Things I have learned - Lesson 1

It is all about the Rhythm

When you start to spin - a lot of things are happening at once. Wheels are turning, feet are treadling, flyers and bobbins are twirling, hands are drafting and so on. It does seem to be a bit of madness. Out of this Sharmanka-esque activity, you need to produce a fine woollen product.

The only way to master this madness is to adopt a rhythm, to guide the rate that your feet and hands work. Once you get that rhythm in your appendages, things will go a lot easier.

June from Aberfoyle Spinners told me this when I first arrive at the Scottish Woollen mills. I have not yet mastered it. Hopefully, I will embrace it and things will go easier for me.

I have tried a couple different soundtracks for spinning, including the traditional Scottish dance and most recently soul.

Soulful tunes from Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Otis Redding seem to lend themselves to the work of spinning. Not sure if speed metal or 80's rave will be suitable.