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Spindle and Wheel

Spinning

GrannieAnnie06

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Balanced singles - 2007/08/09 07:52 I just finished a wonderful book on high whorl spinning... Spinning in the Old Way by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts. I got a lot of good information to tweak my technique with. However, she talks about balanced singles for weaving, and even knitting, but doesn't give a whole lot of information on how to achieve success spinning balanced singles.

I can adapt most spinning wheel techniques to my spindle, so do any of you have any experience spinning and finishing singles for knitting?

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Diane

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Re:Balanced singles - 2007/08/09 15:14 I've spun singles a couple of times - low twist, woollen draw and then bash the c**p out of it in hot and cold water so it kind of sticks together and felts into submission. After close investigation, I'm pretty sure this is how yarns like Manos del Uraguay are made. Wet-blocking under tension will also iron out any kinks but you have the risk of the singles re-energising themselves when they get wet again.

I know singles are quite commonly used as warop threads in weaving and I have an idea they are wet-blocked but I am not in any way a weaver so can't really elaborate.

Hope this helps a bit

www.kurrajonghandcrafts.com

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allena

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Re:Balanced singles - 2007/08/09 16:10 If you spin a low twist singles, then skein it and rinse in HOT water, then hang to dry with a weight. It will relax into submission.

Try a fiber with a long staple length, and add only enough twist to keep it together. I have actually spun singles that hung on the skein with only a TINY amount of twisting.

The other thing you can do, is wind the singles into a ball, and leave it to hang around for a few weeks, this will also relax the twist.

Weavers often weave weft with one direction of spin and the warp with the opposite twist so that the fabric balances. If you fall off, get back on and try again.

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GrannieAnnie06

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Re:Balanced singles - 2007/08/09 17:38 Thanks!! I'll give it a shot sometime soon, and let you know how it turns out...

I have an alterior motive... I'm beginning to study up on Navajo weaving...

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