Where have I been?
April 13th, 2006The kids have been on school vacation this week.. so perhaps you can imagine the chaos. But when the kids haven't kept me hopping (and wiping up spills, and tripping on toys, and breaking up fights) I've been planning my wheel purchase.
Early this week, I was pretty certain, I was set on the Lendrum, or a travel wheel in particular. But the more I talked to people, the more research I did, (and the more my pre-purchase remorse set in) I decided to go a different way. A few bad, horrible, scary reviews on the single treadle Lendrum came my way. And I was having a difficult time justifying an extra 100 dollars for a double treadle. Not to mention that most places have Lendrums on back order (as far into May or June). I contemplated an Ashford Kiwi with some of the add-ons. And also the Fricke, but I don't like the non wood parts on it. And Mia, I even, ever so briefly, considered The Majacraft Rose. 
But in the end, I have decided, if I'm going to spend a chunk of money on a wheel, I'm going to go with what I originally was looking for.. (and I mean as far back as a year ago). At that time, I was considering The Ashford Traveller. During my research at that time, about that style wheel, I happened along the Baynes at Susan's Spinning Bunny.
So tomorrow afternoon, I'll be driving to Ithaca to test drive the Baynes with Susan, and very likely, bring her home! And although I hate paying New York (astronomical) state sales tax, I will be buying local, and that makes me feel very good.
It doesn't fold down and fit in a suitcase, but its light enough to carry and small enough to fit in the back of the van to take to guild meetings or Lorens.
With this wheel,and the purchase of a few accessories, I can build on the obsession a little more than I could have with other similarly priced wheels.
Damn I'm excited!
April 14th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Yippee!!! What a great way to spend an afternoon.
April 14th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Random question for you… is there a trick to dyeing mohair? I have some that is actual mohair (label and burning agree) but it is a light brown. Like a hairball. So I want to dye it. Any suggestions?
April 14th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
welcome to the darkside…….Now where is this happy bunny place? I went to the web site and there is no address! I want to go!
June 14th, 2006 at 2:46 am
how funny reading your post….I have been doing much the same thing..reading and learning about all the different wheels. I origionally wanted an Elizabeth until I saw the price. So then I started looking at the Traveler. One of the things I like about it is that all the attatchments for lace spinning and bulk spinning etc…all also fit on this wheel…so you would never have to buy another wheel just to spin finer, or bulkier. Many people have tried to talk me into a joy…but it just doesn’t do it for me….I never dreamed about a plywood wheel!!! And it is much more expensive that the traveler…and the traveler is still portable even if you can’t carry it over your shoulder!! I also saw that you were going to Ithaca to buy it…….shades of Cornell and Watkins Glen!! I was born and raised in that neck of the woods….so your whole post was kind of dejavou…Good luck with your traveler I’m betting that after all your research you will be very happy with it!!! And so will I!! Now, do you already know how to spin?? I’m starting from scratch…just a little practice drafting with a spindle…wish me luck. Someone should start a beginners spinning blog……so we can all teach each other! I read a lot of blogs with brand new spinners!