The Right Tool For The Right Job

I'm just a beginning spinner but boy have I learned the importance of proper tools. I've been trying and trying for a very long time to be able to spin fine yarn. The bobbin on the right is still not as fine as I want to get it but I'm getting close. I've been spinning the pencil roving you see on the left. I got that from Laurie at The Black Lamb and, like I've said before, this stuff practically spins itself. This is going to be singles that I am going to use for a shawl, I think. The single is not 100% even but I don't think that is ever going to happen unless it is machine spun.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Little Gem. I've spun on the Ashford Joy, the Louet Victoria, and now the Little Gem. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Joy. The problem is the ratios. If I wanted to spin fine yarn I can only do it if I treadle like mad on either the Joy or the Victoria. I bought the fast whorl last week and it has made such a difference. Not only do I not have to treadle like I am running a race, my treadling has slowed to a crawl on the highest whorl (19.5:1). I would love to see how the Victoria will handle fine yarn once the fast head is released but who knows when that will be. I feel like I've finally produced something I am truly proud of. The yarn on the left is still a little either over or under plied in spots but, on the whole, it is looking pretty darn good. Now I just have to figure out what I want to make with it.