My wheel and I have had an up/down relationship, but thanks to a Spinning and Colour workshop yesterday held by the Trillium Hanspinners and Weavers I'm feeling much better about my spinning.
The first thing is, my wheel is not the best fit for me. So I'm going to start looking for a new wheel and a new home for my Ashford Traveller (if you are in Muskoka/Parry Sound and are interested in a really great wheel leave me a comment and I will get back to you).
However, I'm still able to make some pretty amazing yarn on it.
But with respect to the workshop, it was great to actual learn from a spinning teacher, in person. I've been able to find lots of great books, videos and online instruction but they don't "talk back" or help you correct errors, like criminally under-plyed yarn.
The theme of the workshop was Spinning and Colour and while the color instruction was helpful, for me it was learning way more about the wheel. But on the color front I learned a few tricks for combining handdyed and solid rovings to help stretch special yarn.
I decided to give it a try with some of the leftovers on random bobbins from past projects, and I'm not totally sold on the high-contrast handspun, I prefer a painterly tonal look, but it is something different.
So I'm going get back to my wheel and see what other beauties I can whip up before she finds her new home and I find a new wheel to make friends with.
P.S. The 4th year of the Knit and Crochet Blog Week is starting tomorrow and I'm going to be participating, so don't be surprised that there will be posts here all next week.