A day that will live in infamy

Such a momentous day, I'm not even sure where to begin. The setting: A ginormous deck overlooking an amazing view. The players: new friends Andrea, MJ, Kat, Lori, and Francesca, and old (you know what I mean) friends Mary-Heather and our gracious hostess, Julia. (Marnie was missed, but with us in spirit.) The table:

Gluttony at its finest

There was food and drink, knitting, chit-chat, show & tell, more food, more chit-chat, and last but not least, spinning...even by moi!! Yes, this day will go down in history as the day I officially succumbed to the spinning goddesses. How thrilled was I? Very!

I knew going in that I would learn to spin that day, but I had no idea just how much spinning wisdom I would be surrounded by. These ladies were all so generous with their knowledge, help, and encouragement- not to mention their spindles and their roving! I couldn't have been in a more supportive environment. The result:

My first try at spinning, courtesy of MJ's spindle and some heavenly roving donated to the cause by Mary-Heather.

I made yarn!! Hee hee! I'm still giddy, two days later (Hi, Dork)! It may not be much to look at to experienced spinners, but it's my very first wonky bits and I couldn't love it more. Of course, I couldn't have done it without some help. Mary-Heather generously donated some of her gorgeous Spunky Eclectic BFL for me to try. MJ taught me the fine art of pre-drafting and let me learn on her Kundert, as instructed by the ever patient Julia. It was (is) a learning process, to be sure, but I was spinning! And I was told I was doing well for my my first time, so that was very encouraging. It's so much fun! And lookie at what I made! (Insert squealing noise here.)

My first born, wonky handspun. (I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to have curly cues in it, but whatever!)

Spinning will definitely take practice. I can at least comprehend the process in my mind now, and I can even grasp each little part individually, but pulling it all together, getting the coordination down, that will take some time. But, I am optimistic and look forward to improving. I think patience and persistence will be key.

I feel it's worth mentioning that I had been keeping my distance from all things spinning related for a good while now, because I had a sneaking suspicion that I would be instantly hooked, and...wouldn't you know...I was right! When I first learned to knit, I was thrilled that I could take some yarn and a couple of needles and make a garment. And now- being able to take some fiber and make actual yarn? Amazing. And the day I can actually make a garment out of some yarn I've also made? Holy crap! How gratifying must that be? I can't wait! And now I'm on my way. Thanks to a few friends (*cough*enablers*cough*) and...what's this thing here??

My first spindle: Kundert in Cherry, with Walnut accent

As prompted (coerced) by Julia and MJ, I took a slight detour from my weekly Whole Foods trip on Sunday and veered off to A Mano, where I purchased my very first spindle. Since I was grocery shopping solo again this week due to B's current state of health, I justified the extra stop. One must have priorities, after all: food can wait; must buy a spindle!

Another highlight of the day on Saturday was getting to see Andrea's gorgeous Icarus! Seeing a finished one in person has definitely inspired me to keep plugging away at mine!

So, thanks again ladies, for a wonderfully fun afternoon/evening- you will forever be linked to my very first spinning experience. And just so you know, along with this "honor" comes simultaneously felt profuse thanks and affectionate blame for any part you may have taken in my new, impending addiction. ;)