So many changes have taken place since the craft of handspinning
was rescued from obscurity after the industrial revolution. Technology
is providing a wealth of spinning wheel designs, and desktop
publishing is providing mountains of "how to's" for
the spinner to learn from. But is it necessary for today's handspinner
to have an understanding of the technology of spinning in order
to practice their craft as a hobby, as a semi-professional enabling
a small financial return, or even as a professional textile artist?
When one sits at the spinning wheel, with a very basic understanding
of the craft, rhythm and nature can take possession. The wheel
inserts the twist, the fibres from nature provide the yarn and
the spinner happily guides them both without needing to bother
about ratios, twists per inch, yarn diameter and such things.
Perfectly even yarns are produced, or delightfully textured yarns;
the spinner blissfully unaware of how it is all happening. They
can then produce all manner of extraordinarily beautiful articles,
and beautiful for all sorts of reasons. A fishing jumper for
a friend, or a woven stole for a gallery. With the magic of natural
fibres, the combinations, the hints learned and shared with friends,
the finished articles somehow just happen. Glorious technical
skills go unrecognised by the craft artist!
In glimpsing back to the era of spinning before the industrial
revolution, one can only envisage the discipline of the family
trying to make a living from wool combing, or flax growing and
preparation, carding with teasels, and spinning to a very strict
standard, both in quantity and quality. Or to the more genteel
parlours where fine linen and silk were spun at milady's pleasure.
But again very disciplined and structured. After the industrial
revolution when the majority of spinners no longer needed to
hand spin, spinning wheels were mostly disposed of. Out with
the old and in with the new. Almost. As the value of our ancient
craft was rescued and reborn, new wheels are designed, and made
readily available. Technical information through books, periodicals,
newsletters and The Net are providing access to the technology
of spinning such as we have never seen before. So why do we need
it and what do we do with it all?
I think the answer is choice, freedom, and creativity. For
example, without the rigid productivity constraints of yesteryear
we can choose which wheel suits us, not just the family working
wheel. A wealth of fibres are readily available to us, but which
ones and how do we use them? Fashion is so free and adaptable
- just how creative and inspired can we be?
Is it not up to us as spinaholics to use the information so
available to us? Both for ourselves, to create, colour, soften,
enhance, subdue, texture, lighten, undertwist, overtwist, multiple
ply, use singles. To make choices, explore and create with freedom.
To understand how things work and why, so that we can extend
our wools and other fibres without boundaries. Also, for the
future of spinning itself. The craft is so valuable. Do we not
have a responsibility to treasure and protect the skills for
our kids, and their kids?
OOPS!! This was supposed to be a technical article. Let's
try question and answer.
Q: Can I spin one single Z twist on a single drive wheel and
one Z twist on a double drive wheel and apply them together S
on either wheel?
A: Yes. Both will be Z twist singles which can then be plied
S, either to a balanced yarn or overplyed ready for a multiple
plied yarn.
HOWEVER; It is not possible to spin a part bobbin Z twist
on one drive, then change to the other drive half way through.
The yarn will store (not twist) in the opposite direction. It
will actually unwind from the bobbin and give the impression
that you are spinning (twisting) in the opposite direction.
HANDY HINT: If you have ruined yet another vegetable saucepan
(boiled dry) whilst pre-occupied with your spinning: compost
the contents, half fill the saucepan with water adding one teaspoon
carb soda. Simmer for half hour with lid on. (So it doesn't boil
dry). Burnt contents should then be scourable.