By: Helen A. Swartz
State Sheep, Goat and Livestock Specialist
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension

SOME FACTS & BIT OF HISTORY

[acidfree:115]Hand spinners have the opportunity to add value to the fleece with the process of spinning. Beautiful yarns are in great demand by fiber artisans. Wool may sell for fifty cents a pound in the fleece, whereas handspun yarn can bring $3 an ounce. One-of-a-kind articles created by weavers and spinners stimulate the appetite of those who appreciate this art form.

Over the past fifteen years, spinning has grown in popularity among artisans of all ages. Many individuals spin fibers but very few reach a high level of perfection in spinning or study the art in great detail. A good spinner will have a solid knowledge of fibers and understanding of the different grades of their characteristics. Learning the technique from a patient competent teacher is a good beginning.

Spinning fiber into yarn is an age old craft. The beginning of spinning is not well documented. Some historians date the beginning at about 4000 B. C. The support spindle was likely the first attempt at spinning using perhaps a rock and a stick for a spindle. Spinning wheels come in many sizes, shapes and forms. They range from the hand powered great wheel to the small foot powered castle wheels