Well, I’ve been spinning with my little drop spindle, which is great and the perfect beginner’s tool, but I’d like to move on to bigger and better things. I’d like to get a wheel. We live in a little tiny apartment in the middle of the city that really doesn’t need any additional pieces of furniture, so what I thought would be a good wheel would be the Joy wheel. This little baby is supposed to be compact, yet good and I think it would be a wonderful addition to our playground.
There’s only one problem, it’s expensive. I’m starting now to save all the money I make with my stitch markers and patterns to put in the spinning pot. I’m afraid this will take a while, but I can be patient.
Can anyone give me any advice on this wheel? What wheel would you recommend? It will be a while, so I have time to think it all over.
Speaking of cool patterns, yesterday was a little sewing day for me all around. I made this very practical Seamstress Apron using Linda‘s pattern.
This idea is fabulous!! Check out this description of the apron to find out more about it. I love my apron and I’m just sooo glad I was able to test the pattern for her. Her pattern should be done soon, so if you jump over and send her an email, I’m sure she’ll let you know how to get it.
What’s my next project? Well, you know, getting enough grass on my balcony to raise that Llama. Alpaca, I love you!
October 2nd, 2006 at 1:05 pm
Beautiful! May you sell many, many and get your wheel soon.
October 2nd, 2006 at 4:38 pm
What lovely patterns and spinning you’ve done! Have you read about the Twisted Knitters Dye-Spin-Knitalong? http://zeneedle.typepad.com/twisted_knitters/please_read/index.html
You might enjoy this adventure while you save up for a wheel. I’d guess that you might be able to get some suggestions and feedback on spinning wheels. It looks to be great fun, and quite informative, too.
October 2nd, 2006 at 5:33 pm
I love my Ashford Traveller. It’s not too big although maybe a little bigger than the Joy. But it can go with me or be stashed in a corner if needed, but it’s also very pretty and has a mostly permanent display place in front of the fireplace we rarely use. (The wheel does get moved when we use it which is why it’s mostly permanent:) Ashfords are quite good.
Good luck with the wheel.
October 2nd, 2006 at 5:44 pm
These are just lovely. Love the color print too.
October 2nd, 2006 at 7:05 pm
Cute! And I love the pink, what with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all!
May your wheel fund build rapidly!
October 2nd, 2006 at 8:21 pm
A wheel? Wow – what fun!
I love the fabric you’ve been using. I’m honored you would use it on your apron! It turned out so beautifully. Thanks for the plug and good luck on your pattern sales and wheel fund!
October 2nd, 2006 at 8:30 pm
Oh, I LOVE the apron!!! Plus, it’s my favorite fabric! I have the Ashford Joy wheel and it’s wonderful. It’s compact, very easy to use, and has pretty much everything you need. Hope you can get one and happy spinning!
October 2nd, 2006 at 10:03 pm
The case is lovely and the apron looks really useful, the fabric is very pretty.
October 3rd, 2006 at 1:11 am
The Joy Wheel is wonderful. I almost bought that one myself. You’ll find that it is small, but powerful in what you can spin. It’s designed for travel, since you are always on the go. I prefer the single treadle versus the double, because I like to change feet while spinning. You really con’t go wrong with it. Have fun!
October 3rd, 2006 at 2:27 am
Got you thinking, didn’t I?? Haha… I hope the saving goes quickly!
October 3rd, 2006 at 4:13 am
The apron’s a good idea and you made it so pretty too.
October 3rd, 2006 at 4:51 am
If at all possible, find a place where you can try several wheels. I actually don’t know anyone who doesn’t like whatever wheel they are using. I have a Joy, and a Majacraft Rose. Both of these wheels have a good spread of ratios, which is why I got them, and I use, and love both. I do like the fact that the Rose has a larger capacity bobbin than the Joy. Because of the way the flyer assembly attaches to the Joy, one cannot get a jumbo flyer/bobbin for the Joy.
My other piece of advice is to get a second spinning lesson on your wheel a week or ten days after getting it, so you have someone to help you with all the tension issues that get frustrating at first. Have fun!
October 3rd, 2006 at 8:45 am
The apron is cute, and the fabric is so pretty. I love the colors. Good luck with the spinning wheel. I’m saving for one, too. They are a lot of money, but it will be well worth it in the end.
October 12th, 2006 at 11:58 pm
oh, the apron is just sooo cute, love your colours!