Written words for a movement won’t ever be perfect but it’s what I have access to currently. Unfortunately my LFS has their tying class on hold per pandemic. The suggestion to go in and ask for specific help is probably a good one. I’ll follow up that way if I get really frustrated. A person watching over my shoulder would be great, for sure.
I’m def using Youtube a lot, but a lot goes on off-camera, so there is often more YouTubing than tying, lol, to get the missing dtls from one vid on another
Re: whip finish (using a matarelli style tool)
The comment from CopperMan re: holding the bobbin just behind the hook (as opposed to several inches behind) seems to reduce my opportunities for screwing up. Not even sure if that detail was intended... I know the bobbin hand has to be somewhat flexible [but always on axis] to keep the figure 4 working, but not carrying so much open thread length seemed to help. My practice whip finishes went more smoothly. I still struggle with the bobbin resistance and thread tension so that isn’t helping the whip finish process (or other tying-in processes either).
So, anyway, a step forward...thank you to all for all assistance
Soft hackle attempt