tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post115557340159721977..comments2024-03-29T00:44:53.283-07:00Comments on sock prØn.: Advice needed, spinning wheels + beginner = ? (Ashford Joy)aijahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10719758263070679884noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-24976414949133591092008-12-08T07:29:00.000-08:002008-12-08T07:29:00.000-08:00Please post the e-mail address of any spinning whe...Please post the e-mail address of any spinning wheel sales person and/or store in Australia or New Zealand. I want to buy a wheel and have it shipped to me from one of those countries.Najmahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04653830017936077548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-77356365460740090222008-12-08T07:25:00.000-08:002008-12-08T07:25:00.000-08:00I am looking for a way to communicate with a selle...I am looking for a way to communicate with a seller of spinning wheels in either Australia or New Zealand by e-mail. NajmahNajmahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04653830017936077548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1156175487705164172006-08-21T08:51:00.000-07:002006-08-21T08:51:00.000-07:00If you have the chance, sit down at the wheel and ...If you have the chance, sit down at the wheel and just take it for a spin without any fiber. If it feels comfortable to you and everything works properly get it. If you have the urge to spin you will not regret buying a wheel. I recently bought an Ashford traditional and love it. Also, check out this forum: (talk.pixiepurls.com) It is a great place for people to go and talk with new and experienced spinners.SpindleKnitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07192305297146737456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155825471643540922006-08-17T07:37:00.000-07:002006-08-17T07:37:00.000-07:00I hope you buy the wheel - or some wheel anyway - ...I hope you buy the wheel - or some wheel anyway - just so that I have the fun of watching and reading about your progress. I don't spin either and am intrigued by it, but I fear between dyeing and spinning I would soon have absolutely no time left for knitting!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155804225667534122006-08-17T01:43:00.000-07:002006-08-17T01:43:00.000-07:00I have no idea about spinning or wheels either but...I have no idea about spinning or wheels either but I think you should go for it. First, you show interest, second, you are a gifted knitter and so it might be only a matter of time until you get the hang on spinning, and third: there is the ever so helpful and supporting knitting/spinning community outside there to help you, though a spinning class might be advisable in the beginning, too. <BR/>And last but not least, you can always sell it again, if it is no fun at all.Carolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11117310921748591631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155801072314127842006-08-17T00:51:00.000-07:002006-08-17T00:51:00.000-07:00I don't think you're nuts. Not at all. A lot of pe...I don't think you're nuts. Not at all. A lot of people start with a spindle, but not everyone does. Some day I hope to learn to spin on a wheel, and have no real interested in a drop spindle. :-)<BR/><BR/>The wonderful people at Interweave press have a magazine, <A HREF="http://www.interweave.com/spin/default.asp" REL="nofollow">Spin Off</A>. I haven't looked at it, as I don't spin either, but knowing them, it's probably a good magazine. Looks like they have a series on basic spinning going, too. They also advertise some spinning books on that page I referenced.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11700138286943949644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155800768072829082006-08-17T00:46:00.000-07:002006-08-17T00:46:00.000-07:00Hello again!Do you live in the Bay Area? If so, Ca...Hello again!<BR/><BR/>Do you live in the Bay Area? If so, Carolina Homespun has a day where spinners get together to spin. There is also the Spinning Guild, Spindels & Flyers at (http://www.spindlesandflyers.org/)<BR/><BR/>Good Luck!Lacefreakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06291336363387079445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155792942421508062006-08-16T22:35:00.000-07:002006-08-16T22:35:00.000-07:00Hmm, if I were in your "shoes" I'd look into Carol...Hmm, if I were in your "shoes" I'd look into Carolina Homespun's Thursday spinning get togethers or, see what Deep Color Studio in Kensington offers - this is in terms of learning. TerryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155778864458327882006-08-16T18:41:00.000-07:002006-08-16T18:41:00.000-07:00You are not insane, or if you are, you have alot o...You are not insane, or if you are, you have alot of company. I've heard of people learning to spin from information from the Internet but you might still try to see if there are any Spinning Guilds near you that might let you come to a meeting and see alot of different wheels and they might let you try them too. It would also give you an idea of where you might learn to spin in your area. I've heard good things about the Ashford Joy and It would make a good first wheel. I say first wheel because if you really get the bug, you will eventually trade up or just plain own more than one wheel like I do. My first wheel was a Schacht so I'm not the one to tell you to refrain from spending money on a wheel when you don't know how to spin! I have a Lendrum that I can take on the road and my sister has the Majacraft Rose. If you want to do this bad enough, I know you can do it. Totally illiterate people learn how to spin. It just "clicks" at some point, so don't be discouraged initially!Lacefreakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06291336363387079445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155762773171541112006-08-16T14:12:00.000-07:002006-08-16T14:12:00.000-07:00See if the person you're buying from is willing to...See if the person you're buying from is willing to show you how it works. I just sold my wheel and I spend an hour with the person who bought it showing her how it worked, giving her a mini-lesson and answering questions. I'd expect to be able to get that if I were to buy a wheel at the store and if that seals the deal for me, I'll consider it an hour well spent.Brittanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00133762635971434544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155724868203498592006-08-16T03:41:00.000-07:002006-08-16T03:41:00.000-07:00Definitely make sure the wheel's in order, but I s...Definitely make sure the wheel's in order, but I say go for it! I couldn't resist the deal I found for a Louet, even though I didn't really like my spindle. And I *love* her. I bought 'Hands on Spinning' (Lee Raven), and it gave me enough info to get me started. You will have so much fun :D :Dtatjanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10027018087879008708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155671171563160732006-08-15T12:46:00.000-07:002006-08-15T12:46:00.000-07:00My first experience with a wheel was a Schact, and...My first experience with a wheel was a Schact, and I didn't take to it. Now I've got a Joy in my possession for a few weeks, and its a LOT easier. I like the double treadle. I say go for it, and if you don't like it, as someone else said, you can sell it (just give me notice...I'll pay for shipping! :) )Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09347254430391520325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155657486915555912006-08-15T08:58:00.000-07:002006-08-15T08:58:00.000-07:00I don't know anything about Ashford wheel so I can...I don't know anything about Ashford wheel so I can't be of much help there. I'm pretty sure you would love spinning though if that is helpful. :) Good luck with it.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07583024164286542774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155652210728577572006-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:002006-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00Ask the owner how often s/he oiled the wheel and a...Ask the owner how often s/he oiled the wheel and ask him/her to show you where it was oiled (just so you know...you need to oil it regularly to keep it, well, well-lubricated). Also ask when the drive band was last replaced and if she can show you how to replace it.<BR/><BR/>Spinning isn't hard, but I think it helps to have someone show you how to get started (or else you'll end up with rope). Either an hour private lesson with a spinner or a class would be good. <BR/><BR/>I like the Joy a lot...you need to be sure that you aren't too tall or short for the wheel, so sit in a chair and hold your hands up to the orifice and make sure your arms are in a position that feels somewhat comfortable (the orifice is where the fiber feeds in). You'll be spending lots of time with your hands around the orifice (no,I"m not being dirty!) and you want it to be at a comfortable place. <BR/><BR/>It probably won't be your last wheel, but a great place to start.Kim in Oregonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11023886873129498637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155641619171693562006-08-15T04:33:00.000-07:002006-08-15T04:33:00.000-07:00I am very excited for you!! ya! I know nothing of ...I am very excited for you!! ya! I know nothing of spinning (yet) but the process fascinates me and I'd be watching your progress!<BR/>:-)HPNY KNITShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01364973961188155339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155612881014158992006-08-14T20:34:00.000-07:002006-08-14T20:34:00.000-07:00hi aija! if this wheel seems to be in good shape (...hi aija! if this wheel seems to be in good shape (like some people here have said, no rubbing, squeaking or broken parts), AND it is a great price (say, under $350 without a case or under $400 with a case). and you think you will spin, you should buy it. <BR/>you can easily resell it if you decide you won't use it—these wheels have HUGE resale value. if the spring on the brake are stretched, or the driveband looks old, don't fret—those can easily be replaced by contacting woodland woolworks or paradise fibers.<BR/><BR/>i learned to spin on a borrowed joy, and even after i'd bought a traveller wheel, i wanted a joy of my own to tote to guild meetings and the LYS or just to a friends house. i have even bought a couple extra used ones when i saw them cheap to rent and resell to students (not for profit, just to make sure they get something good).<BR/><BR/>most spinners take really good care of their wheels, and there is hardly anything breakable about them anyway.<BR/><BR/>you can defintiely spin very lightweight yarn on this wheel—it has a wonderful range of ratios for something this size, with scotch tension.<BR/><BR/>you should at least join your local guild, or find a blogger or mentor in your area to spin with. most spinners like company and they will be full of info and helpfulness. and a class couldn't hurt!<BR/><BR/>good luck and i am SO excited for you. i did NOT want to learn to spin intially, but was dragged into it by friends (no lie). within a week, i was an addict. and with your curiosity of how things work, fiber will be a wonderful new foray for you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155609894162730392006-08-14T19:44:00.000-07:002006-08-14T19:44:00.000-07:00It's a great first wheel for beginners, and even ...It's a great first wheel for beginners, and even experinced. Very easy to learn on and very easy to spin on. GO FOT IT!! If the price is good & affordable don't pass up the great opportunity! You'll be able to spin soon!!soapyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00392787002423141799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155609627496256202006-08-14T19:40:00.000-07:002006-08-14T19:40:00.000-07:00If it feels right, and you're going to use it, and...If it feels right, and you're going to use it, and you can still pay all your bills and feed you and your people, go for it!!! Wooo hooo!!!Jerry & Maxyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02270023152039333536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155593787550233432006-08-14T15:16:00.000-07:002006-08-14T15:16:00.000-07:00Check to make sure nothing is wobbly or off-kilter...Check to make sure nothing is wobbly or off-kilter and that nothing rubs against anything else. The wheel should turn smoothly and it shouldn't click or squeak or be loud - my Ashford Traveller is nearly silent and the Joys I've seen have been also. The parts should also all move smoothly without any visible "bump" in movement. Take a close look at the Joy online, and familiarize yourself with the parts so you'll know what's missing. Look around the places where parts move against each other to see if there's excessive wear; if the wheel was regularly oiled it should be fine but if it wasn't, you may have to replace stuff that's worn out.<BR/><BR/>Regarding laceweight on the Joy: I bought mine directly from the US distributor for Ashford, and she refused to sell me a Joy on the grounds that it was a "hard wheel to learn on" and it "wasn't good for laceweight", which I wanted to spin. HOWEVER - since then I've been told by many, many happy Joy owners that they can indeed spin laceweight, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was only marginally harder to learn on the Joy than it was on my Traveller.<BR/><BR/>I'm just beginning to spin myself, but I would be glad to help you learn in any way I could! I leaned heavily on icanspin.com and joyofhandspinning.com but there are other great sites. <BR/><BR/>If you're willing, I would highly recommend finding yourself a local mentor one way or another. I looked around for my local spinning guild and found someone who was willing to give me a few lessons. They were all too happy to do it (especially since I had my own wheel and fiber) and just a few hours of lessons has improved my spinning immensely. ...There are also the equivalent of SNBs for spinning (spin n' bitch?) that can be great places to learn too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155592660557926532006-08-14T14:57:00.000-07:002006-08-14T14:57:00.000-07:00I bought my first wheel sight and picture unseen o...I bought my first wheel sight and picture unseen off of the internet. I had never spun. Nada. <BR/><BR/>To this day I can't deal with a handspindle. Well I can but I don't like to.<BR/><BR/>I figured that I had to have it lying about the house to decide if I would really use it. And if I didn't, I could sell it.<BR/><BR/>Well I'm on my third wheel, madly in love. And that original wheel? I sold it on the internet for more than I paid for it.<BR/><BR/>Most folks give you practical advice. I can only tell you that I needed to live with it for a while to decide whether or not I was in love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155589170210526092006-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:002006-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:00Aija wants to spin! Yay!I am currently learning wi...Aija wants to spin! Yay!<BR/><BR/>I am currently learning with a Joy. It's working out reallyl great. I haven't tried anything else. I am hoping to do that at the Fabulous Fiber Fest in Santa Monica this weekend.<BR/><BR/>I watched an excelent video that taught me how to spin on a wheel. "Spinning Wool - Basics & Beyond" by Patsy Zawistoski. Shows you everything to start spinning on a wheel. Including different types of wheels and how to prepare fiber for spinning. She has a website:<BR/>http://www.spinninguru.com/Jasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14868525167609623756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155587227035480372006-08-14T13:27:00.000-07:002006-08-14T13:27:00.000-07:00Go for it! I have been sucessful thus far to resi...Go for it! I have been sucessful thus far to resist the temptation of learning to spin. I definitely do not need a new hobby. :)Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17425941890843747770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155586906262359992006-08-14T13:21:00.000-07:002006-08-14T13:21:00.000-07:00If it's a deal and in working order I'd jump on it...If it's a deal and in working order I'd jump on it. Used wheels in good shape for a good price are hard to land.<BR/><BR/>It would be nice if you can try the wheel and see if you like a single treadle. As a total n00b, I could teel I hated DT's right off.<BR/><BR/>BTW, I was able to teach myself to spin with a little patience and a 5 minute lesson from a fiber guild. So your not crazy!Sherry Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02103490521732524156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155584378428738002006-08-14T12:39:00.000-07:002006-08-14T12:39:00.000-07:00I love love love my joy.I have a DT.... you will l...I love love love my joy.<BR/>I have a DT.... you will love it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20292173.post-1155584187292614092006-08-14T12:36:00.000-07:002006-08-14T12:36:00.000-07:00I have no advice for you, as I use a hand spindle ...I have no advice for you, as I use a hand spindle and haven't graduated yet. I'm so excited for you though!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18226954231516266581noreply@blogger.com