A spinning wheel is not something that’s been on my mind as something I’ve always wanted. You know I don’t seem to have a lot of trouble buying the things I really want but the debate in my head is this: Do I really want a spinning wheel or . . is it the idea that it’s one more fiber aspect I’ve never done and having the wheel appeals to me? What I don’t want is something sitting in the corner and feeling like . . darn it! I bought that thing and I never use it.
Then I ask myself .. why would I spin yarn when I can buy all the beautiful yarn I’ll ever want? Or, maybe “I’ve already bought more yarn than I’ll ever use . . why learn to spin?” It isn’t like I have my own alpaca or wooly sheep and I have nothing to do with their fiber. And, no . . I’m not getting a fiber animal. I I wanted to buy the undyed fiber, spin it, dye it (or vice versa), then I could probably sell myself on the spinning wheel easier, but I’m not sure I have a whole lot of desire to do any dying.
And then, there’s the “why not?” part of the debate! Once Vince retires, I will be way more careful about what I buy so if ever I’m going to buy a spinning wheel, some time within the next couple of years is the time to do it.
I also tell myself that I want Addie to at least see me spinning yarn. At some point, when I’m still around, they could have some type of fiber animal or there’s no telling what kind of critter Chad might be hunting or trapping that would have spinnable fiber. I guess I think back on all the things my grandma did (canning, baking, sewing, crocheting, gardening) and I want Addie to remember me for those qualities .. not my messy housekeeping, or my sitting too long and reading when other things need to be done. At least she won’t remember me dragging her through malls shopping! 🙂
Of all the junk we have, I think when I’m gone, it’s things like sewing machines, looms, long arms, and spinning wheels/fiber that Nicole will want to keep . . not that I’m buying what I want now so she’ll have my toys when I’m gone but chances are, I won’t wear out a spinning wheel and I believe it will be loved and used once I’m gone. I’m not just buying something that they’ll have to get rid of.
And finally . . though there are plenty of other thoughts running through my head . . I kinda figured I’d get a Schacht wheel. I did a lot of research before buying my loom and I liked the Schacht brand. During my research, I’ve read that Schacht is coming out with a new loom in maybe December. I read that it will be something “many will buy” which makes me think it’s in the range that I consider more affordable. Then there’s the whole question . . do I want something brand new that hasn’t really been tested and tried by the masses? I’m never one to want the first of anything – I want it after all the improvements/upgrades have been made. Apparently Schacht has had this loom being tested for a while and they’re supposed to be very good about getting things right the first time but . . I don’t know.
There’s no reason why I can’t wait a few months or a year to get a wheel but right now, Vince seems kinda excited about it and once he changes his mind . . and he will if I don’t do something fairly soon, then it may be a harder sell to convince him I need one.
So . . what’s a girl to do?
Linda in TX says
Do it. Just do it. (I’m the best enabler you’ll ever find) Seriously – I do have a close friend who used to quilt (and do bobbin lace and crochet and knit and all kinds of fiber-y things). She finally took up weaving and loves it. I think she has two or three looms now. And she is now taking spinning classes – and loves it. (No – this ‘close friend’ is not YOU so don’t think I’m talking about you.) I’m just sayin’ …. those last couple of paragraphs convinced me that you should do it. And if Vince is excited by it now but might change his mind if you hesitate ………… Just do it.
Denise Fischer says
I have 2 – an Ashford Traditional purchased in 1976 (so it’s REALLY traditional) and a Majacraft Suzie. The Suzie is my favorite – it takes up very little room and is very versatile, and also gorgeous.
I go through phases of spinning interest and no interest. My husband says it just comes around again from time to time.
Since space is an issue for you I’d look for an upright wheel (like the Suzie) because they take up less space. Most spinning companies have at least one.
Try to get to a store offering several and try them out.
Jean S. says
I recently bought the Schacht Matchless wheel I have lusted after for many years. I also have a Lendrum and an Ashford Joy. They all do the job, but if I had to give up one now, it would be the Lendrum. It duplicates what the Schacht can do but it simply isn’t a Schacht, and the Joy is small and portable and fun to spin on. Many people on Ravelry like the Schacht Ladybug and the price is considerably less than the Matchless. Of course as the name denotes, the “matchless” certainly lives up to it’s name. Spinning is a meditative time for me. The wool is sliding through my fingers and the wheel is whispering as it quietly turns, my feet pushing in a gentle rhythm. Very hypnotic. It also produces something useful. There is a real satisfaction in creating something by your own hand. It’s unique and it’s yours. Then there’s the whole aspect of dyeing your wool (if you wish). Totally your own creation. Of course there are many people selling gorgeous wools to spin. Between making quilts and spinning and knitting wool, I would be hard pressed to say which I like more. I believe I need both in my life.
I would caution that hand spun has an entirely different feel and appearance than commercial yarn. It’s not as smooth or “perfect” but I believe that is one of it’s charms.
dorothymatheson says
I have several wheels I am not using right now. They are so pretty. I will use them again as I do love to spin. The yarn you spin yourself is so nice. Angora rabbits do not take a lot of space and give you lovely fiber to spin. It is also lovely to blend just what you want in a mix of fibers. Wool and kid mohair is about the best thing possible and wool and angora is also extremely lovely. I have a shawl knitted with all angora rabbit. So soft and nice.
Wish I could lone you one of my wheels for a few months and you could see if you really want one. We do both live in Texas. I am in Elgin.
maggie says
check out ashford wheels before you make a decision. i have both and it depends on what fiber i’m working with which wheel i use.
Tinkerfeet says
I didn’t think I wanted to spin either but I tried it and at first I wasn’t very good. But I am one of those people who won’t let something beat me, now I love to spin. I also dye all my fiber for spinning and knitting. I can have any color I want plus self striping yarn is hard to get the colors you really want because they sell out so fast. I feel the fiber arts are a slippery slope so watch your down hill speed. Lol
Susan says
Buy the wheel, if you have the money now. If you don’t like it or don’t use it, sell it later. It isn’t a decision set in stone.
Connie Stack says
Buy now, you can always sell it later and buy another. I too bought in advance of retirement, thinking I had a few more years to stock up. Instead I am medically retired now, and those first months with no check I was very happy to have my stash of fabric and yarn. So get the best now and maybe later another one…hmmm, one to pass down to Nicole???
Joyce says
Spinning has always fascinated me. I bought a locally made wheel (the father of a friend made it). Right now I’m waffling over getting a pocket wheel. I got to try one out this summer, and I was hooked. It’s not something I NEED–there is nothing wrong with the wheel I have, but the pocket wheel was just so darn fun! I do agree it is good to try out a wheel before buying it. You may think you really like one, but once you try it you may think “yuck”. Another one that you “eh” about might be wonderful once you try it. It’s just like buying a car…they all get you there, but the feel is a bit different in each one.
Carol Esterline says
Not to judge but you seem to have more fabric than you can ever sew, not to mention a long arm that you no longer use. More yarn than that you can knit. So it seems normal that now you would want to start spinning. You will probably buy tons of roving. I started reading your blog when you came to Texas. You have evolved and so have I. I did most of the same things that you did. I also figured out that what I really like best is sewing. You might like spinning and knitting better. But retirement will be entirely different. Hope you figure it out.
Kelli Puryear says
I am joining the enabling camp. I highly recommend looking into a Kromski, they make beautiful wheels.
wanda jordan says
Well I say go for it too. Just build a bigger house to hold all your new stuff……… Crafting, sewing,quilting is a never ending hobby habit .There will always be a new one to us come along. Next thing will be tatting maybe who knows. If these crafts didn’t come back they would die out and be lost.
I’m trying to do china painting that has become a lost art almost. So keep on learning when you stop it is time to die I say…
Enjoy all your post and have been keeping up with you since Mo. So how long has that been? If Vince is excited about the wheel then get it while he is excited maybe he will learn how…..
Ranch Wife says
Oohhh, a new loom in December?! I haven’t bought mine yet, but like you, I don’t like buying something new until its been thoroughly tested. However, I’ve been pining for a loom since I took a class.
I say, get a spinning wheel. You’ll use it and you live in sheep and goat country. I’m betting you’ve got opportunity for raw material for experimenting with spinning without buying the critters.