Before you ask, I haven’t heard anything about what’s going to happen with the damaged wheel, a Schacht Matchless. UPS is dealing with the seller/shipper and she’s been out of town on a couple of trips but she’s back now and has contacted them to tell them that she doesn’t think it can be repaired so we’re waiting for a response.
Schacht Ladybug
In the meantime, I found a Ladybug, which is a smaller wheel. The Matchless is like the Cadillac of wheels. The Ladybug is like a 1967 Mustang of wheels – cute, sporty . . also a great wheel. This will be a wheel I can take with me to Chad and Nicole’s or to mom and dad’s. By the way, it was shipped via Fed Ex and arrived without so much as a scratch on the box and certainly no holes poked through the box and there was only one “Fragile” sticker on the box! Still aggravates me when I think of the damage to the Matchless.
I can’t walk away from it! I sit and spin for a while, then sit down to knit, and in a few minutes, I’m back at the spinning wheel.
Spinning
There’s definitely a learning curve and I’m making progress but I have a long way to go before I’m doing great spinning.
I have some beautiful fiber to be spun into even more beautiful yarn but for now, I’m just practicing with undyed merino. For those who are wondering, 4 ounces of dyed fiber costs about the same as 4 ounces of already spun yarn — in the $20 range. I know . . why am I spinning it when I can buy it already spun for the same price? 🙂
I can get good quality undyed merino for about $2/ounce, which is about $8 for 4 ounces compared to $20+ for the same amount of already dyed roving. So for now . . plain, undyed fiber til I get better.
liz says
OT -how was the blue bell?
Sandie says
I know it doesn’t help with the frustration of the damage to your first wheel, but I’m glad you’ve got this one! Maybe you will have to get some acid dye and an extra crockpot to dye the yarn you are practicing with!
Penny from So CA says
I am so excited for you & your new Ladybug especially that it is so obvious reading your post that spinning is already something you enjoy very much! As to cost of fiber to spin vs ready to use yarn costing almost the same I say the fiber to spin is really priceless because of the enjoyment it is already bringing you at this time ~ truly how do you value such enjoyment? Enjoy!!
Susan says
So, then dying is the next sport on the list? LOL Interestingly, I recognized the name Schacht in a local quilt shop’s newsletter today, because of you. Atomic Fibers is becoming a Schacht dealer! They sell quilting and yarn goods, in a tiny but wonderful store. I’m wondering where they will put the wheels! I’ll be going to check them out in person, though I have no plans for becoming a spinner. I’m so happy you finally have an undamaged wheel and can spin and spin to your heart’s content!
Libby in TN says
Your yarn is looking a lot better than your early attempts. You’ll be expert in no time!
Joyce says
So glad you have a working wheel now! It looks like you already are having a great time. I need to get back to spinning soon. I’ve had so many other things to get done (under deadlines) that I haven’t been spinning. 🙁 I think I have too many hobbies…
wanda j says
Good news I think about your broken wheel. Hope the lady doesn’t back down and they have to replace the whole thing for you. That just isn’t good customer service. You pay insurance for a reason and it should cover the loss no matter what. The thing was a work of art to begin with. It isn’t some plastic made bunch of junk. It took a true craftmans to make it and make it work like it was suppose to work. So stay after them and let us know. For this will make me decide if to ever use them a shipper ever again if this is how the do business.
Jean S. says
Spinning is addictive isn’t it! Try food coloring and Koolaid dyeing. Easy and there’s a lot of information on the internet. Paradise Fibers in Spokane is a great shop and well known to the spinning community. They have a huge selection of fibers at good prices. Get on their mailing list for specials. I’m in the process of spinning 2 pounds of Shetland gray roving for an eventual sweater. When you get to plying, that’s another adventure. Congratulations on your new wheel.