My very first handspun knitting!

Learning to spin has been on my to-do list for a long time. So when I saw that Make it Glasgow were having a free workshop on learning how to use a drop spindle as part of voluntary arts week, I just had to have a go.
I arrived not knowing one end of a spindle from another, and left with my very own yarn! Tuition was provided by Ashley, who talked me through the process. We were using some lovely undyed Shetland from Scottish Fibres.
Getting used to feel of turning the spindle took some practice, but I got there.
It was quite relaxing to stand and spin, knowing that you were creating a unique yarn by a method that has been used for thousands of years. In the end I had managed to create a small ball of yarn.
And as with most things, this ball looked better with googly eyes.
As this was my first attempt the thickness did vary quite a bit, but when I plied the yarn together, it became much more uniform (though not completely!). I used the 2-ply yarn to knit a swatch.
The resulting fabric is very strong and rugged, quite like a Shetland sheep really.
My efforts this afternoon have created a 5cm x 6cm piece of knitting. At this rate it may take some time to create a jumper from handspun!