This winter I bartered with a local woman the trade of a lifetime: LuSa soap for a Louet spinning wheel. (Its an S10-DT for the fiber geeks out there.)
Yes. Soap for a spinning wheel.
But my efforts at learning to spin this winter were so lame that I couldn't even bring myself to post that I had the wheel. It was too embarrassing.
My birthday present to myself was spending part of my birthday with my spinning wheel at the local yarn shop. I noticed that the yarn shop had a spinning class on my birthday weekend so I went for it. It was three hours well spent. Within the first five minutes I undid the damage of my winter's efforts at learning bad habits, and away we went.
I was amazed at how zen it was. It was really a dreamy experience spinning away, the fibers moving through my hands. By 4:00 I had a skein of handspun plied wool. It is far from perfect but I am thrilled. Every night since I've slipped in a few restful moments of spinning. I can't get enough.
Life is so good!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
And now, the Day 2 Babywearing Giveaway winners! If you see your name below please send me an email so that I can arrange shipping. (rachel at lusaorganics dot com).
Over the Shoulder Baby Holder: Darla who said:
My
daughter hated slings and things at first too! but determined to not
have these things just lying around, i persevered and got over MY
sling/carrier issues and so did she (apparently "its not you, its me"
was the actual scenario going on here.)Love these fabulous stories being shared!
Tummy 2 Tummy DVD: Tanya V who said:
I can't
imagine any other way to get through the day than to wear my precious
daughter. The smell of her hair so sweet and calming… and close
enough to kiss whenever either of us needed it. And Daddy wearing her
as we run errands or hit garage sales, etc. So sweet!
Babywearing 101: Brooke who said:
I would love to retry a sling, only my husband uses ours… it doesn't fit me right.
My sleeping baby
Inside, longer than out, now
Me, your home always
Yay! I am so happy to see your wheel and hear about your class. I love your wheel – definitely going to get one this year…hand spinning is not quite as smooth as a pedal! 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you make!
Denise,
It is so much fun! I never knew… Last night I was wiped out but found 20 minutes to spin before bed. So relaxing and satisfying!
~ Rachel
WOW! I’m so jealous of your spinning wheel. Something I’ve been wanting to do… Maybe someday!
Its been wonderful to learn, though I thought it would be more instinctive on the first few tries than it was. But Im catching on…
Rachel
I have been intrigued with spinning since I was a little one in the 70’s when I saw (on Sesame Street) a short segment about a mom who knitted sweaters for her two little girls. They lived on a farm…the dad sheared the sheep, the mom washed, dyed and carded the wool, spun it, and knitted up 2 scratchy looking wool sweaters. I was fascinated with the entire process. I should have known then, that making things was going to be such an important part of my life one day. No one else I know remembers that segment and I already checked…not on youtube! Rats!
Cassandra,
That rules. What a great memory! I have isolated moments like that the signify who I would become. Do you have the childrens book Pelles New Suit (by Elsa Beskow)? If not, I suggest you buy it right now, sight unseen. You will LOVE it.
P.S. I thought of you today when I handed my Ergo off to a local mom for a loaner. She just screams all the time in the Snuggli, she said. (The Sunggli works much like the Bjorn.)
Blessings,
Rachel
Okay…I just got a coupon for 33% off a book at Borders today. I am going to order that bad boy right away! It’s kismet!
I need to head over to Nikki’s this week and snag one of those Ergos for my trip to Chicago this weekend. A little Natalie Merchant concert…a little Shedd Aquarium. Heaven for baby wearing!
Good for you!! I’ve had a spinning wheel for a few years, and I still can’t do it. 🙁 Having a 2-year old and a 7-month old doesn’t help, since I’m scared to leave the wheel out in the open…
ooo! this could be addictive! handspun!
Cassandra — Shedd is the BEST when babywearing. One of my favorite places to visit. And yes, you should totally buy an Ergo from Nicki’s. 🙂
so happy for yOU! something i cant wait to have a crack at myself….
Heidi,
I cant imagine doing anything with a 2 year old and a 7 month old! Your day will come… give it time. :0)
Cassandra,
Awesome. Keep moving, get out there, and stay positive. You are a zen babywearing mama. Repeat. You are a zen babywearing mama…
xo
Rachel
Rachel Wolf
rachel@lusaorganics.com
http://www.LusaOrganics.com
608-356-SOAP (7627)
blogging at http://www.lusaorganics.typepad.com
Use coupon code hello and receive a free lip balm with your first LüSa Organics order! (Add a lip balm of your choice to your basket.) Online at http://www.lusaorganics.com .
10% to organizations generating positive global change
Oh beautiful spinning! It looks really good! I find it to be so fun and relaxing. Wish we could sit and spin together.
sending love,
sara
Sara, Drop by with your wheel anytime. 😉 Ive been enjoying your blog. xo Rachel
my beautiful sling is in storage. My baby is 55 pounds and almost 5 years old now, but a good friend of mine is having a baby and I am pulling out the sling and passing it on. it is light blue with green dragonflies
Did you mean a lifetime supply of soap???
Hi Cassandra, I came across your post as I was searching for the exact clip you are talking about. I actually found it a few years ago, but did not have the where-with-all to save it. So I’m still looking! My kids were little in the 70’s and just like you the segment intrigue me from start to finish. I am now in my sixties and learned how to spin two years ago. It makes me so happy!