Spinster

I have a problem with the negative connotations with the term "spinster".  The origin of the term comes from the Elizabethan era where a woman who wanted to be independent, spun wool -- a skill that could provide liveable wages.  It might be difficult to support yourself on the income from spun wool, but now a days the term has less to do will spinning wool and more to do with never having a partner, never having children, and having lots of cats. 

I have cats, I have no children,  I have an income that I could support myself and my husband on, and I now spin wool.. but I prefer to be referred to as a "dink" (dual income, no kids), and if I sold the yarn that I make, I could fit the original term of spinster.

Anyways, a couple of weeks ago, my mom and I took a intro to spinning class at my LYS (local yarn shop).  We started out with drop spindles, and then moved on to the spinning wheel.  While it was a frustrating learning process, I'm now hooked -- and I want a wheel so bad!  I'm very excited that my aunt offered me an antique skein winder and wheel though!  I just need to update my passport so I can make the drive over to her place to pick them up!

Learning to spin on the drop spindle

2 ply yarn -- that I plied on the wheel

Two balls of singles ready for plying, and a third color of roving in need of some spinning

Also, if anyone is looking to get me a Christmas/Birthday present, a Schacht Matchless spinning wheel is high on my wish list!  :)