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Post by Pandagirl on Jun 30, 2014 15:40:18 GMT
I've been trying to make my own pencil roving and have not been very successful. I'm a klutz with the drop spindle and have tried using a Diz, but can't seem to get the hang of that either. Does anyone have any foolproof instructions or suggestions?
Perhaps I need to take a class.
Zed, your drop spindle instructions were great, but I can't seem to develop the right rhythm for it. :-(
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Jun 30, 2014 16:13:45 GMT
I do not know how to make pencil roving, but I have a bunch of white pencil roving if you are interested! I get it, that's not the point, but still...
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Post by Shepherdess on Jun 30, 2014 17:00:53 GMT
first what have you tried? did you look at the diz video on the blog? when you first try you need to keep the pull short. it helps to twist it a little to help it stay together. I haven't seen zed instruction but does she have you parking your spindle while you work with your hands?
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Post by Pandagirl on Jun 30, 2014 22:54:28 GMT
Ann, I didn't know there was Diz video on the blog. I'll check it out, but I've watched other videos on using it. Zed's tutorial shows two methods one hanging the other against the leg.
Cathy, I sure you'll find a use for it. It's just so expensive to buy. I read cheviot makes good roving and I have a pound of it so I thought I'd try making my own. Maybe not. ;-)
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Post by Shepherdess on Jul 1, 2014 0:12:52 GMT
when you are trying to lean the drop spindle its a good idea to spin the spindle to load twist into the wool then trap the spindle between your knees( park it) and then do the drafting up the roving letting the spin move up. then load on more spin and then park and draft. when it's long enough put it onto the spindle. doing this brakes down the steps so you are not trying to do both things at once. once you are more comfortable with your hand work you can do both at once. don't be discouraged because the yarn is lumpy or thick and thin. and don't be surprised when the yarn brakes.
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Post by Pandagirl on Jul 1, 2014 0:54:55 GMT
You make it sound so easy. :-). I'll try again.
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Post by Shepherdess on Jul 1, 2014 2:09:36 GMT
It takes practice. It is harder to make the spindle twirl than people think. its hard to coordinate your hands before your spindle starts to back spin on you or if its wobbling. I still break the yarn sometimes. everyone does. That's the drop part of drop spindle.
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Post by zed on Jul 2, 2014 9:13:27 GMT
What do you want it for, Marilyn? To spin?
If you have wool tops, try separating some off the very side. Give them a shake first.
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Post by koffipot on Jul 2, 2014 10:25:53 GMT
I can't keep the rhythm going , so I have to 'park and draft'. I know this thread (ha ha) started out about pencil roving, but I'm just going to say how much easier I'm finding it with rolags.
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Post by koffipot on Jul 2, 2014 10:59:42 GMT
Ann, have you ever used a kick spindle? They look rather interesting.
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Post by Pandagirl on Jul 2, 2014 12:27:22 GMT
Zed, I like using the pencil roving for definition, designs and writing. I just thought since I had so much Cheviot and domestic 56s I could make my own.
Ann and Judith, I'll try the park and draft, sounds more my speed. I think I lack patience. :-)
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Post by Shepherdess on Jul 2, 2014 14:12:40 GMT
I haven't tried a kick spindle. I have a friend with one. it is really cool. the one she has, has a spike not a flyer. I agree it is easier to spin from the rolags. I really enjoyed the ones I have and I think I will make some of my own. Blending boards are very popular now. you can do the same thing on your carder to make rolags. Spinning of a spike is different again. I have tried a great wheel it is harder to do because you have to draft with one hand as you move the wheel with your other hand.
Marilyn it is hard to get that really thin consistent roving without it breaking. I know brigs and little sells what they call country roving. It is a 5 stand pencil roving ball. it really works well. I would get white and dye it yourself. I know their red bleeds. I have also seen from another company "buffalo" roving. I know its nice to do it yourself but sometimes it's just so easier to buy it.
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Post by Pandagirl on Jul 2, 2014 14:45:43 GMT
Thanks Ann! You're right. Usually I'm the first to buy, but sometimes I need to challenge myself a little. :-)
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Post by koffipot on Jul 2, 2014 20:27:06 GMT
Have to say, I'm getting a good rhythm going - more draft than park. Still creating that "art yarn" though. . PPMP as they say!
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Post by Shepherdess on Jul 3, 2014 11:51:57 GMT
I am glad you are getting it. Nice even drafting take practice. after you are good at it, it is hard to do the lumpy bumpy art yarn.
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