this post was submitted on 31 Jul 2023
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How expensive is it to get started and how would you get started?
It depends if you can source the wool cheaply. If so, it's about ยฃ40 for a drop spindle and some carding paddles. Otherwise, you'll have to also factor in the costs of the fibre. Costs add up as you progress, of course... a spinning wheel would be your next big expense
I mainly buy dyed top roving, so I don't actually do any of the carding myself. I really want a blending board to make my own blends, but life keeps getting in the way. Maybe someday...
I know a lot of spinners actually prefer spindle spinning to wheel spinning! Personally, I went through quite a few different kinds of spindles before deciding I wanted a wheel, but I have a close friend who prefers the more precise control of spindle spinning
The way I started was actually by going to my LYS's celebration of World Wide Spin in Public day which falls on the third Saturday in September! But all you really need is a drop spindle and some fiber!
(Disclaimer: I am in the US, so this is all based on what's available here and all monetary values are in USD.)
A basic starter spindle should run you between $15 - $20, but they're actually really simple to DIY if you prefer. My first spindle looks like someone assembled it in a craft store (which, honestly, they might have), but it gets the job done!
As for fiber, my favorite places are The Spinnery Store (I buy directly from their website, but their fiber is on Etsy under slimchicken) and BlueMoonAlpacas on Etsy, but any combed top roving will do. Corridale wool is my favorite, but most of what you'll find for cheap will probably be Merino. A lot of it will be in 4 oz braids, but 1 oz is plenty to start.
After that, I'd highly recommend JillianEve's Drop Spindle for Beginners video on YouTube! She has a wide range of spinning tutorials and guides and does a great job of explaining things!