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Although I've spun on and off for over 30 years I am still very much a 'basic' handspinner. This isn't false modesty, either. I really am NOT an expert. Far from it. I have much to learn.

Ages ago I attended Fibervisions which really whetted my appetite for learning and for experimental work but also forced me to acknowledge how little I actually know about this amazing craft.

Some spinners are technically accomplished, preferring to produce wonderfully even yarns and enjoying the repetitive nature of this type of work. Some are slapdash and gung ho about their work.

I'm not ashamed to confess that I am of the gung ho school. While I recognise the importance of learning how to spin properly, in order to reproduce a particular weight or type of yarn when required, I also like freedom to play. Serendipitous work, rather than planning too much, is what gives me a buzz. Although sometimes I make myself try something more structured, taking notes so I can repeat results if I like them (see Having Fun with Colour) - I do love just dyeing rainbow tops and spinning them before plying the singles, or throwing a more or less random selection of colours onto my Duncan drumcarder. With these wild assortments of wool I can make multicoloured batts - which I then sandwich, split lengthwise and pull into roving.

I did own a Triple Picker but sold it (regrettably)...  (see also Dyeing and Falkland Folk. I

 actually prefer 'textured' i.e. lumpy bumpy yarns to smoother ones - although I can spin reasonably finely when required, I find it frustratingly slow filling a bobbin.

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I haven't mastered many technical tricks or tried all possible fibres - let's face it, we have an awful lot of sheep and it makes sense to use our own wool - nor have I tried all the makes and models of spinning wheels that are available. (I'm working on it, though!!). Nor can I produce a decent spindle-spun yarn. Nowadays I am content to admire my growing collection of beautiful, functional and unusual spindles, though they continue to quietly reproach me by their mere presence.

I shall return to them in due course. Meanwhile some of my wheels are well used, and others wait for me to take them for a spin...

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