Good records can save you a lot of time (or aggravation when you've let a project sit for a while). If you like a yarn you've spun, you can re-create it from your records.
Once you decide how you'll spin a particular yarn, write down your plans and save a plyback sample from the bobbin.
- drafting method—worsted, woollen, over the fold, short forward, short backward, long draw, etc. These names may not mean the same things for all spinners, so use whatever words are meaningful to you. You can even record a short video to remember how you drafted.
- equipment, tension system and drive ratio—describe how you set up your wheel. You can use the specific numbers of the drive ratio (revolutions of flyer to turns of the drive wheel) if you want to know twists per inch. Or you can simply name the whorl and groove used. Schacht whorls all have two grooves, so your notes might say "Ladybug in Scotch tension, larger groove on medium whorl."
- direction of twist and plies—Usually spinners spin singles as Z (clockwise) twist and ply with S (counterclockwise) twist. For plied yarns, note the number of plies used for the finished yarn.
After you complete the spinning project, measure and record a few more details. Take a good photo and save a sample of the yarn.
- wraps per inch (WPI)—use a ruler or a yarn gauge. Wrap the yarn, without overlapping, for an inch and count the wraps. WPI can help you determine the yarn weight.
- yarn weight—the Craft Yarn Council has standard terms for knitters and crocheters.
- yards per pound (YPP or grist)—typically measured with a Yarn Balance. Once you have this number, you can easily calculate the total yardage of your spinning project.
- total yardage made—calculate from yards per pound, use a yardage counter, or count loops of the skein on your niddy noddy or swift. If you're using an adjustable swift, tie a guide string around the swift arms.
- finishing methods used, beyond setting the twist.
Resources
Beginning Spinning on a Wheel, online course taught by Stephanie Flynn.