Half of everyone is fascinated by the drop spindle. The other half wants to turn their dog hair into a rug.

@mcgregorshangout

2 жыл бұрын

😂😂

@moony5097

2 жыл бұрын

I would do it but my dog is a staffy and her fur is too short 😭

@codyofathens3397

2 жыл бұрын

Don't disregard those of us who would are both. There are dozens of us! Dozens!

@tanyagarcia3721

2 жыл бұрын

I'll be right there on both. I just hope I get just the fur and that's it. I don't need the whole dog

@mudpiesformom2424

2 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I was thinking more like strips of old clothes.

I have tried multiple times over several years to learn how to spin with a drop spindle. And nothing worked; I'd get so frustrated I'd feel like crying. Your lesson here showed me how to do it, and it works! I am spinning using a drop spindle! I'm doing it! Not only that, but after practicing awhile, I'm beginning to get the feel of how to make the thread as thick or thin and as spun as I prefer. Less tightly spun is softer. Thank you thank you thank you for making and posting this video. I'm finally at the beginning of mastering a skill I've wanted to do for years. I'll be watching for more videos from you.

Best quote "if you're never going to be satisfied, then you need to re-evaluate your life" haha. Best intro to Drop Spindles!

"If you're never satisfied, then you need to reevaluate life..." Perfect, I love it. Great video btw.

"Pinch, draft, let go." After watching a jillion other videos this is the only one to explain that part of the process in a way that makes sense to me and that I can duplicate (sort of). THANK YOU!! This should be the #1 search result for drop spinning.

You showing that you hold the BULK of the fiber and tug just a thin bit, has made it finally make sense. For whatever reason my brain thought I had to spin the whole chunk into the tiny twist you have, but this actually makes sense

Spent nearly an hour in tears on Bluprint trying to figure out a lesson before you taught me in 12 min, bless you

This is without a doubt the easiest to understand tutorial of how to spin that I have found so far (and I have watched a LOT of tutorials for this). Thank you, a thousand times, thank you.

Megan , I was recently watching several documentaries about the 3000 year old Tarim Basin Mummies of western China and so they (archaeologists) were also featuring about how well their wool clothing had preserved on them and that they've found many wooden drop spindles at the burial dig sites and so afterwards I was curious as to just how those ancient people could make clothing from a simple hand spindle like the one you're using and now after watching your video I have a much better understanding of this and so a BIG '''thank you''' for producing these videos.

@MeganERiskTutorials

9 жыл бұрын

Jesse Lee Wow! Thank you! The history of drop spindles (all over the world, really) and the general production of yarn (of all types of fiber) is also fascinating to me. I've only just dipped my toe into the world of drop spindle history, and I can't wait to pick up more. I'm glad my silly video helped you understand the basics of drop spindles! I am hoping to get my hands on a few different styles from around the world (like a Turkish drop spindle, for example) and through time (hopefully some antiques) and do a little demo of the different spindles.

@SixxFootThree

9 жыл бұрын

MeganERiskTutorials Lol, well I have to admit that I'd never thought that I would watch a video about spinning wool to make yarn however after watching those documentaries I was so intrigued as to how ancient humans made their clothing with just a simple wooden drop spindle nearly identical to the one you're using that I just had to find out how it was done and so again '''thank you''' Megan and best wishes to your KZread Page & Tutorials.

@fakiirification

6 жыл бұрын

@Jesse Lee what started it for me was wondering how people made fishing nets without giant automated tying machines thousands of years ago, learned how to make nets, and then got interested in cordage and eventually textiles in general and here i am. It all started with the humble drop spindle. really as simple as just a stick in some cultures, rubbed against the side of the leg to introduce twist and allow more consistent and faster cordage production. You could say that this simple device is one of the cornerstones of human civilization, as so much came from it.

@riotxxx

5 жыл бұрын

Similar sentiments of appreciatation! I'm reading a book about textile manufacture in the first 20,000 years of human life and found it hard to picture the process. This, along with a video on how different fibres are grown and harvested before being spun, has made it crystal clear. Thanks so much!

Thanks for explaining something in 12 minutes that craftsy takes 4 hours to do. you are AWESOME!!!

@MeganERiskArt

8 жыл бұрын

+Jacqueline Myers HAHA You're welcome! Ahhhh, Craftsy lol.

@glacia

8 жыл бұрын

So far it's really uneven, but it's $15 worth of wool I got a farmer's market, so a good one to practice my skills on. I might even dye it!

"if you're never gonna be satisfied then you better reevaluate your life" 👏❤️😍 🥰

Hey. Thanks for the great video. I've been sewing for ages but have been wanting to get into other aspects of textile production. The drop spindle seemed like a great place to start and you give really clear instructions.

Say what? My drop spindle is upside down compared to yours. Um, I'm so confused now. I learned my technique from a Scottish oldie and there were no knees involved. Your technique is quite different but interesting. I enjoyed your witty personality, btw. Cheers!

I thought I was ready to spin yarn but I need to go reevaluate my life

And today I learnt that spinning without a leader yarn is totally possible! Seriously thank you!

Seeing how the drop spindle works, its like I'm watching the workings of ancient tales in real life: this makes my life complete and meaningful.

I just bought my first drop spindles (2) and some roving and decided I should probably figure out how to use them. This was the 2nd video I found and I subscribed to the channel because of how perfectly you helped me understand the process. Thank you and PLEEEAASE, make a million more videos on anything. Read a freakin phonebook if that's what it takes. You are awesome!

wow, youtube is amazing. Saw this video again! I did this when I was at around highschool just to pass time as a hobby, seeing this now really is nostalgic.

You immediately clarified the issues I had with ancient greek spinning vs. wheel spinning (the only spinning I'd ever heard of). I want to add some knowledge to the painting I'm planning. You helped a lot! Thank you for being a knowledgeable spinner

This video got me started a few years ago. I stumbled across it today. After watching, I went to her store, got the little kit, and off I went. Best explanation I've seen. Wait till you watch her other videos!

I've seen about 27 different examples of the same thing and this is the first one I've seen that actually explains it.. Thank you!

Thank you so much for one of the clearest tutorials I have ever seen. I learnt to spin this way 50+ years ago and now use a wheel (that took me many, many more years to master). Recently I was trying to show someone how to use a drop spindle but had a complete brain freeze how to start. I think now (in hindsight) that one of my problems is that when I learnt all those years ago I was taught on a bottom whorl spindle whereas the one I bought but hadn't yet used is a top whorl and I couldn't work out a logical thread path to get started. Now I have seen this tutorial, it is all so easy to understand.

Nice one, i'm improvising with a sharpie pen instead of a spindle, probs not a great way to learn but you're such a good teacher that it almost kind of works!

@draguta8995

2 жыл бұрын

I've done the same! It's a bit more difficult but doing so helps with mastery of the mechanics and steps, and it also segways nicely into spinning lace-weight yarn (requires lighter or no weights, otherwise the thin threads will break).

I bought your spindle and wool pack from your store and came back for a refresher. I'm so excited that I can follow along! I'm making my own (rather lumpy) wool! This is the coolest! Thank you so much!

Thanks for the video. Your instructions are clear and easy to follow. Much easier then some other videos I have watched. You are awesome.

@MeganERiskTutorials

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Shari!

So helpful! I appreciate the repetition of the terminology and your sense of humor!

In the middle of TDF 2019 and going out of town for a few days... since I can’t bring my wheel thought I’d bring my drop spindle and again attempt to use it. Past attempts have been dismal failures. Watched this video and boom I can do it. Not nearly as consistent, thin, or pretty as my wheel spun ... but dagnabit , it worked! Thanks for a clear, short and helpful video 👍

Jesus. I get it now. Like I get how it works. Awesome.

@MeganERiskTutorials

8 жыл бұрын

+Frank E Hoffman lol I'm very glad I could help!

I'm so excited to get my kit tomorrow!! Will probably comment again to let you know how it goes!

Thank you for the video! I love how casual and relaxed you are. :) It makes this much less daunting to try (and more fun).

You crack me up I really enjoyed the sarcasm I make all kinds of stuff but I want to spin fiber from my rabbit

I've never spun, I don't know how it works, I don't know how I got here, but this is fascinating, thanks 🙌 🤣

Interesting and fascinating what people figured out to make clothes rather than wearing a fig leaf.

Hi Megan! I know it's been a year since this video was uploaded, but I really want to tell you that you are a great tutorialist! (I just made up a word). I am a knitter and crocheter and I love watching your videos cause you're an awesome person. Please don't stop showing yourself on youtube, cause we need tutorialists like you!

@MeganERiskArt

9 жыл бұрын

AedenReyes Thank you so much!! Oh man, has it already been 6 months since I made this?? Jeeze, I really need to get on this! I've been trying really hard to come up with more tutorials, so I do mean to make more in the near future! I really appreciate the boost of self esteem! :)

After several years or having alpaca's and angora rabbits its now time to get spinning :)

@user-yj5pm3gf8h

3 жыл бұрын

Ahh i want alpacas so badly. Enjoy them you're lucky!

I bought a drop spindle kit just the other day. They gave written instructions, which I could make neither head nor tail of. I found your video and am now spinning like a top :D Thanks!!!

Your tutorial totally clicked with me and now I am finally doing this! Thank you so much!

Thank you. Been growing cotton for several years and ready to make something with it. Also have a huge cotton sack of wool. Stay awesome.

I was reading a fanfic and one of the characters had said something about drop spindles and handspinning as a form of meditation and or soothing relaxation. And I must say just watching you do this has got me excited to maybe dabble into this myself.

I really enjoyed watching your video...it is easy to understand and follow

I know this an old video but omg you made this look SO EASY and once I tried it your way...IT WAS! I am glad you still have this video on here...the best one I have found. You're awesome!

Just got my first drop spindle in the mail yesterday (hand turned from an allotment in the UK, swoon) - I'm equally excited and terrified!

Thanks so much for this video! I tried learning to spin with a drop spindle from some other videos and had no luck. One viewing of yours and I caught on. It's much easier without the lead yarn.

I love learning from you! You are a great teacher

I was reading Daily Life in Medieval Europe and they described this process. I had NO idea what they were trying to tell me until I found this video! Thank you for your clear and informative explanation!! Great job!

Thanks for the video! I just made a drop spindle, but I don't have any fiber to spin yet. Looking forward to being able to try this. 👍🏻

This was really cool! thank you! I have an interest in knitting and you know i went down the rabbit hole and now an interest in spinning 😅

@laredouter4792

Жыл бұрын

Same hahaha. It started with knitting and now I am deep in the rabbit hole of spinning, natural dyeing and loom weaving

@jessicabey275

Жыл бұрын

@@laredouter4792 I am into natural dyes too! It's like what I would think chemistry class would be like, doing your experiments 😄

Showed during a lecture at Carleton university, Feb 28 2020. Class was Chemistry of Ancient Art and Artifacts, lecture topic was ancient textiles and clothing.

@MeganERiskTutorials

4 жыл бұрын

Hot damn! Man, I really need to make an updated video.... I hope I helped!

Thank you for such an easy to follow, entertaining and informative video! You made spinning on a drop spindle not quite as scary as it was originally- and the park, pinch and draft method finally "click" in my brain- lol!

I have watched many tuts and have been so frustrated, the technique has now clicked, time to start hoarding wool again TY!! xo

Hi, thankyou so much for this tutorial on how to use a Drop Spindle. You made it look so easy. I've been thinking about learning how to do this I've never seen such clear instructions. Thanks again . Hope you keep safe.

Really clear, simple tutorial without too many words! Thank you for breaking it down to the bare bones! Great teacher

I could listen to you explain stuff all day

Decided to pick up my spindle for the first time in four or five years (basically about the month I first was taught spinning). Your video(s) are crazy helpful, so I was able to spend an easy couple hours spinning last night. Thank you!

@MeganERiskTutorials

7 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad I could help, Sarah! Thank you!

WOW danke schon! It is working like that! I learnt just now that I can do it much faster and better quality in varieties of thickness when I prepare the slices of the wool before - thick as I want to make a wool. When I want to me thicker, it is bigger slice so I can control it much better by the spinning itself! Thank you for showing! By the way, you looks very pretty!

You're tutorial is a heck of a lot easier to follow than the instructions that came with the drop spindle I bought years ago from someone else.

Thanks so much. I gave away a spindle and a bunch of fiber a few years ago because I couldn't get it. But now I'm going to get a starter kit and try again. Fun!

I was given a drop spindle a few years ago when I was a teen and I loved it. My drop spindle mysteriously disappeared so I've had to make my own one. Cannot wait for the wool tops to turn up so I can start hand spinning again

I have had people show me in person how to use a drop spindle, and haven't been able to retain, much less DO it...but after watching your video, I get it!!! Thanks for sharing, and the clarity, and levity with which you teach. Makes ALL the difference!

Very informative and answered most my questions I didn't know I had about using my poodle's hair for a touqe. Now knitting.

I love this and the second vid on drop spindle. I'm hoping you could make one on how to draft while the spindle is spinning. Thanks so much for this! It makes so much sense in how you describe and explaining what is happening to the yarn and why you take the steps you use.

Megan, you are a great teacher (making things schematic and easy to understand with repetition and visual) and you have an amazing sense of humour. Love xxx

Can't wait to get/make a drop spindle! Thank you for this video x

Hahahaha lady you are funny 😆I like the way you explain the process thank you very informative.

Hi, apparently I just bought your last spindle kit hahahaha so happy I made it in time. Can't wait to begin with your guidance. I'm very excited. Thank you from oakville, Ontario. 💖

Wow I understand it now. I have tried to learn how to spin yarn on a spindle. I couldn’t get I. I suppose I was pulling the roving to close. It wasn’t budging. Thank you for explaining how to spin yarn so simply.

This is a lovely video! Really well made. I love your voice, very relaxing, and your style is nicely casual and easy to learn from. I see you haven't made a lot of other tutorials or videos yet, but I hope you will reconsider, and make more. You'd be a very popular teacher, I'm sure!

@MeganERiskArt

8 жыл бұрын

+Marialla Thank you so much! I definitely have some in the works. I was on a long hiatus, which makes me sad, and I really want to put out more. I'm really happy to hear you enjoy my teaching! It's very encouraging. :)

@saraharrold3255

7 жыл бұрын

Marialla and ŷ

I only came here because a character in a book was using a spindle and now I've found a delightful craft. Funny calm and informative!! Thank you

Thank you! I'm an archaeologist and while analyzing ceramic sherds, found 1/2 of a small ceramic disk with a center hole. Too small to be a chunkey stone, I thought it may be a spindle whorl. Later while rebagging it I noticed 2 round raised bumps (called buttons as a ceramic decoration element) on the exterior curved edge. I never knew how spinning actually worked, but your video showed me that maybe those 2 buttons serve the purpose of the notch in your wooden spindle whorl!! Very exciting! I hope to try spinning some day-looks like fun!

Jillian, I love, love, LOVE your videos, and this one takes the cake. I have gone down the rabbit hole of spinning yarn, and your videos have been such an inspiration and education for me in my own journey. You are truly a wonderful teacher! Thank you for sharing your spinning story and for all the historical information. I know you will have an amazing adventure with that beautiful Icelandic fleece from Cole!😊

needed a reminder how to set up the top down spindle. I made my own yesterday. Fimo clay whorl and a dowel. The dowel was soft enough that I could screw the hook in directly, no drill needed. I'm used to the bottom up drop spindle, that's the way I'd always spun, wanted to try something different.

Extremely informative with a little bit of humor thrown in! Great video!

You are extraordinarily good at demonstrating your art. Clear, concise and comprehensive, EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you.

Your video is the best explanation on spinning that I have found. I watched a handful of videos before yours and was not going to give up but resigned myself to knowing that I will probably never have pretty hand spun yarn lol. After watching this, it's going a lot smoother for me. None of the other videos showed the 'pinch, draft' part or explained how you would know when to stop spinning. I was spinning to infinity and beyond. Needless to say, I was having a lot of troubles. So thanks, you're cool 😘 🤗🤓

I'm new to spinning, bought my first drop spindle, thank you, found your process and description easy to understand, now let me get to dropping that spindle to see if I can translate what I've learned -

excellent and clear video. Thanks. I just bought a drop spindle kit at Woolfest (Cockrmouth, UK) and can't wait to get started!

I loved watching this, it was like just hanging out with a friend getting taught a new craft!

Watching in 2023 ❤

thank you for making it so simple to follow..

I got my drop spindle at DFW Fiber Fest 2016 with no idea how to use it. Thanks for this tutorial Megan it was fun and easy to follow. Now, I'm slowly working on perfecting the technique you have shown me. Looking forward viewing your latest videos. Armando

Excellent video. Have tried couple times and couldn’t get it. Like the way you teach. Thank you! Now to find my spindles.😊

So cool. Thanks for teaching this.

The most straightforward tutorial EVER! Now I can also teach our kids!

Lovely tutorial. I enjoyed learning a new skill from you. Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great video! You explained how to use a drop spindle great. I am looking forward to using my drop spindle.

Thank you! You made it look fun and relaxing💖

Oh, so that's how it works!! I've been wondering for a while..

Thank you for the clear instructions. I'm super excited to get started. I've been wanting g to do this for a long time.

I've just started learning to spin and I've made this one of my go-to videos! Love your intimate and relaxing style!

I love your starting method! I didn't like a leader yarn either, the little loop is so much simpler and clever

What a wonderful tutorial for beginners. She looks young but has an attitude of a wise old lady. Fun teacher.

I sure appreciate you for putting this together. You have a gift for tutoring; you explain things thoroughly, slowly. Well done. And thank you!

Very clear and good pace. I spin on a wheel but have not mastered the drop spindle. I'm encouraged to try it again. Thanks

Thank you so much! So informative! I have angora rabbits and wanted to learn to spin. I have a spinning wheel but wanted to learn the drop spindle since I have a few. I almost gave up because the videos I watched overwhelmed me. You explained it perfectly without making it sound so dumb downed. Thanks again!

Brilliant!! That is the first time I have understood the process. Now off to practice a whole lot more.

yes, I figured it out. first I was overspinning and second I wasn't drafting enough before I set more spin on. if that makes sense. thanks!! it just takes more practice. thanks for your video!

Searched for topic. Came for face. Stayed for antics.

I have no interest in spinning fibre, but I watch your video anyway. Twice, actually. At first I was curious and then very entertained. Good stuff.

Spinning it's a meditation, when you try to found the balance between chaos and peace of mind. I am straight handspiner (no spindle), which makes my spinning project more creative (for me), plus I am using raw lamas hair, washing and combing by myself. But result simply incredible: soft, breathable, furry yarn. So, it's not really important the way how you spinning, but actually the process itself. Thank you for sharing your video and your thoughts.

Hi Megan, thank you for this tutorial. For awhile I have been wanting to spin nettle and milkweed fiber with a drop spindle. I love your style!

@MeganERiskTutorials

8 жыл бұрын

+CM8119 Thank you so much! :)