Gorgeous right? So the yellow fiber is one I dyed myself, I have changed the name to Butterbeer! I have been having a Harry Potter marathon so it is like all I think about. I finished spinning it and I got only 50 yards of super bulky yarn.
It is super smooshy and wonderful, even if I only got a tiny amount. I am also super proud about it being my first ever wheel spun yarn. Is it bad that I am already looking at buying a jumbo flier? In all honesty that is the only thing that gets me on this wheel is that the bobbin is so tiny and to get a jumbo one costs another 130 dollars. Other then that though it is total love. I have already started my next roving!
Congrats on your new wheel: it's beautiful, as is your first wheel-spun yarn! (LOVE that it's called Butterbeer: I'm totally in love with the Potterverse!)
ReplyDeleteMy first wheel was an Ashford Traditional, and I remember those tiny bobbins. Very frustrating! If you're looking for production, I think the jumbo flyer would be a great choice. The Kiwi's such a versatile wheel, and should bring you years and years of spinning pleasure!
Enjoy!! :)
Thanks so much Sara! It was a whole new world spinning on a wheel the first time. Yeah the tiny bobbin is getting to me but I am having a hard time biting the bullet on spending more money on my wheel already. So I am going to see how long I can last before I buy a bigger flyer.
DeleteDo you know how often I should oil it? And is there any different oil I can get then the actual Ashford stuff?
Hmm... this is a tricky question! Every wheel is so different. :) In my experience, my wheel (a Kromski Sonata) starts to feel sluggish after around four hours or so of spinning, so whenever that happens, I stop and give all the moving parts - including the hinges underneath the treadles, which are easy to forget about - a quick (and very minimal) oiling. I've heard that Kromskis can be a bit notorious for needing a lot of oil, so your Ashford might need oiling less frequently. The best bet is to listen to your wheel and your intuition, and you'll start to figure out when and where it needs to be oiled.
DeleteIn terms of the oil itself, you really don't need spinning wheel oil: I personally use Singer sewing machine oil that I found in a craft store. And Judith McKenzie, spinner extraordinaire, has even recommended mountain bike oil! I think that any oil meant for machine parts would work just fine. :)
Can't wait to read about your progress!!
Wow, congrats! I haven't tried spinning on a wheel yet, it intimidates me a bit, but yours looks great!
ReplyDeleteI cannot even begin to say how excited (and totally envious) I am about your fantastic new wheel! I've heard so many great things about this model in particular too, I think that it was the perfect choice. The first yarn you have spun looks wonderful too, it is great that you were able to translate between the two so easily!
ReplyDeleteNo going back now you have a wheel!! I have a Kromski Mazurka which I love to pieces! I'd be quite lost now I think without a spinning wheel!
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