About
$580
21
My Dream
Would you believe there are people in this world who have never worked with handspun yarn? It pains me to think of it, but yes, it's true. I'm here to put an end to folks knitting or crocheting with that plastic crap (unless you're actually upcycling plastic bags, in which case, go you)!
I am an experienced knitter and crocheter, and have dipped into drop spindling within the last year or so. This, friends, is where I have fallen in love. I am more than ready for a spinning wheel, but finances are holding me back. Sure, I can make commissions and sell handmade items, but at the rate I'm going I will have collected enough cash for a wheel in about three years. I'm told I undervalue my knitting, and I commit a lot of my work to charity, so I'm not exactly racking up the savings.
I'm currently spinning Bluefaced Leicester and Tussah Silk top, but I also play well with Merino. I'm a stay-at-home mom with a passion for yarn and a desire to supplement my family's income. I don't have enough saved up for a wheel, but with a little help I will be able to purchase one and start selling beautiful handspun yarn to those poor souls knitting with acrylic because no one let them in on the secret. *disclaimer* I know acrylic yarn has its purposes, but I'll never say that out loud.
My Plan
I'm going to purchase an Ashford Kiwi II spinning wheel. It has great reviews online, and I personally know spinners who regularly use this model and love it. By all accounts it's a sturdy and versatile machine. It is both economical (I'm looking at you, Majacraft), and high quality (still looking at you, Majacraft). Once the wheel arrives I will set it up, and get straight to work. The yarn you receive for your contribution will be handspun by yours truly on my brand new wheel. Once I spin the yarn promised to my backers, I will begin spinning for my Etsy shop. The shop is already created, but I've hardly used it since the majority of my knitting sales have been through face-to-face interactions and through Facebook. I have never been able to knit enough to keep an inventory on Etsy. My work tends to be sold before I finish, so spinning for Etsy will be a somewhat new but welcome concept. I don't plan on dying my own fibers...yet. For now, I will spin pre-dyed fiber, and possibly also natural fiber for others to dye as they wish, but who knows what's in store for the future.
Many thanks for your support,
-H
Risks and challenges
The challenges I may face are physical injury from spending a lot of time spinning, and a possible time crunch if I need to order more wool to meet demand. I'm confident that I can gauge how much wool I will need as I'm not a complete novice to spinning, and I've been knitting off and on for over 20 years (since the age of 6). I also know how to nurse inflamed tendons that may crop up as a result of repetitive exercise. The moral of this story is that I got this, y'all! Not sure why I just y'all-ed though. I'm from Maine.
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Funding period
- (30 days)