“In 1987, I saw a woman spinning wool on a spinning wheel at a craft fair on the university campus where I worked. I was captivated, as it looked soothing and relaxing. I mentioned this to a woman in our department and she told me all about the Romney sheep she raised for training her border collies. Next thing I knew, I had purchased the wheel she had never used, was caring for her sheep while she went on vacation and was getting free raw fleeces that arrived in black plastic trash bags.
“This was pre-Internet and I had limited budget and time, so I taught myself to spin. For years I had only that wheel and hand cards and spun fat singles yarn from grease wool. Today I spin a wonderful variety of fibers in a range of styles. Spinning is still a wonderful way for me to relax.” —Elaina
