Today's topic: One hobby I would like to start.
I have three. You know me - always the rebel.
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| photo courtesy of mayaweavings.com |
1. Weaving. I really want to learn to weave. On a machine/"real" loom, not that plastic thing they sell at the big box craft store. I'm hesitant though. I want a to learn on a "real" loom and "real" looms are expensive and what if I hate it? Because honestly, I'm not fond of weaving on the plastic looms from the craft store. Do I not like craft store weaving because of the cheap loom? Because you can only make potholders? Or because I don't actually like weaving?
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| Polonaise Spinning Wheel from Knit Picks |
2. Spinning. I really, really want to learn how to spin my own yarn. But every time I come close to saving the money to buy a loom, I go yarn shopping instead. And I know nothing about spinning wheels. Which one is best for a beginner? Are there different types for beginners? And sadly, I don't have a lot of interest in learning about wheels if I don't have the money to buy one.... and like I said.... yarn shopping....
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| photo courtesy of thesprucecrafts.com |
3. Embroidery. Actually, I know how to embroider. Or at least I used to. It has been years, decades really, since I've embroidered but I used to be able to do it. I'm sure I could again. But the knitting always seems to take precedence. One day...
I think it's hard to balance hobbies. . . Doing one means you are NOT doing another. ;-) I've tried weaving on "real" looms, and it is super fun! So much quicker than knitting, too. I'd recommend finding a class -- often they will have equipment you can use, and then you can test it out before you invest. You might also like to try weaving on a smaller scale with a Cricket loom: https://schachtspindle.com/product/cricket-loom/
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
I've been embroidering more but it is harder, as for me it often requires concentration. I would like to weave on a loom, but they are soo big! will check out the Cricket loom.
ReplyDeleteOne thing you might want to play with is a drop spindle. It isn't really at all like spinning on a wheel but you kind of get the idea of working with fiber and seeing the process of roving turning into yarn. I learned how to spin on an Ashford Kiwi and you can often find them at low prices on Ebay (used).
I got my adorable little Wolf Pup loom from someone on Ravelry who was moving up to bigger things. There is a group just for selling off weaving things. My little loom is just perfect for dishcloths and scarves. The Webs tutorial on You Tube taught me everything I needed to know. I love it.
ReplyDeleteI learned to spin on a small lightweight drop spindle and highly recommend them for beginners. You can make a lot of yarn on them for a little investment. When you get good at that you can decide to move up to a wheel if you get hooked. I got my wheels from Ebay for a great price. The trick to spinning is getting GOOD fiber. If it's itchy and scratchy you're wasting your time. Stick to Polwarth or Merino.
Actually....if you go to Ravelry (I'm Araignee) and DM me your mailing info I'll send you a learn to spin kit. I am downsizing and was just getting ready to toss lots of lovely fiber that would be fun for you to play with. I even have a small spindle I don't want anymore. I might even be tempted to throw in some soap!
I know how to embroider, I've learned to spin (not that crazy about it, would rather knit), and I have always wanted a loom. But the warping the loom does not interest me, so I just stop looking at looms. And, how many scarves can a person have?
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the weaving. I actually bought a rigid-heddle loom, a small table-top model, but haven't found the time to figure it out. I hope I like it ... seeing as I already bought the darn loom!
ReplyDeleteSpinning does not appeal to me -- thank Goodness! The last thing I need is another craft.
I j jumped into weaving like a mad woman and ended up having four different looms, I would go for a scarf loom first because you can always make a ton of scarves. My first loom was a huge rectangle loom that was a continuous loop, it was really wonderful and I used it for a long time. My mistake was my 20 in Ashford loom, not big enough to make wide things and frankly too big to haul out to make a scarf. Good luck!
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