Tuesday, November 11, 2008

becoming a spindler

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I'm not a spindler, but I have reason to become one. You know, the kind of spindler that makes it look effortless. So when the opportunity presented itself, I requested the help of someone whose spindling talents I admire...someone who could enlighten me as to finding the path to happy spindling. Fortunately for me, she was able to shed a little light on the subject.

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Until that day, I had never met a spindle I could like. Now, I practice with a fascination, appreciation and yes- love and respect for the process. What a surprise.

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Until that day, spindling had always seemed tiresome and awkward, a necessary skill that was learned before being able move on to the wheel. I could do it when called upon for demonstration purposes...but beyond that I had no interest. I was impatient with it. Now I practice everyday.

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Along with the spindle, came a few techniques - pointers- and a parlor trick. Fun! Things to build upon. Thank you!

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Yesterday, I had an ah-ha moment with my long draw on the spindle. And I am reminded why I love learning new fiber skills.

No matter how many years I work with fiber, or how many different types of fiber, or how many different tools I learn to work with, there is still so much to explore about how it behaves in my hands.

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And btw, the corkbark is putting on a brilliant display in the garden.

14 comments:

Manise said...

I had a sneaky feeling I knew who the spindler was you were talking about, and after seeing the Ledbetter spindle I knew I was right! Judy is a wonderful spindler, teacher and enabler.

vanessa said...

whoohoo!
i can't spindle spin to save my soul, give me my wheel ;-)

Anonymous said...

This is so true, and that spindle is lovely!

Anonymous said...

Oh, and how on earth did you spin and take pictures at the same time???

Joanne said...

I've given you an award on my blog, Cyndy! The photos here are stunning. Btw, I always thought you had a spindler hiding in you somewhere...I love using a spindle, it's been such a calming delight at times. (good for walks, too.)

judy said...

WOW! I think maybe you are a spindler.
Great shots.

pacalaga said...

Woo! I got the opportunity to chat with Ken Ledbetter recently (he lives in my town) and the man talks about wood the way we talk about fiber. He makes beautiful things!

Sue said...

Beautiful spindle! What's the parlor trick?

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Cyndy, I love the pictures of your spinner in the light. I am glad you are getting the hang of this difficult (impossible to me) skill. I don't know what a corkbark is but it sure is pretty in the fall.

Unknown said...

What!?! You, who works magic on a walking wheel, you who spins delightfully with a bobbin wheel, you not already prolific on a spindle. I don't beleive a word of it.

Nice looking spindle too I might say.

Anonymous said...

Woohoo for you! Now you'll be able to walk and spin, stand in lines and spin...
Great pictures.

Donna B said...

Loverly spindle! Enjoy!

Cathy said...

I would have thought you had been spindling for years! The Ledbetter spindles are delicious and Judy - a wonderful and dangerous enabler.

annmarie said...

with a post-election calm settling over me, I think it's time to pick up a spindle again. thanks for the inspiration. :)

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