Sunday, March 10, 2013

Spinning wheels



This is my great grandmother's spinning wheel that I inherited. She made everything on this wheel. My uncle inherited it because he wanted to learn how to spin. And he did. He died and my aunt asked all the other nieces and nephews if it would be ok for me to have it. Since I had sheep. They all agreed. So I go the wheel. Please don't look at the dust on it. I have not learned to spin yet. But in the 2nd pictures, you can see that the bobbin is broken. I need to order a few more. It also came with the lazy something that has 3 bobbins on it. One of them still has some wool that my grandmother spun, still on it. This bobbin has some that my uncle spun. It's a very old wheel and I would love to spin on it.


But I think I'd like to get a portable wheel. Like an Ashford? They aren't too expensive, but if I can find a used one, I'll get it.

I would love to hear what you all are spinning on. And why you like that particular one over another wheel. I need something easy, like for a beginner, which I am. I'm having a friend come to shear my 6 Finn sheep in April. I still have 2 bags of wool from last year that I hope are still good. How long does raw wool last?

This is something I really want to learn to do. I'm going to see if there are any classes near me. I want to learn from the sheep to the sweater. Or scarf. Or blanket.

5 comments:

Tombstone Livestock said...

Congratulations. That Lazy thing with the 3 bobbins is a Lazy Kate, to use when you ply your yarn. Check with your local yarn shops some of them teach spinning classes. I bought a used Ashford Traveler from a friend. If you are going to buy a new wheel try out several before you buy. With a used wheel you have to take what is available. Maybe try out several see what fits you and maybe then look for one that is used. Also Fiber Fests are a good place to find wheels. Look for a spinning wheel dealer in your area.

Kristin said...

This is all new to me. I can't wait to read the replies and see the lovely creations you make from your wool!

Sandra said...

I think the wool should be fine. I have used mine that was stored from previous year.

I have a Schacht wheel. I can't remember why I chose this one over others. But I like it.

What a neat thing to passed down from you Grandmother :)

Kris said...

Do you know that every time I have seen someone spinning, like doing demonstrations, they never let me try? I have yet to actually spin on a wheel.My friend who is coming to shear gave me a lesson on the little thing (I am sorry, my mind is not working) that you hold and spin. I hated that thing and could not do it. And she had wheels and sat at a few and did it but she didn't offer to let me try.

Anyway, there is a book store in downtown Chattanooga where the owner has tons of wool that she sits and spins all day. She sells carders and wheels and all things spinning. I might go see what she has that I can try out. But she's just a bit strange.

Kris said...

Sandra, I have never heard of your wheel and how do you pronounce it?