Farm I'm Learning To Spin and...

[Kathy in WV]

I LOVE IT!!
Its something I've wanted to do for a long time but figured the startup cost would be too high for me. When my oldest girl got involved I figured now would be a fun time to learn with her. She got a few months headstart on me but I'm catching up. We both started on drop spindles because its so portable to take wherever you go. Mandie has since bought a small wheel from Spinolutions... Pollywog? I think its called. I love that thing! The foot pedals work so smoothly that its no work at all. So, I'm hoping to buy a wheel before too long and looking for guidance. I know I want double pedals, tried one with single and didn't like it. I like the belt type drive my daughters had, I mainly want to find a brand that's dependable with good customer service. What's your favorite?

 

[Jacki]

My choices will not necessary be your! I currently have six wheels, soon to be seven, and most are antique. My very favorite wheel is a CPW (Canadian Production Wheel), which is amazingly fast. My next favorite is a vintage Elizabeth made by Ashford. I have a lace flier on her, and she is very happy to spin fine, which is my default.

Are you a member of Ravelry? Because there is a lot of information about different wheels, and some very good advice about testing and buying wheels, and avoiding the dreaded SWSO (Spinning Wheel Shaped Object).

Jacki

 

[packyderms_wife]

I concur on joining Ravelry, I'm a member there as well. I have a double treadle Ashford Princess wheel. I have the regular sized maiden and the jumbo sized maiden which allows me to spin a variety of yarns. I have about a dozen drop spindles and one Navajo drop spindle which really isn't a drop spindle as it rests on your thigh when you spin.

 

[Kathy in WV]

I'm realizing this is very addicting! I get in a trance with handling the wool, so many textures. The Indian head spinners that are retro fitted to old treadle sewing machines are really cool too...so much to learn about. I'm off to read the front page then to join Ravelry. Thanks!

 

[spinner]

I have several wheels. My wheel of choice is my Norman Hall artisan wheel. That is, of course, not a beginner's wheel and it is expensive. I have an Ashford Traveler and never liked it. Ashfords are very popular, but I don't like them. I have spun on Kromski wheels and think they are far better wheels and so are Louet wheels. The Louets take some getting used to, but spin fast. Kromski and Louet are both similar in price range. I have an Indian head spinner that is on an old treadle machine base and I think it is cool, but it is limited in it's use and it is not easy to use.

There is a thread from a few years ago that Marsh started that has a lot of discussion about wheels and how to choose one. It should be easy to find.

Here it is, lots of discussion about choosing a wheel: http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?410195-Spinning-and-weaving

 

[Kathy in WV]

Thank you Spinner for digging out the link.