`i do spinning, and would recommend drop spindle for a start..
can even make one with a dowel and a weighted piece...such as a
cross section of a branch...
http://www.mielkesfarm.com/spndl_inst.htm

there is a magazine called Spin off which has info.
http://spinoffmagazine.com/blogs/spinoff/default.aspx

here is a you tube vidoe on spinning
part of the process depends on how you card the wool to begin with...
http://www.chimayoweavers.com/Merchant2/spinning.htm

i am glad to see someone mentioned umbrella wires for puppet hands
my friend who is a puppeteer uses these...one of our favorite stories
to do puppettes with is the Lorax, by Dr. Seuss.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6650219631867189375

good luck and let us know how you do