Monday, December 25, 2006

A New Toy Under The Tree

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Thanks to my wonderful husband, I am now the proud owner of spinning wheel! It's The Sonata made by Kromski. This wheel folds down and packs away in a padded bag which makes it perfect for traveling or storage. It is constructed from European alder and birch. The double treadle, the folding feature and the beautiful turned wood details are what convinced me that this was the wheel I wanted. The price was a factor too. I thought it was reasonably priced when compared to other similar wheels. The Woolery had the best deal for the wheel and bag combined, offering 50% off the bag when purchased together.

I've spent all day getting to know this wheel. My first attempt at spinning was a bit awkward. In the beginning I was thinking too much--trying to duplicate the techniques I'd read about for drafting. It wasn't working well, so I decided to handle the fiber in whatever way felt natural. Things began to fall into place after that and I got the hang of how the fibers should slip by one another. Eventually my hands and brain began to work together and yarn filled the spool. I haven't taken pictures of this yarn yet so I'll try to describe it: It's single ply, natural color merino, over twisted in some places, under twisted in others, with short stretches of "hey, that's pretty good". My first instinct is to call it ugly, but I think primitive sounds better, don't you?

Learning to spin is going to be a different experience for me than learning to knit. I don't think it's going to be as easy, but with practice, patience and private instruction I'm going to figure it out and have fun in the process.

15 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to seeing you grow into your new wheel...hopefully my first wheel is coming soon, too.

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  2. What a wonderful gift! And what fun learning to use it.

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  3. Anonymous8:55 AM

    Congrats, Tracy!! That's awesome! Perfect for all the traveling you do, too! You'll pick spinning right up. I have no doubt.

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  4. Looks like you were a good girl this year. :-)
    I need to take pictures of my first attempt a crochet. I'm pretty sure it falls into the "ugly" category, not "primitive." LOL!

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  5. Congrats! Great gift! I can't wait to see some primitive yarn.

    They say enjoy that first stuff, 'cuz later, you might not be able to make the thick 'n thin yarn. (I wouldn't really know, I can't spin, maybe some day)

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  6. Anonymous1:27 PM

    Wow! Was this a surprise, or did you have some clue it was coming? Now you've got quite a task, figuring out spinning! Lots of luck and enjoy that wonderful gift.

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  7. Hey now we both will be spinning this winter!

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  8. Anonymous5:18 AM

    The spinning wheel looks wonderful! I'm sure you will get many hours of enjoyment from it.

    I really like the blue mitt and hotpad. Great colors!

    The picture your words paint of your tree decorating and music night sound wonderful. I enjoyed the peace vicariously as we had several incidents that have kept us running.

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  9. WOWEEEEE! Luck you! I can't wait to live my spinning dreams vicariously through you. Please keep us updated on all the things you learn, what you like and don't like about the wheel, etc., etc.

    Maybe someday I will have one of my own...

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  10. How exciting! A new creative adventure! From the little spinning I have tried, it is challenging but fun!

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  11. You are going to love spinning! And you'll be surprised at how quickly you improve. My first skein was beyond primitive, but it was also made at a friend's house trying out her wheel. As soon as my Schacht wheel arrived, I took off, and each skein showed considerable improvement. You will enjoy the learning process ;o)

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  12. The wheel is lovely. I love my Lendrum and it sits in the livingroom all the time. Your first attempt will look really funny a year from now. Save it so you can have a good laugh. It won't take you long to get the hang of it. Nice gift from hubby. He deserves a new pair of socks!!

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  13. Anonymous5:20 PM

    YAY! What a great gift that you are sure to enjoy!! YAY! Can't wait to see what you've spun up : )

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  14. What a thoughtful husband and a wonderful gift. I can't wait to see your creations. Thanks for your comment.

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  15. Anonymous10:41 PM

    I'm just getting back into the swing of things after Christmas! So I hadn't been until now to really admire your wheel. It's beautiful!! Aren't the bags from the woolery just the best??

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Thank you for commenting!
~Tracy

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