**Why should You Learn to Spin**

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I'm a bit of an enabler and I talk frequently about the value of learning to spin, *particularly* if you do another type of yarn art or craft.  Even if you don't think spinning is a craft you would stick with, there are some important skills and factors you can pick up from it.

Learning to make yarn teaches you about the structure of yarn.  If you knit, crochet or weave, learning to spin will teach you how yarn behaves and how it behaves differently in each of these crafts.  By broadening your view, you become better at your chosen craft.

Spinning is also an exercise in muscle memory.  The more you do it, the more you can do it without focusing.  You start to get a feel for the structure of the yarn as you work with it.  Again, this is valuable in regard to other yarn arts.  

I'm also going to add that spinning, once you get past the beginner's curve, can be a meditative hobby.  There is a rhythm to it and a joy in seeing something come from almost nothing.  I am often told by viewers of my live stream they show up to enjoy how relaxing it is just to watch my wheel.  

Honestly, another great reason to spin your own yarn, we could talk about spinning as a sustainability practice all day.  Do you know where your clothes come from?  I can tell you the names of some of the sheep I've worn, whose flock they belong to, and what conditions they were raised under.  Spinning yarn supports small farms and homesteads and ensures the continuation of some of the more interesting sheep breeds, many of which aren't great for commercial production.  

While spinning can be a hobby that gets expensive fast, it doesn't *have* to be expensive.  You can usually get started for $15-25 USD.  Many fiber artists offer beginning spindle kits on sites like Etsy.  I, of course, offer one as well (because I like enabling new spinners), which you can find [here](https://www.etsy.com/listing/510291215/drop-spindle-kit?ref=shop_home_active_1).  But I always tell folks, buy the kit that speaks to you.  Try to follow more than one tutorial.  Sometimes hearing or seeing something done slightly different can be the key to the lightbulb moment.  

And most important, don't let yourself get frustrated.  Remember, it is a learning opportunity.  If you are frustrated, it is time to set it aside and come back to it tomorrow.  

So here is my challenge to anyone up for it... give spinning a try.  I don't care where you get your spindle from.  I don't care if you make it yourself.  I don't care if you use itchy, scratchy pillow stuffing to experiment with.  Just... find some fluff, and play with it.  Come back and let me know your thoughts!  

Here is my Youtube tutorial for anyone who needs a place to start:

https://youtu.be/Nt0uvOAazhw

I've also gotten @sunravelme to make drunken yarn at one point.  Ask her about it.  

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*All photos and text property of @luthvarian*
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