With my guild I have taught a number of people how to spin at Stitches West and other places. The hooked stick and wool is useful, but we generally start them out with a simple spindle (either CD or toy wheel) and well-prepared medium (not too fine or slippery) wool. First I explain and demonstrate the 2 parts of spinning - drafting and twisting. Then I have them try a little drafting, then try the whole thing. I often have them put in twist, then hold the spindle between their knees as they draft so the spindle doesn't drop. I saw another guild in Northern California (don't know the name, but they were at the Boonville festival) that drew arrows on the spindles (CD) to show which way to spin them for a singles, which I think is a great idea. I think a wheel is also a great way to teach beginners, especially because instead of holding the spindle, they can just not treadle in order to concentrate on drafting. The one disadvantage is that if they don't own a wheel, they won't get a chance to practice, practice, practice. Another thing that is very useful is the pamphlets spin-off makes on beginning spinning. We give them to everyone we teach.
Jessica in NYC and Berkeley, CA -- Jessica Ellen Sewell Assistant Professor/Faculty Fellow, The City John W. Draper Interdisciplinary Master's Program in Humanities & Social Thought New York University 14 University Place New York NY 10003 Tel. 212.998.8157 Fax 212.995.4691 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To stop mail temporarily mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: set nomail To restore send: set mail
