My parents found a pair of carders for me in an antique store (for seven dollars, but that's another story). I don't really know what I'm doing, but thanks to the internet it was easy to get a few pointers and I gave it a try.
As I was experimenting, I realized I could mix in a bit of wool roving that a couple of friends had sent me with some of the roving that I had. I like knowing that I've been able to blend gifts from different people, with my energy to make something. I like knowing that from bits of fiber a fabric can be created. Something useful. That I'm learning to carry on a tradition. That I might bring my own thoughts and experiences to that tradition and create my version of it. Thinking I'm seeing pieces of Slow Cloth here.
I realized as I was spinning, that this isn't just something that I find magical and rewarding, but it's also part of my effort to create the culture I want to live in...