hot bath on a niddy noddy. That's another experiment I'll be working on in the near future.
That's all for now! More fun experiments to post in the coming weeks.
Any spinners have recommendations for which types of plant fibers are best for beginners? I just got a sample pack and will be trying them out myself as well, but I'd love input. I'll be doing a skill share for #spinning soon and want to give attendees who want wool alternatives an easy fiber to work with!