Starter wheel

#1

I got curious and started reading the posts here. Big mistake!
Imediately I remembered my first spinning experience in middle school.
My really cool teacher taught me how to spin with a navajo spindle.
I have always wanted to give it a try again.

In any case I started looking round the net at spinning information and I found this fun and funky little wheel. It uses PVC plumbing parts and a wheel chair wheel. http://www.paradisefibers.com/wheels/babe.asp

off the subject - but if one were to spin their own fiber, how much roving would you need for a sweater? (wool for example)

#2

Depends but a good gauge to go by is figuring out how many oz of yarn you need (i.e. if using worsted, how many oz, etc) then buy that many oz of roving. Also keep a strand of worsted near you so you can make sure you are spinning a similar thickness. It is an ambitious project on a spindle, though. Currently I only have a spindle and it takes a LONG time to spin.

Also, make sure you have sandbags or something if you get a Babe, most people have trouble with them “jumping” or scooting because they are so light. Weigh down the legs, though, and they are good to go!

The Ashford Kiwi is only $285 unfinished. That’s only about $100 more than the double treadle Babe and you get a much better wheel (and it isn’t so ugly lol). I am pipe dreaming as we don’t have wheel money but once I started looking at prices, $100 did not seem that much in comparison to other wheels out there! After I typed it I realized how silly it sounded to say “only $100” :lol:

#3

You can get a FABULOUS wheel made of real hardwood for 229.00 from Woodland Woolworks…a Fricke.

It’s a great wheel and probably one of the best kept secrets in wheels. A great little starter wheel.

#4

If I give up lattes just how long would it take me to save for a wheel anyway?? :lol:

#5

Thanks for the tip on the fricke. I spent about a million hours checking all the data on the different wheels. I love the fact that the fricke seems so versitle. As well as cost effective lol Woodland wool works also offers a layaway program. Since I cant seem to save - thats a good way to go!