Spinning is coming along. I seem to find little time to sit down and do it - far too many irons in the fire, I think to get the skill properly under my belt.
I carded a heap of fleece last night and did a little spinning, safe in the knowledge that I had another 24 hours before Wednesday in which to improve. Wrong. But it went OK this morning and I was spinning away steadily, with only occasional breakages. My drive band came off once too, but I have no idea why. It’s never done that before.
I think that I am beginning to formulate some ideas about what it is that I want to do with the spinning. And it isn’t going to be fine yarn. I seem to have no spark in me when I think about a nice evenly spun and plyed DK, made into a sweater… (I’ll buy that yarn) but… but… when I think about my beginner stuff, and the way that excites me at the prospect of knitting a deeply textural wall hanging - well, even I have to listen to my subconscious!
Yes - I may not have much skill yet but I am already disappointed at how fine my thread is becoming. Let’s not claim it to be even, but this stuff - in comparison to my beginner stuff- is relative gossamer 
So, where I think I may be wanting to go, is into “designer” yarns - spinning with threads, maybe, and exploring looser twists and bouclé etc. Colour will no doubt come into the equation at some point, too - so I shall have to learn about dying.
Of course, this kind of thing has to be learned after getting the basics right - and that means persevering with a fine and even twist. It’s the building blocks; get them right before extemporising - like any other skill. So, I must practise, practise, practise - until I can make a beautiful twist and then I must learn how to let go of that discipline, while retaining the skill.
It’s a tall order, I know - but I can see where I want to go. Really see it. It’s right in front of my eyes, that first skein of free-form, textural stuff. And it is gorgeous.
And what will I do with the gorgeous stuff? I’m not sure - but I think free-form knitting or sculptural stuff. Possibly lovely textured scarves or bags, but more likely cushion covers and wall-art.
Stop laughing! Yes - this is me, cack-handed lizzie - but if I don’t reach for the stars, I’ll never get anywhere close to the moon, will I?
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