Observations from Fall Fiber Festival 2011...

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that so many people believe that the yarn I am making goes around the wheel inself. (I must admit, I think I had the same impression before I learned to spin). So when I explain how the wheel works and where the spun fiber actually goes...I get the 'ooooohhhh' reaction. 

It's cute, someone will stare...I notice them watching...they keep watching...then get brave enough to ask how it works. Sometimes I just say hello and that seems to put them more at ease...after all, I don't bite ;)  

I put myself out there when I demonstrate for the simple purpose of showing and teaching anyone interested, just how making yarn works,
either on the wheel or drop spindle. 

Of course my overwhelming preference is the spinning wheel.

I know how wonderfully portable the drop spindle is, I just can't
get over the stop and go associated with using it.
I admire all those who can make amazing yarns on a drop spindle!

Then comes the approach with the accompanying question,
asked as follows..."I have a stupid question"...

Now, I know we all do this...we feel like our question has to seem 'stupid' to those who make things look easy that we just can't imagine ourselves doing.
I am overly guilty of doing this myself!

BUT...I always tell people that there is no such thing as a stupid question...I think it's stupid NOT to ask...how ever else would we learn anything new?

There also seems to be interest in what I'm doing for a few different reasons...

There is the person actually interested in the making of the yarn, either because they knit or crochet and have wondered how it's made
or have been inspired to learn to spin but didn't know where to start...

There's the generally curious person who looks in wonder, doesn't do anything with fiber, but thinks it's just 'cool'...and there's the engineering type that actually wants an explanation of exactly how the spinning wheel works. 
A lot of men ask this type of question,
they have no desire to learn to spin,
but they are so interested in how it all works..

 So next time you walk by and see someone doing something that interests you...
go ahead...ask your 'stupid' question,
you'll probably be glad you did and I hope you are inspired to learn something new!

Thanks to all of you who stopped and inquired about what I was doing...I had a fabulous time demonstrating at the Montpelier Fall Fiber Festival ! :)