Getting it all together

So, another dismal November day on Wednesday, but at last I made it to Armley Museum to meet up with Spinners of Aire after a very long gap! We were having a jacob's joint lunch to celebrate Gwen and Russ's golden wedding anniversary. Well done them, and they're still on speaking terms!!!!

Usually these lunches turn out very well with a nice selection of different things. This time though, everyone bought quiche! Well everyone except Alison and Betty. Betty treated us to her usual coronation chicken, which I have to say was as delicious as ever. I took the camera, but, forgot to take any photos!

As I had yet another argument with some steps resulting in a bruised bottom, I am still not spinning on the wheel. I had bought a spindle at Masham from P&M Woolcraft and have been trying to get to grips with spindle spinning. How hard can it be! Well even after twenty years experience spinning on a wheel, you have to learn how to do it all over again! It's slow progress and my spindle spinning coach from spindlers2 finally decided to come to my aid and loaned me one of the new crop they had just got from the USA. The problem it seems is that my spindle was just too light so I now have a borrowed one that is heavier and altogether more successful. Of course, the technique still leaves a lot to be desired and I'm making the fundamental mistake of letting the twist into the roving. However, I will get there!

No photos of the efforts with the spindle, but here is one taken at Masham showing me and my DGD!


Another dismal day on Saturday, but off I went to Bradford guild for a spin and chat meeting. I spent a lot of time chatting and not much time spinning, but I did get some practice with the spindle. Sadly, this was the last meeting Lucy,our webmaster, would be attending as she is off to China for at least two years to do research into Ordovician fossils! She will be missed, but is hoping that she will be able to keep in touch via Ravelry provided the powers that be don't block it! I'm not sure why they would because chatting about knitting and crochet are hardly likely to bring down the regime, however, they are a funny lot!

On the weaving front, we have some progress. A new warp is on the eight shaft Louet and a nice little sampler is underway. This warp went on without any tangles or threading mistakes and has given me confidence to start an actual project, but probably not before Christmas.

Next up is a visit to the Knitting and Stitching show. Let's hope it's not too hot!