- It spins forward forever. There’s no race against the moment it starts to spin backwards.
- Making a half hitch is super easy, in spite of my initial misgivings.
- Oh, how I love that you can just come up anywhere; you don’t have to flail around looking for the little notch.
But also, also, this is some Falkland top that came with the spindle and it is so much easier than the fucking Merino. Has some of my anger at spinning been because of a crap random choice of fiber to start with?
Tiny Cat Pants 
Merino is very fine and, though I have seen it recommended for beginning spinners, it can be a little slippery. A medium wool is good as it’s more “grabby” Have you been to the Interweave website?: https://www.interweave.com/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Make-Yarn-for-Beginners.pdf
Blue Faced Leicester, Corriedale or Romney are good breeds to start with. Carded instead of combed might also make it easier.
And a good book is “Respect the Spindle” by Abby Franquemont or any articles by Judith McKenzie.
Betsy, I just have tell you how much I love following your creative explorations. I’m a quilter and know how it is to fall in love with a craft and make it into art. Happy New Year from California. :-)