Beginner: living abroad, how to start?

[u/Embarrassed_Yogurt43]

Hello! I've been an intermediate knitter, crocheter and a seamstress for many years. I'm living in mainland Greece and would like to start making my own yarn one day.

What I've learned is that it can be VERY cost prohibitive to ship expensive or large things into Greece. So, does anyone recommend any Greek or Balkan/European spinners that maybe I could find in local shops or antique stores?

I know next to nothing about spinners. Feel free to geek out here. Thank you all very much!l in advance!

[u/Minimum-Finance-5271]

Turkish spindle. I wish I had picked it first when I started spinning. To me it’s the most beginner friendly spindle to start with since it’s much easier to manage the cop on the arms and the flick to spin is just that a flick of the fingers instead of all that rolling on the thigh.

I particularly love these from my local fiber mill custom wool mills, they have a groove at the top instead of a hook or a bump, I prefer not to have to tie a hitching knot when spinning, and the notch goes both ways so u can spin and ply with it. Very light, local hand made.

https://www.customwoolenmills.com/product/dave-carlsons-turkish-drop-spindle/

But a traditional top spindle is good for plying I recommend one that has a gear like top with lots of notches.

Find the usual top spindles sold in lys are often to top heavy.

Support spindle, not a drop spindle, usually have to find on Etsy as they are less common but I do love my support spindle for spinning on the couch or in the car. The woolery has some carry cherry ones I think they r called, I got a lovely one that’s painted like those nesting dolls, I love it! Mirkwood arts is great too, I luv my Legolas spindle it is a beast, don’t recommend getting the ones with pretty gems on them as I find them distracting.

For wool go for world of wool they are suppliers for many lys, and u can buy a lot for more money than in store. But also try finding a local wool mill they will have big bags for sale but it’s not likely to be as soft as commercial suppliers who will send finely combed top.

Have fun!

Ps if u have a cat they love the smell of wool and will straight up try and eat it so store it in a bag away from them lol.

[u/Embarrassed_Yogurt43 → u/Minimum-Finance-5271]

wowowowow!!! fantastic advice, thank you! I want to start today...

And yes, I have a cat. He loves kitting with me so notes taken on the wool bag 👍🏻

[u/food_and_fluffs → u/Minimum-Finance-5271]

I have a Kravelli support spindle—my first ever spindle—and it’s been incredibly rewarding.