And here it is, at HOME! I made the drive to Ithaca late yesterday afternoon, getting lost on the way (not in Ithaca, but between Ithaca and Susan's house) Just barely making it there before the sun went down. I didn't mind the ride at all because, for some reason I picked up the Ithaca Air America station really well, just outside of Syracuse and listened all the way.
Susan and her husband Jim were a delight to meet, and SO helpful. After offering me an awesome cup of oolang apricot tea, introducing me to their adorable rottie, Boz, and Smokey Blue, their angora rabbit, and touring Susan's fiber and dyeing rooms, we got busy with getting to know my new Baynes wheel.
I was nervous, and the double treadle was a bit of an adjustment for me, the whole coordination of double treadling, with re introducing myself to the actual spinning. I was holding my fiber all wrong, not drafting fast enough (err...treadling way too fast)
But I packed her up and headed home. Since everyone at home was already asleep in bed, I set the wheel up again, changed the bobbin and made another try. I have to say the second try was WAY better. I got the whole soft spin thing down I think. I'm still overspinning a tad, and my second single is not exactly consistent, but that comes with practice!
First try on left, second try on right. Click to enlarge images. Later today, I'll share pictures of the lovely hand dyed targhee and alpaca silk rovings I bought! Right now I'm off to do a bunch of chores so that later, I can concentrate on spinning!

Around a year ago on this day..

• Tax Day - 2008