5 Reasons To Pick Up A Drop Spindle

Saturday nights are my nights for relaxation in my craft room. After dinner I head upstairs, turn on the Hallmark channel (I know I know) and settle in with my favorite cocktail surrounded by all my crafts. On a recent Saturday I wove for a bit and then decided it was time to spin, but I did something I never do, and picked up my drop spindle. There was literally yarn I had spun on it from 2 years ago - the only yarn I had spun on it I should add. So I spun more! Then pulled that yarn off and spun more. It was so relaxing, rhythmic and I felt so connected to the fiber as I continually wound the freshly spun yarn onto the spindle. Does this sound joyful to you? If you need just a bit more temptation here are my top 5 reasons you should pick up a drop spindle.

1. You'll be making yarn! And making yarn is the best. Whether you are a knitter, crocheter, weaver or have no other yarn hobby, you can make yarn! 

2. Budget friendly. It doesn't cost much to get into this craft. You can easily find a drop spindle for around $15 and with a $20 purchase in wool roving you are ready to go! Of course you can spend more on both spindles and fibers but the initial cost to get in the game and make lovely yarns is low.

3. Portability. Drop spindles are small and can easily go anywhere with you. The can go straight into your project bag, purse or easily fit in your suitcase so you can make yarn on the go.

4. Relaxing. Handspinning is easily the most relaxing craft I do. There is something about the flow of it, the feel of the fiber running through your hands and the slow rhythm that accompanies spinning. It is a surefire way to lower your heart rate and your stress level.

5. Variety. There are so many varieties of drop spindles! Top whorl, bottom whorl, Turkish. Light or heavy. Handmade gems, 3D printed or a vintage find you can never get bored experimenting. Plus a collection makes for a great display!

I hope this inspires a few of you to pick up that drop spindle that has been sitting on the shelf or maybe do some searching on Etsy for a drop spindle to get you going. Have fun and make yarn!

Here is a link to a great little Etsy shop I have bought beginner drop spindles from before...
​https://www.etsy.com/shop/theknitstore?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=90346042