From Sheep to Luxury Yarn: Spinning my first Wool!

A HUGE thank you to ‪@JillianEve‬ for helping me get my spinning wheels up and running - I really recommend you check her out for lots of spinning (and knitting, weaving & crocheting) content!
This time I'm tackling my first real wool spin, and while the yarn I make is quite inconsistent, I'm going to see if I can knit something from it!
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Engineering knits is a place for people who enjoy all kinds of vintage and antique crafts - from sewing to knitting, crochet to embroidery I like to try it all. I definitely have a preference for historical fibre crafts, and it is my dream to one day make an entire outfit from sheep to sweater. I hope you enjoy watching me and my favorite companion, Nutella, struggle through some fascinating projects!

[@EngineeringKnits]

Thank you again @JillianEve for helping me get my spinning wheel up and running! Please do go check her channel out, she has so much good information and cozy content.

[@JillianEve]

I had so much fun chatting with you about your beautiful spinning wheels. I can't wait to see what you do with your wonderfully textured yarn. I'm sure whatever it becomes it will be amazing. Happy spinning and merry Craftsmas!

[@MichiaMakes]

@@JillianEveI simply adore you ❤ I’ve been following for years and even made the smallest yarn ever out of my Golden Doodle’s fur just to see if I could 😂. That’s how much you inspire me ❤ Whole his coat is quite sheepish, it’s better for him to keep it too short to really get a good yarn. I just like knowing I could if I HAD to 😂. I love it when the internet/youtube brings great people together. You both make me smile so much.

[@Medriella]

14:44 “Is it even possible to do that? I guess as a beginner a lot of things are possible…” I laughed so hard at that. Yes the magic of early mistakes defying all logic. Felt that so hard. ❤ merry craftmas!

[@lizzaturnbull]

The sound of the wheel etc when you were spinning outside was just beautiful! I can completely understand why you feel emotional - it’s quite an accomplishment! 🥰

[@rebeccasourpuss]

I think mittens would be a good project for this yarn! That's about the right amount, and you'd get to look at and enjoy them every time you wore them, and to feel the loveliness of the wool.

[@mylena3086]

I was thinking a hat as in 'I started this skill so now I wear the hat to prove it' But mittens are great aswell because that yarn was made by these very hands so why not warm them up Also handy because who would want to do crafts with cold fingies

[@kristalburns3490]

I have spun both ways and knit with the yarn in the same project. It is fine. Just as long as you keep it all going the same way. I have also changed my spin direction in the middle of spinning a single . It makes a mess of a yarn but still can be used. Your singles are beautiful! Oh so is your yarn! You will find that in the knit it will look just fine. Good job! Welcome to the spinning flock.

[@resourcedragon]

Interesting. I was going to say that I didn't think it was possible to change from S to Z or vice versa mid-spin - because that is basically like spinning with a spindle and then letting your spindle stop spinning and then start spinning itself the opposite way, and then your yarn slides apart and your drop spindle crashes on the floor. I may be wrong but that CPW looks to me as if it was designed to spin S, and that it was intended for spinning singles, not plied yarns. (I've just Googled the question, the AI says that they are designed to spin in the Z direction but I didn't see anything in the first couple of dozen articles that confirmed (or refuted) that.) Flax wheels definitely have preferred directions because of the way flax grows. Evie of JillianEve has used hers both to spin the singles and then ply them together.

[@kristalburns3490]

@@resourcedragon When one spins amazing things can happen like reversing the twist without it affecting the singles already spun. Speed has a lot to do with it. After all I have done the same with a drop spindle more than once. Word of advise. Dont believe everything AI comes up with.

[@SusieQ3]

As a former beginner spinner who *did* change directions mid spin, I assure you, it is possible for a beginner spinner to do that 😂 You have a beautiful wheel! Have fun spinning ❤

[@resourcedragon]

I really am surprised people can do that.

[@MijnWolden]

A first yarn on a CPW, that's brave! And it looks so good too!

[@witchyvicar]

you’re doing great. don’t worry too much about twist… as long as you always do your singles in one direction and your ply in the other, you’ll always get it right! good work!!!

[@melimsah]

I think no matter what you make, you should keep a swatch to display alongside your first flax spinning project, so you can always reflect on where you've started and how far you've come since

[@haleyhoudini]

I've gotten emotional over being able to make something as well ❤ it's a beautiful feeling, having done something you never have before and seeing it right there in front of you!

[@MonicaLea]

Z plied yarn is fabulous for crochet.

[@Rebecca-nm8su]

Oh my goodness!!! I LOVE Jillianeve!!

[@TheEiramMarie]

This series has been so interesting for me in that it very much explains how wool became such an important textile. Obviously you’re benefiting from millennia of animal husbandry, but the yield and turnaround of this yarn vs vegetable or (I would assume) finer strands like silk is impressive. And it’s going to make a durable and warm item! Also, the tactile repetition of spinning seems so meditative!

[@crystald3655]

The first smaller wheel is likely a spinning wheel shaped object. It can be made into a working wheel but it'll take some time and money to do so. So it's good you found a working spinning wheel.

[@dawidkuziemka8174]

I really appreciate the amount of content you've been putting out lately as there's not many creators that cover these kinds of topics with such attention to detail and artistic side of the video. Really keeps me going through processing my first raw fleece and spinning it :) Keep going please

[@ArtiAngel3]

I wish someone would look at me the way you look at your yarn @ 15:47. Joking aside, it was such a sweet and cute moment! ❤

[@knitalisa]

There is something so special about yarn you’ve processed fully with your own hands! ❤️

[@Twilightwitchery]

That’s so exciting! The first usable skein is always such a good feeling

[@sewobsessedmama8851]

You did great. It takes lots of practise to get a consistent yarn. You were able to get it pretty thin which is a huge accomplishment and you should feel proud of yourself. One of my guild members told me not to stress to much about consistency as it's handspun. She said that if you want super consistent just buy mill spun. After throwing my perfectionism out the window I learned that she was absolutely right.

[@matthodek]

Such a beautiful spinning wheel. I do a tiny bit of wood turning, and my brain really wants to make a spinning wheel despite it also not having space to learn actual spinning as well. 😅 It is great to see that this project means so much to you. Crafts are such wonderful things for humans to do.

[@RetroClaude]

What a beautiful video! Your joy at finally doing what you've always wanted to was just gorgeous to watch. Congratulations! 🎉

[@xingcat]

I just loved the call with your spinning expert friend! When people have in-depth knowledge of old or esoteric subjects, especially old machinery or old technology, it just delights me to no end. What fun, learning about spinning.

[@MaryIannacone]

Your yarn is absolutely gorgeous! I have a spinning wheel but really don’t know how to use it! Your video has encouraged me to try!! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@mylena3086]

Awwww! Look at these babyskeins! So cute, so pretty 😍 And you spun them, Bravo!

[@Vanbedda]

I clicked so fast! This has become my favorite "Vlogmas" series and I am sooo living vicariously through you with those lovely fleeces! Your backgrounds have been stunning too 😍

[@mikelafiddle]

Me tooo!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

How about a very loosely-knit scarf or cowl, something airy that drapes a lot and doesn’t disguise your first skeins!!! Great to see you so happy!!❤

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I’m happy seeing you getting so much joy as you confidently explore this whole project.

[@meliaclark1087]

It was lovely to watch your movements become more confident throughout this video. Congratulations on your progress!

[@tpeschke6074]

I love it when myfavorite KZbinrs work together 🥰

[@MusicArt307]

So fun! Maybe some mittens would be fun to make with your new yarn 🧶

[@nancyjohnson8939]

I love how happy you were with your first balls of yarn. I felt the same way using a drop spindle. I want a spinning wheel so badly.

[@TheFlyingGerbil]

I’m so happy with how this turned out for you - it’s quite the journey so no wonder you’re emotional about it.

[@yarn_chicken]

You inspired me to take spinning myself. I found a super cheap used spinning wheel which is currently being delivered. Fingers crossed I can make it work. For the yarn you created, maybe make a sock blank and dye it first. I think a small scarf would be beautiful with the inconsistencies adding to its character.

[@featherbearkohn8850]

I don't blame you for getting emotional, spinning your own yarn is incredible! I've just started knitting with my own spindle-spun yarn and I feel so joyous about it too. I wonder about your yarn becoming a lacy little hood/smoke ring thing. there's one on ravelry designed for qiviut that I knitted half of (ran out of my special yarn) and it's such a lovely object. and you're right, I *definitely* want to see what this yarn becomes.

[@dees3179]

Well done. Looks to me like a sheep shaped tea cosy.

[@BlackPixelDustt]

You did great! Very cool. Using an antique wheel can be a bit tricky. They've been used for so long that they gain their own idiosyncrasies. A spinners control card may be useful to you. Can find them in spinning stores or on etsy. I haven't used my flax wheel in months. But there is an X where the drive band crosses. The x may be on the top of the wheel, or the bottom. Putting a sticky note on your wheel may help to remember whether spinning s or Z. (I typically use my single drive modern Irish tension wheel). I need to memorize this myself!

[@laurahi3468]

Even though you say you are a spinning beginner, I think it turned out beautifully! I tried spinning before and boy... It looks so easy and relaxing but it is actually really hard, so kudos to you!! 🎉🎉

[@sophieinspired]

I looove the sweater you’re wearing in the intro! Really looks like you jumped of one of those vintage skiing knitting patterns 🧶💖

[@aloevera533]

Aaah! JillianEve! Yay!! I love her! I’m loving this series!

[@Jonathan-of6ui]

What an Amazing Video! Eve is such a wonderful teacher and your Yarn just looks fabulous ❤️

[@StephanieMayfieldDIG]

I've been spinning for a few years now. Right now I am knitting up one of my inconsistent yarns into a wonderfully textured vest. Your yarn looks amazing!

[@susanrobertson984]

I made a lap blanket with the first skeins of home spun because oh my they were lumpy. Now it is not even but it is much more consistent and I plan to weave with it soon.

[@kiellemon8212]

I’ve wanted to try spinning for years but have not yet had the opportunity. The sound of your wheel going round was so rhythmic and soothing…now I KNOW I need to learn to spun someday! Someone else mentioned mittens, and I think that would be a lovely project, too, or perhaps fingerless mitts.

[@blackhellebore89]

See if you have a local Spinners and Weavers guild - my local one is super enabling and everyone wants you to have a go on their wheel. I actually left with a refurbished wheel at my first meeting 😅

[@JustSaralius]

I feel like that yarn would be perfect for a woven rug or cushion covers! 😍 I know you probably want to knit with it though and I'm so excited to see the result regardless of what it is! 😁❤ You should be so proud!! 😊

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

Congratulations!!!! ❤❤❤

[@mylena3086]

I love both of you guys and textile crafts so yayyy I'm so happy Makes me wanna start spinning even more

[@DuctTapeGirl314]

Those skeins of yarn looked lovely! It's been awesome seeing them go from dirty raw fleece to now beautiful skeins. I definitely would have gotten emotional about that accomplishment, too. Great work and I look forward to seeing what's next! I'll put in a vote for mittens too :)

[@skeir_knits]

your passion for all these beautiful crafts is so inspiring! i feel very spoiled with a video every other day 🫶

[@emilycuneo42]

I've been learning to spin this year, and it has also made me emotional! 😊

[@ZaydaFleming]

Definitely going to check out Jillian’s channel for drop spinning information. I am super curious about learning how to spin but do not have the space/technical brain for a spinning wheel…

[@resourcedragon]

Evie is charming, she _really_ knows her stuff and she is a good teacher. If you want to get started on spinning, the JillianEve channel is definitely the place to go.

[@penihavir1777]

Congratulations! ♥️♥️♥️

[@Beth-ch7pj]

You made yarn!!! 🧶 Thats so cool. That spinning wheel 🛞 is huge 😂 but its beautiful ❤️ I definitely want to see what you make from those balls.

[@SimplyEdenSoap]

So satisfying to watch you start to finish! It is quite an accomplishment! Well done! And I love getting inspired by Evie! She helped me so much! Awesome!!! Let's spin!

[@RideorDinosaur]

It's so amazing that that once was a fleece! I really admire how you set a goal and saw it through to the end.

[@deniseyoung3738]

I am impressed at your first effort! What fun and pretty yarn!

[@stefflcus]

That is absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to see what you make!

[@ZaydaFleming]

Very excited to see what you make! I love how the yarn looks, inconsistencies and all.

[@ErikaCronje-s9j]

This is once again sooo satisfying to watch, especially since I have never tried to work a fleece into yarn, or did spinning. I have been thinking about getting a hand spindle kit, just to get to know the basics and may still do that. I love how you figure stuff out, as my head works like that as well. I mostly do sewing, make basic clothes or evening/wedding and also make mascots which is quite a challenge! I do have a student I teach knitting to, as I am a very experienced knitter as well and am also knitting her some family jerseys as well, almost done with nr 2. BUT now I want to start knitting something for myself, already have a lovely teal cotton mix wool for a button down vest I like. Then for the first time ever, I am planning to knit a shawl and found a lovely pattern. So yes, busy, busy sewing and knitting

[@resourcedragon]

Sounds like you'd get on well with spinning. I learnt to spin on a wheel and I've recently acquired a Turkish spindle and now I'm learning to spin on that. If you do get yourself a spindle kit the drafting skills you will gain are transferrable to a wheel or an e-spinner if you want to go in that direction in the future. And, as Abby Franquemont would remind you, Respect the Spindle. You can do a lot with spindles, there was a time when _all_ yarn was made with spindles.

[@coquigirl0789]

15:53 I love seeing your joy in this moment. This is the joy that I am after when I create things. Even if it’s not perfect, YOU created it. That is a beautiful thing to witness

[@bethknapp4935]

So excited and thrilled for you!!!! I can't wait to see what you create with this gorgeous yarn! And knowing how much love, time and effort went into it will make anything you create such a work of art!!! ❤❤❤

[@ipbo]

At around 16:58 the CC says "applause" 😂😂😂 I guess the spinning sounded like applause to the AI. It was actually very fitting, because you deserve applause for this whole series, no wonder you got emotional, it's sooooo exciting 😊

[@bonniecolleenpappin8807]

Congratulations!

[@kn8419]

Oh my goodness, this is so special!! I can't wait to see what you decide to do with it! 👀👀👀

[@mariasaha8303]

I love the imperfect look of it! Are you going to dye some of it? Can’t wait to see what you make with it. It’s been so fun to watch your process. I wish you were my neighbor!

[@aliwilson4130]

So gorgeous!!

[@alanabrown7784]

That came out soooooo great! You did a fantastic job!❤❤❤

[@Hippiechick11]

Your wool yarn is absolutely beautiful! If I found this somewhere, I would definately use it! Thank you so much, this is so much fun to watch!

[@c0ldlight1]

BEAUTIFUL! This is so exciting!

[@marabanara]

This is quintessential EK content, and you have us getting emotional over your yarn too! ❤❤❤

[@katebowers8107]

Congratulations 🎉

[@annh.8290]

This has been a very cool journey to watch, thank you for doing it. Have you thought of using it as weft and weaving something?

[@jacquelinehayhurst8537]

I'm so happy for you and congratulations on your first spun skeins

[@sandieking9007]

I'm so looking forward to the next installment!

[@susuabdo]

Thanks again. I’m working on same project project. Almost ready to spin spin on my walking

[@deejcarter2003]

I’m totally impressed with your tenacity and your explorer/ mechanical mindset. I watched your flax journey and now your fleece one and I can see why you would tear up. I’m a self taught spinner of 4 years who started my journey to spinning by processing a friends pet sheep fleece. That was a huge ordeal to say the least. I can tell you are throughly enjoying your journey and so am I. Congratulations 🎉 Oh, inconsistent looking singles and yarn knits up with gorgeous character.💖 Since your yarn is softly plyed I would recommend something like a cowl or hat because these would pill less.

[@Alegrya]

Congratulations on your first handspun! That's so exciting and it looks wonderful, first spinning is a bit of an emotional process as you realise you can make material from a raw source into the yarn you've been using as the start of your process for so long. Personally learning to spin was one of the most frustrating things I've undertaken as an adult but now it's a most peaceful past time when your hands and feet work together.

[@Karrradeniz]

What an amazing cozy vlogmas videos 😊 my favourites so far! ❤ I think a shawl made of this yarn will be perfect 👌

[@elainelear4982]

It is so exciting that you produced knitting wool from sheeps wool. 😊

[@kat_livescolor]

Aww, so happy you found someone to help you get the wheel going!!! 😄💖 Your yarn looks awesome!

[@heidit8009]

Beautiful homespun! I’m so proud of you. What an accomplishment. Thanks for sharing the process with us. 😊

[@amelia13131]

beautiful! so wonderful to see this process

[@GrayDIllustration]

SO excited for you!

[@gingerfoxx1476]

So proud of you, all along this process.

[@LTott2234]

You can spin 2 s twist and then ply z twist. And vice versa. Spin z twist and ply s. If you try and spin 2 different twist, one will unravel if it hasn’t felted.

[@pwhite2579]

Good job!

[@catzkeet4860]

I love old wheels. Im in NZ and while Ashford is well known, theyre only the latest and the most successful makers They took over Rappards, who made some of the best known antique wheels the wee peggy and the little peggy. I had a little peggy as my first wheel and i loved it. Today i have a very old castle wheel(shes at least 100) and another castle wheel thats at least 50 and probably older. I should also add i live in a studio!!! Be vareful, spinning wheels are addictive, but theres just something so connected about using something that so many hands have used, and doing the same things thats just incomparable. Enjoy using your yarn, which i might add,is REALLY good for a beginner and welcome to a new passtime

[@drewadrawing]

Ahhh!!! That is amazing yarn for your first wool yarn attempt! I definitely want to see what you do with it. Trust me, handspun wool is really good at hiding inconsistencies when you use it!

[@jeanneb6320]

It is possible to change twist mid-way - but not without noticing!! Your yarn stays wound on the bobbin because you keep going the same direction, if you change it, it will come undone and make a huge mess! It's so lovely following you on this journey, your videos are so nicely edited as well. I started on spindles and still love to use those a lot, but treadling on a wheel gives an extra meditative factor to it.

[@Tinas_Workshop]

I learned to spin because of Jillian Eve. I knew noone that spun but now I have fiber friends as I joined our local fiber Guild. My husband and I restored my grandmother's antique Flax Wheel. It needed a lot of work. I did a video on it in case that might help you a bit when you do yours. If you are crocheting with your yarn then S twist is preferred. The yarn came out great. You could try a hat first. I actually made a Christmas Stocking with my first spin.

[@donnaparks5815]

The yarn is beautiful with the texture and all!

[@xiluvOreox]

I love yout craftmas series so much! Thank you for making them and you should be so proud of yourself with all that hard work!

[@ericasimpson7740]

Oh congrats!! My first handspun I knit a Harlow hat by Andrea Mowry- I wear it all the time! The brioche is perfect for the thick/thin of the yarn. Enjoy knitting with it!

[@jordahnmadrigal4878]

The wheel sounds amazing and relaxing!

[@myrany8407]

Many years ago my first balls of homespun ended up being hand dyed and knit into a lumpy bumpy colorwork tam which I wore proudly for many years.

[@janstoll8881]

It would be lovely woven in a scarf… I picked up a knitting machine last week and thought I would try a sweater from my hand spun yarn… ran out of yarn so I am now spinning more while I watch this 😊 Nice job

[@lesleyharris525]

It's so pretty, you could make a band to keep your ears warm ❤

[@Teerae11]

So happy for you with this accomplished task you wanted to do !! Very nice !!

[@montserratguerrero1944]

OMG! I also get emotional when I make something from scratch ❤❤❤ Totally get you 😊 Love your videos 💕 I send you a big HOLA and a hug from Mexico city 🇲🇽

[@elizabethashley2313]

I can't wait to see what you make! I'm in the process of spinning my very first yarns - using a supported spindle, not a wheel - and I have no idea what I'll do with it later. 😅

[@jacquirhodes2834]

Your skeins look beautiful and I fully appreciate the emotion of the whole process, well done. I would knit a hat that had some stitch details like cable. 🐑