Top or Bottom Whorl for newbie?

Eloewien · 10-13-2006, 07:53 AM

I'm trying to find a decent drop spindle, and it's looking like my best shot at the moment is ebay-- I'm having trouble finding a basic drop spindle anywhere else. There are gorgeous drop spindles made of all kinds of beautiful woods with inlays and all kinds of options elsewhere, but it's been difficult to find anything basic!

Anyway- on to my question-- for a beginner- is top whorl or bottom going to be easier to learn or does it matter? I'm looking at possibly getting
This starter kit, especially since it has the book. I'm going to check to see what the local barnes & noble has in the way of books about spinning. I was also considering any of the spindles from Annie May's Spin and Wool Ebay store. I love the handpainted designs!!

Any thoughts?

Laura

mullerslanefarm · 10-13-2006, 08:42 AM

I taught myself on a bottom whorl drop spindle. Recently I had my husband make me some drop spindles that can be used as both a top & bottom whorl that I can sell at Farmer's Market. Of course, I had to test spin them all!

The top whorl seems to hold it's spin longer. I've heard this was true and have now experienced myself. For putting the spin on the whorl, both are equal.

Julie · 10-13-2006, 08:46 AM

I started with a bottom whorl and found top whorl much easier when I switched. I actually have a Schacht hi-lo spindle which can be used either way, and I

it. They are only $16-17 and FWIW, I wish I had spent the extra $5 initially instead of starting on a kit spindle.

Liliyarn · 10-13-2006, 12:25 PM

I second Julie. Basic spindles just didn't do it for me. I wished I had upgraded as well. Mine was a bottom whorl/top whorl.

Eloewien · 10-13-2006, 07:20 PM

I ordered a top whorl spindle to learn on with green wool to play around with... yay!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=230037916737

I also bought some blue wool roving to try as well. The spindle came with a deep green and I decided to grab some in blue, since I couldn't make up my mind between the two.

I can't wait!

itsbecca1979 · 10-13-2006, 09:10 PM

Annie May is wonderful! I bought my bottom whorl from her!

Eloewien · 10-16-2006, 06:56 PM

Yay!!! It got here!!

I'm going to go try my hand at spinning!!

Eloewien · 10-16-2006, 11:04 PM

Ok... yarn is untwisting as soon as I try to wind it on the spindle, or it's doubling back on itself... how do I work that out?

yarnfreak · 10-17-2006, 05:14 AM

All I can say is practice, practice, practice. Eventually it'll click.

mintdee · 10-17-2006, 08:49 AM

All that is going on is that sometimes you are over twisting (That is why it is doubleing over on itself) or not giving it enough twist. Just keep practicing and before you know it you will be spinning beautiful balanced yarn. Tip: keep your first yarn It is great to look back to see how much you have improved!

BTW: Roving is super addictive. so be careful