We are so proud of our modernization, we don't even realize what we've forgotten. Children who've never been outside their suburban boundaries often think apples and carrots come from the grocery store. We're not much better as adults buying new clothes--that wool sweater comes from the department store, doesn't it?
Individuals with no sewing background in their homes can be completely mystified about mending clothing that has been purchased. I knew a woman once who would throw out a jacket or skirt missing a button because she had no idea where to even begin thinking about sewing on a new button.
Though I'll admit I am happy that making my own clothing is now a choice and not a daily chore, many of us are still drawn to working with yarns and fabrics and expressing our creativity through handiwork. Some of us are even drawn in deeper than that--maybe searching for the roots of our existence by going back to the beginnings of things. Like planting gardens in our backyards to know for certain that food grows from seeds planted in the ground. Like taking a handful of wool off a sheep's back and spinning it into yarn to make clothing.
I have been fascinated with the idea of spinning wool into yarn ever since reading fairy tales as a young girl. Fairy tales are full of spinning wheels and magic. I waited 47 years to actually discover that I love spinning as much as I thought I would. Waiting was primarily a function of not knowing where to look. Who spins wool anymore? Turns out LOTS of people do! Once I met my first spinner, I found a doorway that opened to the absolutely magical world of spinning.
Spinning resources on the web abound. Ravely.com, which is primarily a knitting community, has a large group of spinners talking and sharing their experiences. There's even Spin-Off Magazine with all sorts of help, tips and even patterns to knit after you've spun your yarn.
There might even be a spinning group in your local community. Google your city and "spinning group." After you weed through all the bicycle "spin" classes at the gym, you'll find what you are looking for--that group of individuals who lug their spinning wheels to a local spot, take out their wool, silk, cotton, alpaca or llama hair, and sit for hours spinning those fibers into gold.
YouTube offers multiple videos of "how-to's" on spinning, the different types of fibers that can be spun into yarn, and dyeing techniques to get the colors you want. Spinners are generally very enthusiastic about sharing their craft and welcoming new spinners into the circle. You can also attend a fiber arts show (Google again can direct you) and try out a few wheels for yourself before purchasing one of your own.
Give it a try! Everyone needs a little magic in their lives.
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