AboutBJ Heeke Expertise I can answer questions about spindle spinning, low whorl, high whorl, & supported spindles. I can answer questions about navajo plying on a wheel, & andean plying from a spindle. I can also answer questions regarding making one`s own spindles from CD`s or wooden wheels and dowels.
I have limited weaving experience, but if I do not know the answer, I surely will find someone who does!
Experience I have been spinning for 20 years. I make my own spindles. I have taught spindling classes.
Organizations Northwest Regional Spinner's Association, Texas Fiber Guild, Heart of Texas Spinners & Weavers, & Spindlitis. Past member of the Little Flock Handspinners of Seattle (disbanded) and Valley Spinners (opps, lapsed membership).
Publications I have written a series of articles for NwRSA's newsletter 'Loose Threads' for spinners about finding information on the Internet called 'Wired Threads'.
I have served as an editor for the Contemporary Handweavers of Texas as well as membership chair for 2 years. I also taught a spindling class at the 2005 conference in Austin, TX.
I will be teaching at Kid 'n Ewe in Boerne, TX November 10-12, 2006.
Question QUESTION: I washed and dyed and now I am spinning sheep wool on a traditional ashford wheel. I haven'e done this in years and wonder if practice will make the yarn thinner and more like worsted weight bought yard when I double ply. Right now it is soft and it seems more like chunky or bulky weight. Is it possible to make 100% wool thin. Thank you for your information
ANSWER: I apologize for taking so long in answering you, Ruth. School started this week and I was called in to sub for 3 days. Takes some getting used to after the long summer!
Anyway, yes, you can spin your wool thinner. This just takes practice. Pretty soon you will not be able to make the thicker, chunkier yarns! If you are not happy with how the single is coming out, slow down your treadling and draft less fibers in the drafting zone. You can always take the single you have spun and ply it to see if it really comes out as bulky as you think. If so, then try pre-drafting out the wool. You can pre-draft rolags or roving which will also help out if the dyed wool is not drafting easily for you.
bj
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QUESTION: I think I know the answer- but pre drafting is just brushing it out so it goes in the wheel easier. I will try this method.
Answer Ruth
Pre-drafting is taking a rolag or a length of roving and thinning it out. This makes it easier to handle and draft.
I just found this blog that shows exactly what I am talking about http://yarnhog-yarnhog.blogspot.com/2007/08/so-thats-pre-drafting.html
Hope this makes it easier for you!
