Saturday, October 17, 2009

Well, I thought it was exciting...

So here is my exciting news...

I got a new spinning wheel. It is an Ashford Traveler.

The spinning wheel that I have been using was given to me by a lady from our church who had Lou Gehrigs disease and was no longer able to spin. She was a very talented spinner, knitter and weaver, so I know that it was hard for her to give up this part of her life. Eventually the disease took her life, but she was such a gracious and generous person. We still miss her. Sometimes when I get to spinning something really pretty, I think I might be channeling Elaine - I know her spirit is with that wheel.

It's not that I don't like that wheel, it is that IT doesn't like to travel. AT ALL! For days after a trip to guild it will squeak and squark. So I am giving it a rest from traveling.


The Shepherd and I went to the Whatcom Weaver's Guild Sale this morning. I got this pretty hand dyed targhee top for my "maiden" voyage on my new wheel. The color way is called Winesap.

I think it will make something lovely, don't you? So I need to get OFF the computer and get to spinning.

7 comments:

Michelle said...

Well, I think that's pretty exciting, too! Congrats on the traveling wheel, and drooooool over that lovely top. I know you'll do it proud.

Donna said...

It is exciting news! And I look forward to seeing the gorgeous yarn you make with it!

Nancy K. said...

I did all of my spinning on my Ashford Traveler until I got my Electric Spinner. The traveler is a GREAT little wheel for taking with you!

(then again ~ so is my Roberta!)

;-)

Leigh said...

Congrats on the Traveler! I love Ashford wheels. I think those wheels have more add-ons than any other make, so they are a good investment. I really like the top too.

Kathy said...

New wheels require good lubrication - even as much as stopping every half-hour to re-grease everything. Don't forget to shoot some of that great stuff you have into the bobbin core so it soaks it up as well as any other moving part such as the bearings, where the metal goes through the wheel hub, etc.

I was so glad to find out you did get the new wheel. Makes a big difference to have bearings doesn't it? :)

Congratulations!

Yvonne said...

Congratulations on your new wheel, Tina! The Traveler is a great wheel. If you need a tuneup on her, Meg (at the shop) is really good at that. Maybe she would travel a little happier. :-)

Sharon said...

The color pathway is perfect. My heart aches for the friend you passed her wheel onto you.