March 6, 2016

Had a lovely afternoon-that-stretched-to-evening with my spinning friends.  When I got to Knitty City, I was surprised to see everyone spinning on support spindles--most of us usually spin on drop spindles (or wheels, but they aren't so portable).  Someone explained that they were doing this in honor of Tara, who will be moving to Indiana in two weeks.  She's a big fan of support spindles and spins cotton, no less!  I've tried both, briefly, and gave up on both, quickly, haha.  When I met Tara just a month ago, her reputation of proficiency in spinning cotton preceded her, and I hoped to pick her brain a little.  I would have preferred to get to know her better before begging her to share her knowledge and skills with me, but time is short (so is cotton, haha).  Thankfully, another friend lent me a support spindle, and Tara generously shared some cotton with me, then explained very clearly how to get started.  And I did it!  I never would have guessed I'd be able to spin cotton.  I know people do it, but I just kind of held this belief that it was really impossible.  With Tara's guidance, it really wasn't too bad.  I was, of course, hooked.  I have so little willpower when it comes to new crafts!  So when I got home I immediately ordered a similar spindle and some cotton from Hipstrings.  It should be here tomorrow--yay!  I wish I had taken a picture of my cotton spinning, to prove I did it!  Oh well, soon I'll have more to show.  Stay tuned!