Spinning downunder

by Lyn
(Gold Coast,Australia)

I am a grandmother who was born in New Zealand and began spinning over forty years ago. My late husband was a sheep and wool adviser for a farming company and he helped me locate an Ashford spinning wheel, then the wool to spin.

Since then I have spun all sorts of fibres, even hair from dogs and cats!

Cashmere is like spinning gold and the end result is "out of this world".

I spin more alpaca these days as the price is more reasonable.

Spinning is a very popular hobby in New Zealand, the country where if you can, you do it yourself.That includes sewing, spinning, preserving fruit and vegetables.I have even made my own soap, paper, and dyed yarn and fabric.

Home baking and home cooking is considered the normal and going out for meals is a treat for special occasions rather than a regular happening.

We came to Australia to retire in 1998 but sadly my husband died very suddenly in 1999.I sincerely believe my spinning and knitting hobby has been a major factor in my coping living in new country on my own after 38 years of a very happy marriage.

I would love to have the experience of spinning some really nice cashmere.I dream of knitting a very lacy stole and wrapping myself in it.