Spinning wheels - again please

[Deleted]

Hi guys.  I wasn't sure I was going to come back but I guess ya'll are just hard to leave .

We are living in a much smaller rv right now and, with the exception of my rigid heddle loom, all of my weaving and spinning supplies are in storage.  Soooo, I am thinking about buying a small folding spinning wheel.  Something that really doesn't take up much room.

I don't know how to spin yet but I just received all the back issues (except #3 which will be reprinted soon) of Ply Magazine, and got a new subscription, and all that eye candy last night made me hungry.

I've been looking at wheels that are less than $400.  I am sorely tempted by the little Bluebonnet "Bees" or the Basic Thimble.  Since I don't yet know the difference between all the tensions and drives and ratios and all that I just want something that I can learn to spin consistent yarn, nothing else.  I have the Ashford Traditional in storage and I hope that turns into my go-to wheel later on.  Although the price, at $199, is wonderful, my concern with the BumbleBee is it only comes with one 4oz bobbin and purchasing any extra toys will push the price up to some of the others that include more stuff.

Anyone here have a small folding wheel they'd turn loose of, or have a good recommendation (I know, I know, it's a personal preference thing) for a nice beginner folding wheel?  My only requirements are that it be made of real wood and around the $400 range, including shipping.

And there isn't anywhere remotely close to here to try one out so that's not an option.

Thanks everyone.

featherbottoms

[Maura]

Have you considered a drop spindle? If you are a slow spinner, a drop might not be any slower than you already are. There’s also a bowl spinner, which you can get big or small.

[Cabin Fever]

You might want to ask some of the ladies at this forum ==> fromthefold.forumchitchat.com/?forum=433663

[jacki]

I have to agree with Maura. If I were in a motor home, I would get or make a drop spindle. I have six spinning wheels, and about eight or so drop spindles. When I am traveling, shopping, or just wanting out of my house, I use one of my spindles. They are not nearly as expensive, and they take up almost no space. I have found lace spinning easier on most spindles, but spindleing is slower than wheel spinning in general. The type of spindles I like best are Turkish, but I also have top whorl and bottom whorl. If you have a chance, try different types, because, like wheels, the choices are very personal.

jacki

[Deleted]

Thank ya'll.

Cabin, I didn't know about that forum. It looks like the place I need to be. Thank you for the link.

I do have a drop spindle but so far it's just not something I want to even attempt. Not sure if I ever will, but if I do, I'll be ready. I have room in here for a small folding wheel. I just need to decide what kind.

Thanks again.

fb

[Muller's Lane Farm]

Spindles are great, especially the little turkish spindles.

[Woodpecker]

Jun 3, 2015 20:01:11 GMT Muller's Lane Farm said:

Spindles are great, especially the little turkish spindles.

See there you go enabling again!

[Deleted]

Jun 3, 2015 20:01:11 GMT Muller's Lane Farm said:

Spindles are great, especially the little turkish spindles.

What is different about the turkish spindles? I am not well versed in spindles at all.
Thank you
Candy

[jacki]

With top whorl, mid whorl and bottom whorl standard spindles, you have to wind the copp off after the spindle is full. With Turkish spindles, you pull the shaft out, and then pull the crossed pieces out, and you have a center pull ball. I usually ply the ball back onto the spindle by pulling from the beginning and end threads.

I have six Jenkins spindles, and they are fantastic spinners. IMHO he is one of the top spindle makers in the country, and they are beautiful. The Kuchalu (spelling) is the smallest, and not really a good spindle for beginners, Turkish Delight is the next smallest, than there is Jay/swallow, Swan, Aegean, and I think he might have a new one.

jacki

[Deleted]

Jun 4, 2015 0:49:14 GMT jacki said:

With top whorl, mid whorl and bottom whorl standard spindles, you have to wind the copp off after the spindle is full. With Turkish spindles, you pull the shaft out, and then pull the crossed pieces out, and you have a center pull ball.

Thank you so much
Candy

[Woodpecker]

Jun 4, 2015 0:49:14 GMT jacki said:

With top whorl, mid whorl and bottom whorl standard spindles, you have to wind the copp off after the spindle is full. With Turkish spindles, you pull the shaft out, and then pull the crossed pieces out, and you have a center pull ball. I usually ply the ball back onto the spindle by pulling from the beginning and end threads.

I have six Jenkins spindles, and they are fantastic spinners. IMHO he is one of the top spindle makers in the country, and they are beautiful. The Kuchalu (spelling) is the smallest, and not really a good spindle for beginners, Turkish Delight is the next smallest, than there is Jay/swallow, Swan, Aegean, and I think he might have a new one.

jacki

Wow now I see why Turkish spindles are so appealing. What would be a good beginner one?

[jacki]

Probably a Swan, or one of his other larger spindles. I think their website is www.yarntools.com, but I think they are busy right now making as many spindles as possible for the Black Sheep Gathering.

One thing really great about their website is the video showing how to use these spindles.

I look forward to the BSG every year to add to my spindle stable.

jacki

[Woodpecker]

Thanks! I took a look at their website and it seems that they are busy preparing for BSG.

[Deleted]

I love my navajo spindle. You might also consider a kick spindle or an electric wheel for a small space.

This guy is in town and I've really been impressed with the fine balance of his spindles: truecreations.biz/
His kick spindle folds flat for transport. He also makes a navajo spindle, but I don't see it on his website. It has a 6" whorl.