This past Saturday, my friend Veronica came by for a lesson on how to spin with a spinning wheel. This lesson was all a nefarious and not so subtle plot to woo her into buying my Schacht.
Ever since I bought my dream wheel, the Majacraft Suzie Pro, the Schacht has seen absolutely zero action. So it made a lot of sense to pass her into the hands of someone who could make use of her and love her like she’s meant to be loved.
Since I had already taught Veronica how to use a drop spindle, the only thing she needed to learn was how to handle the wheel itself. I showed her how to tweak all the tension points, treadle while drafting, and before you know it she was in business.
I haven’t had a chance to spin with anyone since my friend Carole left the islands and boy have I missed it. Veronica and I had a blast spinning together. I’m hoping we can set up more spin dates together, especially since I was able to get so much done.
The proof is in the pudding! Here we have the first bobbin of the Spinderella Thrums Hearts On Fire done.
Once Veronica departed with her new spinning wheel in tow, I didn’t stop with the spinning. Thanks to the contagious enthusiasm of a new spinner I kept going.
Since then I was almost able to fill half of a second bobbin. It doesn’t seem like much now that I see the pictures, but if you look at how thin the singles are, you might get a better idea of how loaded each bobbin is.
Still, it’s not as thin as I would normally prefer it. Rather then get all anal retentive and try to manipulate the fiber into something more frustrating to achieve, I’m trying to relax and listen to how the fiber wants to be spun. This seems to be working and I’m eager to see how it will look plied.
I hardly got any knitting done this weekend, but I’m not complaining. It was a treat to teach a friend the secrets of the spinning wheel, though I would hardly call it teaching since she picked it up so quickly. There’s just something special about passing on something you love to someone you know will love it too.
August 28th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Wow- great enabling! So glad that you have helped find a great home for the wheel. Keep up the Spin in’s going!!
August 28th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Oh, a spinning party! I haven’t had one of those in a long time! And now Veronica will be VERY happy, and so will you. Think of all the space you are saving now that the Schact has gone to live with her! Think of it as space for more stash (ahahahahahaha!)
huggggggggggggggggggssssssss
(beautiful singles, btw!)
mer
August 28th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
“There’s just something special about passing on something you love to someone you know will love it too.” – Amen, Opal!
August 28th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
I think its always nicer to spin with someone else – and I find I get a lot done too! Glad you found (or helped make!) a spinning buddy. And the yarn you spun is just gorgeous!
August 28th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
beautiful spun yarn – and how nice to know a beloved wheel has a good home! is that shot of your home – i spied a couple familir amazon boxes and a nice comfy chair – your knitting chair?
August 28th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
You passed your baby onto a good home and now you have someone to spin with. I call that A win, win situation! We have three wheels and I have been know to use all three at the same time. I agree that sometimes you just have to spin the fiber into what it wants to be rather than try to force it into what you think it should be. It looks really great!
August 28th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Awww sounds like fun! I wish I had a spinning buddy, or even just a knitting buddy! Love the singles, very pretty color!
August 29th, 2007 at 12:56 am
Oh how fun! A spinning friend. I am jealous lol. I hope you two have many great spinning dates and loads of fun! HUGS!
August 29th, 2007 at 1:54 am
Oh! You are a tricky one. We all have to keep our eyes on you. Next thing you know you will be inviting us all over for a knit in, and surprise us with a stash sale! :-)
I do love the color of the Thrums.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:39 am
Looks like such fun! And that color of the Thrums is very pretty. : )
August 29th, 2007 at 4:20 am
Gosh, you make me want to spin something!! (And, um, I don’t know how to spin!)
August 29th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
My gosh, seeing these pics makes me sooo long to begin spinning too – actually I don’t have a clue why I haven’t tried it yet? Hm… It sure looks like a lot of fun – and I adore the color of the Thrums!
August 30th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Isn’t spinning with someone the best? What beautiful spinning! Sometimes I just don’t want to do all the sampling and planning, I just want to spin. Plus I know what you mean about trying to force fiber to do something, I’ve had mine become a bit wiry as a result. Your singles look great! I can’t wait to see it plied and what it will become.
September 16th, 2007 at 10:43 am
I spin alone and would love to have someone to spin with. You are one lucky girl to enable someone and get a spinning pal out of it. I am so impressed with how fine your yarn is! I feel like I spin all day and get very little done. Any hints? I treadle like mad but the yarn often drifts apart on me, so I know it needs more twist. Do I need to adjust something? Help needed here.
Sorry to hear your FPS is side lined, but from time to time we do have to do that don’t we? Me? I’m adding 4 more tiers to mine then I’ve got all the seed stitch to do. Love your Bee Fields Stole! Keep it up lady!!!