Coronet reflections

 Oerthan Winter Coronet, in which a wonderful time was had by all within the Gates of Winter. Good friends, good food, and getting to see the chosen family from both near and far.

Following are some of my notes from my little corner. Coming together to compare A&S notes is a wonderful thing. Not quite getting a technique? Bring your project and talk to friends.

Flick and ride. There are three of us in the Principality that regularly wander around events while spinning. Two regularly use a hand distaff. I have really gotten into using a distaff with a medieval style low whorl spindle. Over the last few years I have gotten lots of compliments that I look like a painting come to life. In such I use a technique called grasped spinning, you don't suspend the spindle like the  modern spindle spinning revival, but instead use the forming yarn and your thumb to keep the spindle tip in hand. A medieval spindle doesn't get the momentum that a modern one does, so it takes lots of little flicks to keep going. Please remember, neither way is wrong, they are just different.

Friend was having issues with the grasped style and wanted some help. The two of us have bounced lots of ideas off each other over the years, and it is wonderful to watch the lightbulbs go off when there has been some struggles.

Two fingers move the tip of the spindle to the thumb tip.

Middle finger pulls back for the flick.

Let it ride. Momentum will run out soon, so back to the beginning for another flick.

Distaff tutorial. We have a new spinner in our midst. So we were able to let her try ours, and talk about what you can use, different styles from different cultures, etc. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my handmade reproduction distaff (yellow ribbon). But I also still have and still use my first distaff, a willow stick from the yard (purple ribbon).

Started to spin for a plying tutorial. (Blue fuzz and yellow ribbon) Learned about the fuzz. Am actually glad that I brought this to spin. Had purchased for a spinning class I plan on having, once I make the beginner spindles and distaffs. Glad I tested this wool, it is not a beginner friendly fiber. Well prepared, but very short staple length. Will have to do different wool for the class.

Thumb tension and needle tension. Questions from friends about consistent loops in nalbinding. I do tons of nalbound hats for largess. (Second post on that subject coming soon) For these hats I tension the loops to thumb size. For a few personal hats though I have tensioned to the needle. 

 

Normal place I tension around the thumb. Good little notch right at the cuticle.

Picking up the required loops

Thumb pulled out

Here's the only step that is different. If snugging to the needle, this is when you do it, otherwise skip.

Pull the needle though, pinch gently with thumb.

Snug down to thumb.

Needle gift! And book gifts! Books were recently published about tablet weaving, and I have long been looking forward to getting copies.

The needle I am absolutely floored about! This is a piece of Ukrainian bog oak. The parent piece made several spindles and needles, and was sent out just after the war started. I am deeply honored to receive this.

Book recommendations. Friend had a copy of this book, currently only in Finnish, but we got to look though it. I am absolutely getting an English copy when it comes out in approximately a year.

As always the event was over too soon. Can't wait for the next one!